Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Avoid Bankuale/Randa/Obock/Tadjoura

Djiboutian authorities reported an incident in the Bankuale/Randa area northwest of Tadjourah between the Djiboutian Army and a group of unidentified armed individuals.  Several Djiboutian soldiers were wounded.  Further information on the incident is incomplete.  In light of the uncertainty surrounding this event, the U.S. Embassy has restricted travel of Embassy personnel to this area through August 18.  U.S. citizens are advised to do the same.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Djibouti enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://step.state.gov.   STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.  Read the Country Specific Information for Djibouti.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti on Twitter and Facebook, and the U.S. Department of State on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in Djibouti is located at Lotissement Haramous Lot # 350B, tel.  +(253) 21-45-30-00.  You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy via email at ConsularDjibouti@State.gov.  For after-hours emergencies, please call +(253) 77-87-72-29.

djibouti.usembassy.gov