Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Germany - On May 25, the U.S. Department of State issued a Public Announcement for Germany, which reads in part: "This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the potential for large-scale anti-globalization protests throughout Germany before and during the G8 Summit scheduled for June 6-8, 2007, in Heiligendamm.  This Public Announcement expires on June 15, 2007. The annual G8 Summit, at which the U.S. President and leaders of seven other countries meet to discuss and coordinate policy on key global issues, will take place June 6-8, 2007, at the Baltic seaside resort of Heiligendamm, approximately 200 kilometers north of Berlin.  Previous G8 summits have drawn large numbers of “anti-globalization” and other activists from around the world, and a number of groups already have announced plans to demonstrate throughout Germany beginning in late May.  As many as 100,000 protesters are expected to gather in the town of Rostock beginning on June 1, and smaller demonstrations are expected in Potsdam, Berlin, Hamburg, and other cities beginning on May 30.  Americans traveling in these areas should avoid the demonstrations, bearing in mind that in the past, smaller demonstrations have sometimes turned violent.  Traffic and public transportation in the vicinity of demonstrations are likely to be affected. To enhance security measures already in place for the Summit, the German Government will increase passport and security checks at its land borders.  Those entering or exiting Germany – whether by car, boat, or train – may be required to produce valid travel documents.

 

India - On May 30, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued the following Warden Message: "Several important highways in the state of Rajasthan have been closed due to ongoing riots by Gujjars, an ethnic group protesting against exclusion from certain government benefits. The affected locations include highways frequented by tourists in Eastern Rajasthan, including the main highway between Jaipur and Agra, the main highway (National Highway No. 8) between Jaipur and Delhi, and local highways near popular tourist areas such as the Sariska Tiger Reserve and Ranthambhore National Park. There have been no reports of violence, however, in the city of Jaipur, nor have there been any reports of disturbances affecting travel by air into or out of Jaipur. Similarly, there have been no reports of disturbances in Agra, or in Western parts of Rajasthan (including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and other cities frequented by tourists). "American citizens planning travel to and from Jaipur and nearby areas in Eastern Rajasthan are advised to postpone travel by road until order is established by Indian authorities. Travelers should monitor news reports regarding the location of any other disturbances that may occur. Road closures and other security measures may be imposed at any time by Indian authorities, causing inconvenience to travelers. The Embassy wishes to remind American citizens that demonstrations in India can occur or escalate spontaneously and pose risks to travelers' personal safety."

 

Kuwait - The Kuwaiti government has announced that, beginning on September 1, 2007, the country will change its weekend to Friday-Saturday from the current Thursday-Friday. The move is designed to move Kuwait closer to the Western workweek model. The change will apply directly to government offices; the Kuwaiti private sector is not required to follow the move. However, banking institutions and much of the oil sector already apply the Friday-Saturday weekend. Of the six-nation alliance of the Gulf Cooperation Council -- which includes the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman -- Saudi Arabia and Oman will be the last remaining members to continue observing the Thursday-Friday Muslim weekend.

 

Laos - On May 24, the U.S. Department of State issued a Public Announcement for Laos, which reads in part: "This Public Announcement is being issued to update American citizens about continuing security concerns in northern Laos.  Sporadic clashes and military movements in northern Vientiane Province were reported in March and April. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement dated February 23, 2007 and expires on August 23, 2007. The U.S. Embassy in Laos continues to receive reports from multiple sources of sporadic fighting between Lao Government forces and unidentified opponents and of increased movements by Lao Government forces in the area of Vang Vieng in northern Vientiane Province beginning around February 7.  The Embassy received similar reports in March and April.  The U.S. Embassy continues to urge U.S. citizens to exercise caution in and around the area of Vang Vieng and recommends against any ground travel north from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from undertaking personal travel by ground transportation north of Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, along Route 13 and contiguous roadways.

 

Lebanon - On May 29, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy wishes to advise Americans that Fatah al-Islam has renewed its threat of attacks against Western-associated locations in Lebanon. In addition, similar credible threats have been made by the militant group Jund al-Sham and Al-Qaeda. The Embassy strongly urges Americans residing in Lebanon to review their planned movements and to remain vigilant during this time. American citizens should also carefully assess the need to visit popular gathering spots or other public places where large numbers of people gather. Ongoing fighting between Lebanese security forces and Fatah al-Islam militants in Tripoli and around the Nahr el-Bared Palestinian camp in Northern Lebanon has the potential to spark related violence. Americans should avoid the Tripoli region and we urge any remaining Americans in the area to depart if they have not yet done so."

 

Pakistan - On May 26, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad issued the following Warden Message regarding potential terrorist attacks: "Recent information indicates that terrorists may be planning to conduct attacks against Western interests in Pakistan. These interests may include non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and companies. No further information is available regarding the exact timing, location, or specific targets of these attacks. U.S. citizens should defer travel, and are reminded to examine their personal security practices. "The Embassy would like to remind the American citizen community of the need to stay alert, to be aware of your surroundings, to reduce travel to minimum acceptable levels, and to act self-defensively at all times. American citizens should avoid areas where Westerners are known to congregate, vary their routes and times, and maintain a low profile. We remind American citizens that threats, protests and demonstrations may occur throughout Pakistan without prior notice or warning and to avoid all demonstrations and protests."