U.S. Embassy Security Message

U.S. Embassy Bogota

Security Message for U.S. Citizens - Ongoing Protests & Road Closures

August 26, 2013

Due to ongoing demonstrations and roadblocks currently affecting highway traffic, the U.S. Embassy strongly advises against overland travel outside of major cities in Colombia. Road closures have particularly impacted overland travel in Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Putumayo, Cauca, Huila, Nariño, and Risaralda.



 These demonstrations have caused traffic delays and shortages of some consumer goods in a few smaller heavily-impacted cities. There have also been several violent incidents associated with the demonstrations, including reports of aColombian National Police officer shot while attempting to clear a road in Zipaquira and three vehicles and one toll booth set on fire on the road between Bogota and Tunja. 

Up-to-date Colombia-wide information regarding road closures is available by dialing #767 or visiting:

 http://www.policia.gov.co/portal/page/portal/UNIDADES_POLICIALES/Direcciones_tipo_Operativas/Direccion_Seguridad_Ciudadana/Servicios_programas/Estado_Vias.

Please review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.  Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

As always, we advise U.S. Citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and 

escalate into violence.  You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large 

gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler

Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes 

it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don't have Internet access, 

enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov, where you can find current Travel Warnings, 

including the Travel Warning for Colombia, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information 

 for Colombia at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html.  For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.  Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter at https://mobile.twitter.com/travelgov and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/travelgov, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App at 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-traveler/id442693988?mt=8 to have travel information at your fingertips.

You can contact the American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, via e-mail at acsbogota@state.gov  or by telephone at (571) 275-2000.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Carrera 45, # 24B-27, Bogota, D.C., Colombia and is open to the public by appointment on Monday through Thursday from 09:00 to 11:30.  You can schedule a non-emergency appointment by visiting this website. 

The Embassy operates a Consular Agency in Baranquilla, Colombia which also provides assistance to U.S. citizens. The Baranquilla Consular Agency is located Calle 77B No. 57-141, suite 511.  Hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.  No appointment is necessary.