September 7, 2016
As the Afghan observance of Martyrs’ Day on September 9, 2016 and the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks approach, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and vigilance regarding your personal security. Demonstrations and additional local security related to ceremonies commemorating Martyrs’ Day could lead to unexpected road closures. Official U.S. Embassy travel could be restricted without notice. Please review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including at local events; and monitor local news for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow the instructions of local authorities.
As a reminder, in accordance with the Travel Warning for Afghanistan, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. The security situation in Afghanistan is extremely unstable, and the threat to all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan remains critical, to include the potential for kidnapping and life-threatening attacks. U.S. citizens currently visiting or residing in Afghanistan may wish to consider departing. The Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens who decide to remain in Afghanistan to review your personal security plans, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal safety, remain aware of your surroundings, monitor local media for updates, and maintain a high level of vigilance.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution,Travel Warning for Afghanistan, Travel Alerts, and Afghanistan Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy, which is located at Great Massoud Road between Radio Afghanistan and the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. To reach the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of the Consular Section during business hours, please call 0700-114-000 or send an email toKabulACS@state.gov. For after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please call same ACS number to speak to the Consular Duty Officer.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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