TRAVEL WARNING: GUINEA

UNCLAS STATE 107790 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC GV SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING: GUINEA ¶1. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Guinea as the political situation there remains highly volatile, and urges all Americans still in Guinea to depart the country. Although Guinea has been relatively calm since October 5, 2009, the potential for violence remains high. U.S. citizens are advised that the Embassy further reduced the number of remaining personnel, after non-emergency U.S. staff and all dependents of U.S. employees left Guinea. ¶2. The U.S. Embassy in Guinea remains closed until further notice. The Embassy's consular section will, however, continue to provide emergency services for U.S. citizens. Nevertheless, citizens should be aware that the Embassy may be forced to suspend operations entirely, including emergency services, without advance notice due to an ongoing security situation. The international airport in Conakry is operating normally at this time, but flights may be suspended if the current security situation worsens. Land borders are also open, but may close without warning. U.S. citizens who remain in Guinea despite this Travel Warning are urged to stay in their homes until the security situation returns to normal, to closely monitor media reports, and to follow all official instructions. U.S. citizens who must leave their homes for any reason are urged to exercise extreme caution, to be particularly alert to their surroundings, and to avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering. Visitors to Guinea should be familiar with their hotel evacuation plans, policies, or procedures. ¶3. U.S. citizens in Guinea should carry their travel documents (i.e., passport, birth certificate, picture ID's, etc.) with them at all times. Additionally, U.S. citizens in the area are reminded to stay in contact with friends and family in the United States to keep them apprised of their current welfare and whereabouts. ¶4. All U.S. citizens traveling to or remaining in Guinea despite this Travel Warning are urged to register with the Department of State through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ . By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Department of State or the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located on the Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, opposite the New Radio Station in Ratoma, Conakry, Guinea. You can call the Embassy switchboard at +224-65- 10-4000, or reach the consular section directly by calling +224-67-10-4444. For after-hours emergencies, please call +224-67-10-4311. ¶5. Updated information on travel and security in Guinea may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Guinea and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. ¶6. Minimize considered. CLINTON