Message to U.S. Citizens: Consular Closure Notice (November 22 and 25, 2012)

The Consular Section will be closed on Thursday, November 22, 2012 in observation of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Also, the Consular Section will be closed on Sunday, November 25, 2012, in honor of the Muharram (Ashura) holiday. Normal operations will resume on Monday, November 26, 2012.

Ashura is the major holy day of mourning for Shia Muslims, and commemorates the deaths of the Prophet’s grandson and his family and followers at Karbala in present-day Iraq. This important holiday often brings large numbers of people together in processions and demonstrations throughout Afghanistan. Riots and incidents of civil disturbance can and do occur, often without warning. 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.

The Embassy is monitoring the security environment and may send out emergency messages with updated information if required. As always, U.S. citizens should make every effort to avoid being predictable in their movements, including varying their routes and times in commutes or other routine travel. We urge U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and avoid areas where Westerners congregate.  Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers or in public places. Make sure trusted family or friends are aware of your itinerary and always travel with mobile phones or appropriate communication equipment.

The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Afghanistan of the current Travel Warning, which warns against travel to Afghanistan. The security threat to all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. If you plan to travel to Afghanistan despite the current Travel Warning, or already reside here, we urge you to register with the Embassy through the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive the latest travel updates and information and to obtain updated information on travel and security issues.

U.S. citizens in Afghanistan should regularly monitor the Embassy’s Security Announcements Internet web page, 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. 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 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy is located at Great Masood Road between Radio Afghanistan and the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. To reach the American Citizens Services unit during business hours, please call 0700-108-499 or send us an e-mail. You can also reach us through the Embassy’s switchboard by calling 0700-108-001/002.  For after-hours life-or-limb emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please call the Consular Duty Officer at 0700-201-908.