U.S. Embassy Kabul
Security Message for U.S. Citizens:
Demonstrations in Kabul
December 8, 2017
The U.S. Embassy has received information that on Friday, December 8, 2017, marches and demonstrations may take place around Kabul and could move in the direction of the International Zone. Crowds may begin mobilizing after morning prayers and these gatherings could continue into Saturday and Sunday. U.S. citizens may also notice heightened security measures around the city. Similar demonstrations and large gatherings are also possible in other parts of the country.
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to limit travel during this time period. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence without warning. U.S. citizens should exercise caution and avoid areas of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Remain alert to local security developments by monitoring local media and plan your activities accordingly.
In accordance with the Travel Warning for Afghanistan, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. The security situation in Afghanistan is extremely unstable, and the threat to all U.S. citizens remains critical. 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 to KabulACS@state.gov. You can also reach the ACS unit through the Embassy’s switchboard by calling 0700-108-000. For after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please call the Consular Duty Officer at 0700-108-000.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
