Information for Travelers

Warden Message

August 16, 2007

The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform American citizens in Afghanistan that Sunday, August 19, 2007 is the celebration of Afghanistan’s Independence Day.  Parades and celebrations are scheduled to take place country-wide.  Road closures and limits on vehicle traffic are expected. 

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul will be closed for all routine services on that day.  It will re-open for all normal business on Monday, August 20.

The Embassy will continue to handle emergencies.  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.

The Embassy advises all American citizens in Afghanistan to exercise caution that day, avoid crowds and public gatherings, and limit travel within or between cities to essential business only.  Yesterday’s attack on a NATO convoy, in which three soldiers were killed, is a reminder of the real dangers posed to American citizens and all expatriates living and working in Kabul.

We take this opportunity to remind the community to review their safety precautions. Updated information may be obtained by contacting the American Embassy in Kabul at usconsulkabul@state.gov or by calling the Consular Section at 0700-20-1908. 

The Department of State also shares information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.  U.S. travelers outside the U.S. may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

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