Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Based on Colombian government statistics, Colombia's 1999 per capita murder rate of 77.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants was more than thirteen times higher than that of the United States. Murders in Colombia increased from 24,358 in 1999 to 26,250 in 2000. While narcotics and guerrilla-related violence account for part of this, common criminals are responsible for an estimated 75 percent of the reported murders. Visitors are urged to exercise a high degree of caution.
Petty crime is prevalent in cities, especially in the vicinity of hotels and airports.
Theft of hand luggage and travel documents at airports is common, particularly at El Dorado Airport in Bogota. Violence occurs frequently in bars and nightclubs. Taking illegal taxis, which are sometimes characterized by a driver and a companion and irregular markings, is dangerous. Getting into a taxi that already has one or more passengers is not advisable. Travel by bus is risky.