🔐 Anti-Kidnapping in Colombia
+57 · GAULA Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion
Colombia Anti-Kidnapping emergency number is 165. Verified 2026-01. Official source: Policía Nacional de Colombia. One-tap call, works offline.
GAULA Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion
Colombia · Anti-Kidnapping
📝 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.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ 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 Anti-Kidnapping
- • 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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Anti-Kidnapping Emergency Service in Colombia — Complete Guide
When traveling to Colombia or living there as an expat, knowing the correct anti-kidnapping number Colombia can be critical for safety and emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for anti-kidnapping services in Colombia is 165, which is operated and monitored by Policía Nacional de Colombia. 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.
How to Call the Anti-Kidnapping in Colombia
To reach the GAULA Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion in Colombia, dial 165 from any local telephone network, cellular phone, or public payphone. This emergency number is fully compatible with mobile networks and roaming devices. Calls to this emergency service are free of charge, meaning no prepaid airtime credit or active service plans are required. When dialing, make sure you stay calm, wait for the dispatcher to connect, and clearly speak in the local language or request English translation. State your location, the nature of the emergency, and any injuries immediately.
What to Expect When You Dial 165
When you call the anti-kidnapping number in Colombia, you will be connected to a trained operator at Policía Nacional de Colombia. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to coordinate immediate dispatch. If you are a traveler facing a language barrier, remain on the line. Operators have access to translation services or are trained to handle foreign queries to ensure response teams are routed to your exact coordinates.
All Emergency Numbers in Colombia
Please note that Colombia utilizes different emergency lines for distinct situations. Besides the Anti-Kidnapping (165), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: National Unified Emergency Number (123), National Police (123), Emergency Medical Service (123), Firefighters (Bomberos) (123), GAULA Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion (165), Highway Police (Tránsito y Transporte) (#767). Additionally, the universal European/global emergency contact number 112 is active in Colombia and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Data Source & Verification
The emergency number 165 is verified against official directories published by Policía Nacional de Colombia. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact us so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Anti-Kidnapping in Colombia
What is the Anti-Kidnapping number in Colombia? ▼
The Anti-Kidnapping emergency number in Colombia is 165. 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.
Does 165 work from mobile in Colombia? ▼
Yes, 165 works from all mobile phones in Colombia.
Can I call 165 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 165 free in Colombia? ▼
Yes, calling 165 is free in Colombia. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Anti-Kidnapping in Colombia? ▼
The Anti-Kidnapping service in Colombia is operated by Policía Nacional de Colombia. Source: https://www.policia.gov.co/
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.