General Labor Strike Scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2014

The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens living and traveling in Argentina of a general strike planned for Thursday, August 28. Disruptions in public transportation and traffic could begin as early as Wednesday, August 27, as well as possible delays and cancellations of flights into and out of Buenos Aires. While the strike will likely focus on Buenos Aires, disruptions may also take place countrywide. You should frequently check your scheduled flights with Aeropuertos Argentinos’ general information line, 5480-6111, which will direct inquiries to the correct airport office with a recorded message in English and Spanish.

The Consular Section will be closed for routine public services on Thursday, August 28. In the event of an emergency involving a U.S. citizen, please contact the Embassy at (54) (11) 5777- 4873. If you have previously scheduled an appointment for August 28, please visit the embassy’s website to reschedule.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Argentina enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Argentina. For additional information, refer to Traveler’s Checklist on the State Department’s website.

Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook in order to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires is located at Avenida Colombia 4300 in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires (near the Plaza Italia stop on the “D” line subway) and is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except U.S. and Argentine holidays. The main Embassy switchboard telephone is (54) (11) 5777-4533. For after-hour emergencies involving a U.S. citizen, dial (54) (11) 5777-4873. The Consular Section is open to the public, by appointment only except for emergencies, from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on U.S. and Argentine holidays. Additional information on Embassy services is available by e-mail at BuenosAiresACS@state.gov.