Colombia Emergency Numbers (2026)
Country Code: +57 · Currency: COP
Verified emergency numbers for Colombia: Unified 123, Police, Ambulance, Fire, Anti-Kidnapping 165. Sourced from Colombian National Police.
📞 Emergency Phone Numbers in Colombia (Police, Ambulance, Fire)
123 is the national unified emergency number connecting to police, ambulance, fire, and civil defense throughout Colombia. Available 24/7. Operators speak Spanish; English may be limited.
Police emergency via 123. Handles criminal emergencies, public safety, and traffic incidents. Tourist police available in major cities.
Ambulance and emergency medical services dispatched through 123. Response concentrated in Bogotá, Medellín, and major cities.
Fire emergency via 123. Fire services are volunteer-based in many areas. Integrated with the national emergency system.
GAULA (Grupo de Acción Unificada por la Libertad Personal) is the specialized anti-kidnapping and anti-extortion unit. Operated jointly by the National Police and military.
🔢 Police, Ambulance, and Fire Numbers in Colombia
View dedicated guide, instructions, and alternate numbers for specific emergency services in Colombia.
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Colombia
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Emergency Services
- • Do not call 123 for minor ailments - visit a local health center
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Colombian law
- • Do not call 123 for minor illnesses - visit a local health center
- • Do not call 123 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local CAI (police station)
- • Do not use emergency lines for traffic fines or general information
- • Do not call 165 for non-kidnapping or non-extortion matters
✈️ Travel Notes — Colombia
Emergency response is most reliable in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and major cities. Response in rural and jungle areas may be significantly delayed or unavailable. GAULA 165 is the specialized anti-kidnapping unit. Private clinics in major cities offer excellent emergency care. Public hospitals provide free emergency treatment.
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Emergency Services in Colombia — Essential Traveler Guide
If you are planning a trip to Colombia or reside there, understanding the local emergency service system is critical for your safety. The international calling code for calling Colombia is +57. Emergency operators are available 24/7, but translation capabilities may vary, so keeping local phrases handy is advised.
Police, Ambulance, and Fire Brigade Numbers in Colombia
Colombia provides multiple standard emergency service channels, which are free to call from any phone. To call the universal emergency in Colombia, dial <strong>123</strong>. To call the police in Colombia, dial <strong>123</strong>. To call the ambulance in Colombia, dial <strong>123</strong>. To call the fire brigade in Colombia, dial <strong>123</strong>. To call the anti-kidnapping in Colombia, dial <strong>165</strong>. To call the highway police in Colombia, dial <strong>#767</strong>.
How to call emergency services in Colombia
Emergency lines can be dialled from standard landlines, payphones, and mobile networks. In most cases, these emergency calls can be completed even if your mobile device does not have a SIM card installed or if you do not have a positive credit balance. If you need to make a call, remember to stay calm, clearly explain the issue, and provide the exact location to the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions — Colombia
What is the unified emergency number in Colombia? ▼
123 is the national unified emergency number connecting to police, ambulance, fire, and civil defense.
Can I call 123 from a mobile phone without credit in Colombia? ▼
Yes. 123 is a free call from any phone, including mobile phones without credit.
What is the GAULA number in Colombia? ▼
165 is the GAULA anti-kidnapping and anti-extortion unit operated by the National Police and military.
What number do I call for a highway emergency in Colombia? ▼
Dial #767 from any mobile phone for the highway police and transit authority. Also reachable via 123.
Are emergency services available in rural Colombia? ▼
Emergency services in remote rural areas, jungles, and conflict zones are limited. Response times may be hours or services may not be available. Police and military presence varies by region.
Can I call 123 from a mobile without credit in Colombia? ▼
Yes. 123 is a free call from any phone, including mobile phones without credit.