Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Miscellaneous

Brazil - On May 15, the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia released the following Warden Message: "The United States Embassy in Brasilia would like to alert American Citizens traveling to and living in São Paulo to an increase of organized crime violence over the weekend in the State of Sao Paulo. In response to the transfer of prisoners from Sao Paulo city prisons to interior jails, gang violence has increased, mainly directed at the state security forces, resulting in over 70 deaths throughout the state, including 36 police officers. Of the 150 attacks against state police personnel and facilities, only ten have occurred in the greater Sao Paulo urban area. At this point the attacks have not targeted non-security force Brazilian citizens, Americans or other foreigners. It appears that the two non-security Brazilians who were killed became victims due to their close proximity to police personnel. Many city buses have been burned, but the riders were allowed to exit before the vehicles were destroyed. Several ATM machines have also been targeted. American citizens are advised to review their personal security and take precautions when necessary. Motorist should be cognizant of police roadblocks and checkpoints and use alternative routes when available. We recommend that any American planning to visit a local prison postpone that visit; if a visit must be made, the prison administration should be contacted first."
Ethiopia - On May 12 the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa issued two Warden Messages. The text of the first message reads as follows: "This Warden Message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens that local police confirm that there were at least nine explosions in Addis Ababa today. The explosions occurred in the following areas: Piazza, Mercato, Old Airport, Granary/Confusion square and near the Black Lion high school. The explosions resulted in at least one death and several injuries. There have been no reports of American casualties. "The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia reminds Americans to thoroughly check your immediate surroundings, maintain security awareness at all times, avoid suspicious or unattended packages and remain vigilant in public areas. Please be particularly vigilant on Monday, 15 May, the first anniversary of the parliamentary elections." The second message warns of the security situation in the Somali region and reads as follows: "This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the security situation in the Ogaden (the Somali region) and to inform them to take safety precautions. "The U.S. Embassy advises Americans to avoid travel to the Ogaden/Somali region of Ethiopia as the Ethiopian military has launched a campaign to curb insurgent activity in the region. "The U.S. Embassy restricts travel of embassy personnel to the Ogaden/Somali region on a case-by-case basis. Currently embassy personnel are restricted from traveling within the area bounded by the Oromiya-Somali regional boundary in the west; Jijiga in the north, the Ethiopian-Somali border in the east, and the Wadi Shebelle River in the south. While travel to Jijiga is permitted, travel south of the city is not authorized. Travel to the town of Gode by air is also permitted, but travel outside the town is not authorized. American citizens are strongly advised to avoid travel in this region as described. A subsequent updated announcement will be provided if the situation changes."
Gambia - On May 12, the U.S. Embassy in Banjul issued the following Warden Message to alert American citizens regarding security concerns and possible unrest in The Gambia's southern border region: "The U.S. Embassy in The Gambia informs the American community that the Embassy has received credible reports of recent gunfire involving rebel fighters from Senegal's Casamance region along The Gambia's southern border. The rebels are armed with small arms, and possibly with mortars and other weapons. Increased numbers of refugees have also been reported moving through the area. For safety reasons, the U.S. Peace Corps has withdrawn a volunteer serving in the area. The U.S. Embassy has not restricted its employees' travel to the area, but urges all Americans to exercise caution when traveling through the southern border regions, particularly the area between Kartong and Mansa Konko. Americans in The Gambia wishing to travel to Senegal, including the Casamance region, should read the Consular Information Sheet for Senegal. "The Embassy reminds American citizens in The Gambia to continue to exercise their normal security precautions, particularly around military checkpoints. Remain aware of your surroundings, maintain a low profile, carry personal identification, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence."
Nepal - On May 11, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Nepal, which reads in part as follows: "This Travel Warning is being issued to alert American citizens that the Department of State has authorized the lifting of the Ordered Departure Status for the Embassy and the Embassy has returned to normal operations. This Travel Warning also provides updated information on the security situation in Nepal. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on 24 April 2006. The Department of State remains concerned about the security situation in Nepal. Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, Maoist extortion and abductions continue. Maoists are now free to roam about the countryside, sometimes still openly bearing their weapons. Travel via road in some areas outside of the Kathmandu valley continues to be dangerous and should be avoided. There have been attacks in the countryside involving foreigners. Trekkers and other individuals who resist Maoist extortion demands have been threatened, sometimes assaulted, and risk being detained. In March 2006, Maoists detained several Polish trekkers after the trekkers refused to pay extortion. "While widespread protests have abated, the potential for demonstrations and disruptions remains. During recent demonstrations protestors used violence, including burning vehicles, throwing rocks during street demonstrations and burning tires to block traffic. Government security forces responded with teargas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to quell the demonstrations."
Venezuela - On May 12, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas issued the following Warden Message regarding the requirement of measles vaccinations for airline passengers departing from Venezuela: "A recent outbreak of measles in Caracas has led to the imposition of vaccination requirements for persons departing Venezuela. The version of the new policy published in the Official Gazette does not indicate a requirement that persons traveling to the United States be immunized. However, Venezuela's Civil Aviation Authority (INAC) has issued a requirement mandating up-to-date immunizations for all persons traveling from Caracas to North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. "Passengers who do not have proof of a current measles immunization will be required to receive a new dose prior to boarding their outbound flights. Kiosks manned by the Ministry of Health are now in place at Caracas Maiquetia International Airport to provide the inoculation. The vaccine provided by the Venezuelan Government has been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO). It has not been tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The State Department's Office of Medical Services, however, has approved its use for U.S. staff and family members if required."