The UK Foreign Office has issued a critical travel advisory affecting Colombia and Peru, effective from 6am on Saturday, June 20. This alert is linked to Colombia’s upcoming presidential elections and involves temporary border closures.
Colombia will temporarily close its land and river borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela starting 6am Saturday, June 20 until 6am Monday, June 22. These measures coincide with the second round of presidential elections scheduled for Sunday, June 21. Travelers should expect busy polling stations, traffic disruptions, and heightened security throughout the election period.
The Foreign Office advises all travelers to plan ahead and be prepared for potential travel interruptions due to these border closures. It is also crucial to avoid large gatherings and to comply with instructions from local authorities.
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Protests and demonstrations are common across Colombia and may escalate on short notice, sometimes resulting in violence and increased police or military presence. These events often cause road closures and blockades, posing significant challenges for visitors. The advisory urges travelers to avoid protests, strikes, or political rallies and to keep abreast of updates through local and social media channels.
Heightened risks of violence are associated with the elections, stemming from armed groups and criminal gangs interfering in the electoral process. For safety, the Foreign Office recommends staying clear of polling stations and political gatherings during this period.
The election features two main contenders: left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who supports continued policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, and far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, who advocates for a political break from the establishment. Although Cepeda led in pre-election polls, de la Espriella secured a surprising 43.7% of the vote in the first round on May 31, with Cepeda close behind at 40.9%. Neither candidate won a majority, leading to the upcoming runoff.
President Petro disputed the preliminary results on social media shortly after the initial count.
Travelers heading to Colombia or nearby Peru should remain vigilant, respect local advisories, and allow extra time for their journeys during this sensitive electoral period.