Is It Safe to Get a Tattoo in Colombia? Honest Guide (2026)

There are two questions here: is the tattoo safe, and is the trip safe? Sites selling you a tattoo trip tend to skip the second. We will answer both, including the parts that are less comfortable to read.

How tattoo studios are regulated in Colombia

There is no single national tattoo license that you can look up. Here is what we could verify:

Resolution 2827 of 2006 adopted a national biosafety manual for establishments doing cosmetic and “ornamental” beautification, with local health secretariats responsible for enforcing it.
Asuntos Legales reported in 2024 that health secretariats supervise tattoo studios, and that illegal operation can bring fines, seizure of products, or closure.
Bogotá has its own rule on tattoo and piercing studios, Acuerdo 103 of 2003. A specialist quoted in that article said Bogotá’s health secretariat is the only one with clear rules, leaving others to local authorities.

What that means for you: a shop being open tells you little. Ask for the sanitary concept and look at how the studio operates.

What a safe studio looks like

Needles opened from sealed packaging in front of you, and gloves changed whenever they should be
A clear sterilization process for anything reusable
Single-use ink caps, disposed of after your session
Visible, clean workstations with barriers on equipment
A willingness to answer questions without getting defensive

If anything feels wrong, leave. Tattoo Vagabond’s advice is the same: if the studio is not clean or you are not convinced of the artist’s skill, go elsewhere. Losing a deposit costs less than an infection.

Tattoo ink: why European travelers should ask

Since January 2022, EU REACH rules have restricted hazardous substances in tattoo inks sold and used in the EU, with two common pigments, Blue 15:3 and Green 7, added in January 2023. Those rules apply within the EU. We could not verify an equivalent ink-specific regime in Colombia, so do not assume a Colombian studio’s ink meets EU standards.

Ask which brands the studio uses and ask to see the bottles, sealed and in date. If ink content matters to you, or you have allergies or a medical condition, speak to your doctor before you travel.

Infection: what to watch for

Cleveland Clinic lists these warning signs: fever, skin hot to the touch, odor or significant drainage, pain that increases, red streaks, or spreading redness. Mayo Clinic says to contact a healthcare professional if you suspect infection. Do not wait until you get home. Check your travel insurance before departure and confirm how it handles clinics abroad.

Take this seriously. In 2026, a 26-year-old died after a large tattoo at the Expotatuaje event in Medellín. The city’s health secretary said preliminary information pointed to a possible infection from the procedure, and the exact cause was still being determined in the report we read.

Sedation and pain pumps

In 2026, Colombian anesthesiologists and Bogotá’s Health Secretariat warned against sedation and medication in tattoo studios, after a death during a home tattoo session in Bogotá. Read our explainer on the bomba del dolor before you consider any medical pain control.

Is the trip itself safe?

Colombia welcomes millions of visitors, and 3.7 million foreign entries were for tourism in 2025. Official advice is still serious, and you should read it yourself:

United States: the State Department rates Colombia Level 3, “Reconsider travel,” with an update on March 31, 2026, citing risks including crime, kidnapping, unrest and terrorism. It warns that criminals use dating apps to target victims.
United Kingdom: the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country, including Norte de Santander, Arauca, western Valle del Cauca and some other regions. The main cities on our list are not named.
Drugging: the FCDO reports criminals using drugs such as scopolamine on victims, delivered through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols or paper flyers.

Check your own country’s current advice before booking, since it can change and may affect your insurance.

Practical rules for tattoo travelers

Use pre-booked taxis or app-based rides, as the FCDO advises, including to and from the studio.
Do not keep large amounts of cash with you for your session. Agree on payment in advance.
Meet artists at an established studio. Be wary of home sessions arranged on social media or dating apps.
Avoid getting tattooed after drinking, and do not accept drinks from strangers.
Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.

Our honest answer

A tattoo in Colombia can be safe and excellent when you choose a well-run studio, verify what you can, and keep your travel plans sensible. The risk comes from skipping those steps. That is why the Tattoo Expedition network will require a published checklist from every studio.

Common questions

Are tattoo inks in Colombia safe?

We could not verify a Colombian regime equivalent to the EU’s REACH restrictions. Ask the studio which brands it uses, check bottles are sealed and in date, and consult your doctor if you have concerns.

Is Colombia safe for tourists right now?

The U.S. rates Colombia Level 3, “Reconsider travel,” and the UK advises against travel to specific regions. Millions still visit each year. Read current official advice and plan around it.

Keep reading

Sources

Checked November 5, 2026. Spot an error? Tell us and we will correct it.

Is It Safe to Get a Tattoo in Colombia? Hygiene, Inks and Travel Risks