Important Security Information for American Citizens in Nepal

February 7, 2006

This wardens' message is being issued to alert American citizens that His Majesty's Government of Nepal has ordered that only vehicles associated with voting will be permitted on the streets on Wednesday, February 8, 2006, a national holiday.  There is also a possibility of demonstrations on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 to disrupt the election.  The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) bandh remains in effect until February 11, 2006.  The seven political party alliance has called for a "blackout" from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2006.  During the blackout there is a risk that houses showing lights may be attacked with rocks or bricks.  The Embassy has also received reports that telephones may be disconnected for 48 hours, starting sometime Tuesday, February 7, 2006.

While it is unclear at this time how widely the Maoist bandh will be observed, American citizens are advised to minimize non-essential travel, maintain a low profile and, if you must travel, to wait until a pattern of traffic is well established.  Taxi and bus services may not be available.  Moreover, during past closures, a number of buses, taxis, and personal vehicles have been attacked. 

The Consular Section at the Yak and Yeti Hotel will be closed on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 and the Embassy will be at minimal staffing.  American citizens needing emergency assistance should call the Embassy at 977-1-441-1179 and ask for the Consular Duty Officer.

Given the recent bombings and attacks within the Kathmandu Valley and threats against a U.S.-affiliated NGO in Dolakha and Rautahat, American citizens are reminded to exercise special caution and to be particularly vigilant about their personal safety.  American citizens are strongly urged to avoid demonstrations. 

For further information about security conditions in Nepal, American citizens are encouraged to refer to the Consular Information Sheet for Nepal and the current Travel Warning for Nepal issued on December 15, 2005 (http://travel.state.gov).  American citizens are also encouraged to refer to the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement for additional travel safety and security information.  These documents are available on the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ home page at http://travel.state.gov and the American Embassy in Nepal's home page at http://nepal.usembassy.gov.  The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs maintains an information line at 1-888-407-4747 toll free or (202) 501-4444 Monday through Friday (excluding U.S. Government holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.   Specific information may also be obtained by calling the Embassy at 977-1-444-5577 during working hours and at 977-1-441-1179 during evenings and weekends and asking for the American Citizen Services unit of the Consular Section.  In the event of a communications blackout, security information will be left at all of the major hotels in Kathmandu.

Here are the planned polling stations in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur.  We advise American citizens residing near these polling stations to exercise special caution during the elections on February 8 and in the days following.