Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Afghanistan Travel Restricted
Political Violence
South Central Asia > Afghanistan > Kabul
9/16/2012
Travel for Chief of Mission personnel is restricted across Afghanistan until further notice.
We wish to remind U.S. citizens that past demonstrations in Afghanistan have escalated into violent attacks on Western targets of opportunity. 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, spontaneous or planned.
As a reminder, in accordance with the Travel Warning for Afghanistan the Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. U.S. citizens traveling to Afghanistan despite this warning should avoid being predictable in their movements, including varying routes and times in commutes or other routine travel. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and avoid areas where westerners congregate, such as hotels and guest houses. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers, or in public places.
U.S. citizens in Afghanistan should regularly monitor Emergency Messages for U.S. Citizens | Embassy of the United States Kabul, Afghanistan as well as the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information and the Travel Warning for Afghanistan are found.
All U.S. citizens in Afghanistan are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad" which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries. You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook. 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 of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy is located at Great Massood Road between Radio Afghanistan and the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. To reach the American Citizens Services unit during business hours, please call 700-108-499 or send us an email at KabulACS@state.gov. You can also reach us through the Embassy's switchboard by calling 0700-108-001/002. For after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please call the Consular Duty Officer at 0700-201-908.