Civil Unrest

U.S. Embassy Lima issued the following Warden Message on May 6:

This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Peru that the U.S. Embassy is aware that a political group which has employed violent techniques in the past will stage a strike in the regional capital city of Iquitos on May 12 and 13. The strike may disrupt general transportation into and out of Iquitos as well as public services such as water and electricity. Travelers should be flexible in their travel plans and be prepared for travel delays.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

The Embassy notes that Peruvian law prohibits the participation of foreigners in political protests or strikes, and Americans who have joined such demonstrations have been detained.

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy?s Consular Section, located in Monterrico, a suburb of Lima, at Avenida La Encalada, Block Seventeen; telephone 51-1-618-2000 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or for after-hours emergencies; fax 51-1-618-2397, or 618-2724 (American Citizen Services Unit); Internet website at http://lima.usembassy.gov/. The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services, including registration, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 am weekdays, excluding U.S. and Peruvian holidays. The U.S. Consular Agency in Cusco, Peru, can be found at Avenida Pardo 845, Cusco. The office can be reached by phone at (51-84) 231-474, and is open Monday thru Friday, excluding U.S. and Peruvian holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.