Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Airport Strikes --- (no surprise)

I received this message today from ACS - US Embassy in Brasilia. I heard about this happening every year here. Merry Christmas from your friendly Brazilian airlines.... HO HO HO

United States Embassy Brasilia, Brazil
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Airport Strikes
brazil.usembassy.gov
December 18, 2013

The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia informs U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Brazil that there is a possibility of a labor strike affecting domestic and international air travel starting at 6 a.m. on December 20, 2013.  Media reports indicate that a national union representing pilots and other airline employees is threatening a strike to coincide with this busy travel period in Brazil, should their demands not be met.  U.S. citizens are advised to plan accordingly and check local media and airline websites for the latest updates.

Remember, 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. 

If you require assistance, please contact the nearest 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

U.S. Consulate Recife
Rua Goncalves Maia, 163
Bairro Boa Vista Recife, PE - 50.070-060
Phone: (81) 3416-3050
After-Hours Emergencies: (81) 9916-9470 or (81) 3416-3060
Email: RecifeACS@state.gov 

U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 Castelo
Rio de Janeiro, RJ — 20030-020
Entrance at Rua Santa Luzia
Phone: (21) 3823-2000
After-Hours Emergencies: (21) 3823-2029
Email: acsrio@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General São Paulo
Rua Henri Dunant, 500,
Chácara Santo Antonio,
São Paulo, SP — 04709-110
Phone: (11) 3250-5000
After-Hours Emergencies: (11) 3250-5373
E-mail: SaoPauloACS@state.gov

Travelers may obtain updated information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Brazil.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Brazil are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive the most up-to-date security information.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy and Consulates to contact them in case of emergency.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll in person with the U.S. Embassy or the nearest Consulate.  Travelers may also consult the Mission Brazil website at http://brazil.usembassy.gov/service.html for more information.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website which contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and download our Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and Google play, to have travel information at your fingertips.