United States Embassy Brasilia, Brazil
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Nationwide Demonstrations Affecting Brasilia June 30, 2017
June 29, 2017
The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia alerts U.S. citizens that Brasilia will be affected by a planned general strike on June 30, 2017. Various labor unions and other groups have organized a general strike and demonstrations against proposed reforms to the pension system and labor laws. According to media reports, the general strike will disrupt public transportation, schools, banks, the postal system, and other public sector work in major cities throughout Brazil including Brasilia. The main Esplanadas / Ministry roads (S2 & N2) will be closed beginning tonight, June 29, at 6:00 PM through tomorrow, June 30, at 10:00 PM, with checkpoints and restricted access to other areas of the Esplanadas through the same time period.
Police and security forces have historically allowed peaceful protests and urged protestors to act accordingly. However, some demonstrations in Brazil have resulted in violent clashes.
U.S. citizens should avoid protests and areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens in Brazil are urged to monitor local news reports and plan their activities accordingly.
If you require assistance, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate using the contact information below.
U.S. Embassy Brasilia
SES – Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03
70403-900 – Brasília, DF
Phone: (61) 3312-7000
After-Hours Emergencies: (61) 3312-7400
E-mail: BrasiliaACS@state.gov<mailto:BrasiliaACS@state.gov>
For further information:
* See the State Department’s travel website<http://travel.state.gov/> for the Worldwide Caution<http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html>, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Brazil Country Specific Information<http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/brazil.html>.
* Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program<https://step.state.gov/step/> (STEP<https://step.state.gov/step/>)to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Note: The timestamp on this e-mail message may reflect Washington, D.C. time, which may differ from local time.