Operating in Colombia? Speak with a security consultant.
Colombia has undergone a significant security transformation since the 1990s and the 2016 FARC peace process. Major cities including Bogota, Medellin, and Cali now function as genuine business environments with improving security infrastructure.
FCDO maintains warnings for parts of Colombia, particularly borders with Venezuela and Ecuador, and areas with active armed conflict. State Department rates Colombia at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). OSAC rates Bogota crime as critical despite the overall improvement.
The peace process context
The 2016 peace deal with FARC demobilised a significant portion of the guerrilla infrastructure but did not end armed conflict in Colombia. FARC dissidents rejected the peace process. ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) did not sign and remains active. Criminal armed groups (GAOs) expanded into territory vacated by FARC.
For corporate travellers in Bogota, the practical implication is that urban risks from organised crime (express kidnapping, scopolamine, fake taxi robbery) persist even as the macro conflict picture has improved.
Colombia’s security industry
Colombia has a mature executive protection industry. Decades of conflict produced a large pool of former military, police, and intelligence professionals now working in private security. Many are former Colombian Army special forces. Armed escorts are legal for licensed operators. This is a market where quality is available but requires proper vetting: not all firms that claim military backgrounds have actually been vetted.
Regulatory framework
Supervigilancia (Superintendencia de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada) regulates Colombia’s private security industry. Current licensing is the minimum standard. Our Colombia operators hold Supervigilancia licences and have been vetted beyond the regulatory baseline.
Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across Colombia. For a detailed local assessment, see our Bogota city briefing.
Cities We Cover
Bogota
High riskColombia's capital. High-severity crime including express kidnapping and scopolamine threats. Mature executive protection market from decades of conflict history.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
Decree 2535 of 1993 makes the State the only lawful source of arms (article 2) and requires a permit, issued by the military authorities, to hold or carry a firearm (articles 22, 23 and 32). Private security services may use firearms under those permits, and armed staff must be trained and certified (article 78). Decree 356 of 1994 lists armed escort of people as a private security service (article 6).
Licensing
Private security services may only be provided under a licence or credential issued by the Superintendencia de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada (Supervigilancia), under Decree 356 of 1994, the Private Security and Surveillance Statute (article 3). Supervigilancia is a technical body attached to the Ministry of National Defence (Decree 2355 of 2006, article 1). It publishes registers of authorised companies and accredited operational staff.
Foreign Operators
Partners in a Colombian private security company must be Colombian nationals (Decree 356 of 1994, article 12). Companies set up before the Decree with foreign capital may not increase the foreign share. Foreign clients therefore engage a Colombian company licensed by Supervigilancia. Take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties.
Sources, checked : Decree 356 of 1994, Private Security and Surveillance Statute (Senate of Colombia text); Decree 2535 of 1993 on arms, ammunition and explosives (copy filed with the WTO); Decree 2355 of 2006 on the Superintendencia de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada, text (ASOSEC copy); Superintendencia de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada.