Warden Information

Warden Message - Embassy Operations Suspended

April 9, 2008

This Warden Message is being issued to alert American Citizens traveling to or living in Haiti that the U.S. Embassy has suspended operations effective Wednesday, April 9 due to demonstrations, looting, and violence in the capital, and continuing protests in the city of Les Cayes, located in the South Department of Haiti.   All visa services and routine American citizens services will be temporarily unavailable during this period.  

The Embassy urges all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security/safety awareness. Americans residing in Port-au-Prince and its environs as well as Les Cayes are encouraged to remain indoors, monitor the local news and maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy.  Americans should avoid all crowds and demonstrations, and be sure to keep family and friends updated on their welfare and whereabouts.    The Embassy will continue to evaluate the situation and will notify U.S. citizens of any changes to Embassy operations or any new security threats. 

American citizens in need of emergency services can reach an Embassy officer by contacting the Embassy switchboard at (509) 222-13540 or (509) 222-98122.  American citizens can also reach an Embassy Duty Officer at (509) 417-2399 or (509) 558-9099, or may call Post One (U.S. Marine Guard) at the Chancery at (509) 222-0200.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. Citizens living and residing in Haiti are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov.