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Colombia Emergency Numbers
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance): 123
- Police direct line: 112
- Fire (Bomberos): 119
- Ambulance (Secretaría de Salud): 125
In any emergency, dial 123 from any phone in Colombia. It is free, works 24/7, and reaches police, fire, and ambulance. If your phone has no SIM or no credit, dial 112 instead, it always connects.
In Colombia, the all-purpose national emergency number is 123, the local equivalent of 911 in the USA. One operator dispatches police, ambulance, or fire depending on what you describe, so it is the only number most travelers ever need.
If you are using your own phone on roaming, you still dial 123 directly. There is no need to add Colombia’s +57 country code, that prefix is only for calling a Colombian number from outside the country, and it will not connect you to the emergency line. The numbers further down (direct lines, tourist police, embassies, and city contacts) are useful extras, but 123 comes first.
Save these numbers to your phone before you travel.
Important Tips
- Save these numbers in your phone AND keep a printed copy
- Dial 123 directly, even on a foreign phone roaming in Colombia. Do not add +57
- Include your hotel’s name, number, and address, written in Spanish
- Note your travel insurance emergency number
- Download any emergency app recommended by your embassy
- Keep a photo of this list on your phone
- Share these numbers with your emergency contacts back home
Note: All numbers are current as of June 2026. Verify them on arrival, as they can change.
More Travel Resources for Colombia.
National Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Emergency Line (police, ambulance, fire) | 123 | Unified dispatch, the equivalent of 911 |
| National Police | 112 | Direct police line, connects even with no SIM or credit |
| Firefighters (Bomberos) | 119 | Direct line to the fire department |
| Ambulance (Secretaría de Salud) | 125 | Direct line for medical emergencies |
| Red Cross (Cruz Roja) | 132 | 24-hour ambulance and humanitarian aid |
| Tourist Police | +57 601 337 4413 | Specialized unit for tourist assistance |
| Anti-Kidnapping Hotline (GAULA) | 165 | Specialized anti-kidnapping and extortion unit |
| Road Emergency | #767 | Highway patrol and roadside assistance |
| Civil Defense (Defensa Civil) | 144 | Natural disasters and civil emergencies |
| General Information | 114 | Non-emergency information line |
Medical Emergency Services
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Emergency Line | 123 | Unified dispatch, can send ambulance, police, or fire |
| Ambulance (Secretaría de Salud) | 125 | Dedicated health and ambulance line |
| Red Cross Ambulance (Cruz Roja) | 132 | 24-hour ambulance service |
| Poison Control | +57 601 288 2040 | National toxicology center |
| Air Ambulance | +57 601 668 3333 | For medical evacuations |
| Health Information Line | 192 | Ministry of Health information |
For anything time-critical, a taxi straight to the nearest hospital urgencias (emergency room) is often faster than waiting for a public ambulance.
Foreign Embassy Emergency Numbers
For the full addresses, switchboard numbers, emails, and websites of foreign missions in Bogotá, see our directory of Foreign Embassies in Colombia.
| Country | Emergency Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|
| United States | +57 601 275 2000 (press 0 for after-hours emergencies) Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50, Bogotá | co.usembassy.gov |
| United Kingdom | +57 601 326 8300 (business hours) After-hours emergencies (FCDO 24/7): +44 20 7008 5000 Carrera 9 No. 76-49, Piso 8, Bogotá | British Embassy contact form |
| Canada | +57 601 657 9800 (business hours) After-hours emergencies: +1 613 996 8885 (call collect) | GAC – Colombia |
| Australia | +57 601 657 8030 (business hours) After-hours emergencies: +61 2 6261 3305 | smartraveller.gov.au |
| European Union | +57 601 747 7700 The EU Delegation does not provide consular assistance; contact your own country’s embassy | If unrepresented in Colombia, any EU citizen can seek help from another EU member state’s embassy |
City-Specific Emergency Numbers
Dial 123 nationwide for any emergency, it is the same number in every city. The contacts below are useful local extras, such as airports and city tourist police.
Bogotá
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Police (Bogotá) | +57 601 337 4413 | English-speaking assistance for visitors |
| El Dorado Airport | +57 601 266 2000 | Airport information call center |
| El Dorado Airport Health Services | +57 601 439 7070 ext. 5054 +57 318 330 3383 (mobile) | On-site airport health services |
Medellín
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José María Córdova Airport | +57 604 520 8531 | Airport security and information |
| All emergencies | 123 | Same national line; for visitor help use the Tourist Police number above |
Cartagena
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Police (Cartagena) | +57 605 660 0583 | Special unit for tourist areas |
| Rafael Núñez Airport | +57 605 693 1351 | Airport security and information |
Important Government Services
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Colombia (Migración Colombia) | +57 601 605 5454 | Visa and immigration issues |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs | +57 601 381 4000 | Diplomatic assistance |
| Customs Authority (DIAN) | +57 601 546 2200 | Customs issues and information |
Travel Support Services
| Service | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ProColombia Tourism | +57 601 560 0100 | Official tourism information |
| Travel Insurance Assistance | Varies | Keep your policy number handy |
| International SOS | +1 215 942 8226 | Global emergency assistance |
Banking Emergency Numbers
| Bank | Lost or Stolen Cards | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|
| Bancolombia | 01 8000 912 888 | 01 8000 912 345 |
| Banco de Bogotá | 01 8000 518 181 | 01 8000 518 181 |
| Davivienda | 01 8000 123 838 | 01 8000 123 838 |
Found a Wrong Number?
We try to keep these numbers up to date, but it is not always possible. If you spot anything out of date, please contact us with the correction.
Helpful Resources
For travelers who prefer guided experiences with local safety expertise, an established tour operator can help. In Bogotá, guided walking tours let you see the sights with someone who knows the ground.
- Colombian National Police Official Website
- US Embassy Website - Colombia
- UK Embassy Website - Colombia
- Is Colombia Safe? Official Travel Advisories Compared
Frequently Asked Questions about calling Colombia Emergency Numbers:
Can I call 123 from a foreign phone or SIM card?
Yes. If you are in Colombia, dial 123 directly on any phone, including your own on roaming. You do not add +57, that country code is only for calling a Colombian number from abroad and will not reach the emergency line. With a Colombian SIM (Claro, Movistar, or Tigo) you also just dial 123, and the call is free. If your phone has no SIM or no credit, dial 112, which always connects. VoIP apps like WhatsApp and Skype cannot reach emergency numbers, so use your phone’s normal dialer.
Do emergency operators speak English?
Most 123 operators speak Spanish only, though some in Bogotá may have basic English. If you don’t speak Spanish, have your address written down and ready to read aloud, and a translation app on speaker can help in a pinch. For English-speaking assistance, contact the Tourist Police directly at +57 601 337 4413.
What is the difference between 112, 119, 123, and 125?
123 is Colombia’s unified emergency number, the equivalent of 911 in the USA, and it dispatches police, ambulance, or fire depending on your situation. 112 is the direct police line and connects even with no SIM or credit. 119 is the direct fire line (Bomberos). 125 is the direct health and ambulance line (Secretaría de Salud). When in doubt, dial 123 and the operator will route your call.
What information should I give when I call 123?
Give your exact address, including the city and neighborhood. Colombia uses an address system based on calles (streets), carreras (avenues), and diagonales. If you don’t know the address, give a nearby landmark, business name, or intersection. State clearly what type of emergency it is: medical (emergencia médica), fire (incendio), or crime (robo, asalto).
How long does it take for an ambulance to arrive?
Response times vary with your location and the severity of the emergency. In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, public ambulances can take 20 to 45 minutes or longer. For faster care, a taxi straight to the nearest hospital emergency room (urgencias) is often quicker. Private hospitals generally have shorter waits and better facilities than public ones.
When should I call the Tourist Police instead of 123?
The Tourist Police (Policía de Turismo) is a specialized unit that assists foreign visitors with non-life-threatening situations like theft, scams, lost documents, or safety concerns in tourist areas, and is more likely to have English-speaking officers. For genuine emergencies (medical crises, fires, or violent crime in progress) always call 123 first. You can reach the Tourist Police at +57 601 337 4413 in Bogotá, or +57 605 660 0583 in Cartagena.
Can I text emergency numbers in Colombia?
No. Colombia’s emergency lines only accept voice calls. You cannot send an SMS to 123, 112, or any other emergency number.
What should I do if I need emergency help but don’t speak Spanish?
Keep these steps in mind:
First, call 123 and say “Emergencia, no hablo español.” The operator may find a translator or transfer you.
Second, call the Tourist Police for English-speaking assistance.
Third, ask your hotel reception to call on your behalf, as they can give your location and situation in Spanish.
Fourth, contact your embassy’s emergency line.
Always carry a card with your hotel’s name, address, and phone number written in Spanish.
LAST UPDATED: 18 June, 2026.