Message from U.S. Embassy Kabul: Consular Closure Notice (Victory Day)

April 24, 2012

The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul will be closed on Thursday, April 26, 2012, in honor of the Afghan Victory Day national holiday. The Consular Section will reopen for normal operations on Sunday, April 29, 2012.

Victory Day is an historically important Afghan holiday that often brings large numbers of people together in military processions throughout Afghanistan. Riots and insurgent attacks can 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 all areas of public gathering if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

The Embassy continues to monitor the security environment and may send out emergency messages with updated information if required. In accordance with the Travel Warning for Afghanistan, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. U.S. citizens traveling to Afghanistan despite this warning, should avoid being predictable in their movements, including varying routes and times in commutes or other routine travel. U.S. citizens should 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. For life-or-limb emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please call th Consular Duty Officer at 0700-201-908.

U.S. citizens in Afghanistan should regularly monitor the Embassy's Travel Advisory 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 (KabulACS@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.