As of now I am still planning to come with my group as majority of us are fully vaccinated and we will stay among ourselves. Thanks you for your reply and all the invaluable information you have posted. Hi Adam. Hello, traveling to Colombia in a week. A friend here just told me that the curfew was changed to midnight. Supermarkets does apply for tourists, using your passport, so hopefully you guys have some odds and some evens in your group. Hi Adam, thank you so much for this info. It is no longer required as of a couple weeks ago. Hi Rob. There are some cheaper self tests on Amazon but no other ones I found mention international travel at all, and some explicitly say they do not count for travel. Cartagena Tourism Cartagena Hotels Cartagena Bed and Breakfast Cartagena Vacation Packages Thank you! You may find it hard to get around, or you may be worried about infecting others as you travel. In fact the city was celebrating 10+ days without a single death until late December, and case counts were routinely in the double digits. We provide advice and information on places and prices for getting a COVID-19 test in Cartagena. I am considering an extended trip to Cartagena from the UK with my young family in Jan/Feb, and was just trying to figure out what the mask-wearing rules are there now? Thats great, Im glad you find it useful, and hope you you enjoy Cartagena once you are here! https://www.sisdiagnosticos.com/. Colombia Starts to Lift the Quarantine in COVID-19 Free Areas, Colombia Quarantine: Nationwide Quarantine Extended to September 1, Coronavirus in Colombia: Myth vs Reality Current Status, Coronavirus Hospitalization in Colombia: Myth vs Reality. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108764747', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cartagena on my last days in Colombia . World Nomads is a leading provider of international travel insurance. You can get a quote here. Info online can be somewhat contradictory because they required it, then they didnt, then they did again, now they dont again. 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. Are the numbers of visitors starting to pick up? We will be arriving in Cartagena in a couple of days and my Spanish isnt yet up to the task of understanding government decrees. 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 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. Yes, the curfew at 10 pm will be in effect until June 16. That is the list I have been able to put together so far of where to get a Covid test in Cartagena, Colombia. The average cost of testing varies widely, from about 100,000 Colombian pesos for an antigen test to as much as 300,000 Colombian pesos for a PCR test. On the CDC official US website it says antigen tests are accepted. Hola! This does not apply if you are entering the country by air, and currently no vaccine proof or test is required for children under 18 years of age. It is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride, not far out of town like many cities. Does everything seem to be getting back to normal? Travelers must complete Migracin Colombias, within 72 hours of boarding an inbound or outbound flight from Colombia. Most of 5-star hotels in Cartagena offer a concierge service that helps clients obtain a covid-19 test. I could say dont shoot the messenger, but honestly, you should get vaccinated, especially if you want to be accepted as a visitor to another country right now. Travelers must still complete Migracion Colombias online Check-Mig form. Hi Adam, I have am scheduled to bring a group to Cartagena on the 27th, the date that the current curfew is set to expire. However, there are still some rules related to Covid and rules for closing times for bars and clubs, which Ill share below. Hi Harry. Let the experts at our partner BnB Colombia Tours help you! 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. Also, the CoronApp requirement will be removed. The protests here were never very large to begin with and have mostly fizzled out with no violence. . Why is the situation so bad in Colombia while in the U.S. they are dropping mask requirements for fully vaccinated people? 2 Single American Guys Going to Cartagena, Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand, A Member of Radisson Individuals. A photo of ones vaccination card may not be accepted. Hi Kyle. Do you think that it would be over by then? Yes. If you meet the criteria for one of these categories, you will need to fulfill additional requirements to travel by air to the United States. Theme Copyright 2023 - OceanWP Theme by Nick, Colombias vaccine requirements for public places here, list of over 75 great things to do in Cartagena, Facebook Cartagena and Colombia Travel Forum, PCR: $350,000 pesos, results in 24-36 hours. Country 5 - 101 Bocagrande Cartagena, Colombia. Yesterday afternoon they announced curfew would be changed to 10 pm 7 days a week. Due to COVID situation we are wondering if its better to come in August or do you think it wont matter as maybe the situation wont improve? That is one way to go to Playa Blanca/Bar, but its possible to go around it in the event that happens. Ours did and the price was just 130,000 COP per person, considerably cheaper than the other options listed above. I highly recommend her service. Of course, its always possible things change with the virus case counts, but they are making a big push now to start vaccinating more people, even expanding the time between the first and second shot to get more people the first and July is an important month for tourism, I would be highly surprised if they shut down. Since all EPS insurance providers are different, prices will vary, possibly dramatically. Unvaccinated non-resident foreign travelers will not be allowed to enter Colombia. Resolution 692 states that international travelers entering Colombia must present proof of completion of a COVID-19 vaccination scheme or either a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to the originally scheduled time of embarkment or a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the originally scheduled time of embarkment. Or up to 24 hours for an antigen test. Colombian authorities will enforce regulations related to COVID-19, and U.S. citizens could be subject to detention, fines, or arrest if out of compliance. thanks for the info! Thanks for the update, I will hae to change the PCR test price here when I get a chance. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The property destruction has been away from the tourists areas. Will the Quarantine Return to Colombia? Outdoors on the streets yes, it is generally expected that you wear it. MedellinGuru.com probably will have up to date info on that. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Antibody: Rapid test: $75,000, results in 24-36 hours; Spike test (to check vaccine response): $70,000, result time not listed. The airport only charged us $100,000 for antigen, considerably cheaper than the price I got back early in the year when I contacted them for this post. Bear in mind your arrival time to Colombia. May you please specify the mask mandate? What if Cases Increase? Location: Cra 6a No. Consider picking up some KN95s, FFP2s, or at least some medical grade masks. Check the CDC website for additional information andFrequently Asked Questions. There have been a few times where some roads down by the industrial area of the city have been blocked. Me, my girlfriend and a couple of friends have a trip for Cartagena on June 27th. It is also one of the cheaper places to get a Coronavirus test in Cartagena. Hours: 6 am-7 pm Mon.-Sat; Sundays and Holidays 7 am-4 pm. Thanks for any advice or insight! That is only in effect this weekend. If youre wondering where to get a rapid Covid test in Cartagena, youll see it noted in the list of Coronavirus testing locations in Cartagena below. 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. Their turnaround was 24 hours to my email. Hi Gary, so yes I couldnt find clearly where they were located at first either. Gracias, Hola Miguel. If you look them up on Instagram, they have more info and you can ask, but they are located in the Santa Lucia shopping mall, near the edge of the city heading towards Turbaco. 2 PM curfews are insane. You may need to show proof of vaccination but to my knowledge it has not reclosed since reopening last year. Here, I will list Covid testing locations in Cartagena that I have been able to confirm offer testing either online or through word of mouth. 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. We will see what happens this weekend. Hi Matt. But many readers aslo have asked where they can get a test in Cartagena. Hello. Unfortuantely, this place no longer has a location in Cartagena, but still does testing in Medelln. Okay :/. I will do my best to keep this up to date, especially if anything major changes, so bookmark it and check back close to your trip if its a ways away. In the meantime, try one of these options: Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. Hi, do you need an appointment to go to the airport health cart? Is the vaccine available? Editors note: updated on October 29, 2021 with new stricter COVID testing requirements for travel to the U.S. that start on November 8, 2021. The Colombian governments regulatory authority has granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Moderna, and Zifivax vaccines. Hi Jaco. Feel free to send me an email at adam@cartagenaexplorer.com though. For example, if the lab says 24 hours, Id suggest getting your test at least 36 hours before you need it. Hi Sam. There is a 3rd wave right now. Hi Raul. It is true that virus case counts have remained elevated since Easter, however if you are vaccinated I think you are more ore less are from the virus, and the protests have more or less petered out here in Cartagena and were not violent to begin with, especially around Bocagrande it is very safe. CARTAGENA Comply with the country's entry requirements and take the COVID-19 PCR Test. Antibody tests look for the presence of antibodies your immune system has made in reaction to a virus. We have a port stop in December of this year in Cartagena. Haha, I havent used them, but it is probably ok, there are several of the big insurance companies that have clinics in the Castellano mall (that one is in Santa Lucia I think right?). Resolution 692 states that international travelers entering Colombia must present proof of completion of a COVID-19 vaccination scheme or either a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to the originally scheduled time of embarkment or a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the originally scheduled time of embarkment. The Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, Bar, and Tierra Bomba are all open. Is it at the airline check-in? I am traveling to Cartagena the first week of June. They can also provide testing at your hotel for an additional cost. If you are traveling to Cartagena and must perform a Covid-19 PCR test before your flight, below is a list of Covid-19 PCR test centers in Cartagena, Colombia. You can schedule an appointment via their website, but its likely better to just use their WhatsApp because I never got my online confirmation. Book an appointment and make a non refundable payment for a guaranteed slot. Hi Paul. Subscribe here; . I presume they deliver it on a bicycle and I have no idea if they come back and fetch it. Is Cartagena right now a fun environment or is a lot more tame and not as many people out and about with the new variant. Thanks! Unvaccinated travelers, or those that have not completed vaccination 14 days before travel can show a PCR test 72 hours before travel or an antigen test 48 hours before travel. I need PCR test for Cuba . Thanks v much. Tests Offered: PCR: $185,000 pesos, results in 24-36 hours. However, the PCR test requirement for those that are fully vaccinated has now been discontinued. thank you! As usual you are a wealth of information. Hi Christine. This does not apply to restaurants and bars, and is aimed more at little spots in the barrios, and is honestly not really enforced strictly. Adam moved to Cartagena in 2011 where he later met Susana, Cartagena born and bred. If you are traveling back to another country, check your countrys policy in regards to returning from Colombia. Everyday. On December 28, the PCR test requirement was extended to those arriving by cruise or other boats, regardless of vaccination status. I'll be in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Offering a sought-after central location ideal for families, couples, business travelers and groups . Id prefer not to give out my phone number publicly. Tourist Visas: How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Medelln Coronavirus in Colombia: Snapshot of Coronavirus on Apr Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19, Nightly Curfew and Dry Law in Antioquia from March 25 to June 9, Colombia Needs to Ramp up COVID-19 Vaccinations, COVID-19 Vaccinations in Colombia Start on February 17, PCR Test: How to Get a COVID-19 Test in Medelln, PCR Test: How to Get a COVID-19 Test in Bogot, PCR Test: how to Get a COVID-19 Test in Cartagena, Nightly Curfews in January in Medellin and Antioquia Start on January 6, Nightly Curfew in Medelln For Christmas and New Years Holidays, Colombia is Buying 10 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine from Pfizer. Yes, If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day? These restrictions are based on the last number of your ID. I am trying to get a PCR test to return home and dont speak Spanish so I am having a hard time making appointment. There is some nightlife but obviously not as big as if people could be out later. The Covid testing locations in Cartagena below offer private testing, but may come in handy if you want to get a test outside of your insurance, like if you plan to travel or your EPS doesnt think you need a test but youd like the peace of mind of having one done. 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. If the normal forms website is down travelers can find a contingency website, Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No, I cant find it listed anywhere. PCR: $300,000 pesos, results within 24 hours, Antigen: $160,000 pesos, results within 1 hour, Antibody: $150,000 pesos, results in half an hour, Mely has been recommended as a great choice for how to get a Covid test in Cartagena by many people in my, PCR + Viral Panel: $800,000 pesos, results in 3 hours, Location: Centro de Salud, Ronda Real (near La Castellana Mall), Also locations in Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Medelln, Cali and Bogot (including in the airport), PCR: $280,000 pesos, results in 24-36 hours, Antigen: $140,000 pesos, results in 2-24 hours, Antibody: $60,000 pesos, results in 2-24 hours, Antigen: $200,000 pesos (for family groups of 3 or more $140,000), results in 2-4 hours, These prices have not been recently updated but I did reach out to them for current prices and will update when I get a response, Location: Santa Lucia (near La Plazuela), PCR: $257,000 pesos (+30,000 for at home), results in 24 hours, Antigen: $130,000 pesos, results in 15 minutes, Antibody: $77,000 pesos, result time not listed. Most of the messaging has been around getting holdouts vaxxed not about closing down. Fingers crossed they do. Hey Dan. For more information, see the Colombian governments, National Strategic Plan for COVID-19 Vaccines, , for COVID-19 Vaccines, which includes a phased rollout plan. Ill do my best to try to verify these every once in a while, but its worth double checking since a lot of them arent published. *See a complete guide to the Rosario Islands here and Playa Blanca here. 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. Update if anyone needs it in the future . I will add it to the list above when I get a chance. Contact: +57 314 2521118 (*including WhatsApp). Toggle navigation. They also do not confirm if there is active virus in your system. Any travelers arriving in the country without proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test will face a mandatory 14 day quarantine. Could just opt for the airport one to be 100% sure though. What happens if I test positive before Im suppose to fly back? Im not sure what to believe. First, it will look at the types of Covid tests available in Cartagena, then have a list of places that I found that offers Covid testing in Cartagena. This is more applicable to places out in the islands, since technically the beaches in town proper are public beaches. The data is clear, while not perfect, it does protect, and the Pfizer vaccine has been fully approved by the FDA. Framed by enchanting 17th century Colonial architecture and meticulously restored interiors, Hotel Quadrifolio is a timeless and intimate retreat in the historic walled city of Cartagena de Indias. Thanks so much for your brilliantly informative blog. EDITOR NOTE: starting on April 7, non-residents (tourists) traveling to Colombia are required to have a PCR test. Editors note: updated on June 5, 2021 with information that a PCR test is no longer needed to travel to Colombia. Hi Paul. Travel from El Salvador. I think though as ICU rates go down (they are now below 80% for the first time in a long time), I think they will strongly consider lifting it. Foreign residents registered under Colombias health care system can receive a vaccine when eligible. Antigen tests also check for active virus are are commonly used for the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Fortunately the Cartagena curfew has been relaxed with fewer virus cases. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. CheckCOVID-19 Country Specific Informationpages for updated information on COVID-19 related to the availability of testing. Do you know any place more affordable for PCR ? I have a trip planned to Cartagena in early September. Do you think the restrictions will remain the same or do you believe they may become even stricter. Pico y Cedula in Colombia: Which is Strictest Out of 5 Largest Cities? This information is INCREDIBLY helpful; thank you so much for all the details on prices/contact info./hours etc.!! Well have to start our day at sunrise to see anything. And if so, how does it work to receive results/ how quickly? Hours - Monday to Friday: 7 am to 11:40 am and 1 pm to 2:40 pm Time for PCR test results (slower than their airport location) - 48 hours or less. Yes, you can be fined. My understanding is the antigen or PCR is fine for the US. check your status, appointments, confirmations and other actions. Airbnb Travel Itinerary for Your Airbnb Guests in Colombia, Pigasus: A Chain of Restaurants in Medelln with Good Burgers and Chicharrn. I contacted her first since she got such good reviews on your facebook group but she quoted 50 USD per person for antigen test. Yes, lots of people have been really satisfied with her service. If you reserve at hotels at the beach, you can use the beach until later. Yes, the mayor and local council proposes measures and then asks the national Ministry of Health to approve it. On September 1? From what Ive read Medellin is fully open. 0% Investment. Sorry, wish I had a clearer answer. Generally not recommended for travelers to the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, and Medelln (see Map 2-09). Any advice you can give would be helpful. I hope you have a great time! Two Medellin Guru readers usedSURA EPSto obtain a PCR test. Are restaurants/sites still open? Outside of Office Hours, contact: (601) 275-4021, Outside of Office Hours, contact: 2331-2354, Emergency Information for American Citizens. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Cartagena. Website:https://healthcarssas.com/index.php. If youre coming as a tourist, a vaccine certificate, physical or digital, from where you were vaccinated is fine. This measure began to take effect on June 1, 2021, as confirmed by the Minister of Health, Fernando Ruiz. The last few days of February and start of March have seen protests from the citys mototaxis over new restrictions that limit the days they are allowed to work.