How Does Emergency Numbers Work in Colombia?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Dial 112 for national emergencies, 123 for police, 125 for ambulance, and 119 for fire services.
2What You Need to Know
Colombia's unified emergency number 112 is the single most important number to remember and works across the country. The 123 police line (SIJIN/National Police) is well-known locally and should be your first call for theft or crime. The 125 ambulance line connects to Cruz Roja (Red Cross) or public ambulance services. In tourist areas of Bogotá, Policía de Turismo (tourist police) can be especially helpful and often speak some English.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Save 112, 123, and your travel insurance emergency line in your phone before you travel — program them the moment you land.
- 2Tourist police (Policía de Turismo) are stationed in major tourist areas and can assist with reports, translation, and directions — their number is also accessible via 123.
- 3If you are robbed, get a formal police report (denuncia) immediately — you'll need it for insurance claims and it's easiest to do on the day.
How does this compare?
Emergency Numbers rules in nearby and similar countries:
Call 911 for all emergencies nationwide; dial 078 for the tourist assistance hotline.
Police (Polícia Militar): 190; ambulance (SAMU): 192; fire brigade (Bombeiros): 193; Federal Police: 197.
Call 911 for all emergencies — police, fire, and ambulance — anywhere in Canada.
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