Recurring Demonstrations in Kuwait

Associated Press/Gustavo Ferrari - Islamist, nationalist and liberal opposition groups gather to protest the Kuwait government's amendment of the electoral law and support a boycott on the country's election on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 in Kuwait City. More than 15,000 protesters rallied in the first government-authorized demonstration in Kuwait since a ban on political gatherings earlier this month. The election to be held Saturday, Dec. 1 is the fifth since mid-2006, and the second this year.(AP Photo/Gustavo Ferrari) 

U.S. Embassy Kuwait

Kuwait City, Kuwait

December 13, 2012

                              

Subject:           Security Message for U.S. Citizens:  18-2012

Recurring Demonstrations in Kuwait

According to media reports, there are calls for a number of recurring demonstrations and marches throughout the month of December.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  An increased police and security presence may be expected during marches and demonstrations.   Please avoid areas where demonstrations occur or are planned and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gatherings.  Stay current with media coverage of local events, be aware of your surroundings, and practice personal security awareness at all times.  Please note that participation in demonstrations by non-citizens is against the law in Kuwait.

Demonstrations may be announced or spontaneous.  They may begin in specific neighborhoods, and then spill over to other areas. 

The Embassy will continue to provide updates as to location and time of demonstrations as information becomes available.  Please continue to monitor the Embassy’s website for the latest available information.  For the latest demonstration notice, please click here.

As of December 12, 2012, recent nighttime demonstrations have taken place in the following areas and may continue there:

·         Ahmadi

·         Al Reqa

·         Al Sabahiya

·         Fahaheel

·         Mangaf

·         Sabah Al Nasser

·         Jahra 

A separate call for afternoon marches every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday in the following neighborhoods has been made:

·         Taima

·         Sulaibiya

·         Ahmadi

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://step.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State 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.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   For further information, please consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website athttp://travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information can be found.  In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries.  You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook and download our free Smart Traveler App available through iTunes and the Android market to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer. 

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov.

Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays.  The current holiday schedule for 2012 is posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.