Travel Update-Weekly Edition

July 12th, 2007

Airline News

 

Airport/Destination News 

 

London Heathrow International Airport - Luggage at Heathrow airport is to be electronically tagged in an attempt to deal with the thousands of bags that go missing from Britain's largest airport.  BAA, the owner of Heathrow, will launch a trial of radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging at the airport in October. Computer chips in bag labels will emit a signal detailing the owner's name and destination. In theory, sensors could be pointed at a mound of bags and a baggage handler will be able to download the details of every piece of luggage in the pile. BAA declined to comment on the trials, but it is understood they will take place at Heathrow in the autumn, with the tagging equipment installed at check-in desks and sensors placed around the airport.

 

London Standsted Airport - Travelers standing in the passport inspection lines at London Stansted could face delays of an hour or more this summer as workers get used to working with new machines that read electronic passports,

 

Rome -   The U.S. Embassy in Rome is warning Americans traveling to Naples and its surrounding region they may face health risks from a garbage crisis that has left rubbish piling up in the streets. "U.S. citizens traveling to or through the area may encounter mounds of garbage, open fires with potentially toxic fumes, and/or sporadic public demonstrations by local residents attempting to block access to dumps," said the message posted this week on the embassy's Web site. The embassy message noted that authorities do a good job of collecting garbage in tourist areas like downtown Naples and Pompeii, but also warned that the fumes from the fires could aggravate respiratory problems.

 

State Dept Travel Warnings and Public announcements - For the full announcements or further detail on Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, please see  http://travel.state.gov/travel

Brazil - On July 5, the U.S. Department of State issued a Public Announcement for Brazil which reads in part: "This Public Announcement is being issued to alert American citizens about the Pan American Games taking place in and around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 13–29, 2007.  The popularity of the Pan Am Games in the Western Hemisphere is expected to attract fans to Rio de Janeiro.  Americans planning travel to Rio de Janeiro during this timeframe are strongly advised to be aware of game dates and locations, and take appropriate measures to safeguard their personal safety and property. All American citizens traveling to Brazil by air or sea must be in possession of a valid passport with a valid Brazilian visa.  Brazilian visas must be used within 90 days of issuance or are invalid.  Brazil requires Yellow Fever vaccination for any traveler transiting through some Latin American countries.  To learn more about country-specific entry requirements, please visit http://www.travel.state.gov. The Pan Am Games will affect the busy tourist season in July; increased demands on services may strain the availability of taxis, emergency medical response, and other public services.  U.S. citizens should take this into consideration in planning travel to Rio de Janeiro.  More information about the games, including match dates and locations, is available at http://www.cob.org.br/pan2007.holidays. Rio de Janeiro continues to experience a high incidence of violent crime.  Tourists are particularly vulnerable to street thefts and robberies at the major tourist attractions and the main beaches in the city, as well as areas adjacent to these popular destinations.  Walking on the beaches is very dangerous at night.  During the day, travelers are advised not to take valuable possessions to the beach.  All travelers are urged to protect valuable personal items at all times, including passports, credit cards, jewelry, and other personal valuables, in order to guard against loss or theft. Shantytowns, known as favelas, are interspersed with tourist areas in Rio.  The government has recently attempted to reestablish control in these areas, leading to firefights with automatic weapons between drug gangs and police.  Given the high caliber of the weapons, stray bullets from firefights in favelas have killed a number of people in other parts of the city.  On June 25, 2007, Rio’s international airport was shutdown for a short period of time due to police action in a nearby favela. Incidents affecting tourists in 2006 included the robbery of cars and of a tourist bus going into the city from the airport, and the murder of a Portuguese tourist at 8:30 a.m. on Copacabana beach.  Drug gangs often are responsible for violence, such as the burning of public buses in 2005 that killed some passengers. While no U.S. citizens were injured, visitors and residents alike should be aware that such incidents do pose a threat and could result in closed shops and disrupted municipal services. In Rio de Janeiro city, motorists are allowed to treat stoplights as stop signs between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to protect against holdups at intersections.  While most police officials are honest, corrupt police officials extorted money from American tourists in 2006.  All incidents should be reported to the Tourist Police, who can be reached at 3399-7170/71/72/73. The U.S. Government remains concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad.  Any large-scale public events like the Pan American Games, therefore, could be the focus of terrorist acts or other forms of violence.  U.S. citizens planning to attend matches or participate in other large-scale public gatherings during the Pan American Games are advised to use caution and stay alert to their surroundings at all times.  Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Practicing personal safety measures can effectively reduce the risk of being a victim of violent crime, sexual assault, general assault, or extortion. The Department of State urges Americans traveling overseas to ensure they have adequate medical insurance, including insurance for medical evacuations.  Medicare recipients should know that Medicare does not cover medical expenses abroad.  U.S. citizens are urged to exercise personal safety at all times and to travel with a friend or companion when visiting unfamiliar places.

 

Chad - On July 11 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Chad which reads in part: "This Travel Warning updates U.S. citizens on ongoing safety and security concerns, including concerns about rebel activities in eastern and southeastern Chad, and notes that the government-declared State of Emergency is still in effect.  The Department continues to advise American citizens to avoid non-essential travel to eastern Chad.   This supersedes the Travel Warning of November 20, 2006. The Department of State urges American citizens to avoid non-essential travel to eastern Chad, and to take into consideration the increase in crime and the unstable security situation throughout the country, including the capital N’Djamena, before making travel plans.  The Government of Chad declared a State of Emergency on November 13, 2006, in response to inter-ethnic violence and rebel activity throughout the country, especially in the east.  In December of 2006, the State of Emergency was extended for a period of six months, and has not been lifted.  The State of Emergency covers the eastern regions of Ouaddai, Wadi Fira, and Salamat, as well as the regions of Hadjer-Lamis, Bourkou-Ennedi-Tibesti (BET), Moyen Chari, Mondoul, and the capital city of N’Djamena.  The Government continues to censor the independent media on occasion, and American journalists traveling to Chad should ensure all required permits and authorizations are obtained before their arrival. American citizens should exercise caution when traveling in Chad, including within N’Djamena. Since February 2007, there has been an increase in violent crimes and serious security incidents, some involving Chadian security forces (police, military, and gendarmes), and expatriates.  American citizens should continue to expect increased police and military patrols around the capital.  The Chadian government has introduced travel restrictions outside N’Djamena at various points during the State of Emergency, and may continue to do so, particularly in eastern Chad.  American citizens not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts should avoid travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border.  American 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.  When traveling anywhere in Chad, American citizens should travel in groups, keep a cell phone(for use 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.  American citizens traveling with Thurarya satellite phones should register the phones with Chadian authorities. 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.  American citizens are urged to carry all necessary travel documents, including valid passports and visas, and any specific documents required for travel within the country.  American citizens who encounter problems at these checkpoints should contact the U.S. Embassy. Since 2006, clashes between Government forces and anti-government rebel groups occurred primarily in the east of Chad but on one occasion reached as far as the capital.  There is a potential for further clashes between rebel movements and government forces in eastern and southeastern Chad and possibly closer to N’Djamena.  In the east, there are continued reports of cross-border banditry and United Nations (UN) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) vehicles have been targeted for carjacking.  At least one foreigner has been critically injured as a result of a carjacking, and another expatriate was seriously wounded during an armed robbery at an NGO compound in 2006.  U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans with UN 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 residing 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. American citizens who intend to enter Sudan from Chad despite the Department’s Travel Warnings for both countries must obtain the appropriate visas and permits in advance of entry into Sudan.  In August 2006, five foreigners, including two Americans, were arrested and detained in Darfur after entering Sudan via the Chadian border town of Bahai without the appropriate documentation.  Several of these individuals had solicited and obtained escorts in Chad who allegedly promised to facilitate entry into Sudan, but who were ultimately unable to follow through with their commitments.  Further information is available in the Department’s Travel Warning for Sudan. In southern Sudan, along Chad’s border with the Central African Republic (CAR), the situation is volatile, with over 50,000 refugees in Chad who have fled ongoing fighting in the CAR between northern Central African rebels and CAR forces.  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).

 

Indonesia - On July 10 the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy reminds Americans in Indonesia of the continued security threat to Westerners in Indonesia. In recent weeks, there have been arrests of high level terrorist operatives in Indonesia and there may be other terrorist cells actively planning attacks. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any location, including those frequented by foreigners, as well as identifiably American or other Western facilities or businesses in Indonesia. Such targets could include but are not limited to places where Americans and other Westerners live, congregate, work, study, shop, or visit, including hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, identifiably Western businesses, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or public recreation events."

 

Lebanon - On July 14 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Lebanon which reads in part: "This Travel Warning alerts American citizens to the ongoing fighting and political tensions in Lebanon  and advises them of safety and security concerns.  The Department of State continues strongly to urge that Americans defer travel to Lebanon, and that American citizens in Lebanon consider carefully the risks of remaining.   This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued on December 22, 2006. This warning alerts U.S.  citizens to the renewed threat of attacks against western and Lebanese government interests by the extremist group Fatah Al-Islam.  Similar threats also were made by the militant groups Jund Al-Sham and Al-Qaeda.  The Department of State remains concerned about the personal safety and security of American citizens as the fighting continues at the Nahr El-Barad refugee camp.  Sporadic fighting also has occurred outside several other refugee camps.  U.S. citizens who visit refugee camps in Lebanon risk becoming trapped during hostilities.  On June 7, a bomb exploded in the town of Zouk Mousbeh, north of Beirut . This was the fifth small-scale bomb attack in greater Beirut in recent weeks and follows the June 7 discovery of explosives-laden vehicles in eastern Lebanon . Since May 20, explosions have occurred in the Beirut neighborhoods of Achrafieh and Verdun, the Beirut suburb of Sad Al-Bouchrieh, and the resort town of Aley .  The possibility of related episodes of violence in popular districts of Beirut and other tourist areas in Lebanon remains high. The Department continues strongly to urge that Americans defer travel to Lebanon  , and that American citizens already in Lebanon consider carefully the risks of remaining.  Americans who remain in Lebanon despite this Travel Warning are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance; take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness; confirm that passports and U.S. travel documents for themselves and for family members are up-to-date; and be alert to any deterioration of the security situation. In a crisis situation, U.S.  citizens are responsible for arranging commercial or private means of transportation to depart Lebanon .  If evacuation is warranted, only when all other transportation options are unavailable will the U.S. government assist U.S. citizens in leaving a country.  This service will be provided on a cost-recovery basis.  The lack of valid travel documents will slow the U.S. embassy’s ability to provide assistance.  Further information on the department’s role during emergencies is provided at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html . Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose significant dangers throughout southern Lebanon, particularly south of the Litani River, as well as in areas of Lebanon where civil war fighting was intense.  More than a dozen civilians have been killed and over 100 injured by unexploded ordnance following the armed conflict in July-August 2006.  Travelers should watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance may be present.

 

Peru - On July 6, the U.S. Embassy in Lima issued the following Warden Message "The Embassy alerts Americans traveling or living in Peru to the high volume of ongoing civil actions throughout the country, which have involved both impediments to travel (blocked highways and closed airports) and sporadic street protests. Fourteen separate strikes and/or civil demonstrations are currently underway or planned for the near future, all related to local issues such as tax, education and labor disputes. The districts of Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, Lambayeque, Loreto, Piura, Puno, San Martin, and Ucayali are most affected by the demonstrations. Civil demonstrations in Pucallpa, Ucayali, have closed the airport for more than a week, preventing travelers from departing. Certain parts of Lima have also seen recent protests, and additional protests are expected in the coming week. "To date, these demonstrations have not directly threatened Americans or American interests in Peru. However, the Embassy reminds American travelers that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. During violent demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid areas where protests are being staged. 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." 

Saudi Arabia - On July 14 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Saudi Arabia which reads in part: "This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation in Saudi Arabia and reminds U.S. citizens of recommended security precautions.  It supersedes the Travel Warning issued December 19, 2006. Due to concerns about the possibility of additional terrorist activity directed against American citizens and interests, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.  The United States Mission in Saudi Arabia remains an unaccompanied post as a result of continued security concerns.  Non-emergency employees and all dependents of the U.S. Embassy Riyadh and Consulates General Jeddah and Dhahran were ordered to leave the country on April 15, 2004.  An armed attack on the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah occurred on December 6, 2004, resulting in casualties among the non-American staff and damage to consulate facilities. On November 13, 2005, the Consulate General in Jeddah closed the visa section for security reasons that require the assistance of the Government of Saudi Arabia to resolve. On May 12, 2006 a lone gunman fired shots at the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah.  There were no injuries.  The consular section remains open for American citizen services. Terrorist groups continue to target housing compounds and other establishments where Westerners may be located.  Saudi Government facilities are also targets.  In addition to car bombs and armed assaults involving multiple gunmen against such facilities, terrorists have used ambush attacks to kidnap and/or assassinate individual Westerners.  In February 2007, four French residents of Saudi Arabia returning from Madain Saleh were killed in a shooting incident while resting on the side of the Tabruk-Medina highway, approximately 17 km north of Medina.  In February 2006, there was a terrorist attack on Saudi oil facilities in Abqaiq in the Eastern Province.  There were no U.S. citizens or Westerners injured in this attack. American citizens who choose to visit or remain in Saudi Arabia despite this Travel Warning are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures including, but not limited to, the presence of an armed guard force, inspection of all vehicles, and a hardened security perimeter to prevent unauthorized vehicles from approaching the facility.  American citizens are further advised to exercise caution and maintain good situational awareness when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners or in primarily Western environments.  Keep a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel, and ensure that travel documents and visas are valid.  American citizens are also advised to exercise caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles. U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in Saudi Arabia despite this Travel Warning are strongly urged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov , in order to be included in the Mission’s warden network.  Updated travel and security information for Saudi Arabia is issued periodically via the warden network. 

 

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Previous Updates

May 31, 2007
May 17, 2007
May 10, 2007
May 3, 2007
April 27, 2007
April 26, 2007
April 19, 2007
April 12, 2007
April 9, 2007

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