Important Security Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal

July 12, 2007

The Embassy has received information that two associations separately have announced plans to hold a Kathmandu Valley-wide bandh on Friday, July 13, 2007.  The two associations are the Tribhuvan University Part-time Teachers' Association, which is protesting the murder of a teacher on July 10, 2007, and the League Nepal Peace Unity Party.
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.  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 07, 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.  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 American Citizen Services unit of the Consular Section.