Emergency Messages for U.S. Citizens
March 16, 2012
NATIONALIST GROUPS TO PROTEST ON SATURDAY, MARCH 17
Several Serbian nationalist groups have planned a protest rally at Trg Republike (Republic Square) and subsequent march to Sveti Sava (Saint Sava) Church in downtown Belgrade beginning at 5:00 pm on Saturday, March 17. The U.S. Embassy Belgrade's Regional Security Office (RSO) has indicated that a few groups participating in this event have a history of violent clashes with the police in the past, and consequently there will be a heavy police presence in the vicinity of the protest. The RSO has advised U.S. Embassy staff to avoid the area before, during and after the event and advises U.S. citizens to do the same.
We remind U.S. citizens that even events intended to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. You should avoid the areas around this event if possible, and exercise caution if you are within the vicinity of the venue. Try to stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Belgrade website. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. If you don't have Internet access, we have a call center for updates. You can call 1-888-407-4747, which is toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444, a regular toll line which is available outside the U.S. and Canada.
We encourage U.S. citizens living or traveling in Serbia to register with the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade through the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to obtain updated information on travel and security within Serbia. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade.
The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is located at 50 Kneza Miloša Street. The Embassy telephone number is 381-11-3619-344. The Consular Section telephone is 381-11-3619-344 ext. 4655, 4665 and 4860. For after-hour emergencies, the number is 381-11-306-4679. The fax number is 381-11-3615-989. You can also e-mail us at belgradeacs@state.gov.