Important Security Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal

April 5, 2008

In the run-up to the Constituent Assembly elections scheduled for April 10, the Government of Nepal has taken certain steps which will affect the ability of American citizens to receive services and to move freely throughout the country.  The Government of Nepal has declared a national holiday from April 7^th to April 11^th.  Saturday, April 12^th, is the typical weekly Nepali day off.  As the Nepali New Year is on April 13^th and another Hindu holiday falls on Monday, April 14^th, all governmental offices are effectively closed for 8 days.  In addition, the government will close Nepal’s land borders for three days (April 8-10) and has imposed a transportation ban for all vehicular movement throughout the country starting the evening of April 9 through election day, April 10.  Only vehicles with government-issued passes will be allowed to travel on the roads.  Domestic flights will also be grounded on April 10.

The U.S. Embassy will be closed on April 10 and only essential personnel will be reporting for duty on that day.  All other personnel have been instructed by the Regional Security Officer to remain in their homes on April 10.  American citizens living and traveling in Nepal are strongly encouraged to stay off the streets during election day and to exercise extreme caution in the days before and after the election, as the potential for demonstrations and increased violence between competing political parties exists.  American citizens are strongly urged to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.

For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov. Americans living or traveling in Nepal are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is located at Maharajgunj.  The telephone number is 977-1-4007200 or 4007201.  The number for after-hours emergencies is 977-1-4007266 or 4007269.  The fax number is 977-1-4007281.  The Consulate’s e-mail address is consktm@state.gov and its Internet web page is http://nepal.usembassy.gov  U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s latest Travel Warning for Nepal, Country Specific Information for Nepal and the Worldwide Caution, available at http://travel.state.gov.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).