Two of my close friends were just detained at the airport in Medellín upon arrival from Mexico. They were pulled out of the immigration line, searched, and even asked to show their WhatsApp messages. Officials saw conversations with multiple women—and both men were wearing jewelry.
They were then told to either pay $5,000 USD to enter… or be sent back to Mexico, with the option to try again in 15 days.
A lot of Black travelers are starting to ask if they’re being judged differently the moment they land. If this is how things are moving, people deserve real transparency before booking flights and spending money. Travel shouldn’t feel like a gamble at immigration.
Is Medellín safe for Black men to travel to right now… yes or no? Because right now, it’s not looking good.
My advice if you’re entering Colombia right now:
1. Don’t wear flashy jewelry
2. If you’re traveling in a group, spread out in the immigration line—don’t move as one big group
3. Delete WhatsApp, Instagram, and any social media apps where you’ve been communicating with people locally in Colombia
4. Delete Tinder or any dating apps before you land
5. Have a clear itinerary that doesn’t revolve around partying or women
6. Book something legitimate—like a dental cleaning or whitening appointment—so you have a real reason for your visit
The less they can assume, the better your chances of getting through without issues.
Travel smart. Move smart.
#Medellin #Colombia #TravelTips #TravelSmart #BlackTravel #traveladvice