October 8, 2010

There has been public speculation that the Kyrgyz parliamentary elections to be held this Sunday, October 10, could lead to civil unrest. While the Embassy has no information indicating that there will be civil unrest or violence, it is important to be prepared for this possibility. 

During times of potential instability, U.S. citizens should always be prepared to spend several days at home, if necessary. This means having a stock of food, water, and medications, and keeping cell phones charged.  Stores may be closed in the event of any kind of natural emergency or civil disturbance.  

The Embassy stresses that at this point there is no information to suggest the security situation during or after the elections will deteriorate to the point that an evacuation would be necessary.  However, U.S. citizens should always be prepared for such an eventuality.

U.S. citizens are reminded to stay away from large crowds and to avoid any demonstrations, even ones that appear to be peaceful.

During the lead up to the elections and for the week following, the American Citizens Services Section can be reached after hours in case of emergency at 0550.806.153.

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's website at http://bishkek.usembassy.gov and the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs' website www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  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, outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek is located at 171 Prospect Mira, 720016 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The main phone number is 996-312-551-241 and may be used after hours. Fax: 996-312-551-264, and website: http://bishkek.usembassy.gov.