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Embassy Messages for U.S. Citizens ("Warden Messages")
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Vigilance Advised. 09/10/2009
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.