October 05, 2007

Embassy of the United States of America
Rangoon, Burma
110 University Ave.
Kamayut Township
Rangoon

Tel:  (95-1) 536-509

Email: ConsularRangoo@state.gov
Website: http://burma.usembassy.gov

This warden message is to alert U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Burma of the ongoing political tension in Rangoon, Mandalay, and other cities. The Burmese Government has informed the public that the curfew in Rangoon is now in effect every day from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

We strongly recommend that all American citizens avoid travel during curfew hours. The Embassy will be closed on Monday, October 8, 2007, due to the U.S. Columbus Day holiday, but can be reached at the after-hours numbers listed below should you need to contact us. The Embassy will resume operations on Tuesday, October 9, 2007.

U.S. citizens should defer non-essential travel to Burma at this time. American citizens resident in Burma should avoid all demonstrations and processions as they could turn violent with little or no warning, as has happened recently. On September 27, a Japanese journalist was shot and killed in the Sule Pagoda downtown area during a demonstration. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens not to photograph and film the military and police because doing so could be interpreted as provocative. Authorities have shot and in some instances killed demonstrators, have used gunfire and tear gas against them, have restricted their movements, and have arrested many. The Burmese Government has banned all gatherings of more than five people.

We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Given the fluidity of the current situation, the Department of State advises all U.S. citizens in Burma to monitor events closely, to exercise discretion when moving about, and to avoid any large public gatherings, any visible military presence, and any area cordoned off by security forces.

The Department of State and the Embassy in Rangoon are continuing to follow developments closely. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://www.travel.state.gov, where the current worldwide caution, public announcements, and travel warnings can be found. Security information can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. 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 Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Burma are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy. Registration can be done on-line through the State Department’s travel registration website https://www.travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs, or via the Embassy’s website http://burma.usembassy.gov. If registering in person, the Embassy is located at 110 University Ave, Kamayut Township, Rangoon. The Embassy's phone numbers are (95-1) 536-509, 535-756, and 538-037. The consular section’s extension is 4240, and email address is ConsularRangoo@state.gov.

The Embassy’s after-hours emergency numbers are (95-1) 536-509, 535-756, and 538-037, all followed by extension 4014, and the after-hours mobile phone number is 09-512-4330. The Embassy has experienced telephone connection problems since its recent move to a new location. Pending resolution of these problems, callers may need to try all of the numbers above to find one that will connect.