Important Security Information for American Citizens in Nepal

December 19, 2006

This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens that the Maoists have called a Nepal bandh or strike from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. today, December 19, 2006.  Protestors have already started burning tires at a number of junctions in Kathmandu.  The Embassy recommends American citizens minimize travel during the period of the demonstrations.

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 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 Embassy Duty Officer.