Message to U.S. Citizens: Security Concerns in Kabul and Consular Closure Notice

December 23, 2012

Because of the holiday season and other concerns, there is a possibility of incidents in the coming days. Locations where westerners are known to frequent and large public gatherings may become targets for violent extremist activity. In addition, even gatherings that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable.

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.

In addition, the Consular Section will be closed to routine services on December 24 and 25, 2012. If you need to report an emergency, please contact the Consular Duty Officer at 0700-201-908.

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 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.

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 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.