Important Security Announcement for American Citizens in Nepal

August 18, 2011

The Public Transport and Public Carrier Transport Association called for an indefinite strike of public transportation vehicles beginning August 18, 2011.  The strike will continue until their demands are met.  Buses, taxis and other forms of public transportation will be affected.  Although these strikes have not been violent in the past, there is the potential for creating traffic chaos and disruptions which may include long distance public transportation.

Additionally, the Disqualified Maoist Combatants have called for a Bandh (strike) on Saturday, August 20, 2011.  Vehicular movement may be affected in certain areas within the Kathmandu Valley. In the past, such strikes have successfully shut down vehicular movement and businesses.

U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.  If strikes materialize, U.S. citizens are advised to monitor the situation closely on local media outlets; stay in your homes and hotels and not move throughout the area unless absolutely necessary.  The U.S. Embassy may have delayed openings.  Please remain cognizant and aware of your surroundings and what may transpire.  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" on our website, http://travel.state.gov/.  U.S. citizens living or traveling in Nepal are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following web site: https://travelregistration.state.gov.  U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  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. 

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website, where the current Worldwide Caution and Country-Specific Information for Nepal can be found.  Travel information is also available at http://www.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).