Travel in Kabul restricted August 19, 2011

The U.S. Embassy has restricted all travel in Kabul for employees today, August 19, 2011 due to the ongoing attack on the British Council in Karte-e-Parwan.  U.S. citizens in Kabul are strongly advised to avoid Karte-e-Parwan until further notice and should only travel in the city if absolutely necessary. 

The Embassy would also like to take this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens of its Security Announcements Internet web page, located at http://kabul.usembassy.gov/security_announcements.html. 

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).  

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are also encouraged to maintain valid travel documents and 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.  

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.