CONSULAR NOTICES

Consular Notice – February 15, 2007

U.S. Visa Services Temporarily Suspended in Asmara

The Government of Eritrea has not consistently granted visas to State Department temporary visitors who provide vital support for our Embassy operations. Additionally, in direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a treaty to which the Government of Eritrea is a signatory, consular staff is not notified if an American is arrested, nor can they travel freely to visit an American citizen in trouble. The Government of Eritrea does not allow unrestricted travel by American diplomatic and consular personnel, who are not allowed outside the capital of Asmara without requesting permission to travel 10 days in advance. Permission is oftentimes not granted even when requested in advance. For these reasons we are closed for public operations except for the provision of necessary services to American citizens.