Travel Warning

United States Department of State

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Washington, DC  20520
 

CHINA

March 15, 2008

This Travel Alert is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to safety and security concerns in China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).  On March 14, violence erupted following peaceful demonstrations in the city of Lhasa.  American citizens in Tibet and especially in Lhasa are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.  U.S. citizens in Lhasa should seek safe havens in hotels and other buildings and remain indoors to the extent possible.  Americans are advised to defer travel to Tibet at this time. This Travel Alert expires on April 14, 2008. 

The Embassy has received reports from American citizens in the city who report gunfire, rioting, and other violence.  Information from the media and other sources about the extent of the violence may be sporadic.  American consular personnel have not yet been granted access to the TAR and therefore assistance to American citizens may be limited.  U.S. citizens in Lhasa should avoid unnecessary movement within the city until the situation stabilizes.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. or 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 Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing can be reached 24 hours per day at 86-10-6532-3431. The addresses and telephone contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates are at the bottom of this announcement.  

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in China are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy or closest U.S. Consulate by entering your travel itinerary and contact information at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in China are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy or closest U.S. Consulate by entering your travel itinerary and contact information at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

U.S. Embassy Beijing: tel. 86-10-6532-3431

U.S. Consulate General Chengdu: tel. 86-28-8558-3992

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou: tel. 86-20-8518-7605

U.S. Consulate General Shanghai: tel. 86-21-3217-4650 

U.S. Consulate General Shenyang: tel. 86-24-2322-1198