Security Message: Update on Ongoing Demonstrations & Road Closures

U.S. Embassy Bogota
Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Update on Ongoing Demonstrations & Road Closures
August 29, 2013

Due to ongoing demonstrations and roadblocks, the U.S. Embassy strongly advises against overland travel outside of major cities in Colombia. U.S. government officials and their families are currently prohibited from travelling overland from Bogota to other parts of the country (air travel policy to/from Bogota has not changed).  U.S. government officials and their families are also currently prohibited from travelling overland between Cartagena and Barranquilla.

Road closures have particularly impacted overland travel in Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Putumayo, Cauca, Huila, Nariño, and Risaralda. Ongoing demonstrations have closed major and minor roads and caused shortages of consumer goods in some cities in these areas.

A large demonstration planned for Bogota on August 29, is expected to impact public transportation and cause traffic delays and disruptions. Local authorities have closed public schools on August 29, and most private schools have followed suit.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. Citizens to monitor our demonstration notices at http://bogota.usembassy.gov/demonstrations.html as well as local media for developments. 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.

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.

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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-407-4747 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-202-501-4444 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting 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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (571) 275-2000 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting. 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 http://bogota.usembassy.gov/service.html.
The Embassy operates a Consular Agency in Baranquilla, Colombia which also provides assistance to U.S. citizens. The Baranquilla Consular Agency is located at Calle 77B No. 57-141, suite 511. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary.