Important Security Information for American Citizens in Nepal

This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens that there will be a Seven Party demonstration/rally on March 11, 2006 and the Trade Union of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has announced a transportation "bandh" (closure) for March 12-13, 2006 and a general strike and blockade for areas surrounding the capital, Kathmandu, and all 75 district headquarters throughout Nepal March 14-20.

Previously we have witnessed an increase in the number of bombings and other acts of violence during the days immediately preceding bandhs to intimidate and coerce public compliance. Therefore, American citizens are urged to exercise extra caution prior to and on the days of the closure. While it is unclear at this time how widely the bandh will be observed, Americans 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 service may not be available. Moreover, during past closures, a number of buses, taxis, and personal vehicles have been attacked. American citizens are therefore asked to avoid using these forms of transportation during the strike.

Given recent bombings and attacks within and outside 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 additional 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 a toll free information line at 1-888-407-4747 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 at the U.S. Embassy Consular Section, located at the Hotel Yak and Yeti, or 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 for American citizens will be left at all of the major hotels in Kathmandu.