Important Public Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal

December 15, 2006

The Embassy was informed on December 14, 2006 of a number of cases of Maoists approaching American residents of Kathmandu demanding "donations" be made to the Maoists; in some cases the demands were accompanied by threats. The Embassy is extremely concerned about this matter and has already lodged a complaint with the Government of Nepal.

The Embassy was informed on December 14, 2006 of a number of cases of Maoists approaching American residents of Kathmandu demanding "donations" be made to the Maoists; in some cases the demands were accompanied by threats. The Embassy is extremely concerned about this matter and has already lodged a complaint with the Government of Nepal.

The Embassy urges American citizens to inform us immediately if you are approached by Maoists demanding housing for their cadre, or for any other assistance. (Please contact the Regional Security Office at 441-1179 during working hours or the Embassy Duty Officer at 441-1179 ext. 0 during non-working hours. Americans can also send an email to consktm@state.gov.) The Embassy will keep this information confidential, but, with your permission, will raise specific cases with the Government of Nepal in hopes of stopping this behavior. (It is our experience that raising specific cases of human rights and other abuses with the authorities and with the human rights community has had an ameliorating affect on the abusive behavior.)

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.

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 08, 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.