VOLUNTARY DEPARTURE AUTHORIZED FOR U.S. MISSION PERSONNEL

April 13, 2006

At the recommendation of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, the State Department on April 12 authorized departure from Nepal for non-emergency U.S. Mission personnel and families. This authorization means non-emergency employees, their family members, and families of employees who must remain at post can opt to depart Nepal in coming days. The Embassy recommended this step following a week of widespread demonstrations, violence, and growing instability throughout Nepal.

The State Department has also updated its Travel Warning for Nepal, which can be found on this direct link, <http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_927.html>, or on the Embassy's website, <http://nepal.usembassy.gov>.

The U.S. Mission to Nepal includes the Embassy, USAID, and the Consular Section and American Center in the Yak & Yeti Hotel. The Consular Section and American Center Library have been closed until further notice.

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