I guess with cases going way up (they are in the 2k a day range the last few days), its possible they tighten things but I would be shocked if they actually close anything or institute an early curfew but we really wont know until a day or two before the start of Feb. Im a little concerned! Hope you have a great time Gladys! That led me to be hopeful, the worse of the pandemic was behind Colombia and Cartagena. Many countries, like the USA, are still requiring arriving passengers to show Covid tests. Would hotels be able to keep their restaurants and bars open or does curfew demand everything shut down? Has anyone flown to the US with an antigen test? Hi Karene, it is in the neighborhood known as Crespo. Yesterday afternoon it was announced, and went into effect immediately and says until August 1. Despite the spike in cases in January, the same curfew in Cartagena remained in effect through February. My understanding of the rules are that if you have a R resident visa there is an exception to the vaccine requirement and you can enter with a PCR test 72 hours before travel or an antigen 48 hours. Thank You Adam for the good information. We are providing a list of Covid PCR, Antigen, and Antibody test lab services globally in all over 50+ countries. Yes, there are hospitals in Cartagena, the best is the Bocagrande Hospital. This post is for general information purposes only. However, the PCR test requirement for those that are fully vaccinated has now been discontinued. There you have it, a simple and practical guide to the current restrictions in Cartagena, Colombia due to Covid. Vaccionation of people 60+ is wrapping up and they are getting ready to start teachers and people 18-59 with risk conditions. Colombia requires physical proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before departure. A copy of the Ministry of Healths Resolution 692 is available at: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/Normatividad_Nuevo/Resoluci%C3%B3n%20692%20de%202022.pdf, U.S. Embassy Bogota, ColombiaTel. I would predict, assuming there isnt some other variant or massive uptick in cases, well see the mask mandates go away entirely soon. I havent actually been in Cartagena for a few months, so I cant speak to exactly how the atmosphere is, but theres been no move up to now to reclose anything and curfew at 3 am is more or less around the time bars closed before. If you would like to follow case counts, the mayors Facebook and Instagram pages provide daily updates, as does the Dadis health offices social media and local newspaper El Universal. Fill out this form and they will get back to you with a free, initial personalized itinerary based on your interests, then work with you to design a truly unforgettable trip. We are vaccinated, and have gone to the Bahamas without incident. These restrictions are based on the last number of your ID. 0% Investment. There is a 3rd wave right now. I read that starting on 5/20 the curfew will start at 10pm and the weekend curfew for this weekend has now been canceled. I love Cartagena and plan to be back in a few weeks. Additionally, has anyone use Gidser Salud? While its unlikely that youll be fined or anything, the respectful thing to do is just wear it. Hi Rob. More or less we are back to full normalcy with only the mask requirement indoors. Some businesses only do half days on Saturdays here but I wouldnt think that would be the case for a place offering Covid tests. Do you currently need to show proof of vaccine to go places? However, you can simply self-isolate for 14 days. In Colombia, more than 85% of the national terri- tory is located below 1600m above sea level, allowing more than 80 compatible and infectious-contagious diseases whose This information is INCREDIBLY helpful; thank you so much for all the details on prices/contact info./hours etc.!! PCR is now 320,000. Im so glad you have found it useful. Choose where you fly from and travel safely! Im currently traveling, but in a couple weeks, Im just going to have to recontact places and revise these prices. Most of 5-star hotels in Cartagena offer a concierge service that helps clients obtain a covid-19 test. The current decree ends at midnight, but I expect it to be continued. To learn more please consult our Disclosure Policy. Since all EPS insurance providers are different, prices will vary, possibly dramatically. There have been protests here in Cartagena but they have been very small with for the most part no incidents and for the most part would hardly be noticeable here visiting. Offering a sought-after central location ideal for families, couples, business travelers and groups . Glad you enjoyed Cartagena! In other words, if you are outside, you do not need the mask. Gracias, Hola Miguel. 9s there anyway to get any info prior to the 26th (since we fly out early on the morning of the 27th? Yes. Time for PCR test results 36 hours or less. If your travel plans in Colombia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. The vaccination document must include the individuals full name, date of vaccination, name of the vaccine administered, and the number of doses administered. At the time of writing, no country requires full vaccination for entry, but some countries require a negative PCR test prior to departure. Petty crime happens like any tourist town, but with normal precautions it is very safe, especially in the tourist areas. A negative COVID-19 test result must result from a PCR test administered no more than 96 hours prior to departure. That can take days or even weeks to form and show up in testing. A PCR test is preferred if you have symptoms. I have a bachelor party trip planned on February 9th. Hi Paul. I will keep looking for further posts. Medelln, Im not entirely sure what their curfew is right now. Does anyone know the exact location for the airport? My understanding is after about 2 weeks you are unlikely to be contagious but not sure if it could still show on a test. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. I guess weve seen this thing can throw us curveballs and its unclear if there will be some effect from Delta but I think you should go ahead with your trip! This test is typically recommended only if you have symptoms or seven days after youve had contact with someone whos tested positive. They are slightly ahead of schedule but still progressing slower than I would like too. Colombian residents who are not fully vaccinated will have to show a PCR test within 72 hours, and unvaccinated tourists cannot enter the country at all starting on December 14. Amd we owe you drinks when we get to town (from a distance, of course!). Hi Adam, Im super excited. For more information about these testing requirements, visit. Tests & prices: PCR: $400,000 pesos (around $110 USD), 24 hour results. Starting December 14, everyone will need to show they have the 2 doses (with the exception of the J&J one shot vaccine). There is never any additional cost to you. CARTAGENA Comply with the country's entry requirements and take the COVID-19 PCR Test. Cases increased in just about all of Colombia, first in Medelln and Bogot, and the first week of the new year saw Cartagena follow suit, with double digit cases nearly doubling day after day. Jeff is fortunate to have lived over eight years in Medelln. Every now and then you can find a little tienda that will sell to foreigners on the lowdown, but generally you will not be able to buy any alochol, including in supermarkets and bars and restaurants during that time, so stock up before hand if you want to party the night of Saturday March 12. Beaches in Cartagena are open, although you are expected to make a reservation. So, to be honest I have not been downtown since they went to the 8 pm curfew but my understanding is things are fairly normal besides that. Hi Steven. Nice. Also, should we plan on paying for the test in Colombian pesos or will we be able to use our US currency? No. Scheduling can vary, for one reader it was the same day and the other in three days. idk why it comes across as shady being inside of a mall. A photo of ones vaccination card may not be accepted. Reissued with updates to high-risk areas. I read your update and definitely very helpful. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Hi Andrew. Hello, traveling to Colombia in a week. Relax in our Luxury Hotel in Cartagena Colombia. For the US, I believe theres a way to show you tested positive and then were cleared by a doctor but I dont know about Canada. Many Medellin Guru readers have asked about COVID-19 tests and particularly about PCR tests needed for international travel. Hi Sam. Thank you very much for this information and details. I would go around 2 as if they take a break for lunch it should be done by then. Antigen: $100.000 pesos (around $28 USD), result 3-5 hours. It says it can be used for international travel along with a video session sold separately. PCR Tests for Inbound Travelers The latest notices from the Colombian government indicate that, as of Thursday, January 7, the Ministry of Health is requiring of all inbound international travelers with a negative COVID-19 test result or a statement that the traveler was unable to obtain a test result, followed by a COVID-19 test and/or 14 days Hi Jason. These smaller establishments are technically meant to close by midnight in the new rules, although again, I dont expect that to be strictly enforced. ICU occupancy has gone up to around 70%. I hope you have a great time! 1. Hi Maria, yes. I want to come down in mid July but am holding off till the 1st to make arrangements. That means if you are coming on a cruise, you must have a PCR test even if fully vaccinated. An official website of the United States government. I also really cant encourage anyone planning to travel to Cartagena (or not for that matter) enough to get vaccinated. Hi Jemeia. Great, glad you found the list useful! On December 28, the PCR test requirement was extended to those arriving by cruise or other boats, regardless of vaccination status. The decree of June 16, 2021 eliminated Pico y Cdula. Pricing of COVID-19 tests of each hotel and clinic are different. Me, my girlfriend and a couple of friends have a trip for Cartagena on June 27th. However, February saw cases decline rapidly again. If you reserve at hotels at the beach, you can use the beach until later. Will everything be closed due to it being Holy Week? Supermarkets does apply for tourists, using your passport, so hopefully you guys have some odds and some evens in your group. No by all means, thanks for sharing, it may be useful for someone else, and Im not earning commissions or have any stakes in any place mentioned here, they were just the places I could fairly easily find info on online or via contacting them. You may also find the following posts useful:Entry Requirements for ColombiaCartagenas Beach Re-openingsCurrent Curfew Time in Cartagena. If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country. Want to take the hassle out of planning your Colombia trip? Are the ICUs that are full the public hospitals? For bars, gastropubs, and nightclubs they can operate until 3 am. The more vaccines in arms, the safer we are all and the quicker we can travel worry free and not even have to think about nasal swabs and Covid testing in Cartagena or anywhere! And if so, how does it work to receive results/ how quickly? *Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. # 5 -101, Website:https://www.clinicamedihelp.com/. A little tip for big savings: Download Pruvos app, which helps you lower the price of the hotels you have already booked by alerting you when price drops occur after booking the hotel. This list should not be treated as exhaustive though. HealthCars handles the COVID-19 testing at the Rafael Nuez International Airport (CTS), which is fast. Current time for curfew in Cartagena, Colombia ( updated for September 2021). Way better than the US Embassy or Ministry of Health. Secure, safe, and simplified process for . Maybe good tips are to make sure you make reservations or go out to eat early to avoid having to rush. I would expect there to still be some form of curfew in place, perhaps later. I did PCR in UNIMOL. Yes. *Disclaimer: Please note, I am not an official source, only passing along here current published coronavirus restrictions in Cartagena. Wealth of detailed information. Unvaccinated non-resident foreign travelers will not be allowed to enter Colombia. For cafs, tiendas, refresqueras, estancos (small shops/bars), billiard halls, and liquor stores they can only operate until midnight. For Coronavirus testing, there are two main types of NAAT tests being used, PCR and LAMP. U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information. Do we think the likelihood of the curfews being extended is high? Thats great, Im glad you find it useful, and hope you you enjoy Cartagena once you are here! Contact: +57 314 2521118 (*including WhatsApp) No appointment required (by arrival order). Thanks so much for your brilliantly informative blog. It is advisable to consult with your country of residence and airline for specific requirements and which testing labs they will and wont accept. He first discovered Colombia back in 2006 and has traveled to all the major cities in Colombia. The consumption of alcohol in smaller tienda and estanco style establishments is technically prohibited, as is drinking in public, although they are not being enforced strictly. Currently, you need to show proof you have received at least one does of a vaccine to enter restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and other similar places as well as any events like concerts. Best bet is to just not be out past the curfew. Glad its helping Joe. Are you looking for a covid testing center in Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia for PCR, Antigen & Antibody Test? Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Thanks Adam, Whats the current state of COVID vaccinations in Cartagena and Colombia in general. Liked it? But just want to be 100% sure they are accepted. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions. In fact, its more or less on par with the US. The previous largely symbolic curfew of 3 am to 5 am is no longer in effect, and there is no other restriction related to people being able to freely move around the city at any hour. Any info on your experience would be helpful. That doesnt specify if that includes children or only adults, but it is fairly high considering vaccines only became widely available mid to late 2021 and the start of 2022 has seen renewed shortages for 2nd doses of some of the vaccines. Its hard to say what will happen with this. Re: Price of covid pcr test in Colombia 2 years ago Save Rappi has a Covid testing section in their app. Will you fined if you caught past the curfew? The current restrictions are 9 pm curfews on weekdays. To learn more please consult our Disclosure Policy. The price really isnt all that much better either. Starting in late November 2021, Colombia instituted nation wide requirements to show proof of vaccine to enter many establishments, including bars and restaurants. Thanks! Antigen tests also check for active virus are are commonly used for the flu and other respiratory illnesses. do you have the email or the phone number? It is also one of the cheaper places to get a Coronavirus test in Cartagena. Great info here Adam. Yes, the mayor and local council proposes measures and then asks the national Ministry of Health to approve it. My Colombian friend says they have now tightened the curfew for that weekend to closing everything at 2 PM in the AFTERNOON until the next morning. The PCR test price is around usd$83 and they provide results in 24 hours. Editors note: updated on December 4, 2021 with new stricter COVID testing requirements for travel to the U.S. that start on December 2, 2021. Visittravel.state.govto view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Get answers to your questions about Cartagena. I am wondering if there were any guidelines ever announced as to when the curfew will be removed such as ICU capacitys need to be within certain levels or is this solely based on the citys guidance at the time. This is more applicable to places out in the islands, since technically the beaches in town proper are public beaches. Hi Adam Hey Adam! You must be vaccinated or complete a test to enter Colombia. Tour to Palenque: The Other History Of Cartagena, Coffe Roasting And Tasting At Caf del Mural, From/To Cartagena - Santa Marta or Tayrona, - We warn visitors that child labor and sexual abuse is penalized by the Colombian law. It is no longer required as of a couple weeks ago. It is possible to obtain a PCR test in Cartagena for cheaper than in the U.S. Hi Alex. Many readers have reported they paid from $150 to $250 for a PCR test in the U.S. For example, one reader recently reported they paid $200 USD for a PCR test in the U.S. And you can obtain a PCR test in Cartagena for less than $100 USD. Hi, do you need an appointment to go to the airport health cart? Thank you! Best, Adam. Okay :/. In an interview with Caracol Noticias, Ruiz revealed that Colombia will no longer request the requirement of the PCR test from travelers, both Colombian and foreign, who enter the country. Requirements are subject to change without notice. With Coronavirus cases remaining high in many parts of the world, including several strains that are more contagious, many countries are maintaining testing requirements for entry. Its a bit ambiguous exactly when it will go into effect as I think the mayor said it would be on Saturday but that he would get the decree out by Thursday at the latest, so maybe it just goes into effect right away on Thursday. The language uses the phrase direct ventilation. The language from the mayors office says masks are recommended in places that have mixed open and closed air spaces such as open air malls or churches. I am not sure if there was a curfew in late March but I was stopped at 3am and the police demanded money for curfew. I am not aware of any self tests being sold here in Colombia. Hi Christine. Glad it helped. Check the CDC website for additional information andFrequently Asked Questions. Travel Testing Information. Event:Updated COVID-19 Vaccination/TestingRequirementsto EnterColombia. Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? One last thing, since it will be a boys trip we were planning to bring the party to the house.. Is that still doable? I just wanted to put in a good word for Mely Contreras and her PCR service. We provide advice and information on places and prices for getting a COVID-19 test in Cartagena. Of course, if you live in Cartagena, this information may also be useful if you would like to know how to get a Covid test in Cartagena.