Important Security Information for American Citizens in Nepal

May 31, 2007

This wardens' message is being issued to alert American citizens that the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) has called a Nepal-wide "bandh" or closure for June 1 and again on June 10 and June 11.   The Communist Party of Nepal Maoist (CPN-M) is also expected to hold a support rally in Ratna Park (central Kathmandu) the evening of May 31.  The Embassy recommends American citizens minimize travel during demonstrations and bandhs.

During the bandh, Americans are advised to minimize non-essential travel, maintain a low profile and, if you must travel during the closure, 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 should avoid road travel during the bandh. 

During past demonstrations, protestors used violence, including burning vehicles, throwing rocks and burning tires to block traffic.  Government security forces have responded with force to quell demonstrations.  Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of disturbances, American citizens are urged to exercise special caution during times when demonstrations and bandhs are announced, avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming, avoid road travel and maintain a low profile.  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 May 7, 2007 (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 .  American citizens traveling overseas are strongly encouraged to register at the Embassy or online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. 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 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 Embassy Duty Officer.