Important Security Information for American Citizens in Nepal

April 4, 2006

This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens that the alliance of seven political parties have planned protests throughout Nepal for April 6-9, 2006.  His Majesty's Government of Nepal has issued prohibitory orders against any kind of public gathering in areas within the Ring Road. These prohibitory orders will be in place from Wednesday April 5 until further notice. The orders ban public gathering, rallies and sit-ins within the areas inside the Ring Road.  The government has also indicated that, in response, it may declare a state of emergency, declare a curfew or issue "shoot to kill" orders to security forces.  Meanwhile, the unpredictable nature of ongoing Maoist violence creates the risk of Americans being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.  American citizens are reminded to exercise special caution, avoid protests, obey curfew orders and to be particularly vigilant about their personal safety.

During past curfews, the government changed the effective times of the curfew at short notice.  American citizens are urged to stay tuned to local media outlets for the latest information and updates.  In the event of a communications blackout, the Embassy will post updated information for American citizens at all of the major hotels in Kathmandu.

The Consular Section at the Yak and Yeti Hotel will be closed on Thursday, April 6, 2006 for a local holiday and on Friday, April 7, 2006.  American citizens needing emergency assistance should call the Embassy at 441-1179 and ask for the Consular Duty Officer.

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 homepage of the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs 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.