Important Security Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal
January 9, 2009
The Embassy has received information that the Transportation Entrepreneurs Federation of Nepal (TEFN) has announced plans to hold a transportation strike in the Kathmandu Valley on Monday, January 12, 2009.
While it is unclear at this time how widely the strike will be observed, Americans are advised to minimize non-essential travel, maintain a low profile and, if you must travel, wait until a pattern of traffic is well-established. Public transportation such as taxi and bus service may not be available. Moreover, during past closures imposed by the TEFN, a number of buses, taxis, and personal vehicles have been attacked. American citizens are, therefore, strongly advised to avoid using public transportation and to stay clear of demonstrations during the strike.
For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov. Americans living or traveling in Nepal are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is located at Maharajgunj. The telephone number is 977-1-4007200, 4007201. The number for after-hours emergencies is 977-1-4007266,4007269. The fax number is 977-1-4007281. The Consulate’s e-mail address is consktm@state.gov and its Internet web page is http://nepal.usembassy.gov U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for Nepal and the Worldwide Caution, both available at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).