According to recent reports, President Petro of Colombia has declared March 18, 2025, as a "civic day." This declaration means that government offices will be closed and services unavailable on this day. The decision calls for students and government workers to participate in public demonstrations as a show of support for the government.
The U.S. Embassy in Bogota is closely monitoring planned demonstration activities set to begin at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, March 18, near the RTVC Media Building. Demonstrators are expected to march along Avenida Calle 26 to Carrera 7 before heading south towards Plaza Bolivar. These activities may lead to disruptions in traffic and other activities across greater Bogota.
Despite this declaration, mayors from several cities including Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Cartagena, and Bucaramanga have announced that their offices will remain open with normal services continuing. Individuals should verify the status of specific government offices directly.
U.S. citizens in Colombia are advised to maintain vigilance during these events. Recommendations include being aware of surroundings, keeping a low profile, avoiding crowds, and monitoring local media for updates on security.
For assistance or further information:
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota at +57-1-275-2000 or visit their website.
- Reach out to the U.S. Consular Agency in Barranquilla via email at conagencybarranquilla@state.gov.
- The U.S. Department of State's Consular Affairs can be reached at 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for ongoing security updates and follow official social media channels for real-time information.