FARC Active
AUC Demobilized
ELN, Active

The FARC, AUC and ELN are three groups that have played a large role in the conflicts of Colombia's past and still play a role although diminished especially with regards to Caribbean history. This conflict continues to do harm to the perception of Colombia but through a very great effort by the government the perception is starting to change.

Colombia has had a very tough time over the years trying to overcome a situation mostly caused by other countries. New travel figures certainly point to people wanting to travel Colombia and the country has fought a very tough battle to ensure people who visit have an enjoyable time.

As you may be worried about the security situation of a trip to Santa Marta, I have attempted to explain the situation as it can be confusing.

When you travel to the Santa Marta area of Colombia on the Caribbean coast the security situation is much different than other parts of the country and even those areas have changed significantly from the early 2000's. I do not believe that travel in the region of Santa Marta, Magdalena is any different than travel in other parts of Latin America.

Government warnings are as dire as you will ever see so at least you will know the very worst case scenario. It is of course always a relief when a government eases travel warnings, here is a new one from France.

Update
France has removed travel warnings from 7 cities and 3 departments for travel in Colombia.

Cities

• Santa Marta
• Barranquilla
• Tunja
• Bogota
• Bucaramanga
• Cartagena
• San Andreas

• Quindio
• Risaralda
• Caldas

Groups in conflict with the government

FARC
Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia–
Ejército del Pueblo
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People's Army

• 6000 to 8000 members, down from 18,000.
• Located primarily in the south of the country.
• Jungle and mountainous areas.
• Minor presence in the department of Magdelena.

Some Recent Setbacks

• No. 2 Commander Raul Reyes killed 2008
• Manuel Marulanda, FARC leader, died 2008
• Mono Jojoy second in command killed September 2010
• Oliver Solarte killed March, 2100 who controlled operations in southern Colombia 2011
• Alirio Rojas Bocanegra (alias Abuelo) killed June 2011 who was the security chief to FARC leader Alfonso Cano 2011
• Guillermo Torres (alias Julián Conrado) captured in Venezuela 2011

ELN
Ejército de Liberación Nacional
National Liberation Army.

• 1500 members, down from 4500.
• In the mountains and jungles close to Venezuela.

• Demobilized 2003.

In July 2005, President Uribe signed the Justice and Peace Law.

• Reduced punishments.
• If they renounce violence and return illegal assets.
• Provide reparations to victims.

From the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/south-america/colombia

"Around 18,000 visits are made by British passport holders to Colombia every year (Source: Colombian State Security Department - DAS).  Most visits are trouble-free.  11 British nationals required consular assistance in Colombia in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (1 case); hospitalizations (7 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (56 cases).  Bogotá and Cartagena are increasingly popular tourist destinations. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Colombia in 2007 was the theft of personal belongings, including passports.  Street crime is a particular problem in major cities.  You should avoid unnecessary travel to deprived areas of all Colombian cities."

This statement was for all of Colombia, and their is a much greater police and military presence along the Caribbean Coast. Do take precautions, read up on travel advice from different sources then plan your trip.

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