Health in Medellín and Cartagena: vaccines, dengue, altitude and water

Before booking flights to Colombia, spend an afternoon on health. This guide only summarises two official sources, the British FCDO travel advice and the US CDC destination page, checked on 7 November 2026. It is not medical advice: see a travel-medicine service.

Vaccines and timing

The FCDO says to check vaccine recommendations at least eight weeks before travel. It lists yellow fever, Zika, malaria, dengue and chikungunya as risks. The CDC recommends hepatitis A for unvaccinated travellers aged one year and over, and hepatitis B for unvaccinated travellers under 60.

Yellow fever in Medellín and Cartagena

The CDC recommends the vaccine for travellers aged nine months and over, but says it is generally not recommended if travel is limited to Cartagena or Medellín. Note that the same page says it can be an entry requirement, so confirm the rules for your country before departure. If you also visit rural areas, ask your doctor.

Malaria and dengue

According to the CDC there is no malaria transmission in the cities of Medellín and Cartagena; there is in areas below 1,700 metres. Dengue is listed as a year-round risk (level 1, usual precautions). Repellent and light long sleeves at dusk are sensible.

Altitude and water

The FCDO warns of altitude sickness in parts of Colombia, including Antioquia, although Medellín sits at about 1,500 metres according to official Colombian tourism, a moderate height. On water, the FCDO says tap water is safe to drink only in Bogotá; elsewhere use bottled water and avoid ice.

Medical care and safer sex

The FCDO says healthcare quality varies widely: private clinics in large cities are generally good, while public and smaller-city facilities are often poorly equipped. Call 123 for an ambulance. Take out travel insurance covering treatment and repatriation. Neither source covers sexual health, so bring your own condoms, keep your tests up to date, and do not assume what a venue will provide.

Summary for couples

See a doctor early, hepatitis vaccines if relevant, repellent, bottled water, travel insurance and your own condoms. It is little effort and it matters.