Cell phone policy at US Embassy in Bogotá

[Mickey + Roseni 2]

I have read on the official government website that all electronics/cell phones are not allowed inside the embassy. But some people have said that you can bring your phone to the interview provided that it is turned off. 
Does anyone have experience with bringing your cell phone to the interview in Bogotá, Colombia?

[JeanneAdil 6,498]

From the Bogata embassy itself

 

https://co.usembassy.gov/regulation

 

Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly forbidden inside the embassy. The Embassy does not have the facilities to store these items. We ask all our visitors to leave these items at home, and/or arrange for storage outside the Embassy.

• Electronic devices, including: cell phones, computers, cameras o CD/MP3 players, flash drives (USB).
• Luggage or big bags, such as: travel luggage, backpacks and briefcases.  Only transparent plastic bags containing documents relating to your application will be admitted.
• Food or drinks.
• Sealed mail, such as envelopes or packages that have not yet been opened.
• Flammable materials or tobacco, such as lighters, matches, cigarettes o cigars.
• Sharp objects, such as: scissors, knives or nail files.
• Weapons or explosives of any kind.

However, the Security Personal at the Embassy may prohibit other items at their discretion.

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

3 hours ago, Mickey + Roseni said:

I have read on the official government website that all electronics/cell phones are not allowed inside the embassy.

Always follow the official instructions over hearsay. 

[powerpuff 6,697]

~~ topic moved from K1 forum to US Consulates and embassy discussion ~~
 

I assume all US consulates follow very similar security procedures. When I went to the interview, you had to put your bag through the scanner (plus walk through metal detectors) and they asked if you have any electronics. My consulate had storage where you could leave your stuff but it looks like Bogota doesn’t.