Travel Update-Weekly Edition

September 27th, 2007

Airline News

Bolivia - On September 20, the U.S. Embassy in La Paz issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to notify American citizens traveling to and residing in Bolivia of the new visa requirement for American citizens entering Bolivia as tourists. The Bolivian government announced earlier this month that effective 1 December 2007, U.S. citizens seeking to enter Bolivia as tourists must first obtain an entry visa from a Bolivian diplomatic post nearest their place of residence by submitting an application, and presenting documentation that includes proof of economic solvency, itinerary and lodging, a police record , and yellow fever vaccination. The U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia has requested clarification regarding this policy and we are awaiting further information from Bolivian officials. Please continue to direct specific inquiries to the Bolivian Embassy in Washington or your nearest Bolivian Consulate. ..."

 

Ecuador - On September 27, the U.S. Embassy in Quito and the United States Consulate General in Guayaquil issued the following Warden Message, "Ecuador will hold constitutional assembly elections on Sunday, September 30, 2007. Public political activities are expected to increase in the days leading up to the elections. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. The Ecuadorian government has prohibited the sale or consumption of alcohol in public venues, as well as public intoxication, from Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30. Foreigners participating in political demonstrations or protests of any kind may be subject to arrest and deportation under Ecuadorian law."

 

Lebanon -  On September 24, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut issued the following Warden Message: "Recent events in Lebanon highlight ongoing security concerns throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut reminds U.S. citizens of the need for vigilance regarding personal security while in Lebanon, particularly from 24 September to 30 November. "The Embassy remains concerned that the recent conflict in Nahar el-Bared in northern Lebanon and the assassinations of well-known political figures, including that of Antoine Ghanem in Beirut on 19 September, indicate the continued threat of violence and civil disturbance in Lebanon. "Additionally, there is the potential for political violence during the upcoming presidential election round in Parliament. The election round will begin on September 25 and is scheduled to last until November 24. "The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens who live, work, or are traveling in Lebanon to exercise responsible security practices. Those practices should include awareness of the environment and potentially threatening events such as demonstrations or other public gatherings. U.S. citizens should also take care that they maintain a low profile in public and avoid predictable or habitual behavior."

 

Nepal - On September 24, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning for Nepal: "This Travel Warning provides updated information on the security situation in Nepal. The Department of State remains concerned about the security situation in Nepal and urges American citizens contemplating a visit to Nepal to obtain updated security information before they travel and to be prepared to change their plans at short notice. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on 7 May 2007. "Nepal continues to experience sporadic incidents of terrorism and politically-motivated violence in major urban areas. On 2 September 2007, near-simultaneous blasts at three locations in the capital, Kathmandu, killed three persons and injured scores of commuters and bystanders, many of them seriously. Nepal Police believe that the Improvised Explosive Devices were planted intentionally where people congregate, and in a moving microbus carrying passengers. American citizens are reminded to remain on high alert, avoid public transportation (including travel by microbus), and be cautious of unattended baggage in public places, including airports and bus depots."

 

Pakistan - On September 21, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning updates information on security incidents and reminds U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns in Pakistan. "The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against non-essential travel to Pakistan in light of the threat of terrorist activity. "The presence of Al-Qaida, Taliban elements, and indigenous sectarian groups poses a potential danger to American citizens, especially along the porous border with Afghanistan. Continuing tensions in the Middle East also increase the possibility of violence against Westerners in Pakistan. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans are known to congregate or visit, such as hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events. American fast food restaurants and other companies in Karachi were bombed in late 2005, resulting in several deaths and multiple injuries among Pakistani employees and customers. On March 2, 2006, an American diplomat, his locally employed driver, and three others were killed when a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives in front of the U.S. Consulate in Karachi. Fifty-two others were wounded. Fatal bomb attacks have occurred in Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, and other Pakistani cities in 2006 and 2007. Some of the attacks have occurred outside major hotels, market areas and other locations frequented by Americans. Other recent targets have included Pakistani government officials and buildings, and international NGOs. U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in Pakistan despite this Travel Warning are encouraged to register with the Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulates in Karachi, Lahore, or Peshawar. Americans in country should take appropriate individual precautions to ensure their safety and security. These measures include maintaining good situational awareness, avoiding crowds and demonstrations and keeping a low profile. Americans should avoid setting patterns by varying times and routes for all required travel. Americans should ensure that their travel documents and visas are valid at all times. From time to time, any post in Pakistan may temporarily suspend public services for security reasons. Official Americans may be prohibited from traveling to certain areas of Pakistan due to security concerns. Therefore, they may not be able to render immediate service to American citizens in distress. The websites of the Embassy and Consulates are regularly updated with the latest information on more specific travel restrictions and conditions. Many areas of Pakistan, such as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghan border and the area adjacent to the Line of Control (LOC) in the disputed territory of Kashmir, are restricted for non-Pakistanis. Travel to any restricted region requires official permission by the Government of Pakistan. Failure to obtain such permission in advance can result in arrest and detention by Pakistani authorities."

 

Togo - On September 24, the U.S. Embassy in Lomé issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Lomé would like to advise American citizens that Togolese legislative elections are scheduled for Sunday, October 14, 2007. While there is considerable optimism about the election process, the potential for demonstrations or civil unrest remains. American citizens are urged to avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should also be aware that the land borders with Ghana and Benin are routinely closed during elections."

 

Yemen - On 24 September 24 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning updates information on security incidents in Yemen and reminds U.S. citizens of the high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorist activities. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Yemen issued 30 April 2007. "The Department of State continues to strongly urge U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of traveling to Yemen. The security threat level remains high due to terrorist activities in Yemen, and U.S. citizens in Yemen should exercise caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security: maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa advises American citizens in Yemen to exercise particular caution at locations frequented by foreigners countrywide and at restaurants and hotels frequented by expatriates. From time to time, the Embassy may restrict official Americans from restaurants, hotels, or shopping areas. Americans who believe they are being followed or threatened while driving in urban centers should proceed as quickly as possible to the nearest police station or major intersection and request assistance from the officers in the blue-and-white police cars stationed there. The Department remains concerned about possible attacks by extremist individuals or groups against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses, and perceived interests. While foreigners have not been targeted, hundreds of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the ongoing violence. U.S. citizens traveling in Yemen should be aware that local authorities occasionally place restrictions on the travel of foreigners to parts of the country experiencing unrest. In addition, the U.S. Embassy itself often restricts travel of official personnel to the tribal areas north and east of Sanaa, such as the governorates of Amran, Al Jawf, Hajja, Marib, Saada, and Shabwa. Travelers should be in contact with the Embassy for up-to-date information on such restrictions."

Previous Updates