Warden Messages

Ensuring the Safety and Security of Our Children

December 4, 2006

The Embassy has received information that there have been at least two attempted kidnappings of children in Maputo city limits during the past two months.  The Embassy is currently attempting to confirm with local law enforcement authorities whether these incidents did indeed take place.  Regardless of the outcome of the Embassy findings, we take this opportunity to remind parents  that they and any childcare providers in their employ practice good personal security measures, including being aware of their surroundings when in public places.  Parents may also wish to review with their older children the more common safety concepts and practices of not talking to or going with strangers.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1 888 407 4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1 202 501 4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
 
The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique is located at 193 Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, Maputo
Telephone (258) 21 49 2797
Fax (258) 21 49 0448
Web site:  http://Mozambique.USEmbassy.gov
E-mail: ConsularMaputo@state.gov

The consular section is open Monday to Thursday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (closed 12:00 to 1:00 pm)  Friday 7:30 am - 11:00 am. 

Visa interviews are normally conducted on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, so Americans seeking non-emergency services are requested to visit the consular section at other times.