Important Security Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal

May 12, 2011

The Indigenous Nationalities’ Movement National Front, Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) has announced a Torch-Rally on May 12 and a Nepal countrywide Bandh (strike) on May 13th, 2011 from 05:00 – 17:00 hrs. In the past, similar strikes, or "bandhs" as they are referred to locally, have been successful in completely shutting down vehicular movement and businesses.

U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.  If the strikes materialize, U.S. citizens are advised to monitor the situation closely on local media outlets, and to stay in your homes and hotels and not move throughout the area unless absolutely necessary.  The U.S. Embassy may also close.  Please remain cognizant and aware of your surroundings and what may transpire.  We wish to remind U.S.  citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad".  U.S. citizens living or traveling in Nepal are encouraged to enroll 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 or 4007201.  The number for after-hours emergencies is 977-1-4007266 or 4007269.  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 Travel Warning for Nepal and Country Specific Information for Nepal as well as the Worldwide Caution.   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). Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.