Colombia During Election Season 2026: Ley Seca, Transport & Practical Travel Information

In 2026, Colombia will head to the polls – and some travel plans may unexpectedly collide with topics such as Ley Seca or additional controls on certain weekends. Here you will find the key dates and concise, practical tips to ensure your trip to Colombia remains smooth and well organized.

Colombia will be in election mode in 2026 – and travelers will mostly notice this on specific weekends. If you are aware of the key dates, you can still plan round trips, domestic flights, and hotel stays with ease. Here are the official election dates and the typical accompanying measures such as Ley Seca – plus brief practical advice.

Election Dates 2026 in Colombia

The national elections take place on three Sundays:Congressional elections (Senate & House of Representatives) on March 8, 2026, and the presidential election (first round) on May 31, 2026.

If no absolute majority is reached, the constitution provides for a second round three weeks later – making June 21, 2026 the likely date for a runoff election.

What May Change Around Election Day

• Ley Seca (Alcohol Ban): Around national elections, the sale (and in some cases the consumption) of alcohol is temporarily prohibited. The exact hours are determined by decree and may vary between election dates – in the past, for example, from Saturday evening until early Monday morning, sometimes even until midday Monday.

  Important for travelers: During certain elections, Ley Seca is not automatically applied uniformly nationwide but may also depend on local decisions. Therefore, it is advisable to check official announcements from the respective city or region shortly before the election date.

• Public Order & Borders: For election weekends, the government traditionally issues a public order decree (“Orden Público”) outlining security and administrative measures. In previous nationwide elections, this included, among other things, information regarding border regulations and Ley Seca.

• Mobility: In some cities, public transportation operates on special schedules on election day, sometimes with increased frequency or discounted fares. At the same time, demand for long-distance transport may rise depending on how many people travel to vote.

How to Plan Your Trip Relaxed and Well Prepared

If nightlife is important to you, avoid scheduling bar and club visits exactly on an election weekend – or consciously enjoy the calmer atmosphere many destinations offer during this time.

If you are crossing land borders (for example toward Ecuador, Venezuela, or Peru), build in buffer time and avoid crossings from Saturday evening to Monday morning around election dates, as additional measures have historically fallen within this timeframe.

If you are traveling across the country, secure tickets early for election Sundays and avoid tight transfer connections – especially for long-distance buses, peak demand can occur.

From a planning perspective, an election weekend often works perfectly as a “nature day” (Coffee Region, Andes, national parks): less party focus, more landscape – and precisely the Colombia that inspires through sustainability and quality experiences.

If you would like to experience Colombia in 2026 without stress, at Chaska Tours we plan your route so that election dates, transfers, and local regulations align seamlessly – personal, sustainable, and supported by genuine local expertise on the ground.

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