Warden Message Archive - U.S. Embassy Bogotá, Colombia

Citizen Services

Important Messages for American Citizens in Colombia

09/10/2009 - Warden Message

This Warden Message is to advise American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia that the U.S. Embassy has received information that attacks against Government of Colombia facilities may take place in Cali and Santander de Quiilichao on or about October 12, 2009. These attacks could involve explosives in cars or other vehicles.

American citizens and U.S. interests remain targets for terrorists and criminal elements. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution. All official and personal travel outside of Bogota by Embassy personnel is subject to review, and personal travel by Embassy employees to the departments of Tolima and Meta is prohibited. Throughout Colombia, Embassy personnel are prohibited from taking mass transit (e.g., public and private buses, metros, etc.) and frequenting outside cafes and street-side exterior dining areas. The Embassy strongly advises all Americans to refrain from using mass transit as well. U.S. citizens in Colombia should be proactive in taking security precautions. They should vary their travel routes and the times of their arrivals and departures, and remain aware of their surroundings. U.S. citizens in Colombia should always avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

In case of an emergency, please contact the Consular Section at the Embassy in Bogota, Carrera 45, # 24B-27, Bogota, D.C., Colombia. Emergency telephone contact may be made 24 hours a day at (571)
315-0811.

09/09/2009 - Warden Message

This Warden Message alerts American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia about two scheduled demonstrations outside the U.S. Embassy on Thursday, September 10, 2009.

• The first demonstration is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 12:00 p.m. Approximately 50 to 100 demonstrators are expected to march from Carrera 30 and Calle 26 (Supercade) towards the U.S. Embassy and demonstrate in a closed lane on Calle 26.

• The second demonstration will begin at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 6:00 p.m. It is estimated that 1500 or more demonstrators are expected to gather outside the U.S. Embassy compound.

American citizens are advised to avoid these demonstrations and are reminded that spontaneous demonstrations take place in Colombia from time to time in response to world events or local developments. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov , where current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

03/06/2009 - Vigilance Advised

The United States Embassy advises American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia of the risk of being drugged and subsequently robbed at public venues. The Embassy continues to receive reports of criminals in Colombia using disabling drugs, such as Scopolamine, to temporarily incapacitate tourists and other individuals. At bars, restaurants, and other public areas, perpetrators may offer tainted drinks, cigarettes, or gum. Typically, victims become disoriented or unconscious, and are thus vulnerable to robbery, sexual assault, and other crimes. Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant, and be suspicious if a stranger offers you something to eat or drink.
A recent trend shows a dramatic increase in Scopolamine attacks in the “Galerias” district (between Calles 53 and 54 with Carreras 24 through 27) and the “Plaza de las Americas” district (Avenida Primera de Mayo between Carrera 68 and Avenida Boyaca) in Bogota. Due to the number of Americans who have been victimized in these areas, and the high frequency of Scopolamine type incidents, these areas are off limits to official Embassy personnel.

The Embassy urges all Americans to adhere to the following recommendations to minimize the possibility of being a victim to these types of crimes:

- Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone (although groups have been targeted as well),
- Never leave food or drinks unattended,
- Do not accept food or drinks from strangers,
- Do not leave bars, restaurants, or nightclubs with strangers.

In the event of a suspected Scopolamine type incident, victims should seek medical assistance immediately, and report the crime to Colombian Police Authorities and the U.S. Embassy.

21/05/2009 - Vigilance Advised

This Warden Message is to remind American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia of the high threat environment for terrorism and crime. This month marks the 45th anniversary of the founding of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). While the Embassy possesses no information concerning specific and credible threats against Americans in Colombia, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to exercise caution and remain vigilant.

14/05/2009 - Warden Message

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu. The Colombian government confirmed on Tuesday, May 12 that the total number of influenza H1N1 cases in the country has risen to six from three; two new cases have been confirmed in the Casanare department in the east of the country and one in Bogotá. None of the patients are hospitalized and all are responding to out-patient care.

Individuals should continue to protect themselves from H1N1, as well as seasonal influenza, by washing their hands often, coughing into their sleeve, and staying home if they have respiratory symptoms.

The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that most cases of influenza are not 2009-H1N1 Influenza. Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://bogota.usembassy.gov.

For further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html. For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's website at http://www.travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.

Americans living or traveling in Colombia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Colombia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Carrera 45, #24b-27, Bogota, D.C., Colombia. During regular office hours, the American Citizen Services section can be contacted by e-mail at ACSBogota@state.gov, or by fax at (571) 315-2196. For emergencies, you can contact the Embassy 24 hours a day at (571) 383-2701. Additional information is also available on the U.S. Embassy website at http://bogota.usembassy.gov.

20/03/09 - Warden Message

The United States Embassy is sending this Warden Message to remind American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia that Bogota and other parts of the country remain a high threat environment for terrorism and crime. This month is the first anniversary of what the FARC is calling “Black March”, which marks the deaths of three senior FARC leaders in March 2008. While the Embassy possesses no information concerning specific and credible threats against Americans in Colombia, Americans traveling or residing here are strongly encouraged to continue to exercise caution and remain vigilant.

American citizens and U.S. interests remain targets for terrorists and criminal elements. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution. All official and personal travel outside of Bogota by Embassy personnel is subject to review. In addition, the Embassy advises all American personnel to avoid areas where foreigners are known to congregate. Throughout Colombia, Embassy personnel are prohibited from taking mass transit (e.g., public and private buses, metros, etc.) and frequenting outside cafes and street-side exterior dining areas. The Embassy strongly advises all Americans to refrain from using mass transit as well.

U.S. citizens in Colombia should be proactive in taking security precautions. They should vary their travel routes and the times of their arrivals and departures, and remain aware of their surroundings. U.S. citizens in Colombia should avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations.

27/01/09 - Warden Message

This Warden Message is to alert American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia that on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at approximately 9:10 pm there was an explosion in a commercial building at the corner of Calle 82 and Carrera 9 in Bogota. There are reports of two fatalities. Many expatriates live in and frequent the neighborhood where the explosion occurred.

American citizens and U.S. interests remain targets for terrorists and criminal elements. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution. All official and personal travel outside of Bogota by Embassy personnel is subject to review. In addition, the Embassy advises all American personnel to avoid areas where foreigners are known to congregate. Throughout Colombia, Embassy personnel are prohibited from taking mass transit (e.g., public and private buses, metros, etc.) and frequenting outside cafes and street-side exterior dining areas. The Embassy strongly advises all Americans to refrain from using mass transit as well.

This Warden Message is to alert American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia that on October 23, 2008, several minor explosions, which resulted in 11 injuries, occurred in Bogota. The explosive devices used were reported to be in small packages that were placed near garbage cans and light posts.

American citizens and U.S. interests remain targets for terrorists and criminal elements. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution. All official and personal travel outside of Bogota by Embassy personnel is subject to review. In addition, the Embassy advises all American personnel to avoid areas where foreigners are known to congregate. Throughout Colombia, Embassy personnel are prohibited from taking mass transit (e.g., public and private buses, metros, etc.) and frequenting outside cafes and street-side exterior dining areas. The Embassy strongly advises all Americans to refrain from using mass transit as well.

09/05/2008 Vigilance Advised

The U.S. Embassy has received information that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) may be targeting large-scale chain superstores and other commercial establishments in Bogota, as well as Colombian government buildings and places of worship in the downtown area, for possible attack by improvised explosive devices, including the possibility of a vehicle-borne device.

The FARC may be planning coordinated attacks, to include kidnappings along the roads from Bogota to other parts of Cundinamarca department. In light of this information and recent bombings in both Bogota and Cali, the Embassy urges all Americans in Colombia to take appropriate precautions in their daily activities.

08/22/2008 Vigilance Advised.

This Warden Message is to alert American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia of increased terrorist activity. Several bombings of public facilities and increased seizures of explosive materials have necessitated a review of security procedures for U.S. Embassy personnel. On August 9, a bomb was detonated in north Bogota resulting in the injury of eight persons, including one American citizen. On August 16, several small explosions occurred in large grocery stores frequented by foreigners. The Embassy has noted a significant increase in security incidents in the Tolima Department, which demonstrate the capacity of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to conduct attacks. Due to the recent security incidents, the Embassy prohibits personal travel by Embassy personnel to Tolima Department. The Embassy urges all Americans to avoid travel to Tolima until further notice.

American citizens and U.S. interests remain targets for terrorists and criminal elements. All U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to exercise caution. All official and personal travel outside of Bogota by Embassy personnel is subject to review. In addition, the Embassy advises all American personnel to avoid areas where foreigners are known to congregate. Throughout Colombia, Embassy personnel are prohibited from taking mass transit (e.g. public and private buses, metros, etc.). The Embassy strongly advises all Americans to refrain from using mass transit as well.

New Website for Overseas Voters

We encourage you to visit the newly redesigned Federal Voting Assistance Program website at www.fvap.gov, the official U.S. government website for overseas voters. The updated website features an automated Voter Registration and Ballot Delivery tool that will greatly improve the vote-by-mail process.

There are two options for overseas voters using the FVAP website:

Visit www.fvap.gov and click “Get Started” to be directed to an online Federal Postcard Application and instructions for your state; or
Visit www.fvap.gov and click “Use our New Automated Tool to Register/Request a Ballot” under Quick Links in the lower right-hand corner of the home page. You will be redirected to www.fvap.com, a fully automated site that requires you to create a user account and password.

Voter Registration & Requesting an Absentee Ballot

Voters who have not yet registered to vote and requested an absentee ballot should do so now using the FVAP website.

You should also complete a new Federal Postcard Application if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

Voting

Your local voting officials should mail your absentee ballot 30 to 45 days before the November 4 general election. Return your voted ballot as early as possible. Be aware of your state’s ballot receipt deadline, as well as any postmarking requirements.

Emergency Ballots

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) serves as an emergency ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials. You can access the FWAB using www.fvap.gov as well.

Questions?

Please email the American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota at ACSBogota@state.gov if you have any questions.

06/13/2008 Vigilance Advised.

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, continues to advise Americans in Colombia to keep a low profile and remain vigilant. There have been four bombings over the past week in and around Bogotá, resulting in one death and several injuries. Although the Embassy possesses no specific, credible information concerning threats against Americans in Colombia, all Americans are encouraged to avoid areas where foreigners are known to congregate. Official U.S. government personnel are prohibited from sitting in outdoor cafes or riding on public transportation in Colombia. The Embassy advises all Americans to follow these same precautions. All official and personal travel outside of Bogotá by Embassy personnel continues to be subject to review, with the exception of air travel to Cartagena and Medellin.

05/16/2008 Vigilance Advised.

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá advises all Americans in Colombia to keep a low profile and to remain vigilant as a result of continued military activity and recent extraditions of Colombian citizens to the United States. Although the Embassy has no specific, credible information concerning threats against Americans in Colombia, all Americans are strongly encouraged to exercise caution and avoid areas where foreigners are known to congregate. All official and personal travel outside of Bogotá by Embassy personnel continues to be reviewed, with the exception of air travel to Cali, Cartagena, and Medellín. Embassy personnel are prohibited from taking public buses in Colombia and the Embassy advises all Americans to refrain from using them as well.

03/03/2008 Vigilance Advised.

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá advises all Americans in Colombia to keep a low profile and to remain vigilant as a result of recent Colombian military activity and regional diplomatic tensions. Although the Embassy possesses no information concerning specific and credible threats against Americans in Colombia, all Americans are strongly encouraged to exercise caution. All official and personal travel outside of Bogotá by Embassy personnel is now subject to review, with the exception of air travel to Cali, Cartagena, and Medellin. In addition, the Embassy advises all Americans to avoid areas where foreigners are known to congregate. Embassy personnel are prohibited from taking public buses and the Embassy advises all Americans to refrain from using them as well.

01/04/2008 Threat to Domestic Airline Flights

This Warden Message is to alert American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia that the Embassy has received unsubstantiated information regarding a threat to domestic airline flights in Colombia. As a precaution, all U.S. government employees and their dependents have been advised to consider postponing nonessential air travel within Colombia until this matter can be resolved.

This restriction will be in effect through Monday, January 7, 2008 unless otherwise amended. As always, U.S. citizens in Colombia should be proactive in taking security precautions. They should vary their travel routes and the times of their arrivals and departures, and remain aware of their surroundings. U.S. citizens in Colombia should always avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations.

12/06/2007 Armed Robberies

The U.S. Embassy in Bogota wishes to alert U.S. citizens in Colombia to recent violent armed robberies against U.S. citizens while hiking on wooded trails in and around Bogotá. As a result of these robberies, the U.S. Embassy has restricted official American employees and their family members from hiking on trails above Avenida Circunvalar in Bogotá or on trails at Rocas de Suesca in Cundinamarca Department. Armed robberies against U.S. citizens have occurred at both locations in the past two months.

If you plan to hike on wooded trails in and around Bogotá, we encourage you to do so only in large groups, and to consider hiring private security to accompany you. While we do not have any indications that the perpetrators are targeting U.S. citizens specifically, Americans and other tourists are often vulnerable to this type of crime because of their perceived affluence.

09/20/07. Local and Departmental Elections

Colombia’s local and departmental elections will take place on October 28, 2007. In the past, the level of violence by terrorist groups in Colombia has increased during elections and the weeks leading up to them. Although the U.S. Embassy has no information about specific, credible threats against Americans in Colombia, the Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Colombia to remain especially alert and to keep a low profile. As always, Americans should steer clear of large gatherings or street protests, and should consider avoiding outdoor restaurants and cafes

06/29/07. Alert in Melgar

This Warden Message is to alert American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia that the Embassy has received information indicating that the terrorist organization known as the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarios de Colombia (FARC) may be planning to target U.S. citizens in the town of Melgar, in Tolima Department. The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid travel to Melgar until further notice. For U.S. citizens already in Melgar, the Embassy urges them to maintain a low profile and to avoid restaurants, bars, and other public places until further notice.

04/Jun/2006. Taxi Crime in Bogotá

The following message from the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá is for all U.S. citizens traveling or living in Colombia. Please pass to all U.S. citizens in Colombia.

Robbery of taxi passengers has become a serious problem in large cities in Colombia, and especially in Bogota. In recent months, many people, including U.S. citizens, have been attacked and robbed after entering taxis. Four U.S. citizens officially assigned to the Embassy have been victimized in this way in just the past three months. In one recent case in Bogotá, a U.S. citizen was seriously wounded.

Typically, the driver of the taxi (who is one of the conspirators) will pick up the passenger, and will then stop to pick up two or more armed cohorts, who enter the cab, overpower the passenger, and take his/her belongings. If the passenger has an automated teller machine card, the perpetrators will often force the passenger to withdraw money from various ATM locations. Such ordeals can last for hours.

In almost every case of this type, the victims have been riding alone and have hailed their taxis on the street. Rather than hailing a taxi, you should take advantage of the telephone dispatch service that most taxi companies offer. If you do not have a phone, most hotels, restaurants, and stores will call a dispatcher for you. When a taxi is dispatched by telephone, a record of the call and the responding taxi is created. Additionally, the passenger receives a code from the dispatcher, which helps ensure that the correct taxi has arrived. In some locations, such as large shopping malls and major airports, taxi stands have been set up, and they too provide a measure of security because a company employee generally creates a written record of the ride.

21/Sep/2006. Northern Bogota Malls Temporarily Off Limits Due to Threats

This Warden Message is to alert American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia that the Embassy has received information of a threat by FARC elements to bomb a shopping mall in the northern Bogota area. As a result of this information, Embassy officials are prohibited from visiting all shopping malls and surrounding areas in northern Bogota. American citizens are strongly urged to refrain from frequenting these areas.

This restriction will be in effect through October 1, 2006 unless otherwise amended. As always, U.S. citizens in Colombia should be proactive in taking security precautions. They should vary their travel routes and the times of their arrivals and departures, and remain aware of their surroundings. U.S. citizens in Colombia should always avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations.

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Citizen Services