US Embassies and announcements.

[Pineau]

One thing I did when I first began my journey was to go to the US Department of state and Register with them as a traveler in foreign countries. I also identified the places where I could be found.

By doing this you have peace of mind , knowing that your Government has knowledge of your whereabouts.  You will receive all alerts and announcements relevant to you and the country where you are staying.  I have not kept mine up to date since I left China so I continue to get announcements and warnings relevant to China and Asia.

To register Go here.  https://step.state.gov/step/

[Pineau]

Message for U.S. Citizens: U.S. Mid-term Elections - Register to Vote Now!

Your vote counts!  Did you know that many recent U.S. elections have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by military and overseas voters?  All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline. 

Follow a few simple steps to make sure that you can vote in the 2014 U.S. elections:

Registering to Vote:  Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).   Even if you have voted by absentee ballot in the past, you must complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to vote in the 2014 elections.  The FPCA is accepted by all local election officials in all U.S. states and territories.  It allows you to register to vote and to request absentee ballots for all regular, primary, run-off, and special elections for federal offices (President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives) during the course of the year in which it is submitted.

You can complete the FPCA onlineat FVAP.gov.  The online voting assistant will ask you questions specific to your state.   It will tell you if your state allows the FPCA to be returned electronically or if you must submit a paper copy with original signature. 

Receiving Your Ballot:  Request Electronic Delivery!  States are now required to send out ballots 45 days before a regular election for federal office (President, U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives) and states generally send out ballots at least 30 days before primary elections.  No matter which state you vote in, we encourage you to ask your local election officials to deliver your blank ballots to you electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state).  Be sure to include your email address on your FPCA to take advantage of the electronic ballot delivery option.  You can now also confirm your registration and ballot delivery online for most states.

Researching the Candidates and Issues: Online Resources.  Check out the FVAP links page for helpful resources that will aid your research of candidates and issues.  Non-partisan information about candidates, their voting records, and their positions on issues are widely available and easy to obtain via numerous websites such as Project Smart Voter.  You can also read national and hometown newspapers on-line, or search the Internet to locate articles and information.  For information about election dates and deadlines, subscribe to FVAP's Voting Alerts (vote@fvap.gov).  FVAP also shares Voting Alerts via Facebookand Twitter.

Returning Your Completed Ballot: Other Options.  If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials, you can do so free of charge at the nearest embassy or consulate.  They must be in either postage paid return envelopes or in envelopes bearing sufficient domestic U.S. postage, and must also be addressed to the relevant local election officials. 

If you would like to drop off your completed FPCA or ballot for delivery to the United States via diplomatic pouch free of charge, you can drop off your completed voting forms and ballots, addressed to your local election officials, at the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou’s American Citizen Services Unit located at 43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou , China 510623.

Business Hours:

08:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Mondays – Fridays (except on holidays and Wednesday afternoons.)

Normal transit time from the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou to the United States is 20 business days.  Voting assistance is also available during these hours.

No reservation is required to drop off you forms or ballots or to request voting assistance.  Please present your passport to the guards and visit us at the American Citizen Services unit on the second floor of the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou.

If it’s more convenient for you, you can also return your FPCA or ballot to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service at your own expense. 

Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program's (FVAP) website FVAP.gov.  If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou’s Voting Assistance Officer at (86-20) 3814-5775, or at VoteGuangzhou@state.gov.

[Pineau]

American Citizen Services Now on WeChat

 

U.S. Consulate GeneralGuangzhou’s American Citizen Services Unit (Guangzhou ACS) is proud to announce we are now broadcasting information for U.S. citizens on WeChat! Please look for username GuangzhouACS or scan the QR code below with your mobile device for the latest regarding travel alerts, ACS services, and more.

 

By using social media, we hope to reach out and provide useful and timely tips and information for American citizens in our consular district. As always, if you have a question about a specific case, feel free to email us at guangzhouacs@state.gov.

 
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in China enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://www.travel.state.gov/. 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.

Current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution are all on the State Department's website, including the Country Specific Information for China.  For additional information, please read “A Safe Trip Abroad.”

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou is located at 43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China  510623 and is open from 8:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (86)(20) 3814-5775.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou is (86)(010) 8531-4000.

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China
No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100600
Telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
The Embassy consular district includes the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin and the provinces/autonomous regions of Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, and Xinjiang.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu
Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu
Chengdu 610041
Telephone:  (86)(28) 8558-3992
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang (Tibet) and Yunnan, as well as the municipality of Chongqing.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou
43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District,
Guangzhou 510623
Telephone:  (86)(20) 3814-5775
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86)(010) 8531-4000
This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai
Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai 200031
Telephone:  (86)(21) 3217-4650
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
This consular district includes Shanghai municipality and the provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang
No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District
Shenyang 110003
Telephone:  (86)(24) 2322-1198
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
This consular district includes the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan
New World International Trade Tower I
No. 568, Jianshe Avenue
Hankou, Wuhan 430022
Telephone:  (86) (027) 8555-7791
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000

[Pineau]

Voting Message for U.S. Citizens

Be an Active Voter by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2014 U.S. elections!
in many states, the voter registration deadline for the November 2014 elections is October 6.  For some voters this might mean their paper voter registration and absentee ballot request must reach their local election officials by October 6.  In order to vote in the November 2014 elections, all overseas U.S. citizens need to have completed a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)in 2014.  Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ballots and voted absentee in past elections, you must complete an FPCA each year to ensure you are able to participate in elections as an overseas absentee voter. 
http://www.fvap.gov/links
VoteGuangzhou@state.gov.vote@fvap.gov
http://www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter/registration-ballots
http://www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter
 
 
If you have already completed a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)in 2014 and requested electronic delivery of your ballot, you will be receiving your blank ballot or instructions for how to access your ballot soon if you have not already received it.  If you are not sure about the status of your absentee ballot request you should contact your local election officials in the United States or check the status of your registration via your state’s voter registration verification website.

You can get voting assistance from the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou or drop off your completed voting forms and ballots, addressed to your local election officials, during the following hours:8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday(except on holidays and Wednesday afternoons).
Normal transit time from the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou to the United States is 20 business days.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT OVERSEAS VOTING

Vote with white background

Please help spread the word to your friends, family, and colleagues that now is the time to start thinking about overseas voting.  Consider posting to your Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or other social media account that you are an active voter and will be dropping off or mailing your Federal Post Card Application or completed ballot.  Use #ProudOverseasVoter to help get the word out about voting.

If you have never voted while overseas before, it’s not too late. The process is easy ­-- just follow these steps:


1.     Complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
 
Whether you are a first-time voter or have voted absentee in past elections, complete an FPCA to receive your ballot this fall.  It allows you to register to vote and request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (presidential and state primaries, run-off, special, and the November general elections) during the course of the year in which you submit the FPCA.  Local election officials in all U.S. states and territories accept the FPCA.

The online voting assistant available at FVAP.gov is an easy way to complete the FPCA.  It will ask you questions specific to your state and tell you if electronic ballot delivery is possible.  No matter which state you vote in, we encourage you to ask your local election officials to deliver your blank ballots to you electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state).  Be sure to include your email address to take advantage of electronic delivery.  The online voting assistant will generate a printable FPCA, which you can then print and sign.

2.     Submit the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)

If you would like to drop off your completed FPCA or ballot for delivery to the United States  free of charge, you can drop off your completed voting forms and ballots, addressed to your local election officials, at the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou’s American Citizen Services Unit located at 43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou , China 510623.

If it’s more convenient for you, you can have a friend or family member drop off your FPCA at the consulate, on your behalf or you can send your FPCA or ballot directly to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service at your own expense. 

3.     Receive Your Ballot

After submitting your FPCA, most states allow you to confirm online your registration and ballot delivery selection.  States are now required to send out ballots 45 days before an election for federal office(President, U.S. Senate, or U.S. House of Representatives) to any overseas U.S. citizen who has completed an FPCA. 

4.     Return Your Ballot

 

As with the FPCA, you can return your voted ballot to your local election officials free of charge via the consulate or mail it directly at your own expense.

Your Vote Counts

Many U.S. elections within the past ten years have been decided by a margin of victory of less than 0.1%.  All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline (differs by state). 

Be an educated voter.  Check out the FVAP links page for helpful resources that will aid your research of candidates and issues.   You can also read national and hometown newspapers online, and search the Internet to locate articles and information. 

To receive information by email about election dates and deadlines, subscribe to FVAP's Voting Alerts (vote@fvap.gov).  FVAP also shares Voting Alerts via Facebookand Twitter.

If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou’s Voting Assistance Officer at (86-20) 3814-5775, or at VoteGuangzhou@state.gov.

[Pineau]

American Citizen Services is on WeChat

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou’s American Citizen Services Unit (Guangzhou ACS) is proud to announce we are now broadcasting information for U.S. citizens on WeChat! Please add username GuangzhouACS to follow us for the latest information regarding travel alerts, ACS services, and more.

By using social media, we hope to reach out and provide useful, timely tips and information for American citizens in our consular district. For questions regarding a specific case, please email us at guangzhouacs@state.gov.

[Pineau]

Security Message:  Report of Alleged Planning of Possible Terrorist Incident in Kunming, Yunnan Province

 

 

The United States Embassy in Beijing is aware of media reports alleging that terrorists may be planning to launch an attack in Kunming, Yunnan Province over the Lunar New Year period.  The Embassy has not been able to verify the accuracy of this report.   

 

As noted in the current Country Specific Information Sheet for China, violent attacks in 2014, including acts of terrorism, resulted in several dozen injuries and deaths in public spaces throughout China, including in train stations and markets.  Although neither U.S. citizens specifically nor foreigners generally were targeted in these attacks, such incidents pose a random threat to foreigners.  As always, the Embassy urges U.S. citizens to pay attention to their surroundings when traveling in China and report any concerns to the local police.

 

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or 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 (EST), Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

 

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing can be reached 24 hours per day at 86-10-8531-4000.  The addresses and telephone contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China are at the bottom of this announcement.

 

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in China are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy or closest U.S. Consulate by entering your travel itinerary and contact information at https://step.state.gov/step/. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

 

U.S. Embassy Beijing

No. 55 An Jia Lou Road
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600
China

Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000

Fax: +(86)(10) 8531-3300

The Embassy consular district includes the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin and the provinces/autonomous regions of Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, and Xinjiang.

BeijingACS@state.gov

 

Consulates

 

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou
43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District
Guangzhou 510623
China

Telephone: (86)(20) 3814-5775

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000

Fax: +(86)(20) 3814-5572

This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian.

GuangzhouACS@state.gov

 

U.S. Consulate General Chengdu
Number 4 Lingshiguan Road
Section 4, Renmin Nanlu
Chengdu 61004,China

Telephone: (86)(28) 8558-3992

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000

Fax: +(86)(28) 8554 6229

This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang (Tibet) and Yunnan, as well as the municipality of Chongqing.

AmCitChengdu@state.gov

 

U.S. Consulate General Shanghai
Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu,
Shanghai 200031
China

Telephone: +(86)(21) 3217-4650

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (86)(21) 3217-4650

Fax: +(86)(21) 6217-2071

This consular district includes Shanghai municipality and the provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

ShanghaiACS@state.gov

 

U.S. Consulate General Shenyang
No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District,
Shenyang 110003
China

Telephone: +(86)(24) 2322-1198

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000 or 86-137-0988-9307 (calling from the United States), or 137-0988-9307 (calling within China).

Fax: +(86)(24) 2323-1465

This consular district includes: the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.

shenyangacs@state.gov

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan
New World International Trade Tower I,
No. 568, Jianshe Avenue
Hankou, Wuhan 430022
China

Telephone: +(86)(027) 8555-7791

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000

Fax: 027-8555-776

Please note that Wuhan does not provide regularly scheduled consular services. Contact the Embassy in Beijing for consular assistance.

USConsulateWuhan@state.gov

 

 

 

[Pineau]

Security Message:  China-Burma Border Incidents

 

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing is aware of recent increased tensions related to the ongoing armed conflict in Burma between the Burmese government and various ethnic minority groups near the China-Burma border.  As a result of the conflict, the Chinese government has restricted travel to the border region.  U.S. citizens traveling near the China-Burma border may encounter checkpoints or may be prevented from entering certain areas.  As always, the Embassy urges U.S. citizens to pay attention to their surroundings when traveling in China and report any concerns to the local police and to the Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate.

 

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or 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 (EST), Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   

 

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing can be reached 24 hours per day at 86-10-8531-4000.  The addresses and telephone contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China are at the bottom of this announcement.

 

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in China are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy or closest U.S. Consulate by entering your travel itinerary and contact information at https://step.state.gov/step/. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

 

U.S. Embassy Beijing

No. 55 An Jia Lou Road
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600
China
Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Fax: +(86)(10) 8531-3300

The Embassy consular district includes the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin and the provinces/autonomous regions of Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, and Xinjiang.

BeijingACS@state.gov

 

Consulates

 

U.S. Consulate General Chengdu
Number 4 Lingshiguan Road
Section 4, Renmin Nanlu
Chengdu 61004,China
Telephone: (86)(28) 8558-3992
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Fax: +(86)(28) 8554 6229

This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang (Tibet) and Yunnan, as well as the municipality of Chongqing.

AmCitChengdu@state.gov

 

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou
43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District
Guangzhou 510623
China
Telephone: (86)(20) 3814-5775
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Fax: +(86)(20) 3814-5572

This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian.

GuangzhouACS@state.gov
 

U.S. Consulate General Shanghai
Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu,
Shanghai 200031
China
Telephone: +(86)(21) 3217-4650
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (86)(21) 3217-4650
Fax: +(86)(21) 6217-2071

This consular district includes Shanghai municipality and the provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

ShanghaiACS@state.gov

 
U.S. Consulate General Shenyang
No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District,
Shenyang 110003
China
Telephone: +(86)(24) 2322-1198
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000 or 86-137-0988-9307 (calling from the United States), or 137-0988-9307 (calling within China).
Fax: +(86)(24) 2323-1465

This consular district includes: the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.

shenyangacs@state.gov
 

The U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan
New World International Trade Tower I,
No. 568, Jianshe Avenue
Hankou, Wuhan 430022
China
Telephone: +(86)(027) 8555-7791
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Fax: 027-8555-776

Please note that Wuhan does not provide regularly scheduled consular services. Contact the Embassy in Beijing for consular assistance.

USConsulateWuhan@state.gov

 

[Pineau]

SECURITY MESSAGE: Knife Attack at Guangzhou Rail Station
Issued March 26, 2015

 

According to press reports, at approximately 1600 hours on March 24th, a local, emotionally disturbed man attacked people with a knife at the shoe wholesale market “Bu Yun Tian Di,” roughly a kilometer from the Guangzhou Railway Station.  Four people were injured in this attack and the perpetrator, after being cornered by security, jumped to his death from the rooftop of a building.

 

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou notes that this is the third knife attack that has occurred at or in the vicinity of the Guangzhou Railway Station since May 2014.  While crime and/or the acts of emotionally disturbed individuals may occur at any time or place, the confluence of incidents in this one area raises concern for the safety of persons, including U.S. citizens, transiting through this location.

 

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou takes this opportunity to remind all U.S. citizens to practice increased personal security awareness, particularly when transiting through areas with increased risk such as tourist locations or major transportation hubs.  U.S. citizens are advised to exercise caution when transiting the Guangzhou Railway Station and its immediate vicinity.   

 

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or 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 (EST), Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   

 

U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou is located at 43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China 510623 and is open from 8:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (86)(20) 3814-5775.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou is (86)(010) 8531-4000.

 

 

 

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in China are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy or closest U.S. Consulate by entering your travel itinerary and contact information at https://step.state.gov/step/.  In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

 

 

 

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou
43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District
Guangzhou 510623
China
Telephone: (86)(20) 3814-5775
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Fax: +(86)(20) 3814-5572

 

This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian.

 

GuangzhouACS@state.gov



 

U.S. Embassy Beijing

 

No. 55 An Jia Lou Road
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600
China
Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Fax: +(86)(10) 8531-3300

 

The Embassy consular district includes the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin and the provinces/autonomous regions of Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, and Xinjiang.

 

BeijingACS@state.gov

 

 

 

U.S. Consulate General Chengdu
Number 4 Lingshiguan Road
Section 4, Renmin Nanlu
Chengdu 61004,China
Telephone: (86)(28) 8558-3992
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Fax: +(86)(28) 8554 6229

 

This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang (Tibet) and Yunnan, as well as the municipality of Chongqing.

 

AmCitChengdu@state.gov

 

 

 

U.S. Consulate General Shanghai
Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu,
Shanghai 200031
China
Telephone: +(86)(21) 3217-4650
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (86)(21) 3217-4650
Fax: +(86)(21) 6217-2071

 

This consular district includes Shanghai municipality and the provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

 

ShanghaiACS@state.gov

 

 
U.S. Consulate General Shenyang
No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District,
Shenyang 110003
China
Telephone: +(86)(24) 2322-1198
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000 or 86-137-0988-9307 (calling from the United States), or 137-0988-9307 (calling within China).
Fax: +(86)(24) 2323-1465

 

This consular district includes: the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.

 

shenyangacs@state.gov
 

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan
New World International Trade Tower I,
No. 568, Jianshe Avenue
Hankou, Wuhan 430022
China
Telephone: +(86)(027) 8555-7791
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Fax: 027-8555-776

 

Please note that Wuhan does not provide regularly scheduled consular services. Contact the Embassy in Beijing for consular assistance.

 

USConsulateWuhan@state.gov

[Pineau]

Security Message: Tianjin Chemical Explosions

Media sources have reported extensively on explosions at the port of Tianjin, China on August 13 and August 15. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Tianjin to follow the guidance of local authorities and avoid the blast area until given further instructions.  We are aware that local authorities are taking measures to prevent secondary disasters and are monitoring air and water pollution in the area to prevent further chemical contamination.  The Embassy in Beijing remains in regular contact with local Tianjin government and hospital officials, and we have no information other than that which has been provided to the public by Chinese authorities.  We continue to liaise with local authorities, businesses, and healthcare providers to seek information on any U.S. citizens who may have been affected by the explosions.

The Embassy is also aware of social media messages relating to the Tianjin explosions from sources claiming to represent the U.S. Embassy. These messages were not issued by the U.S. Embassy. To determine whether a report is an official message, please check our website http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/ or contact American Citizen Services atBeijingACS@state.gov. All security messages will be sent through our Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens residing or traveling in China are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy or closest U.S. Consulate by entering your travel itinerary and contact information at https://step.state.gov/step/. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or 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 (EST), Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing can be reached 24 hours per day at 86-10-8531-4000.  The addresses and telephone contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China are at the bottom of this announcement.

 

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The U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou is located at 43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The Consulate’s American Citizen Service (ACS) unit can be reached at (86)(20) 3814-5775.  You can also contact the ACS unit through email at GuangzhouACS@state.gov.  Please visit our website for information on all services provided by the ACS unit.  If you are in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, call the Consulate’s emergency after hours number at (86)(010) 8531-4000, and ask for the duty officer.

 

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in China enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov. 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.

 

Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including any Travel Warnings or Travel Alerts for China, and Worldwide Cautions. Read the Country Specific Information for China. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

 

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

 

Follow us on WeChat.  Our WeChat ID:  GuangzhouACS

 

 

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China
No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100600
Telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
The Embassy consular district includes the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin and the provinces/autonomous regions of Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, and Xinjiang.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu
Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu
Chengdu 610041
Telephone:  (86)(28) 8558-3992
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang (Tibet) and Yunnan, as well as the municipality of Chongqing.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou
43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District,
Guangzhou 510623
Telephone:  (86)(20) 3814-5775
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86)(010) 8531-4000
This consular district includes the provinces/autonomous region of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai
Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai 200031
Telephone:  (86)(21) 3217-4650
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
This consular district includes Shanghai municipality and the provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang
No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District
Shenyang 110003
Telephone:  (86)(24) 2322-1198
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
This consular district includes the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan
New World International Trade Tower I
No. 568, Jianshe Avenue
Hankou, Wuhan 430022
Telephone:  (86) (027) 8555-7791
Emergency after-hours telephone:  (86) (10) 8531-4000
[Please note that consular services are provided only during quarterly outreaches in Wuhan.  Contact the Embassy in Beijing for consular and emergency services.]

 

 

[Pineau]

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats.  Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests.  This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016.

 

Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq.  Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis.  Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services.  In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali.  ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt. 

 

U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.  Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places.  Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events.  U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.  Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country.  U.S. citizens should:

 

·         Follow the instructions of local authorities.  Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. 

·         Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.

·         Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.

·         Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

 

Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions.  Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots.  We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism.  Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.

 

For further information:

·         See the State Department's travel websitefor the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.

·         Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

·         Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

·         Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

 

[Pineau]

The U.S. Embassy has received information of possible threats against Westerners in the Sanlitun area of Beijing, on or around Christmas Day.  U.S. citizens are urged to exercise heightened vigilance.  The U.S. Embassy has issued the same guidance to U.S. government personnel.

The State Department's Worldwide Travel Alert message remains in effect.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Contact the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, located at 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, by phone at (+86 10) 8531-4000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by email at BeijingACS@state.gov. For AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES, call 8531-3000 to speak to the operator.
Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).

[Pineau]

April 19, 2016

 

THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IN GUANGZHOU IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE CONSULATE WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN CHINA. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou is hosting an American Town Hall on April 21st from 6:00PM to 8:00PM to engage with U.S. citizens residing in the Guangzhou area.  U.S. Consul General Chuck Bennett will take questions from Americans about U.S.-China diplomatic relations, business and trade issues, and quality of life concerns for Americans overseas.  Participants will also learn about the services we provide for Americans and the security and health environment in South China.  They will also be treated to a U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard ceremony.

 

Representatives will be available to assist U.S. citizens with questions about voting, visas, facilitating trade, and other consulate services.  In addition, medical professionals from the consulate and international medical clinics in Guangzhou will be answering participants’ questions about health issues.

 

No RSVP is required.  Inquiries about the event can be directed to the American Citizen Services unit at GuangzhouACS@state.gov or to our WeChat account (WeChat ID: “GuangzhouACS”).  Americans interested in participating should bring their U.S. passports to enter the Consulate.  We look forward to seeing you on the 21st!

[Pineau]

With peak travel season right around the corner, the Embassy would like to call your attention to the last worldwide caution message that the Department of State issued on March 3, 2016.  We wanted to ensure that all U.S. citizens are well aware of the current worldwide travel environment.  Please have a healthy and safe summer!

 

 

 

Worldwide Caution
 

LAST UPDATED: MARCH 3, 2016
 

The Department of State is updating the Worldwide Caution with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Current information suggests that ISIL, al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions.  Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated July 29, 2015.   

In August 2014, after the United States and regional partners commenced military action against ISIL, ISIL called on supporters to attack foreigners wherever they are.  Authorities believe there is a continued likelihood of reprisal attacks against U.S., Western, and coalition partner interests throughout the world, especially in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.

U.S. citizens continue to be at risk of kidnappings and hostage events as ISIL, al-Qa’ida, and their affiliates attempt to finance their operations through kidnapping-for-ransom operations.  U.S. citizens have been kidnapped and murdered by members of terrorist and violent extremist groups.  ISIL, al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) are particularly effective with kidnapping for ransom and are using ransom money to fund their activities.

Extremists may use conventional or non-conventional weapons and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, shopping malls, and other tourist destinations both in the United States and abroad where U.S. citizens gather in large numbers, including during holidays.  In the past year, major extremist attacks occurred in countries including Tunisia, France, Nigeria, Turkey, Egypt, and Mali. 

U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure.  Extremists have targeted and attempted attacks on subway and rail systems, aviation, and maritime services.

U.S. citizens considering maritime travel also should review information at the websites of the National Geospatial Agency, the Maritime Administration, and the U.S. Coast Guardfor information related tomaritime and port security globally.  Current areas of concern include the Caribbean, Gulf of Guinea, Horn of Africa, and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore ‎as a result of maritime crimes including smuggling, human trafficking, and piracy.

The information provided below offers select regional or country examples.  Please check travel.state.gov for additional information.

EUROPE:  Credible information indicates terrorist groups such as ISIL and al-Qa’ida and its affiliates continue to plot near-term attacks in Europe.  All European countries remain vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

European authorities continue to warn of the possibility of attacks conducted by lone individuals inspired by extremist organizations that could occur with little to no warning.  Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, aviation services, transportation systems, and public venues where people congregate.  Authorities believe there is a high likelihood terror attacks in Europe will continue as European members of ISIL return from Syria and Iraq.  European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable.

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MIDDLE EAST and NORTH AFRICA:  Credible information indicates terrorist groups also seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa.  The U.S. government remains highly concerned about possible attacks against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses, and perceived U.S. and Western interests.  Private U.S. citizens are strongly discouraged from traveling to any country to join in armed conflict.  U.S. citizens are reminded that fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations, including ISIL, can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism, which is a serious crime that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines.

In Syria, the security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable as a civil war between government and armed anti-government groups continues throughout the country.  Groups such as ISIL, al-Nusrah Front (ANF) and al-Qa’ida operate there.  In recent years, Westerners have been kidnapped and several have been killed by terrorist groups in Syria.

U.S.-designated terrorist groups operating in Lebanon include Hizballah, ISIL, ANF, Hamas, and the Abdullah Azzam Brigades (AAB).  U.S. citizens have been the target of terrorist attacks in Lebanon in the past, and the threat of anti-Western terrorist activity remains.

In Iraq, ISIL controls significant territory in northern, western, and central Iraq, and continues to attack Iraqi security forces and civilians in those areas.

In Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria, groups affiliated with ISIL, Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and other terrorist groups have conducted attacks against both foreign and local targets.

In Yemen, the security situation has deteriorated greatly since 2014, necessitating the suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in February 2015.  Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIL remain threats to U.S. citizens in Yemen.

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AFRICA:  Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and al-Murabitun remain active in northern Mali and Niger, and recently conducted major attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso in which U.S. citizens were killed.  Terrorist groups have stepped up their rhetoric, calling for additional attacks or kidnapping attempts on Westerners and others, particularly those linked to support for international military intervention. 

The terrorist group AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western targets in the Sahel (an area that stretches across the African continent between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea to include Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea).  It has claimed responsibility for kidnappings, attempted kidnappings, and the murder of several Westerners throughout the region.

Al-Shabaab assassinations, suicide bombings, hostage taking, and indiscriminate attacks in civilian-populated areas are frequent in Somalia.  Al-Shabaab retains its demonstrated capability to carry out attacks in government-controlled territory in Somalia and in neighboring countries such as Kenya and Djibouti.

Boko Haram, an extremist group based in northeast Nigeria, has claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks, mainly in northern Nigeria.  Boko Haram also has targeted women and children for kidnapping, reportedly kidnapping women in northern states for marriage as “slave brides.” Boko Haram has carried out attacks in Cameroon’s Far North Region, western Chad, and southern Niger, targeting foreign expatriates, tourists, and government leaders.

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SOUTH ASIA:  The U.S. government assesses terrorist groups in South Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. facilities, citizens, and interests.  The presence of al-Qa’ida, Taliban elements, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terrorist organizations, many of which are on the U.S. government's list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens in the region.

Although the Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures, particularly in the major cities, terrorist attacks have occurred against civilian, government, and foreign targets.  Attacks have included armed assaults on heavily guarded sites, including Pakistani military installations and airports.  Terrorists and criminal groups also have resorted to kidnapping for ransom.

No province in Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and crime, and the strong possibility exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against U.S. and other foreign nationals at any time.  Taliban and other extremist organizations remain active in every province of the country and frequently target both Afghan government and foreign interests.

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly.  Anti-Western terrorist groups active in India include Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba.  Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas.

Since September 2015, Bangladesh has experienced a series of increasingly sophisticated violent attacks.  These include the murders of two foreign nationals, as well as bombs and other attacks against gatherings of religious groups and security forces.  ISIL publicly claimed credit for many of these attacks.  Additionally, groups claiming to represent al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) asserted responsibility for a series of threats and terrorist attacks targeting writers, publishers, and others in the media, including the murder of a U.S. citizen blogger.

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CENTRAL ASIA:  Supporters of terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, al-Qa’ida, and the Islamic Jihad Union remain active in Central Asia.  These groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. government interests.

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EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC:  Information from credible sources suggests that there is a continued risk of armed terrorist and criminal groups operating and planning attacks against foreigners, including U.S. citizens, in the East Asian and Pacific region.  Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf Group, have cells operating throughout Southeast Asia and JI is linked to al-Qa’ida and other regional terrorist groups. 

There is a risk of travel to the southern Philippines, specifically related to kidnapping threats in the Sulu Archipelago and the ongoing threat of violence on the island of Mindanao, particularly in Central Mindanao. Foreigners in the Eastern Sabah province of Malaysia are also targets for kidnappings for ransom.  Criminal or terrorist bands may attempt to intercept boats ferrying tourists in the area as well.

Indonesian counterterrorism efforts have prevented terrorists from conducting large-scale attacks in recent years.  The January 14, 2016, attack in central Jakarta, however, shows that extremists in Indonesia still have the ability to carry out small-scale violent attacks.

U.S. 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, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

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For further information:

See the Department of State's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides several resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector abroad.  Additional information on OSAC can be found on OSAC.gov or by following OSAC on Twitter.
Mariners should also review information at the websites of the National Geospatial Agency, the Maritime Administration, and the U.S. Coast Guard for information related to maritime and port security globally.

[Pineau]

The State Department strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Korea’s system of law enforcement, which imposes unduly harsh sentences, including for actions that in the United States would not be considered crimes. 

 

This notice replaces the Travel Warning dated November 20, 2015.

 

At least 14 U.S. citizens have been detained in the DPRK in the past ten years.  North Korea has detained those who traveled independently and those who were part of organized tours.  Being a member of a group tour or using a tour guide will not prevent North Korean authorities from detaining or arresting you.  Efforts by private tour operators to prevent or resolve past detentions of U.S. citizens in the DPRK have not been successful.

 

If you decide to enter North Korea against the advice of this Travel Warning, you should have no expectation of privacy.  All electronic and multimedia devices including USB drives, CDs, DVDs, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, Internet browsing histories and cookies are subject to search for banned content.

 

If DPRK authorities permit you to keep your mobile phone when you enter the country, it will not function unless you use the DPRK mobile service, which will enable DPRK authorities to monitor your calls.  GPS-trackers and satellite phones are not allowed.

 

Possession of any media, either physical or electronic, criticizing the DPRK government or its leaders is considered a criminal act punishable by long-term detention in hard labor camps and heavy fines.

 

In North Korea, the following – whether done knowingly or unknowingly – have been treated as crimes:

 

Showing disrespect to the country’s former leaders, Kim Il Sung or Kim Jong Il, or for the country’s current leader, Kim Jong Un, including but not limited to tampering with or mishandling materials bearing their names or images;
Entering North Korea without proper travel documentation;
Possessing material that is in any way critical of the DPRK government;
Proselytizing or carrying out religious activities, including activities that may be construed as such, like leaving behind religious materials;
Engaging in unsanctioned political activities;
Traveling without authorization, even for short distances;     
Having unauthorized interaction with the local population;
Exchanging currency with an unauthorized vendor;
Taking unauthorized photographs;
Bringing pornography into the country;
Shopping at stores not designated for foreigners; and
Removing or tampering with political slogans and signs or pictures of political leaders.
Numerous foreigners have been held in North Korea for extended periods of time without being formally charged with any crimes.  Detained foreigners have been questioned daily for several weeks without the presence of counsel and have been compelled to make public statements and take part in public trials.

 

Since the United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea, the U.S. government has no means to provide normal consular services to U.S. citizens in North Korea.  The Embassy of Sweden in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang is the Protecting Power for U.S. citizens in the DPRK and provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens traveling in North Korea who require emergency assistance.

 

The U.S.-DPRK Interim Consular Agreement stipulates that North Korea will notify the Embassy of Sweden within four days of an arrest or detention of a U.S. citizen and will allow consular visits by the Swedish Embassy within two days after a request is made.  However, the DPRK government routinely delays or denies consular access.

 

The DPRK remains one of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world.  U.S. citizens traveling to North Korea should familiarize themselves with all applicable sanctions relating to the country, particularly U.S. sanctions on the DPRK.  To learn more about U.S. sanctions on the DPRK, see the Federal Register.

 

The State Department remains deeply concerned about the DPRK’s ongoing, systematic, and widespread human rights violations.  To learn more about North Korea’s deplorable human rights situation, see the DPRK Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 2015.

 

The United States and the United Nations Security Council have expressed grave concern regarding North Korea’s recent nuclear tests, ballistic missile launches, and other activities prohibited by United Nations Security Council Resolutions.  UN Security Council statements from January 2016 and March 2016 are posted on the UN website.

 

As a result of concerns arising from unannounced missile launch activities and GPS navigation systems interference and/or disruption, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Prohibition and Advisory notice to U.S. airmen and operators.  The FAA has issued Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 79 which prohibits U.S. civil aviation from flying in the Pyongyang Flight Information Region (FIR) (ZKKP) west of 132 degrees east longitude, and the FAA has advised those flying in and around the Pyongyang FIR (ZKKP) east of 132 degrees east longitude to be aware of possible GPS interruptions.  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

 

For further information:

 

See the State Department's travel website at travel.state.gov for current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for North Korea.


Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety and security messages via email (though you may not have access to email while in North Korea).  Enrollment also makes it easier to locate you in case of an emergency.
U.S. citizens who plan to travel to North Korea are strongly encouraged to inform the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China by enrolling in STEP.  U.S. citizens residing in China can contact the U.S. Embassy directly.  The Embassy is located next to the Ladies’ Street (Nuren Jie) and Laitai Flower Market, near the Kempinski Hotel and Lufthansa Shopping Center on Tianze Road near the Liangmaqiao subway stop:
           

           U.S. Embassy in Beijing

           American Citizens Services Unit
           No. 55 An Jia Lou Road
           Chaoyang District
           Beijing, China 100600
           Telephone:  (86-10) 8531-4000
           Email:  BeijingACS@state.gov
           Emergency after-hours number for U.S. citizens:  (86-10) 8531-4000

 

U.S. citizens traveling to North Korea are also strongly encouraged to contact the Embassy of Sweden by telephone or email prior to travel.  Please provide the Embassy of Sweden with your name, date of birth, dates of your trip, and emergency contact information: 
 

           The Embassy of Sweden Pyongyang (U.S. Protecting Power in North Korea)
           Munsu-Dong District
           Pyongyang, DPRK
           Telephone:  (850-2) 3817 485 (reception)
           Telephone:  (850-2) 3817 904, (850-2) 3817 907 (Deputy)
           Telephone:  (850-2) 3817 908, (850-2) 3817 905 (Amb.)
           Facsimile:  (850-2) 3817 663
           Email:  ambassaden.pyongyang@gov.se

 

If you provide information to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing or the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang, officials will be able to locate you more easily in an emergency.  Take note of and keep the contact details for the Swedish embassy for easy access in case of an emergency.

 

U.S. citizens can obtain current information on safety and security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

[Pineau]

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will host a webinar on “Overseas Filing for U.S. Taxpayers” on May 25, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EDT. To register and attend this webinar, use the Overseas Filing for U.S. Taxpayers webinar link.  Attendees should log in 10 minutes prior to the start time.  The session will be recorded and made available at a later time on IRSvideos.gov.
http://www.irsvideos.gov/