Warden Messages
Update on Developments in Iraq
March 20, 2003
Armed conflict with Iraq began on March 19, 2003. The Department of State advises American citizens in Haiti to take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety in the coming days. Remain vigilantly aware of surroundings, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current. Listen to news reports and maintain contact with your assigned warden or the U.S. Embassy at Port au Prince for a recorded update of developments. The Embassy will also post updated information on our web site.
U.S. citizens and interests worldwide are at risk of terrorist attacks, including by groups with links to Al-Qaida. U.S. Government facilities are on a heightened state of alert. The Embassy in Port au Prince may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In that event, we will make every effort to continue to provide emergency services to American citizens and will provide contact information by a warden message and on our web site. Monitor the local news as well as the Department of State web site, http://travel.state.gov, for information concerning safety and security of American citizens overseas. The Department of Homeland Security web sites, http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/ and http://www.ready.gov/, may also provide useful information.
American citizens with questions of concerns may telephone the Embassy at (509) 222-0200. In case of an emergency outside business hours or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer by calling (509) 222-0200. American citizens may also contact the Department of State, if calling from outside the United States at 317-472-2328, or, from within the U.S., toll-free at 1-888-407-4747. American citizens in Haiti who have not registered with the Embassy are urged to do so as soon as possible. You may register in person by coming to the American Citizen Services Unit. American citizens already registered with the Embassy are urged to update their registration information. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State’s consular information documents, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement located on the Department’s internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/.
At this time, the American Embassy does not now have plans to evacuate to a safe haven either its own employees or other American citizens. American citizens should follow the directions in this message to stay apprised of developments. Be certain that your travel documents and those of your family members are current for use in the event that the situation deteriorates.