Important Public Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal

September 1, 2006

 

Numerous media report the increased presence of members of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) in urban centers who continue to extort money from local businesses and individuals. The State Department is concerned that this activity could represent a threat to the safety and security of American citizens visiting or resident in Nepal. Hotels and business frequented by American citizens are receiving extortion demands. American citizens in Nepal should be particularly vigilant now and during the time leading up to the end of the cease fire on October 27, 2006.

Although the Government of Nepal no longer considers the Maoists to be terrorists, the State Department designation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" organization under the "Terrorist Exclusion List" of the Immigration and Nationality Act and under Executive Order 13224 remains.  These two designations make Maoists excludable from entry into the United States and bar U.S. citizens from transactions such as contribution of funds, goods, or services to, or for the benefit of, the Maoists.

The potential for demonstrations and disruptions remains high. During recent demonstrations, protests were violent. Demonstrators burned vehicles, threw rocks at passing motorists and burned tires to block traffic. Government security forces responded with teargas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to quell the demonstrations. Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of disturbances, American citizens are urged to exercise particular caution when demonstrations are announced or reported, avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming, avoid road travel during these periods and maintain a low profile. Government curfews can be announced with little or no advanced notice and American citizens are urged to consult media sources and the Embassy's website (http://nepal.usembassy.gov) for current security information.

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 31, 2006 (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.