Information for Travelers

Warden Message

July 23, 2007

The Government of Afghanistan has announced that Mohammad Zaher Shah, the last King of Afghanistan, died this morning in Kabul.  Afghan President Hamid Karzai has declared a three-day period of national mourning.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul strongly urges American citizens residing or traveling in Afghanistan to exercise particular caution regarding public ceremonies, observances, demonstrations, or other gatherings, whether official or not, which may be held to mark the passing of the King.  Some of these might involve very large groups of people congregating in a particular location.  Events may be concentrated in Kabul, but may also take place in any other part of the country.

The Consular Section has no information at this time as to what specific events will be organized to honor the King's memory.  We invite American citizens to consult various local news outlets, including those found via the internet, for announcements and updates in this regard; one such resource is Pajhwok Afghan News, www.pajhwak.com.

The Consular Section has no reason to believe any such events will be anything but peaceful.  However, we note that large public gatherings pose an increased risk of incidents of violence.  In addition, a number of roads may be closed in connection with these events.  American citizens are urged to avoid any areas of public gatherings and to exercise caution in the vicinity of them.  American citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.

Americans who find themselves in cases of extreme emergency in Afghanistan may contact the Embassy receptionist via 0700-10-8001 or the Consular Section via mobile at 0700-20-1908.

We take this opportunity to remind American citizens of the continuing threats outlined in the current Travel Warning for Afghanistan and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement.  The full text of each can be found at http://travel.state.gov.  Updated information may also be obtained by visiting the American Embassy in Kabul’s website http://usembassy.state.gov/afghanistan/ or by contacting the American Embassy in Kabul at usconsulkabul@state.gov.   In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

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