Families of Americans overseas may try to contact the American because of an emergency at home, natural disaster or because of concern about the American’s welfare. If they cannot reach the American directly, they may call the State Department’s Citizens Emergency Center or call the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek. The State Department will relay the message to the nearest U.S. Consular Section. The ACS unit will attempt to locate the American, pass on urgent messages, and, consistent with the Federal Privacy Act, report back to the family. Registering upon arrival greatly enhances our ability to locate you in the event of the emergency.
U.S. Embassy Bishkek
- Phone number: +996312597000
- After-Hours Emergency Telephone number: +996312597000 (Dial as inidicated if calling from the U.S.)
State Department’s Citizens Emergency Center
- (202) 647-5225 Everyday, 24 hours
Civil Disturbance or Disaster
In the event of a natural disaster or major crisis, American citizens need to be resourceful. U.S. officials will do everything they can to contact and advise. However, officials must give priority to helping Americans who have been hurt or are in immediate danger. In a disaster, consular officers may face the same constraints as private Americans – lack of electricity or fuel, interrupted telephone lines, closed airports, etc. Americans are advised to monitor news reports and contact the Embassy to find out if an advisory has been issued. In the event that all other forms of communication are not working, Americans should tune in to Radio OK (100.5 FM in Bishkek) for safety information from the Consular Section. Information will be provided at the top of the hour.
