The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately using available commercial flight options, given the security situation of the country.
Earlier, the Taliban terrorists attacked a major stronghold of the country, forcing citizens and government officials to flee for safety. In a statement directed to Americans living in Afghanistan, the embassy urged all Americans to use the “next available flight” to America.
“Given the security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited even within Kabul.
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“The U.S. Embassy can provide a repatriation loan for U.S. citizens who cannot afford at this time to purchase a commercial ticket to the United States. Please contact the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit, for further information.
“The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that on April 27, 2021, the Department of State ordered the departure from U.S. Embassy Kabul of U.S. government employees whose functions can be performed elsewhere due to increasing violence and threat reports in Kabul.
“The Travel Advisory for Afghanistan remains Level 4-Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and COVID-19. Domestic flights and ground transportation routes outside of Kabul are severely limited and subject to cancellation or closure.
“U.S. citizens should enrol in the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and ensure the Embassy can contact you in an emergency. In the event of a future official evacuation flight, the Embassy would notify U.S. citizens enrolled in STEP of available assistance. However, the Embassy reiterates that U.S. citizens should leave Afghanistan as soon as possible using available commercial transportation and not plan to rely on U.S. government flights” the statement read.
Actions to take:
- Consider leaving Afghanistan via the earliest available commercial transportation.
- Develop a plan of action that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Enrol in the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
- If your U.S. passport expired on or before December 31, 2019, please see our web site for information on how to renew your passport before travelling.
This comes as heightened terrorist activities have ravaged Afghanistan, with the government of the country struggling to face the terrorists.
