News for American Citizens

What's new (Archive for 2008)

• Travel Warning: Serbia (Updated February 27, 2008)
• Warden Message: Increases to U.S. Passport Fees and New Parental Signature Requirements for U.S. Minors (Updated February 1, 2008)
• NATO Summit - Important Information for Travelers to Bucharest

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Travel Warning: Serbia (Updated February 27, 2008)

This Travel Warning updates U.S. citizens about safety and security concerns in Serbia and replaces the travel alert of February 21, 2008. On February 22, 2008, the Department of State ordered the departure from Serbia of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members of American employees at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade.

On February 21, a large organized demonstration in front of the Serbian Parliament in downtown Belgrade turned violent. Street protesters in different locations clashed with police and attacked the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade. The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade remains temporarily closed to the public. U.S. Citizens should strongly consider the risks of traveling to or remaining in Serbia at this time. American citizens in Belgrade are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations may take place, such as the U.S. Embassy.

U.S. citizens or family members concerned for the safety of U.S. citizens in Serbia or with an after-hours emergency may call 24/7 at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada. Callers outside the U.S. and Canada should call our regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade expects that future gatherings and events protesting Kosovo's declaration of independence, both official and unofficial, could pose security risks for onlookers and participants. Businesses and organizations with U.S. affiliations may serve as focal points for these demonstrations.

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Avoid the areas of demonstrations and exercise caution. Since the timing and routes of marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments.

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. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

ALL U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is located at 50 Kneza Milosa Street. The Embassy website is http://belgrade.usembassy.gov

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Warden Message: Increases to U.S. Passport Fees and New Parental Signature Requirements for U.S. Minors

On February 1, 2008, the U.S. Government will increase its fees for certain U.S. citizen passport services. For adult applicants renewing a passport, the total fee will increase to $75. For first-time applicants age 16 and over, the total fee will increase to $100. The fee for minors under 16 years of age will be $85.

Effective February 1, 2008, passport applicants who are U.S. citizen minors under the age of 16 must appear personally with their parents to establish identity, proof of citizenship and proof of relationship. For parental application permission, both parents must appear together and sign, or one parent may appear to sign and submit the other parent’s notarized statement, or one parent may appear, sign, and submit primary evidence of sole authority. Minors age 16 and 17 may apply in person with their own identification, but for security reasons, parental consent may be required. If your child does not have identification of their own, a parent will be required to accompany the child and present identification.

Please refer to the Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov for complete information on all new requirements, including downloadable revised forms that must be used as of February 1, and the U.S. Embassy website at http://bucharest.usembassy.gov.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website http://bucharest.usembassy.gov and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Citizens living and residing in Romania are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via e-mail: acsbucharest@state.gov or by calling (021) 200-3300 ext. 0. This complete message is available on the Embassy’s website at http://bucharest.usembassy.gov.

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NATO Summit - Important Information for Travelers to Bucharest

During the first week of April 2008, Bucharest will host leaders from more than 50 countries for a NATO Summit. Travelers during this time should expect not only traffic disruptions, but increased security at airports, borders, and around the capital, as well as business closures and hotel room unavailability in areas of downtown Bucharest. Travelers should also recognize the potential for protest activity at various locations around the capital, including some protests that may be anti-NATO and/or anti-U.S. in nature.

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