Q: I have both Jamaican and US citizenship, and I am concerned about the possibility of violence and rioting around the time of the upcoming elections. Does the US Embassy have any advice about what I should do?

A: The US Embassy in Kingston advises US citizens resident in or travelling to Jamaica that parliamentary elections will take place throughout the island on December 29, 2011. While polling places include many school sites, which are not generally in areas frequented by US citizen visitors, they can be located in any public area. Historically, gatherings of zealous political supporters and political demonstrations have sometimes led to disputes, which resulted in injury to participants or bystanders. While the level of political violence has lessened substantially over the years, political demonstrations with the potential for unrest and injury may still occur in the period leading up to or following the December 29 elections. US citizens should check local media for the latest information, remain vigilant, and avoid any areas where protests are planned or taking place.

We encourage US citizens living and residing in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands to enroll with the US Embassy in Kingston through the State Department’s Smart Traveller Enrollment Program to obtain updated information on travel and security within Jamaica. US citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the US Embassy. Enrollment makes it easier for the Embassy to contact US citizens in case of an emergency.

Emergencies involving US citizens can be reported by contacting the US Embassy’s American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit, located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, telephone (876) 702-6450; after hours emergency telephone (876) 702-6000. The ACS Unit can be reached via e-mail at KingstonACS@state.gov.

US citizens travelling in Jamaica should regularly monitor the US Embassy’s website and the US Department of State’s travel website, where the current Worldwide Caution Messages, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The US Embassy also encourages US citizens to review the article entitled A Safe Trip Abroad, which includes valuable security information for living and/or travelling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travellers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the US and Canada, or outside the US and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

New contact information

The Consular Section has recently updated its e-mail addresses. E-mail sent to the Consular Section’s old addresses will not be processed as those email inboxes will no longer be monitored. Such messages will receive an automated response with the following information about the new, correct contact information for the Consular Section:

* For general information about the immigrant visa process and questions about specific cases, please write to KingstonIV@state.gov.

* To make a follow-up appointment as a “blue sheet” applicant, please write to KingstonIVappointment@state.gov.

* For general information about the nonimmigrant visa process and questions about specific cases, please write to KingstonNIV@state.gov.

* For an expedited appointment due to a qualifying medical, family or business emergency, please write to KingstonNIVemergency@state.gov.

* For additional information about visa appointments and American Citizen Services, please visit the US Embassy Kingston’s website, at kingston.usembassy.gov.

The US Embassy staff in Kingston will answer questions you may have regarding the US Mission, including consular law, regulations and/or practice. In order to respect privacy, staff will not answer questions about specific visa applications. The embassy employs a visa appointment system, so it is only necessary for visa applicants to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment.

Send your questions to: editorial@jamaicaobserver.com and we will send them to the embassy.