Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Miscellaneous

Worldwide: On June 6, the U.S. Department of State issued the following worldwide Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated December 12, 2005 and expires on December 6, 2006. The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. The publication in the international press of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed, for example, led to widespread demonstrations and riots in several countries. "The March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, illustrates the continuing desire of al-Qa'ida to strike official American targets. Current information suggests that al-Qa'ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. "Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target private interests or 'soft targets' with a reduced security posture. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 is one such example. "In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets. "U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. "U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate."
Chad - On June 2, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning is being reissued to provide an update on the security situation in Chad, and to advise U.S. citizens that the Department of State has lifted the Authorized Departure status for personnel at the U.S. Embassy in N'djamena and that the Embassy has returned to normal operations. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning of 12 April 2006 and the Public Announcement of 20 December 2005. "The Department of State continues to urge American citizens to defer non-essential travel to Chad. Although the Department has authorized the return of non-emergency personnel and the families of all U.S. Government personnel to Chad, the security situation remains tense due to continued threats of rebel activity on Chad's borders. Americans in Chad should limit their movement to the extent possible and avoid travel outside of N'Djamena. U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, street demonstrations, and government installations, including the Presidential Palace, which is across from the Parade Grounds. Vehicles should never stop in front of the Presidential Palace. "Reports indicate an increase in the number of 'couper de routes,' or highway banditry incidents, across the country. Some American citizens have reported harassment at Chadian government roadway checkpoints. Americans are urged to carry all necessary travel documents, including valid passports and visas, and any specific documents required for circulation. Americans who encounter problems at these checkpoints should contact the U.S. Embassy. "There have been sporadic clashes between rebel movements and government forces in eastern and southeastern Chad as well as numerous reports of cross-border banditry and cattle rustling. United Nations (UN) and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) vehicles have been targeted for carjacking. At least one foreigner has been critically injured as a result of a carjacking. U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) security offices in Abeche and N'Djamena, and to follow UNHCR guidance regarding safety and security. The government of Chad requires all individuals traveling to or residents in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad to obtain permits issued by the Ministry of Territorial Administration in N'Djamena, and to register in Abeche upon arrival in eastern Chad. Americans not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts should avoid travel to eastern Chad. "The influx of 12,000 Central African Republic (CAR) refugees into southern Chad, which is already home to over 40,000 refugees, following fighting between northern Central African rebels and CAR forces in July 2005, also has created a volatile situation along the Chad-CAR border. In addition, in the northern Tibesti region and the area north of Lake Chad, there have been occasional clashes between government forces and a rebel group known as the Chadian Movement for Justice and Democracy (MDJT). "When traveling anywhere in Chad, American citizens should travel in groups, keep a cell phone (for when service is available) or two-way radio in reach at all times, avoid travel after dusk, and leave detailed travel plans with a reliable point of contact. Americans traveling with Thurarya satellite phones should register the phones with Chadian authorities."
Eritrea - On June 5, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning is being issued to advise American citizens to defer non-essential travel to Eritrea; due to increased restrictions on travel outside the capital city of Asmara. This Travel Warning also provides information on Eritrea's current security situation and supersedes the Public Announcement issued on December 9, 2005. "On May 30, the Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) informed U.S. Embassy Asmara of new travel restrictions for all foreign nationals, including resident diplomats in Eritrea. The new restrictions, effective June 1, require all visitors and residents to obtain travel permits from the GSE for any travel outside of the city limits. American citizens currently in Eritrea, but outside of Asmara, are advised to contact local Zoba authorities for further information. "The GSE has cited security and safety concerns as the reasons for requiring travel permits for all travel outside Asmara. Due to these revised travel restrictions, the U.S. Embassy cannot guarantee consular assistance in an emergency outside of Asmara, and the Department of State recommends U.S. citizens defer all non-essential travel at this time. "American citizens also should be aware that tensions remain high due to the border dispute with Ethiopia Additionally, over the last year, some long-term expatriate residents were ordered to leave Eritrea on short notice and without explanation, while others are finding their activities subject to increased government scrutiny. Similarly, a number of international organizations have been asked to cease some or all of their operations in the country."
India - On June 6, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued the following Warden Message: "The Embassy wishes to remind American citizens of the U.S. Government's existing travel advice recommending that Americans defer travel to the north Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir (excluding the Leh/Ladakh region) due to security considerations. Violence in the disputed Kashmir region has continued for years. Most recently, in incidents on May 23, 25 and 31, terrorists attacked tourist buses with hand grenades. Although no foreign tourists were injured in these attacks, several Indian tourists were killed and dozens injured. These incidents were in addition to the ongoing attacks by terrorists against security forces, institutions of government in Kashmir, and Kashmiri people and businesses.
Nigeria - On June 7, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Consulate General received the following threat information: 'The United States Government has learned that there has been an increase in the level of security at airports in the south of Nigeria, based on a specific threat to oil and gas industry related flights operating between Port Harcourt, Warri, and Lagos. There is no further information on the timing of any attacks associated with this recent threat.'"
Somalia - On June 5, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning is being issued to remind Americans of continued concerns about the security situation in Somalia. This supersedes the Travel Warning of July 21, 2005. "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed 'independent Republic of Somaliland.' Inter-clan and inter-factional fighting can flare up with little warning, and kidnapping, murder, and other threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners can occur unpredictably in many regions. Armed conflict among rival militias has occurred in Southern Somalia, particularly in and around Mogadishu, which has resulted in the deaths of dozens of Somali nationals. There is no U.S. Embassy or other U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia. "In late 2003 and early 2004 there were attacks against foreigners in the self-declared 'Republic of Somaliland' in northern Somalia. The Sanaag and Sool Regions in eastern Somaliland, bordering on Puntland (northeastern Somalia), are subject to insecurity due to potential inter-clan fighting. In past years, there also have been several fatal attacks against international relief workers, including Westerners, throughout Somalia and Somaliland. In addition, serious fighting has occurred in the Mogadishu area and the districts of Gedo and Bay (especially the vicinity of Baidoa) in the south. "Territorial control in the Mogadishu area is divided among numerous groups; lines of control are unclear and frequently shift, making movement within this area extremely hazardous. "U.S. citizens are urged to use extreme caution when sailing near the coast of Somalia. Merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft all risk seizure by pirates and having their crews held for ransom, especially in the waters off the Horn of Africa. There have been numerous such incidents, highlighting the continuing danger of maritime travel near the Horn of Africa. The international waters near Somalia have become the preferred venue for these pirate attacks. If transit around the Horn of Africa is necessary, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times."

Previous Updates