Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Miscellaneous

Bahamas - On June 16, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is to inform U.S. citizens residing in or visiting The Bahamas of reports indicating an outbreak of Malaria on the island of Great Exuma. "According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), there have been sixteen confirmed cases of Malaria on the island. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and CDC are investigating, and surveillance has been enhanced on all the islands of The Bahamas, but there has been no indication of sustained Malaria transmission." Authorities in the Bahamas said Monday, June 19, they would spray areas around the island chain's capital and in a southern island in a bid to contain a malaria outbreak that has sickened 16 people, including a visitor from Virginia and a Canadian tourist, officials said. The victims had been in the southern island of Great Exuma, about 130 miles southwest of Nassau in New Providence island. No deaths have been reported from the mosquito-borne illness. Bahamian authorities planned to spray Great Exuma and New Providence this week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that people who plan to travel to the Bahamas should consult their doctors beforehand and consider taking anti-malarial medications.
Bangladesh - On June 20, the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued the following security notice: "The 'Sixteen Garment Workers' Union' announced a three-day countrywide demonstration demanding recognition of 30 percent interim allowances until a minimum wage is declared for garment sector workers. They are also demanding the release of workers and protest organizers that were arrested in connection with the May 22 civil disputes at the garment factories. June 23: Demonstrations all over the country, particularly in Dhaka, Chittagong, Narayanganj, Savar and Gazipur. June 24: Seize the offices of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) at Kawranbazar (Firmgate). "In past instances there has often been violence between demonstrators and police. As a precautionary measure, Embassy advises all American Citizens to avoid these areas during the planned protests."
China - On June 16, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing retracted a Warden Message that it released on June 9 warning of possible terror attacks in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The retraction message reads as follows: "After further investigation and coordination with the Chinese authorities, the United States Government has determined that the information provided on June 9, 2006 no longer warrants a heightened level of concern. Our warden notice of June 9, 2006 is therefore retracted."
Middle East & North Africa: On June 14, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement for the Middle East and North Africa: "This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in the region in light of recent events, including the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the deaths of three detainees at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo, and the clashes between Palestinians and Israelis in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on December 15, 2005 and expires on December 14, 2006. "Credible information has indicated terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas. Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos or any similar type establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments. "The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the deaths of three detainees at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo, and the clashes between Palestinians and Israelis have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region. In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Uncertainty associated with the change in the Palestinian Authority government in the West Bank and Gaza may lead to increased levels of instability in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. "The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula. Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners recently have been attacked resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. "Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks and robberies at sea by pirates in the last year. Military action by U.S. and allied navies in several subsequent incidents resulted in the capture or death of pirates threatening international commerce. No U.S. citizens have been hurt in these attacks. When transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea near Yemen, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times."
Philippines - On June 16, the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs issued the following Travel Warning for the Philippines: "This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation and reminds Americans of the risks of travel to the Philippines. Terrorist groups and radical insurgents continue to plan multiple attacks throughout the Philippines. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for the Philippines dated March 23, 2005. "The Department of State urges American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to the Philippines and continues to warn against all but essential travel throughout the country in light of heightened threats to Westerners. The Department also continues to urge Americans who choose to travel to the Philippines to observe vigilant personal security precautions, and to remain aware of the continued potential for terrorist attacks, including those against U.S. citizens. Terrorist groups, including Jemaah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf Group, continue to plan multiple attacks throughout the Philippines, as do some radical insurgents who have broken away from Moro groups. Explosive devices have been placed in shopping malls, on public transportation, at airports and port facilities, in places of worship, and in other public areas resulting in numerous casualties and deaths. No area of the Philippines is immune from the possibility of a terrorist attack, although the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are particularly affected. Travelers should be aware that since security has increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists might seek softer targets. Such targets could include, but are not limited to, places where Americans and other Westerners might live, congregate, shop or visit, including hotels, beach resorts, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, businesses, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or public recreation events."
Russia - On June 19, the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg issued the following Warden Message: "The Consulate General of the United States in St. Petersburg, Russia recommends that travelers planning to come to St. Petersburg during mid July 2006 take steps to avoid potential inconvenience due to the city's hosting the G8 summit from July 15-17. "While hotels are generally difficult to find in St. Petersburg during the summer season, it may be particularly difficult to book hotels in the St. Petersburg area from July 1- 18. "The Russian government has recently announced that Pulkovo airport will be closed from July 14-17, and the seaports will be closed from July 13-17, restricting inter-city and international travel to trains, buses and automobiles. During July 14-17, the Russian government will also periodically close roads to automobile transport to facilitate movement of summit personnel. "While the United States Consulate General has received no specific information regarding large scale protests or unusual threats against foreign citizens, travelers are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Travelers are also advised to plan travel around the indicated dates in order to avoid potential inconvenience and ensure a more enjoyable stay in St. Petersburg."

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