Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan

(April 27,2021)

Location:  Afghanistan

Event:  On April 27, 2021, the Department of State ordered the departure from U.S. Embassy Kabul of U.S. government employees whose functions can be performed elsewhere due to increasing violence and threat reports in Kabul. The Consular Section in U.S. Embassy Kabul will remain open for limited consular services to U.S. citizens and for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa processing.

The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Travel Advisory for Afghanistan remains Level 4-Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and COVID-19. Commercial flight options from Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) remain available and the U.S. Embassy strongly suggests that U.S. citizens make plans to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible. Given the security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited. 

Actions to Take:

  • Make plans to depart Afghanistan by commercial airlines
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance
  • Stay alert in places frequented by foreigners
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Keep a low profile
  • Notify a trusted person of your travel and movement plans
  • Be aware of your surroundings and local security developments
  • Monitor local media
  • Review your personal security plans 

Assistance: