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Status of Repatriation Flights U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia
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11 MINUTE READ
April 2, 2020

Travel Alert: Status of Repatriation Flights – U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia

Location:  Colombia

As of April 1, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia has assisted 74 U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents return to the United States via humanitarian and evacuation flights.  A Spirit Airlines flight from Bogota to Fort Lauderdale, Florida carrying an estimated 150 passengers is scheduled for tomorrow, April 2.

Repatriation Flights:

The United States Embassy in Colombia continues to coordinate commercial and U.S. government operated repatriation flights from Colombia.  U.S. citizens and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents traveling with a U.S. citizen family member (spouse or child) will be allowed to board.  For U.S. government operated travel, passengers may be required to reimburse the cost of their flight.

Individuals on U.S. commercial carriers (i.e. Spirit Airlines):  For issues regarding seat availability, reservations and pricing information please contact Spirit Airlines directly.

Individuals on U.S. government operated travel: If you submitted your data to us previously, you do not need to resubmit it now –  we still have your information and will contact you should space become available.  If you have not already registered your interest in repatriation options previously and would like to be considered for future flights, fill out this form http://www.tinyurl.com/BGTRepat as soon as possible.  Frequently asked questions about repatriation flights are available.  You will be contacted by phone or e-mail if there is a seat available.  Please do not call the U.S. Embassy to place your name on the list for evacuation flights unless you have no other way to access the webpage to complete the form.  If you submitted your information online, and clicked submit, we received it.  Flight departure times and destinations within the United States are subject to change without notice.

Traveling to the airport:

Passengers with return tickets to the United States should consider the following:

  • Travelers will complete a health check prior to boarding and anyone with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to board.
  • When you travel to the airport, carry proof of your upcoming trip (e.g., airline reservation) to present to authorities during the nationwide quarantine.
  • Onward travel within the United States is the responsibility of the traveler.
  • Luggage allowances and regulations regarding transporting pets may vary depending on flight operator.
  • Dual nationals should prepare to bring passports of both nationalities as needed.
  • Normal services at El Dorado airport are closed.
  • We suggest travelers carry additional cash for their trip to cover any unexpected expenses.

If you are scheduled on a flight, we urge you to do everything you can to follow the instructions we’ve provided and to arrive on time.  We know that moving from place to place can be challenging given the extraordinary public health measures now in place; let us know as early as you can if you believe you will have difficulty reaching the airport due to travel restrictions.  Provide us with your travel information (name, date of birth, passport number, and contact details) and we’ll do everything we can to help.  If you previously registered your interest in returning to the United States but have now decided to stay in Colombia or make other arrangements, please let us know at ColombiaEvac@state.gov or by calling +57-1-275-2000.

If you’re scheduled on a flight and decide not to fly, then we’re left with an empty seat that could have gone to someone in need.  We are working hard to bring you all home.

Please continue to monitor the Embassy website and social media accounts for additional options as they become available.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program:

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to receive emergency messages.  To enroll in STEP, visit https://step.state.gov/.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

Alerts, U.S. Citizen Services