Information for Travelers
Warden Message
March 17, 2008
Nawrooz and Prophet’s Birthday Closure
This notice is to advise American citizens residing or traveling in Afghanistan that the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul will be closed for all routine services on Thursday, March 20th, 2008, in honor of the Afghan holiday Nawrooz and the Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed.
The Embassy will re-open for all normal business on Sunday, March 23rd.
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.
Nawrooz, Afghan New Year, is celebrated with community gatherings and for many Afghans, a pilgrimage to the Hazrate Ali Ruwaza Sharif Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif. Given the unpredictable nature of these events, American citizens are urged to limit their movements this day to essential travel only. In addition, it would be reasonable to expect especially heavy vehicular traffic on the routes between Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif on this day and the period preceding and following it.
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.
Sincerely,
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy
Kabul, Afghanistan