Important Public Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal

September 15, 2006

The Embassy is concerned by the increase in violence during recent protests.  Cars, including those with diplomatic plates, have been attacked.  In some cases, vehicles have been burned.  Moreover, motorists have been stopped and their keys taken from them in an effort to force them to observe strikes.  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 and, in some cases, have become the focus of demonstrations.  American citizens in Nepal should be particularly vigilant through the end of the declared cease fire on October 27, 2006.

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.  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. 

Demonstrations can occur 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.