Important Security Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal
March 13, 2009
There is an ongoing strike in the Terai region of Nepal carried out by various indigenous groups . This strike, or bandh, has affected all vehicular movement in all of the districts of the Terai (the area bordering India), including the popular tourist district of Chitwan. The threat of violence as this strike continues is a real concern, and in one instance, clashes between Tharus and the Nepal police forces left 3 people dead and numerous persons injured. As a precaution, the U.S. Embassy is currently not allowing U.S. mission personnel to travel to the Terai region. As negotiations are ongoing between the Government of Nepal and demonstrating groups to bring a resolution to this conflict, it is unclear how long the strike may continue. American citizens are urged to defer non-essential travel to this region of Nepal while the strike is in effect. If travel is necessary, Americans are advised to exercise caution, to expect vehicular transportation to be disrupted, and to avoid demonstrations should they come upon them.
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).