Colombia Security Services
Secure Transportation and Executive Protection Services in Columbia
ETS Risk Management has been providing secure transportation, Executive Protection and private travel security services in Colombia, for over eight years. Our local security team is both extensively vetted and highly experienced, all stemming from either law enforcement or military backgrounds. Whether it’s a security transfer from the airport, securing a corporate event, or a protective detail with armored vehicles and armed close protection officers, ETS can assist.
Our clients include Energy corporations, Fortune 500 companies, Media outlets, NGOs and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs). From our bases of operation in Bogota and Medellin we are able to provide intelligence-led risk assessments and travel risk management solutions.
Our capabilities also extend to Cali, Cartagena, Santa Marta and San Andres island.
Secure Airport Transfers Colombia
A large number of our clients utilize ETS to facilitate secure airport transfers, inlcuding meet and greet services. We facilitate security transfers in all cities throughout Colombia and our competitive pricing complemented with a world-class local security team and vehicle options ensures the very highest standard and value. These services can be provided with armored vehicles, as well as English speaking armed security officers, if preferred and commensurate with risk.
Our local security specialists, including both trained security drivers and close protection officers, are English speaking and highly experienced. We are able to leverage British Expatriates based in-country, stemming from UK special forces backgrounds, whose knowledge of the territory and the local culture add tremendous value to the quality of our services, enabling client’s operations at every juncture. These have been used to great success for site security surveys, risk assessments and intelligence.
Armored Vehicle Rental Bogota, Medellin and Cali
Our secure transportation network has a full range of state-of-the-art vehicles including high end non-armored and also low profile armored vehicles. All are equipped with cutting edge monitoring and English speaking security drivers.
Click on the following links to learn more about Armored Vehicle considerationsandArmored Vehicle Ratings.
ETS Security Experience in Colombia
ETS has been coordinating secure ground transportation and executive protection services for Corporations, Energy companies, NGO’s, Media Organizations and HNWI’s. We have managed logistics and secure transportation for large groups of executives attending high profile corporate events, acquisitions and developing new partnership and expansion plans. ETS conducts risk assessment and due diligence as part of a comprehensive security plan to support the clients every step of the way. Our local team of security experts bring a great deal of experience at government and commercial level and has the capabilities to assist no matter the complexity of the assignment.
ETS Security Overview – Colombia
Colombia, a nation celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, has made significant strides in enhancing security over recent years. There has been considerable improvement of the infrastructure, especially in Bogota (the Capital) and Medellin, however travelers should remain informed about certain areas where risks persist. Street crimes targeting business and leisure travelers are still a concern, and while major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena have improved security measures, challenges such as violent crime, including homicide, assault, and armed robbery, remain prevalent in some regions. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in certain areas. The U.S. Department of State advises against travel to specific departments, including Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander, due to crime and terrorism.
Terrorism
On January 17, 2019, a VBIED carrying 80 kilos of explosives detonated in a parking lot at the Colombian National Police Academy (Escuela General Santander). There were 21 fatalities and over 65 injured. The majority of victims were Colombian police cadets; three foreigners are also reported among injured and deceased. Click here to learn more about the Bogota Security incident.
Bogota did not see such a level of violence in over a decade. The residents of both Bogota and Medellin, lived in fear of bombings for nearly 40 years through the Drug Cartels turf war to dominate the Cocaine industry. As the Colombia conflict wound down through a series of “cease fire” and peace agreements in 2016, security improved but attacks continued with less frequency. The ELN (Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional de Colombia) have not respected a verbal standoff with President Duque and increased attacks on police targets. Click here to read more about Security advice for Travel in Colombia.
Despite the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), various armed groups continue to operate, particularly in rural areas. These groups may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, and other public areas.
Kidnapping rates remain high and widespread in Colombia. Illegal armed groups kidnap hostages for ransom and political purposes. While foreign nationals are not the primary target, there is an increasing trend in the number of foreigners being kidnapped in recent years. Those working for (or believed to be working for) oil, mining, and related companies are considered at higher risk.
Transport
While Colombia has made significant strides in improving safety, travelers should remain vigilant. It’s advisable to avoid traveling at night in certain areas and to stay informed about local conditions. Utilizing reputable transportation services and adhering to local advice enhances safety during your journey.
Major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali have well-maintained roads. However, traffic congestion is common, and drivers may encounter aggressive driving behaviors. In rural and mountainous regions, roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly maintained. Landslides and road closures are risks during the rainy season.
Incidents of carjacking can occur, particularly in urban areas. It’s advisable to keep doors locked, avoid displaying valuables, and be cautious when stopping at traffic lights or in isolated areas. Some rural regions, especially near borders, have a presence of illegal armed groups. Traveling in these areas can be risky. Consult local advisories before planning trips to such regions.
All clients receive free access to our eLearning travel security course to take pre-departure if you so choose.Click here to learn more about ExploreSecure®.
FAQ’s for Secure Travel to Risk Colombia
Yes, but precautions and safety measures, as with all South America travel must be taken. Security in Colombia is not standardized throughout, there are cities, like Bogota, that are generally safe for business travel with robust precautions, but travel in Cali, for example, is considered more high risk and requires much more physical security.
Yes, private security can be armed in Colombia. As long as they are licensed and trained appropriately. Do you need armed security in Colombia? Contact us to discuss your requirements and we can better understand your risk tolerances and preferences.
Yes, you can legally hire or use an armored vehicle in Colombia. Armored SUVs are very common in Colombia, especially Bogota, Medellin, and Cali. They must be driven by a licensed and insured driver, and there are important consideration reference to armored vehicle rental.
It is highly unlikely. The most recent high-level attack was 2019, by ELN, and focused on Police officers. The target was very clearly government forces, it was not against a foreign or civilian entity, that much is key. It is important to be cautious when meeting at or near government institutions and if possible meet elsewhere, it is unlikely that either will focus primarily on civilian targets. Click here to read our article on the ELN 2019 Bogota bombing.
Yes, Medellin is OK for business travelers. Medellin has a bad reputation that was well earned back in the 90’s as the murder capital of the world. But now it’s risk level is more closely related to Bogota, in that safety and security precautions should be taken by business travelers but it is not classed as a high-risk location.
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The ETS team push simplification and customer relationship management at every juncture. An impressive worldwide network of former colleagues and associates from the global security community has supported client operations since 2012 in over 80 countries and 102 cities.
