Arranging transport from Columbia

[waverly]

I need to arrange transport from a small city in Columbia to the U.S.  The larger cities are having riots.  The closest big city is Santa Marta, but we are not sure if it is safe to go there or not.  Simon Bolivar airport.  We know people in Medellin, but that is farther away and may have riot issues as well.  The person also will need a Covid test to enter the U.S.  Anyone have any intel? 

The person has medical issues, and the closest hospital is Santa Marta.  They may not be well enough to travel, and we are told they don't know if Santa Marta is safe to take him.  We have spoken to the VA as they are a veteran, but I don't want to go to the embassy/ state department yet since he is only 3 hours from Santa Marta if it is safe enough, he can just get on the plane himself if he feels up to it.  His friend says he needs to eat and drink better and regain his strength so there is a chance that he can get on the plane and we can get him medical attention here.    Is there a better airport/ route?  supertrooper1, any ideas?  

Also, my passport is expired, but it sounds like me going down there doesn't make sense with the riots and lack of medical care.  He needs to come here. 

[waverly]

Limited international flights have resumed to eight of Colombia’s busiest airports:  Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin (Rionegro), Cali, Barranquilla, Armenia, Pereira, and Bucaramanga.  Colombia’s land and water borders remain closed until at least June 1, and flights are currently suspended between Colombia and Brazil. This is from the U.S. Embassy.

[mommyatty]

waverly, I would call the Embassy and ask. They’re going to have the best intel on real time on the ground situations.

[waverly]

mommyatty, Like the one in Columbia or call the State Dept office here?

[186momx]

Can you talk with your congressman's office? A friend of a friend was world travelling when covid hit last March. Decided to stick it out in S. America and then decided they wanted to come home but couldn't get home. Friends contacted the congressman's office and they were able to help figure out how to get the couple home safely.

[supertrooper1]

waverly, is there a U.S. military base that this person can get to since they're a veteran? They may be able to help with the medical care and transportation. I think mommyatty is correct in calling the embassy in Columbia for real time help. U.S. Customs and immigration can't refuse a U.S. citizen, so I don't think the lack of a covid test would cause issues once they're on U.S. soil. It's usually the commercial airlines that monitor that. Is private air transport an option, even if it gets them out of Columbia and to another South American country? I know it would be super expensive, but do they have insurance that might cover it?

[waverly]

We are in contact with his landlord and friend. Friend doesn't think it is safe to go to Santa Marta. DH reached out to his friends that live in Columbia to see if that is the case. And also where he can get a Covid test to enter. Dad's friend wants to wait it out 2 weeks and work on his health. There might be a plan to see a local doctor. It's all very casual there compared to my go get it American personality. They were like he might have to pay $30 which he has money that's not the issue.

When I hear back from the friends, then I will make some calls. Not sure when dad is well enough to travel. The VA will reimburse for medical treatment in a foreign country only if related to service. Not sure if there is any medical care really available though.

[waverly]

supertrooper1, Santa Marta is closest. Looks like there is a Naval base in Cartagena. He has Chase travel insurance maybe. But otherwise, I don't think anything related to private air transport.

[waverly]

I talked to the Overseas travelers but he had no info. The Embassy is requesting emails. It seems like they don't feel it is unsafe to travel, but the friend that would take him to the airport does. So yeah....  Actually friends confirm army is on the road, and protests on the road at night.