Important Security Information for American Citizens in Nepal

April 19, 2006

This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens that a curfew has been declared from 2:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m. on April 20, 2006.  It is possible that large, wide-spread violent demonstrations could occur on April 20, 2006, despite the curfew.  American citizens should not to move about the city by any means during this curfew.  During curfews American citizens should not leave their homes or hotels due to the chance they might be seriously injured by demonstrators or security personnel.  American citizens are encouraged to stay tuned to local media sources and the Embassy's web page (http://nepal.usembassy.gov) for up to date information, as the dates and times of curfews are announced and changed with little or no notice.

The Embassy understands that on April 20, 2006 there will be no domestic flights in Nepal due to a domestic transport strike. In addition, international flights or other airport services could be affected.  The Embassy has been informed that no curfew passes will be issued and, therefore, shuttles to and from the airport that normally operate during curfews will likely not be available.  The incidence of and severity of violence associated with demonstrations is increasing and represents a serious threat to members of the American community, both short and long-term residents.  American citizens are strongly urged to avoid large groups of people and to honor curfews.  Numerous cars have been attacked during recent demonstrations, including diplomatic-plated vehicles.  Groups of individuals have thrown rocks at cars and pedestrians and the chance of a bystander being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being seriously injured is significantly higher now than in the past.  His Majesty's Government of Nepal has issued general prohibitory orders against any kind of public gathering in areas within the Ring Road.  The government has also indicated that, in response, it may declare a state of emergency, declare curfews or issue "shoot to kill" orders to security forces.

The Consular Section at the Yak and Yeti Hotel will be closed until further notice.  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 the Radisson Hotel, the Soaltee Hotel, the Everest Hotel the Annapurna Hotel and the front gate of the American Embassy.  The Embassy will also send out e-mails on behalf of American citizens and these forms and instructions will be available at the same locations.