The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan. Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011.
U.S. Embassy operations in affected areas will continue to the extent possible under the constraints of any evolving security situation. U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Media coverage of local events may cause family and friends to become concerned for their loved ones traveling and residing abroad. We urge U.S. citizens to keep in regular contact with family and friends. U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll in 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. [...]
This warden message is being sent to inform U.S. citizens living and traveling in Germany about the upcoming May 1 Labor Day holiday and the potential for isolated unrest in Germany. Large-scale protests and wide-spread vandalism have traditionally occurred on April 30 and May 1 in certain areas of Berlin, Hamburg, and other German cities. These protests are often accompanied by clashes between demonstrators and police, as well as property damage, including the burning of cars and minor looting. While incidents in Berlin have largely been confined to the Kreuzberg neighborhood, acts of violence have spread in the past few years to other neighborhoods. Berlin police expect an increase in violence this year due to recent events, such as the Liebig 14, where squatters were forcibly evicted from residences in Friedrichshain in January, sparking days of violent clashes with Berlin police.
The U.S. Government is urging its employees and family members to avoid the following neighborhoods in Berlin from the night of April 30 and through Monday morning May 2:
Berlin: Kreuzberg, Pankow, Mitte (southeast portion), Prenzlauerberg (Mauerpark area) [...]
Our staff is raving about “Unknown”, the recently released U.S. film set in Germany. It’s a gripping thriller with a suspenseful plot, but we have one small gripe. We would be remiss if we didn’t correct a factual error in this movie about the services we provide for our citizens overseas.
During one particular scene, Dr. Harris (played by Liam Neesom) finds himself in a distressing situation and demands to speak to his Embassy. The head of security at his Berlin hotel informs him that this is not possible, as the Embassy is closed for Thanksgiving.
In real life, Dr. Harris could have called the Embassy duty officer to receive assistance at any hour, on any day, 365 days a year! [...]
When you come to the Embassy or Consulate, the first thing you do is go through our security procedures. These procedures are very similar to those in an airport. Our guards make every effort to screen visitors as quickly and politely as possible. You can help make the process easier and faster by not bringing any prohibited items with you. These include:
- Luggage, suitcases, or backpacks
- Electrical, electronic, or battery-operated items – including CELL PHONES, MP3 PLAYERS, computers, video games, or electric toys
- Firearms and edged weapons, including toy weapons
- Explosives
- Chemical agents, liquids, and gasses
- Any other items that are primarily weapons by design and/or use
As you will be denied entry to the Consular section if you arrive with any of these items, we recommend that you leave them at home, with a friend, or locked in your car.
To read about our security procedures in more detail, please read our security procedures handout.
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