April 30, 2013
The U.S. Embassy would like to make all U.S. citizens aware of potential protests occurring within the Bogota metropolitan area tomorrow, Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Colombian Police are expected to have a large presence throughout the city and will implement special security plans to monitor protests. The size and number of protests is expected to be less this year than previous years according to Colombian authorities.
While none of the protests is expected to be violent, history has shown these protests can deteriorate and violence can erupt between police and protestors. The use of “papas bombas” and tear gas is possible if a violent confrontation occurs. American Citizens are strongly encouraged to monitor local media and to avoid the areas below.
Tomorrow, starting at 9:00 am, about 5000 people from different Union Movements and Labor Organizations are expected to participate in different peaceful marches and demonstrations in Bogota as follows:
DEPARTURE POINT -- ROUTE/ARRIVAL POINT
Parque Nacional -- Carrera 7 to Plaza Simón Bolívar.
Universidad Nacional Calle 26 -- Calle 26, Carrera 7 to Plaza Simón Bolívar
Plazoleta las Nieves -- Carrera 7 to Plaza Simón Bolívar
Universidad Distrital del Sur -- Av. Villavicencio x Calle 63, Autopista Sur to Parque de Bosa.
Parque Principal de Usme -- Av. Villavicencio to Parque de Kennedy.
Although it has not been confirmed, students from Universidad Pedagogica might gather at Calle 72 and Carrera 7 and march towards Plaza Simón Bolívar along Carrera 7.
As always, we advise U.S. Citizens that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. You should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media has to say.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the Embassy website, found here. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. If you don't have internet access, we have a call center for updates--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.
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 necessaryApril 30,
May 6, 2013
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that there will be a demonstration tomorrow, May 7th, starting at 9:00 a.m. along Carrera 7 from Calle 26 to Plaza de Bolivar.
As always, we advise U.S. Citizens that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. You should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media has to say.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the Embassy website, found here. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. If you don't have internet access, we have a call center for updates--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.
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.
