After the controversy on networks, environmental authorities clarified the scope of the new requirement.
Colombia News.
Entry to the Rosario Islands and other natural parks in Colombia will have a new mandatory requirement for national and foreign tourists: the payment of accident and assistance insurance. The measure, which in recent days generated controversy on social networks after the viralization of several videos, was confirmed by the National Natural Parks of Colombia as legitimate and supported by current regulations.
The requirement is part of a policy that is already applied in other natural parks in the country, such as Tayrona, El Cocuy and Los Nevados, and that now extends to the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, one of the most visited destinations in the Colombian Caribbean.
As explained by the entity, the main objective of the insurance is to guarantee medical attention and immediate assistance to visitors in case of accidents or emergencies within protected areas that, due to their location, present limitations in access to health services.
Insurance collection is not carried out directly by National Parks. The value, set at 8,800 pesos per person, must be paid to authorized insurers that operate in coordination with the environmental entity. Among them are companies such as Positiva and Magenta, which already have personnel deployed in strategic points.
Currently, payment is being made at the La Bodeguita dock, the only authorized point in Cartagena for the departure of boats to the islands, as well as in specific areas of Barú, including Playa Blanca, Cholón and Agua Azul.
From National Parks it has been clarified that the mandatory nature of insurance is contemplated in Resolution 273 of 2024, which establishes that all visitors must have a policy that covers accidents and assistance during their stay in protected areas. The entity insists that this measure seeks to standardize the protection of tourists and improve the response capacity in emergencies.
However, the implementation has generated concerns among visitors and tour operators, especially due to the lack of prior information and the perception of improvised charges. Although local authorities have acknowledged problems in the initial execution, they have also confirmed that the requirement has legal basis and will continue to apply.
National Parks announced that the measure is in a phase of adjustment and coordination, and that information channels will be strengthened to avoid confusion between tourists and operators. Meanwhile, those who plan to visit the Rosario Islands or other natural parks should take this new mandatory cost into account as part of their trip.
