Message from U.S. Embassy Kabul: Opening of U.S. Consulate General in Herat

The U.S. Consulate General in Herat will open on June 15, 2012, representing America's commitment to an enduring partnership and sustained relationship with the Afghan people. The Consulate does not have visa operations, nor does it offer passport or other American Citizen Services. All visa and American Citizen Services in Afghanistan are provided by the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. Appointments for visas, passports or other consular services are scheduled by visiting the Embassy's website: http://kabul.usembassy.gov/index.html .

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 the 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.