U.S. Embassy Kuwait
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens – August 1, 2013
The Department of State has instructed certain U.S. Embassies and Consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations on Sunday, August 4.
The Department has been apprised of information that, out of an
abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be
visiting our installations, indicates we should institute these
precautionary steps. It is possible we may have additional days of
closings as well, depending on our analysis. Accordingly, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait will be closed on Sunday, August 4.
All U.S. citizen services appointments
and visa appointments have been cancelled and have been rescheduled on
an individual basis. For further information, please contact the
Consular Section at
consularkuwaitm@state.gov.
The Department, when conditions warrant,
takes steps like this to balance our continued operations with security
and safety. However, beyond this announcement we do not discuss
specific threat information, security considerations or measures, or
other steps we may be taking.
For further information, we refer you to the Worldwide Caution put out by the Department dated February 19, 2013, repeated below:
As a matter of general practice, U.S.
citizens should avoid areas where large gatherings may occur. Even
demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in
the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
Review your personal security plans;
remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor
local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance,
take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow
instructions of local authorities.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Kuwait enroll in the Department of State's
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it
easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in
an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
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. These numbers are available from
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
Monday through
Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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.
