New State Department Travel Advisory and Requirement
Today the State Department issued a new security alert. Again, we advise prospective travelers to always consult the State Department site for alerts of this nature as well as referring to the site when first making travel plans.
Instructions for subscribing to travel alerts are below, including the program known as Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
May 01, 2011
The US Department of State alerts US citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan. Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, US citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations. US citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011.
US Embassy operations in affected areas will continue to the extent possible under the constraints of any evolving security situation. US government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, US Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to US citizens. US citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
Media coverage of local events may cause family and friends to become concerned for their loved ones traveling and residing abroad. We urge US citizens to keep in regular contact with family and friends. US citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive the latest travel updates and information and to obtain updated information on travel and security issues. US citizens without Internet access may register directly with the appropriate US Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, US citizens make it easier for the US Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
Travel information is also available at travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
For information on "What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis," please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at travel.state.gov. For further information on specific countries, US citizens should consult the Country Specific Information pages, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings, as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ page on Facebook as well.
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