Bodyguard services in Colombia
Colombia, Latin America, used to be a war-torn country. Today, it is blooming. International organizations invest in the country, boosting real estate and infrastructure developments. The economy is progressing, business is increasing, and the number of ex-pats is growing. Quality of life is getting better every day. However, we see that local security is not yet up to date. Bodyguards, security drivers and other security staff are not always well-trained or well-educated. If that’s the case, what kind of bodyguard services in Colombia should you hire?
As an international security company, we provide security consultancy and high-end close protection services for high-net-worth families, celebrities and business executives according to European standards.
Discover what our recent stays taught us about traveler safety and living in Colombia these days.
History
Colombia’s history reflects a complex mix of colonial legacy, political struggles, and recent efforts to promote peace, stability, and economic growth.
The turn to the 19th century was during the 1000-Day War, after which La Violencia (from 1948) brought a bloody popular revolution and civil unrest with political conflicts. General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla took over, leading a military dictatorship from 1953 until 1957, followed by a period of political violence and unrest between liberals and conservatives.
The 1960s marked the beginning of the Colombian Civil War. Left-wing guerrilla groups such as FARC and ELN emerged, opposing the right-wing paramilitary groups. During that time, cocaine production and drug cartels exacerbated the conflict, with Pablo Escobar as the notorious leading gangster.
Only during the last twenty years things have changed. Presidents Álvaro Uribe and Juan Manuel Santos successfully pursued policies to reduce rebel violence, criminal organizations, and paramilitary activities. They achieved peace agreements, among others, with the FARC in 2016.
Where foreign investors showed reluctance due to political instability, high crime rates, and drug trafficking, they are now coming to Colombia from all over the world thanks to the restoration of rules and laws. This has improved the economy significantly.
Colombia Travel Warning
Despite improvements in the security situation in Colombia over the past decade and the ability to visit many tourist sites, it does not mean Colombia is a very safe country, in general, to visit as a traveler or business person. Major cities such as Bogota and Medellin are relatively safe. But near the Colombia-Venezuela border region and the coastal area of Panama Golf are regions where all travel is unadvised.
Red zones: do not travel
Especially in rural, coastal, and border areas, armed groups and drug gangs are involved in violent crime such as drug and weapon smuggling, human trafficking, kidnapping, and illegal mining. In remote areas, the Colombian government struggles to maintain control. If you go there, embassies can only provide limited support in an emergency.
Orange zones: travel with caution
Demonstrations and protests occur regularly nationwide, sometimes accompanied by violence and vandalism. Airport closures and road blockades are possible. It is important to follow local news, stay indoors during protests, and follow the advice of local authorities.
Visit these areas only when necessary and accompanied by experienced Colombian guides or business partners familiar with the region and aware of recent developments. Verify the security situation at your destination and along the itinerary by obtaining information, for example, from your hotel.
Yellow zones: be vigilant
Only travel to the Caribbean coastal areas of La Guajira and Córdoba departments with a group accompanied by a (local) tour operator. You run a greater risk of robbery and extortion by organized crime here. Always use your common sense and alert the police or us with any security concerns.
You can also visit the major cities of Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and Bucaramanga if you stay alert. Refrain from visiting poor neighborhoods in any city.
Natural disasters
Unfortunately, the countries in Latin America also face natural disasters such as volcanos, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Keep updated on the latest news and weather forecasts, and consult local authorities or government facilities if you find yourself in an emergency situation.
Travel safe with private Security in Colombia
Keeping yourself, your loved ones, or your colleagues safe means you should prepare your travel plans in advance by conducting a risk assessment before you go, preferably done by an international operation agency.
Under which circumstances can you do business or travel for leisure purposes to your intended destination? It depends on the risk level. We know precisely what measures are required for the yellow, orange, and red zones.
We advise you to consult a personal travel risk service. This travel advisory service assesses your risk level and advises you on how to keep yourself and your entourage safe.
Locally or remotely, we provide peace of mind by delivering the following security services:
- Personal security ranging from bodyguards to protective and counter surveillance services
- Family protection
- Travel protection throughout Latin America
- Secure transportation including security trained drivers and armored vehicles
- Meet and greet services
- Residential security by having 24/7 private security guard services
- Yacht protection with onboard maritime security professionals
- Emergency services and crisis response
Our security consultants can live at your premises or in your house. This way, we can keep a close eye on security procedures for the residence. We can also cooperate with a local security team. We can provide driving training as well as physical, shooting, and medical training at the highest level.
More information about our bodyguard services in Colombia
Our executive protection agents are Dutch, British, Spanish or American, and they all speak multiple languages, including Spanish. Our people have worked at specialized police, military and intelligence units in the Netherlands and other (Western) European countries. We have extensive experience in delivering bespoke bodyguard services in Colombia for companies, wealthy families, celebrities and other VIP clients and know our way around regions with various risk levels.
We invite you to ask us any security-related questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us for more information about our executive protection services and find out what we can do for you.
