The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyz Republic would like to bring to the attention of U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Kyrgyz Republic the following Security Notice:
Over the weekend, U.S. and international media outlets reported about a video released by Al-Shabaab encouraging attacks on shopping malls in the West. Al-Shabaab drew references to the 2013 attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, and encouraged similar attacks against “American or Jewish-owned” shopping centers, especially in the West.
While there are no specific threats against targets in the Kyrgyz Republic, the Embassy would like to take this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens living and traveling in the Kyrgyz Republic to practice good personal security habits. We have placed some helpful tips below for your reference:
Daily Security Habits and Practices
- Vary your times and routes to and from work and other regularly scheduled activities.
- Keep your doors and windows closed and locked at all times in your home and vehicle.
- Check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle. Look for things that are irregular or abnormal.
- Maintain a low personal profile by avoiding activities that draw attention to you.
- Be alert to what is going on around you at all times.
- Make sure your colleagues and family are aware of your daily plans and how to reach you.
- Whenever possible, do not have a set day for shopping, errands and personal needs. Be unpredictable.
- Avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations.
- If you are being followed or harassed by someone on the street or another driver on the road, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility to call the Police. Never lead the person back to your home or stop your vehicle and get out.
- Never give out your personal information such as family member and household staff names, addresses and telephone numbers in an open setting.
- Ensure all of your family members know good safety practices.
- Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program via the Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov or the U.S. Embassy’s website.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling abroad 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 nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Internet website at travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information,Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
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 United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
If you need to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyz Republic, you may contact us via telephone at +996-312-55-1241. The Consular Section can be reached via e-mail at BishkekConsular@state.gov.
Non-emergency services for U.S. citizens are provided by appointment on Mon. and Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Wed., 2 – 4 p.m. In the event of emergency, you may reach the Duty Officer via telephone at +996-312-55-1262.
Best regards,
Consular Section
