Travel Alert - China (July 10, 2009)
1. This Travel Alert is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to safety and security concerns in the city of Urumqi in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. On July 5, 2009, ethnic violence erupted in Urumqi. The unrest continued in the following days, with Chinese state media reporting over one hundred and fifty deaths and more than one thousand injured. There is a significant increased security presence in Urumqi and its environs; sporadic outbreaks of violence may still occur. While there are no indications that this violence is directed at U.S. citizens, anger has been directed at Westerners present during violent incidents. Americans in Xinjiang and especially in Urumqi are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. U.S. citizens in Urumqi should remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement within the city. Americans planning a trip to Xinjiang are advised to defer travel to the region at this time. This Travel Alert expires on August 8, 2009.
2. 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, Public Announcements, 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 1-317-472-2328. 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 can be reached 24 hours per day at 86-10-8531-3000. The addresses and telephone contact information for the American Citizen Services offices at the U.S. Embassy and U.S. 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. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
U.S. Embassy Beijing: Tian Ze Road intersection of An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District. Telephone number during regular business hours and for after-hours emergencies: 86-10-8531-4000, Email: amcitbeijing@state.gov. The embassy’s website is beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn.
U.S. Consulate General Chengdu: Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu 610041, tel. 86-28-8558-3992, Email: consularchengdu@state.gov. For after hours emergencies, please call 86-28-1370-800-1422.
U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou: The Consular Section is located at 5th Floor, Tianyu Garden (II phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510133, tel. (86-20) 8518-7605, Email: GuangzhouACS@state.gov. Guangzhou adoptions Email: GuangzhouA@state.gov. For after hours emergencies, please call 86-20-8121-8000.
U.S. Consulate General Shanghai: The Consular Section is located in the Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200041; tel. (86-21) 3217-4650, Email: Shanghaiacs@state.gov. For after hours emergencies, please call 86-21-6433-3936.
U.S. Consulate General Shenyang: No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110003; tel. (86-24) 2322-1198, Email: ShenyangACS@state.gov. For after hours emergencies, please call 86-24-137-0988-9307.