# Is it safe to retire in Colombia?

Canonical: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/answers/is-it-safe-to-retire-in-colombia/
Section: Where does your money work hardest? (Retirement Decision Lab, Decision 3 · Week 3 · Wed Nov 18)
Facts checked: 2026-10-06 · Next review by: 2026-12-31
Reviewed by: Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence Research

## Short answer

It depends on where in Colombia. The US State Department rates the country Level 3, Reconsider Travel, and marks several regions Level 4, Do Not Travel. Most retirees live in specific city neighborhoods the national rating cannot describe.

## Detail

Advisory levels run from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). When we checked in October 2026, the Level 4 areas were Arauca, Cauca except Popayán, Valle del Cauca except Cali, Norte de Santander, and within 10 km of the Venezuelan border.

Safety is lived at the neighborhood level: where you live, how you get around, and who you know. Many people visit before committing and rent before buying.

Apply the same test to where you live now. Staying put has its own risks.

## Where it gets personal

Week 3 compares safety and governance alongside cost and health care. The Retirement Decision Lab: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/

## Sources

1. Colombia Travel Advisory, US Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/colombia.html

Education only. Not financial, tax, investment, immigration or legal advice.
Agent query endpoint: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/api/answers?q=your+question