United States Embassy Warsaw, Poland
December 9, 2016
U.S. Embassy Warsaw informs U.S. citizens that multiple scheduled demonstrations, events, and counter-demonstrations commemorating the Smoleńsk tragedy will take place in Warsaw on Saturday, December 10. Media reports suggest there is a potential for confrontation between these groups.
Who: Several thousand participants, with different numbers at different times of day, including: Law and Justice Party (PiS) supporters, Smolensk Families Supporters, Obywatele RP (Citizens of the Republic of Poland), and Stowarzyszenie Obywatele Solidarniew Akcji – OSA (Citizens Collectively in Action Association).
What: Religious marches, gatherings, and other events in front of the Presidential Palace and in the Old Town area.
When: Saturday, December 10, 2016, between 6:00 a.m. and midnight
Where: Old Town, Krakowskie Przedmieście, and Karowa Street
We remind U.S. citizens to exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can be unpredictable and may escalate into violence. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, monitor local news for updates, maintain a high level of vigilance, and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
For more information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, the Travel Warnings, and the Europe Travel Alert, and read the Country Specific Information for Poland.
- Enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive the latest security updates, and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the S. Embassy in Warsaw located at Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, telephone +48-22-504-2000, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. After-hours emergency number is +48-22-504-2000.
- Contact the S. Consulate General in Kraków located at Ulica Stolarska 9, 31-043, telephone +48-12- 424-5100, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., by appointment only. After-hours emergency number for U.S. Citizens is +48-601-483-348.
- 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).
