Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Burundi - On January 24 the U.S. Department of State issued the following warning: "This Travel Warning is being re-issued to provide updated information on the security situation and to remind Americans of the dangers of travel to Burundi. This supersedes the Travel Warning of 23 June 2006. "The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Burundi. Burundi had been plagued by civil war since 1993 that often involved non-government, non-combatant targets. Gunfire in and around the capital resulted in numerous injuries and deaths. In September 2006, the government and the last remaining hold-out rebel group from the peace process, the PALIPEHUTU - FNL, signed a cease fire agreement. Nevertheless, many of the cease-fire provisions have not been implemented and the rebels still retain the capability to conduct indirect fire attacks on the capital, Bujumbura. The last recorded attack took place in July 2006. Rebels are still present throughout Bujumbura Rural, which surrounds the capital city. Due to insufficient resources, local authorities are often unable to provide assistance in case of need. "Crime, often committed by groups of armed bandits, poses a high risk for foreign visitors in Bujumbura and Burundi in general. Common crimes include muggings, burglaries, and carjackings. Armed criminals often ambush vehicles, particularly on the roads leading out of Bujumbura."

 

Fiji - On January 22, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement for Fiji: "This Public Announcement is updated to reflect the current situation in Fiji following the December 5, 2006 military coup.  The declared state of emergency remains in effect.  The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to the Republic of Fiji at this time and to defer all non-essential travel to Suva until the security situation is clarified.  This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on December 6, 2006, and expires on February 28, 2007. On December 5, the Commander of Fiji’s military force deposed the lawfully elected government of Fiji and declared a state of emergency.  The unelected interim government established by the military reiterated January 15 that a state of emergency remains in effect.  Many basic rights have been curtailed, including the rights of assembly and freedom of expression.  Individuals who speak out against the military are routinely questioned, detained and intimidated.  While the situation in Fiji currently is calm, political and economic uncertainties continue and military checkpoints remain in place in and around major population centers, including Suva, Nadi and Lautoka.  The Department recommends that private American citizens in Fiji evaluate their personal security.  The security situation, especially in Suva, is uncertain and could deteriorate rapidly.  Risks could include indiscriminate attacks on government or civilian targets particularly in the greater Suva area. American citizens in Fiji should remain vigilant, particularly in public and military places in the greater Suva area, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds." 

 

Guinea - On January 19, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement is being issued to alert American citizens that a general strike in Guinea is now into its second week; as of January 19, negotiations remained at a standstill.  The Department recommends that American citizens defer non-essential travel to Guinea at this time.  This Public Announcement is valid until February 18, 2007. The strike, which has political as well as economic objectives, began peacefully January 10.  The security climate has become more tense, with sporadic demonstrations, rock-throwing, tire-burning, and barricades.  These incidents have occurred in Conakry and in towns around the country.  Police continue to intervene to quell these disruptions, at times using tear gas and firing live ammunition into the air to disperse protestors.  Americans are not targets of the strike but could be affected by unrest or disruptions.  The U.S. Embassy is open, but operating with reduced staffing.  The Embassy has restricted official Americans to their houses, permitting them to travel only to the Embassy for work purposes.  The Department recommends that American citizens defer non-essential travel to Guinea until the situation improves." 

 

Mexico - On January 18 the U.S. Department of State issued the following public announcement: "This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement for Mexico dated November 15, 2006, which alerted U.S. citizens to the mounting violence and disorder in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico. At this time, U.S. citizens should use caution when traveling to Oaxaca City due to the continued risk of protest violence and demonstrations, which have resulted in at least nine deaths over the past several months. This Public Announcement expires on March 29, 2007. "On October 227, 006, an American citizen was shot and killed in Oaxaca City as a result of the violence and disorder caused by ongoing civil unrest in the city. In recent months, several protest groups have engaged in increasingly violent demonstrations, which have resulted in violent reactions from other groups. "U.S. citizens traveling to Oaxaca City should be aware that the situation there remains unsettled and that demonstrations may occur at any time. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens should remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of any protests. "The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation."

 

Nigeria - Due to further deterioration in the security situation in the region of the Niger Delta, increased kidnappings and recent car bombings in Port Harcourt, the U.S. Department of State issued the following travel warning on January 19, 2007: "American citizens should depart from and defer non-essential travel to Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states. This Warning also provides an update on aviation safety in Nigeria and addresses upcoming elections. It supersedes the Travel Warning for Nigeria issued August 24, 2006. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. The lack of law and order in Nigeria poses considerable risks to travelers. Violent crime committed by ordinary criminals, as well as by persons in police and military uniforms, can occur throughout the country and tends to peak between November and January, during the holiday period. The security situation in the Niger Delta region has deteriorated significantly over the past year. Travel to the region remains dangerous and should be avoided. Throughout the year, a number of expatriate workers in the oil industry, including American citizens, have been held hostage for days or weeks."

 

Palestinian Authority / Israel - On January 17 the U.S. Department of State issued the following travel warning: "This Travel Warning is being issued to update information on the general security environment in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and to reiterate threats to American citizens and U.S. interests in those locations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when considering travel to Israel and Jerusalem at this time. In addition, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued August 29, 2006. "Overall, conditions of lawlessness -- including running gun battles and kidnappings -- prevail in the Gaza Strip; daily incidents of intra-Palestinian violence also occur in the West Bank. Violent demonstrations and armed conflicts between supporters of Palestinian factions have increased in both areas. Security forces and militiamen have engaged in running gun battles in the streets of Gaza, and individual members of factions and the security forces have been targeted for assassination, some successfully. Areas of violent conflict shift rapidly and unpredictably. Foreigners have been subject to threats and kidnappings. "American citizens in the Gaza Strip should depart immediately, a recommendation that the State Department has maintained and renewed since the deadly roadside bombing of a U.S. Embassy convoy in Gaza on October 15, 2003. This recommendation applies to all Americans, including journalists and aid workers. Militants have continued to abduct Western citizens, and terrorist organizations have threatened attacks against U.S. interests."

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