Security Alert (June 2012)
Security Message: Demonstrations in Khartoum
June 20, 2012
The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum is issuing this Security Message to remind U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Khartoum and surrounding areas to exercise caution at all times and closely monitor local events through reliable local and international news sources. The Embassy has witnessed an increase in protests occurring with little or no notice in the capital city area. Because even peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational and become violent, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all public demonstrations and political rallies as well as areas around them. You should keep a low profile, vary your travel times and routes, exercise care while driving and avoid areas where large crowds are gathering.
You can stay in touch and get updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Khartoum web site. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler IPhone App for travel information at your fingertips. Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).
If you are going to live in or travel to Sudan, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date. It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
The U.S. Embassy is located at U.S. Embassy Road, Kilo 10, Soba in Khartoum; (Telephone: (249) 1-870-22000). The Embassy's normal operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. For emergencies and after-hours, please call 249-187-022000 (International), or 0187-022000 (Local). Press "0" or remain on the line. U.S. citizens may request emergency services at any time, but the ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency may be limited. U.S. citizens requiring non-emergency assistance may schedule an appointment with American Citizen Services through the Embassy's website or call 249-187-022871 (International), or 0187-022871 (Local).