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Import regulations by Colombia customs
Imports:
The following goods may be taken into Colombia by people up to 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and up to 50g of tobacco; two bottles of alcoholic beverage; a reasonable quantity of perfume.
Colombian law prohibits tourists and business travelers from bringing firearms into Colombia. Illegal importation or possession of firearms may result in incarceration. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available; buying or selling such products is illegal in Colombia, and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and fines.
Export regulations by Colombia customs
Colombian law also forbids the export of pre-Columbian objects and other artifacts protected by cultural patrimony statutes. Under a recent agreement between the United States and Colombia, U.S. customs officials are obligated to seize pre-Columbian objects and certain colonial religious artwork when they are brought into the United States.
Travelers departing Colombia must declare to Colombian officials if they are carrying cash or other financial instruments worth 10,000 U.S. dollars or more. You should also contact the Embassy of Colombia in Washington or one of Colombia\'s consulates in the United States for detailed customs guidance from the Colombian government.
Other Colombia customs information
Vaccination is recommended for travellers who visit the following areas considered to be endemic for yellow fever: middle valley of the Magdalena River, eastern and western foothills of the Cordillera Oriental from the frontier with Ecuador to that with Venezuela, Urab, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, eastern plains (Orinoquia) and Amazonia.
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Colombia. However, there may be a risk of cholera in this country; autochthonous cases were reported in 1996, and precautions should be considered. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix.
Typhoid immunisation or boosters are recommended.
Malaria risk exists throughout the year in rural and jungle areas below 800m. There is high risk in the following municipalities: Urab-Bajo Cauca, Amazonia, Orinoquia and Pac?fico. The highest risk is in the following departments: Amazonia, Choc?, C?rdoba, Guain?a, Guaviare, Putumayo and Vichada. The malignant falciparum form of the disease is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine in Amazonia, Pac?fico and Urab?-Bajo Cauca. The recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine plus proguanil in Amazonia and Pac?fico, and in Urab?-Bajo Cauca, mefloquine.
Food drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated outside major cities. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk may be unpasteurised in places and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), as well as cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis occur in Colombia. Hepatitis A, B and C occur. Dengue fever and TB are also found. For further details, see the Health appendix.
Rabies is present. For those at risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Health care: Health facilities in the main cities are good. In rural areas, services can be very limited. Travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance. There are nine firms in Colombia offering prepaid medical care and medical insurance which may be purchased from travel agents, a list of which is available from the Embassy.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1090.html
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