

We previously looked at security in Medellín and also looked at the safest neighborhoods in Medellín. Obviously if you or a family member or close friend have been victim of a crime your perceptions about security and safety will be different than someone that hasn’t experienced a problem. Crime and safety are major concerns of expats visiting Santa Marta or planning to move there.Įveryone’s experiences and perceptions about security and safety differ. In this article, we look at some up-to-date Santa Marta crime statistics and 20 recommended expat safety tips. I frequently hear questions like “Is Medellín safe?”, “Is Santa Marta safe?”, “Aren’t you scared living there?”, “What is the chance I will be kidnapped when I visit?” are still related to the security and safety in Colombia. However, probably the most common questions I still get from friends and relatives in the U.S.

We previously looked at 16 top things to do in Santa Marta. Santa Marta is a popular vacation city in Colombia with beaches and many things to do. I have lived in Medellín for over eight years and I have traveled to Santa Marta several times and even worked remotely from Santa Marta for over a month. I have seen several inaccurate posts on the Internet about safety in Santa Marta. What many people don’t realize is the timeframe depicted in Narcos was well over 25 years ago and that Pablo Escobar is long dead and buried. Santa Marta and the rest of Colombia still have a reputation of violence and drugs to overcome that hasn’t been helped by the popular Narcos series. However, security in Santa Marta is still a major concern for tourists visiting and expats living in Santa Marta. Is Santa Marta safe to visit? Santa Marta, Colombia is generally safe to visit if you follow some basic safety tips, as you will reduce your risk of being a victim of crime.
