Important Security Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal

May 4, 2010

The Unified CPN-Maoist Party has been carrying out nationwide strikes since Sunday, May 2, 2010.  Large demonstrations and traffic disruptions are occurring around Kathmandu and throughout the country.  These 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 and to avoid traveling by wheeled transportation, including buses, cars, and bicycles.  U.S. citizens are advised to monitor the situation closely on local media outlets and to stay in your homes or hotels and not move throughout the area unless absolutely necessary.  The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu was closed on May 3rd and May 4th and will be closed on May 5th and continue to be closed until the strikes are lifted.

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” 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 https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ 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 Travel Warning for Nepal, Country Specific Information for Nepal, and the Worldwide Caution, 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 and Canada 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).