Colombia

Colombia has severe penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs, with sophisticated detection at airports.

Long pre-trial detention and long prison sentences under harsh conditions.

Criminals use scopolamine ('Burundanga') and other sedatives slipped into food and drinks to incapacitate and rob victims, often luring foreigners through online dating apps.

Can cause unconsciousness for 24+ hours, and in large doses respiratory failure and death; seek medical help immediately.

Carrying up to 20 grams of cannabis for your own use is not a crime in Colombia - the Constitutional Court has held that the drug-trafficking statute cannot punish a personal dose - but cannabis is not legal to buy and there is no lawful shop or pharmacy route for a visitor. Smoking it in public is where travellers get caught: consuming in parks, at sports venues, around schools, or in any zone a mayor has designated carries a type 4 general fine plus seizure and destruction of the cannabis, and the designated zones differ from city to city. Anything above the personal-dose amount, or any sign that you intend to sell it or carry it across the border, falls under the criminal code, where the minimum is 64 months in prison.

Consuming cannabis in a restricted public place: a Multa General tipo 4 plus seizure and destruction of the item (Ley 1801 de 2016 arts. 34 and 140, as amended by Ley 2000 de 2019; the Constitutional Court held in C-127 de 2023 that the restriction on merely carrying does not apply to a personal dose or a medicated dose). Possession above the personal dose, trafficking, or bringing cannabis into, through or out of the country: 64 to 108 months imprisonment where the quantity does not exceed 1,000 grams of marijuana or 200 grams of hashish, and 128 to 360 months for the general offence, in each case with a fine (Codigo Penal art. 376).

Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your prescription; Colombia does not allow the sale of certain psychiatric medications, so bring enough supply for your trip.

Confirm legality with the Embassy of Colombia before travel.

It is illegal for tourists and business travelers to bring guns or bullets into Colombia.

Illegal importation; goods seized and possible detention.

Cash over US$10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on entry and exit, and you must prove the legal source of the funds.

Customs have seized undeclared valuables; undeclared cash is at risk.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or events; the law bars discrimination based on sexual orientation, though enforcement is uneven and violence remains a concern in rural areas.