Travel Update-Weekly Edition

April 12th, 2007

 

Las Vegas, NV. - Las Vegas McCarran opened its new consolidated rental car center last week. The $170 million facility, which had been under construction for several years, is 3 miles south of the airport terminal.  Located on Gilespie Street, it houses 11 rental companies and has a capacity of 5,000 cars. It provides the convenience of renting, price-shopping and picking up cars all in one place. Passengers get to the center by taking shuttle buses. Now that rental companies no longer run their own shuttles, the airport hopes the new garage will help ease curbside congestion. Rental car customers have been paying $3 per day since 2004 to help pay for it, an arrangement that will continue indefinitely to help pay for its maintenance.

 

 

 

 

Worldwide: On April 10 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Worldwide Caution 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 October 11, 2006 and expires on October 9, 2007. "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. Current information suggests that al-Qaida 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. "Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. "In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets. "Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. The bomb attacks targeting buses carrying foreign workers in March 2007 and December 2006 in Algeria, a series of bombings in Thailand in May and September 2006 that targeted commercial and tourist destinations in the far south, and the bombings in the the Egyptian resort town of Dahab in April 2006 all illustrate how terrorists exploit vulnerabilities associated with soft targets. Additional examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, 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 vehicle-based suicide attack on an oil facility near Mukalla and Marib in Yemen in September 2006 and the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 are such examples. "In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground 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."

 

Algeria - On April 11, the U.S. Embassy in Algiers issued a Warden Message that reads in part: "On April 11, two vehicle bombs exploded in Algiers. One bomb exploded in front of the Palais du Gouvernement, which houses the office of the Prime Minister. The second bomb targeted a police station in Bab Ezzouar. The two bombings reportedly resulted in both deaths and injuries. The Embassy will limit movements by its employees over the Algerian weekend to essential business only while evaluating the situation. The Embassy will be open for business as usual on Saturday, April 14. Algeria remains under a Travel Warning."

 

Bolivia - On April 5, the U.S. Embassy in La Paz released the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to inform American citizens living in or traveling to Bolivia that Bolivia's transportation superintendent has suspended Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (LAB) domestic and international operations, citing the firm's frequent flight cancellations and shaky finances. This action has resulted in missed connecting flights and disruption to travelers' itineraries. U.S. citizens should keep this information in mind when making travel plans."

 

Guinea - On April 9 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement is being issued to update American citizens on the security situation in Guinea. American citizens should continue to be cautious with regard to travel to and in Guinea, although the political climate is much improved. Ordered Departure for family members of U.S. Government employees has been canceled. This Public Announcement supersedes the Travel Warning dated February 12 , and expires on July 5 2007. "There has been no unrest or street violence in Guinea since February 25, when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) brokered an agreement between the government of Guinea and the unions that resulted in the suspension of the general strike that had been underway since 10 January. A state of siege declared by President Conte on February 12 expired by its terms February 23, when Guinea’s National Assembly refused to renew it. On February 26, President Conte named a new Prime Minister, Lansana Kouyate. On March 28, President Conte approved a new government that has received widespread public support. "Despite these improvements, the situation in Guinea remains fragile. Americans planning to visit Guinea should exercise caution, and should check with the U.S. Embassy before traveling in the interior of the country. The Department of State has lifted ordered departure of U.S. Mission eligible family members effective April 10. The U.S. Embassy is open at full staff, and during normal business hours."

 

Morocco - On April 10 the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca issued the following Warden Message: "As noted in the November 20, 2006 Public Announcement for the Middle East and North Africa, there are ongoing security concerns in the region. Further to the November Public Announcement and the February 9, 2007 warden message issued by the Consulate General, U.S. citizens in Morocco are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. "Following a April 10 incident in Casablanca during which Moroccan police confronted three potential terrorists in a residential neighborhood, the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca temporarily suspended services to the public. The potential for violence against American interests and citizens and other Western targets remains high in Morocco and the Consulate General encourages Americans in Morocco to remain vigilant regarding their personal security. Moroccan authorities continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S.- or Western-affiliated targets and arrest individuals associated with international terrorist groups. Establishments which are readily identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. These may include facilities where US citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters and other public areas. Such targets may also include establishments where activities occur that may offend religious sensitivities, such as casinos or places where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments. "While in Morocco, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and maintain a low profile. All U.S. citizens are urged to consider seriously their personal security and to take those measures they deem appropriate to ensure their well-being. Report any suspicious incidents or problems immediately to Moroccan authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Rabat or the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca."

 

Sri Lanka - On April 5, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Sri Lanka, which reads in part: "This Travel Warning provides updated security information and alerts American citizens traveling to or living in the northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka of the heightened potential for terrorist actions, including attacks against civilians.  While most of the rest of the country remains largely unaffected, the Department continues to warn Americans against traveling to areas in the North and East of the country given the dangers caused by the ongoing fighting between LTTE, other armed groups, and Sri Lankan military forces.  This situation is likely to continue for some time.  This supersedes the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka dated October 23, 2006. The Department of State alerts American citizens to the dangers posed by recent acts of terrorism throughout Sri Lanka, and warns against travel to the most seriously affected regions.  Although there is no specific indication that American citizens or institutions are targets, there is a general risk of American citizens being victims of violence simply by being at the wrong place at the wrong time.  Politically motivated assassinations have taken place throughout Sri Lanka, including several in the Colombo area.  In many cases, these assassinations involve the use of fragmentation bombs.  American citizens in Sri Lanka should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices. Americans should avoid large crowds or public gatherings and should particularly stay away from political rallies and military bases in Sri Lanka. Since mid-2006, bombings, political assassinations and other acts of terrorism have occurred in Sri Lanka, including the capital, Colombo.  The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) and Sri Lankan military forces continue fighting in the North and East of Sri Lanka.  The areas in the North and East are of special concern.  These areas are defined as the regions north of a line following the highway from Puttalam through Anuradhapura to Polonaruwa, Bibile and Pottuvil.   The Department of State warns U.S. citizens that travel to these areas and into any LTTE-controlled territory may pose severe hazards.  Official travel by U.S. Government personnel to these areas is restricted, and unofficial travel is prohibited. In March 2007 the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka sustained a minor injury just after a Sri Lankan military helicopter he was traveling in landed at a military base in Batticaloa. The Ambassador was not the specific target of the LTTE attack. We have no indication at this time of a threat to tourist areas in the Cultural Triangle, including territory around Anaradhapura and Polonnoruwa. In areas outside of the North and East, Sri Lankan nationals have been the targets of assassinations and bombings. On October 18, the LTTE targeted a Sri Lankan naval facility in Galle, on the southwest coast.  On March 26, 2007, the Katunayake Air Force Base in Colombo came under attack from LTTE aircraft, causing the adjacent Bandaranaike International Airport briefly to curtail operations. Foreign tourists were not the objects of the attacks and none were injured. Americans should comply with all instructions from security forces and police when traveling in Sri Lanka.

 

Ukraine - On April 12 the U.S. Embassy in Kiev issued the following Warden Message: "In light of possible demonstrations around central Kyiv near Mariinsky park, European Square, Independence Square, and the Constitutional Court on Gorkogo Street the Embassy would like to remind Americans to be aware of their security and to avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. You are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations, as well as assess their impact on traffic and transportation. Americans witnessing large numbers of people or police gathering, people putting up tents, flags, or banners of political parties, or any violent or unusual activities should leave the area and then report the activities to the police or to the Embassy. The Embassy’s 24-hour telephone number is +38 044 490 4000."

Previous Updates

April 12, 2007
April 9, 2007
March 21, 2007
March 21, 2007
March 15, 2007
March 8, 2007
March 1, 2007
February 22, 2007
February 15, 2007
February 8, 2007
February 1, 2007
January 29, 2007
January 25, 2007
January 18, 2007
January 15, 2007
December 28, 2006
December 27, 2006
December 21, 2006
December 20, 2006
December 14, 2006
December 7, 2006
December 5, 2006
December 1, 2006
November 30, 2006
November 22, 2006
November 17, 2006
November 16, 2006
November 13, 2006
October 26, 2006
October 19, 2006
October 12, 2006
September 22, 2006
September 19, 2006
September 19, 2006
September 19, 2006
September 14, 2006
September 7, 2006
August 31, 2006
August 25, 2006
August 24, 2006
August 22, 2006
August 17, 2006
August 14, 2006
August 11, 2006
August 11, 2006
August 10, 2006
August 10, 2006
August 3, 2006
July 27, 2006
July 20, 2006
July 13, 2006
July 5, 2006
June 29, 2006
June 22, 2006
June 15, 2006
June 8, 2006
June 1, 2006
May 25, 2006
May 18, 2006
May 11, 2006
May 4, 2006
April 27, 2006
April 20, 2006
April 13, 2006
April 12, 2006
April 7, 2006
April 4, 2006
March 30, 2006
March 23, 2006
March 16, 2006
March 9, 2006
March 2, 2006
February 23, 2006
February 16, 2006
February 9, 2006
February 6, 2006
January 26, 2006
January 19, 2006
January 12, 2006
January 5, 2006
January 3, 2006