Colombia Travel Health and Vaccinations
Yellow Fever for most travellers, dengue prevention, Hep A + Typhoid, malaria for jungle.
Pre-travel vaccines for Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín and the Amazon
Colombia has emerged as a major UK travel destination over the past decade — Cartagena and the Caribbean coast, Medellín and the coffee region, Bogotá at altitude, the Amazon basin, and increasingly Tayrona and the Lost City trek. The travel-health profile is involved: Yellow Fever requirement for most non-altitude areas, dengue widespread, malaria in lowland forested zones, and altitude considerations for Bogotá at 2,640m.
At Gunwharf Travel Clinic we run Colombia pre-travel appointments year-round, with peak booking December–March and July–August. A typical appointment is 30 minutes.
Abdullah Seyed (MPharm, GPhC reg. 2211356) leads day-to-day clinical practice. Merali Pharmacy, operating Gunwharf Travel Clinic, is GPhC-registered (premises 1099145).
For Colombia you'll typically consider: Yellow Fever (recommended for most travellers visiting below 2,300m altitude), Hepatitis A and Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster, Hepatitis B for longer stays, Rabies for rural travel, dengue prevention, and malaria tablets for Amazon and rural Chocó regions.
Lead pharmacist at Merali Pharmacy, operating Gunwharf Travel Clinic on Queen Street, Portsea. GPhC-registered (reg. 2211356), travel-medicine trained, working under UK regulatory standards.
Colombia is now a major UK travel destination — with several specific considerations
Yellow Fever, dengue, focal malaria and altitude. Most appointments cover all of these alongside the standard vaccine bundle.
Yellow Fever — recommended for most travellers
Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers visiting Colombia below 2,300m altitude — which includes Cartagena, Medellín, the coffee region, the Caribbean coast, Amazon and basically everywhere except Bogotá and the very high Andean areas. Single vaccination, certificate valid for life under WHO 2016 update. We're a NaTHNaC-designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre and issue certificate the same appointment.
Dengue — widespread, year-round
Dengue is present across lowland Colombia year-round with seasonal peaks during wet season. Cases occur in major cities including Cartagena and Medellín. No suitable UK-available vaccine for previously-uninfected travellers. Prevention is bite-avoidance: DEET, long clothing, especially around dawn/dusk and during daytime (the dengue mosquito is a daytime biter). We cover in detail.
Malaria — focal
Colombia has malaria risk in Amazon regions (around Leticia and Amacayacu) and the Chocó department on the Pacific coast. We typically recommend tablets for travellers spending more than overnight in these areas. Cities and most main tourist routes are malaria-free.
Hep A, Typhoid and routine boosters
Food and water exposure is real across Colombia. Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for almost all travellers. Up-to-date Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster. Hepatitis B for longer stays.
Bogotá altitude — modest but real
Bogotá sits at 2,640m — enough to cause mild altitude symptoms in some travellers. Most adapt within 1–2 days; severe altitude illness is uncommon at this height. Worth being aware of, particularly for older travellers or those with cardiac/respiratory conditions.
The Lost City trek (Ciudad Perdida)
4–6 day jungle trek in hot, humid Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Combines: bite-prevention for malaria/dengue/leishmaniasis, food and water exposure in basic camps, river crossings (waterborne risk), and significant physical demands. We cover specific guidance for the trek if you're booking one.
Practical safety
FCDO travel advice for parts of Colombia notes specific area considerations. We discuss alongside the medical advice. Modern tourist Colombia is generally safe in main destinations — standard precautions apply.
Booking your Colombia appointment
Book online at gunwharftravelclinic.co.uk/booking or call 02392 821859. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
Everything you need in one appointment
Yellow Fever, Hep A + Typhoid, dengue/malaria advice.
Pre-Colombia review
Coastal, Andean, Amazon, Lost City trek — each has different considerations. We map your itinerary.
Yellow Fever certificate
Recommended for almost all Colombia travellers below 2,300m. Single vaccination, valid for life. Issued same appointment.
Hep A + Typhoid + Td/IPV
Standard South America bundle. Combined visit, 30 minutes.
Dengue and malaria advice
Dengue is widespread; malaria focal in Amazon and Chocó. Both prevented by bite-avoidance — we cover in detail.
Lost City trek prep
Multi-day jungle trek to Ciudad Perdida — we cover specific vaccine, bite-prevention and physical considerations.
Travel summary
Personalised summary covering vaccines, food and water, dengue, malaria, and what to do if unwell.
30-minute appointment for Colombia pre-travel review.
Three steps from booking to Colombia-ready.
Book your appointment
Pick a slot at gunwharftravelclinic.co.uk/booking. Tell us your route — cities only, Caribbean coast, Amazon, Lost City trek.
Pre-Colombia visit
24 Queen St, Portsea. Yellow Fever and vaccines given. Malaria tablets if needed. Dengue prevention covered.
Travel summary
Walk out with personalised written summary covering vaccines, dengue, malaria, food and water, and what to do if you fall ill.
Thirty minutes from arrival to vaccinated.
What actually happens when you walk through the door at 24 Queen Street.
Best pharmacy in Portsmouth. Nothing ever too much trouble. Always pleasant, helpful, understanding and so friendly.
Every vaccine you need. One appointment.
The vaccines UK clinics actually stock...
Real advice. Real travellers.
"Best pharmacy in Portsmouth..."
"Excellent pharmacy..."
"I find the staff polite..."
On Queen Street, Portsea. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
24 Queen Street, Portsea,
Portsmouth PO1 3HN
In the city · Walk or short drive
We're on Queen Street in Portsea, two minutes from Gunwharf Quays.
Common Colombia travel vaccine questions
Do I need Yellow Fever for Colombia?
Recommended for all travellers visiting below 2,300m altitude — which includes Cartagena, Medellín, the coffee region, the Caribbean coast and the Amazon. Not needed for Bogotá and the very high Andean areas only. Single injection, valid for life.
What about dengue?
Widespread across lowland Colombia year-round. No suitable UK vaccine for previously-uninfected travellers. Prevention is bite-avoidance — DEET, long clothing, daytime exposure care.
Is there malaria?
Focal risk in Amazon regions and the Chocó department on the Pacific coast. Tablets recommended for travellers spending more than overnight in these areas. Cities and main tourist routes are malaria-free.
What about Bogotá altitude?
Bogotá is 2,640m — enough to cause mild altitude symptoms for some travellers in the first 24–48 hours. Severe altitude illness is uncommon at this height. Easy to plan around — stay hydrated, take it easy first day.
Is the Lost City trek safe travel-health-wise?
Yes with preparation. Bite-prevention for malaria/dengue/leishmaniasis is essential. Food and water care in basic camps. Significant physical demand — 4–6 days of hot humid jungle hiking. We cover specifics at your appointment.
Is the tap water safe?
Generally not — use bottled or filtered. Bogotá's tap water is reportedly safer than coastal cities but bottled is still the standard.
How early should I book?
Ideally 4–6 weeks. Yellow Fever certificate must be at least 10 days old at arrival.
Where do I get my Colombia vaccines in Portsmouth?
Gunwharf Travel Clinic, 24 Queen Street, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3HN. NaTHNaC-designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre.
From Portsmouth to 24 Queen Street
We're on Queen Street in Portsea, two minutes from Gunwharf Quays.
Pharmaceutical
Council
FEVER
ZONE
Book your pre-travel vaccinations.
Same-day Yellow Fever certificate. Dengue and malaria advice tailored.
- TravelHealthPro — Colombia travel health (accessed 2026-05-20)
- FCDO Travel Advice — Colombia (accessed 2026-05-20)
- UK Health Security Agency — Green Book — Yellow Fever chapter (accessed 2026-05-20)
- GPhC — Register entry — Abdullah Seyed (2211356) at Merali Pharmacy (accessed 2026-05-20)
Information on this page is general guidance from Gunwharf Travel Clinic, operated by Merali Pharmacy (GPhC premises 1099145). We check current TravelHealthPro and FCDO guidance at each appointment.
