Resumption of Travel for Embassy Personnel and Re-opening of Consular Section

September 15, 2011

The U.S. Embassy has reviewed its security posture following the September 13, 2011 attack on the Embassy and the headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul.  On Thursday, September 15, 2011, the Embassy resumed in-bound and out-bound travel from Afghanistan.  Mission-essential travel for Embassy personnel in Kabul city and around the country has also resumed. 

The Consular Section will reopen for normal business Monday, September 19, 2011.  On Sunday, September 18, Consular Section staff will contact all individuals who had appointments for visas or American Citizen Services on September 14, 15 and 18 to reschedule.  For emergencies involving U.S. citizens during this time, please call the Consular Duty Officer at 0700-201-908. 

The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Afghanistan of the current Travel Warning, which recommends 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.  

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.

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 1-202-501-444.  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 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 (USConsulKabul@state.gov).  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.