Travel Update-Weekly Edition

September 13th, 2007

Airline News

 

Middle East & North Africa: Muslims in several countries, including Libya, began marking the holy month of Ramadan on 12 September 2007. The start of Ramadan is traditionally determined by the sighting of a new moon and is expected to begin on 13 September and end on or around 13 October in the majority of Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. During this time, Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset. Non-Muslims are not expected to adhere to this, but eating, drinking or smoking in public can be considered rude. Many shops and businesses close early or operate on reduced schedules during Ramadan, and many restaurants and cafes close during the day. Travelers should be particularly mindful of Islamic sensibilities during this time. Foreign travelers should also avoid public displays of affection during this time. Moreover, a greater emphasis should be placed on dressing and behaving modestly. The end of Ramadan, known as Aid al-Fitr, is one of the two most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar. A two-three day public holiday is observed, during which offices are closed. There are also potential security concerns for foreign interests in Islamic countries during Ramadan.

 

Mozambique - Visitors to Mozambique coming from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania will have to present Yellow Fever inoculation certificates. This was revealed by the Ministers of Health and Interior Ivo Garrido and Jose Pacheco respectively after they signed an accord in Maputo on Wednesday which will make it mandatory for any visitor to Mozambique who passes through these countries to present a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate at the point of entry into the country. The countries are among those where the disease is endemic. Teams from the ministry of health will be posted at all border posts, Garrido told reporters. Yellow Fever is a tropical disease spread to humans by infected mosquitoes, and many infections are mild and the disease can cause life-threatening illness.

 

Pittsburgh International Airport - Pittsburgh International Airport  has been expanded and upgraded the free wireless Internet offered there.  Free Wi-Fi was first offered in 2003 in the airport's food-court area. It was since been expand to the airside terminal and will now be added to Pittsburgh's landside terminal as well. Airport officials say the bandwidth has also been upgraded to increase the speed and reliability of the connection.

 

 

East Timor - On September 12 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning is being updated to inform Americans of continued potential for violence in Timor-Leste (formerly known as East Timor) and to warn American citizens to defer travel to Timor-Leste at this time. Americans currently in Timor-Leste should evaluate carefully their safety and security situation in light of this Travel Warning. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on May 11, 2007. "The Department of State advises U.S. citizens of the continuing potential for violent civil unrest in Timor-Leste. U.S. citizens should defer travel to Timor-Leste at this time. Those already in Timor-Leste should exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of security awareness while moving about in Dili; be alert to the potential for violence; and avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and areas where disturbances have occurred. Demonstrations can occur at or near symbols and institutions of the Government of Timor-Leste, including government buildings and houses belonging to prominent politicians. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence."

 

Paraguay - On September 10, the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being sent to advise U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Paraguay that the Embassy has been informed that imposters may attempt to gain entry to private residences in Asuncion by posing as employees of 'Multi Canal' and 'Copaco' (local Cable companies). Below are security tips regarding residential security:

*Instruct household help/staff to not permit access to any individual without your prior approval. Household help/staff should also be instructed to contact you immediately if any individual attempts to enter your home in your absence.

*If an unscheduled, unidentified individual comes to your door claiming to represent any local business or other establishment, DO NOT/NOT allow the individual to enter your home.

*Keep entry/exit points to your residence locked at all times.

*Use an alarm if you have one.

*Report any suspicious activity outside your residence and/or attempts to gain entry to the local police and to the Consular Section of the Embassy."

 

Sudan - The U.S. Department of State has issued a Travel Warning for Sudan which reads in part as follows: "This Travel Warning for Sudan alerts U.S. citizens to the threat from armed conflicts and warns of continued threats from terrorism in Sudan .  This supersedes the Travel Warning issued for Sudan on October 5, 2006. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur area, where violence between government forces and various armed militias continues.  Americans and other westerners have been victims of carjackings and armed robbery while traveling in Sudan . Land travel at night should be avoided. Travelers are reminded that the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and western interests in Sudan .  Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings.  U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or western interests.  As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds. Travel outside of the capital city of Khartoum and the adjacent town of Omdurman is potentially dangerous.  Sporadic fighting instigated by militias often is reported in the southern parts of the country.  Threats have been made against foreigners working in the oil industry in Upper Nilestate. Americans who must travel to Sudan despite this Travel Warning must possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a Sudanese visa.  Travelers must apply for a visa in their own country of residence.  In August 2006, five foreigners, including two Americans, were arrested and detained in Darfur after entering Sudan via the Chadian border town of Banal 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.  Without appropriate travel documents and permits, travelers may face arrest and detention for crimes including illegal entry, publication of false information, and espionage.  If convicted, sentences range from deportation to life in prison or the death penalty. The Sudanese Government requires that anyone seeking to enter the Darfur area, and some other areas, obtain a special travel permit.  This includes humanitarian workers, journalists, photographers, and other media employees.  Separate additional permits are required to take photographs, even for private use, and to conduct journalism anywhere in Sudan.

 

Ukraine - On September 6, the U.S. Embassy in Kiev issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv urges American citizens in Ukraine to be alert to the possibility of public rallies and demonstrations in connection with the Ukrainian Parliamentary Election scheduled for September 30, 2007. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence, including violence intentionally provoked. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations."

 

TOP

Previous Updates

September 6, 2007
August 30, 2007
August 23, 2007
August 16, 2007
August 9, 2007
August 2, 2007
July 26, 2007
July 20, 2007
July 12, 2007
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

TOP