Syria warning

The U.S. Department of State urges American citizens to depart immediately while commercial transportation is readily available. In view of the uncertainty and instability of the current situation, which shall remain in Syria American citizens are advised to limit non-essential travel within the country. American citizens Syria step should defer all travel to Syria at this time. The State Department ordered all non-emergency employees of the U.S. Government and certain staff-eligible family members to depart from the Syria. Operations Embassy will continue to the extent possible under the constraints of a changing security situation. Full consular passport and visa services continue to be provided. This warning replaces the warning for the Syria published April 4, 2011, to provide up-to-date information on violent clashes at demonstrations, enhanced security measures and note initially ordered some members of the Embassy of the United States and all members of the family. Since March, 2011, events throughout the Syria were violently suppressed by the Syrian security forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Events can take place anytime, anywhere. Recent protests were held on the campus of the University, the main streets, public squares, mosques and other places of public gathering. Remind us American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. American citizens are asked to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of a demonstration. Several cities, including Damascus, were placed under heightened security. Travellers on Syrian roads met with an increase in the number of control points and obstacles hindering travel and denying them entry or exit of affected cities. On 22 April, security forces prevented many to enter or leave Damascus. Constraints of Syrian Government observers, including diplomats accredited short term detention, made it difficult for the staff of the Embassy be able to adequately assess current risk or potential of continuing violence. Syrian efforts to assign the current unrest to external influences may lead to an increase in xenophobic feelings. Detained American citizens may find themselves subject to allegations of incitement or espionage. Contrary to the terms of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which the Syria is signatory, Syrian authorities generally did not notify the Embassy of the United States of the arrest of a U.S. citizen until days or weeks after the arrest. In addition, in the past, security officers did not respond to the requests of the Embassy consular access, especially in the case of persons detained on grounds of "security."? Travellers should take into account the guidance given by the Syrian police or security officials and must always have a copy of their passport as proof of citizenship and identity. Take photographs of the demonstrations, public gatherings or anything that could be perceived as being of military interest or security can lead to questioning, detention or forfeiture of the images. In addition, American citizens should be aware that with a lack of respect for the political symbols or conversations on the topics of politics, religion and other social issues could lead to an arrest. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Media coverage of local events may cause the family and friends to become concerned for the well-being of their families in Syria, and we urge American citizens to remain in regular contact with family or friends. U.S. citizens living or travelling in Syria are encouraged to register in the Department of State Smart traveller registration program (STEP) to receive the latest travel updates and information and to obtain updated information on travel and security within the Syria. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy of the United States in Damascus. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in an emergency. The Embassy of the United States in Damascus can be reached at all hours at 963-11-3391-4444. the fax number is 963-11-3391-3999. Website of the Embassy, available at the U.S. Embassy Damascus, includes consular information and most recent messages to the American citizen community in Damascus. Updated safety information may also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 without charge to the United States and the Canada or, for the appellants outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll-free at 1-202-501-4444. These figures are available from 8: 00 to 20: 00 Eastern time, Monday to Friday (except for U.S. Federal holidays).? For information about "what can the Department of State and Can can't Do in a crisis", please visit the Office of consular emergencies and crisis link at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.htmlFor more information, U.S. citizens should consult specific information about the countries of the Department of State for the available on the Web site Syria travel of the Office of Consular Affairs at http://travel.state.gov/. Stay up-to-date by our Office of Consular Affairs Web site bookmark, which also contains travel alerts and current travel warnings and warnings around the world. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs Facebook page.