Travel Update-Weekly Edition

October 4th, 2007

Airline News

 

 

 

 

Kenya - On September 28, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy Nairobi has received information that Islamic extremists in southern Somalia may be planning kidnapping operations inside of Kenya. There are indications that Islamic extremists based in Somalia may be planning to target Westerners, especially American citizens, in the Kiwayu Island tourist area and other beach sites frequented by Western travelers on the northeast coast near Somalia. All U.S. citizens in these areas should exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant at all times."

 

Myanmar - On September 28, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon issued the following Warden Message: "The Embassy wished to alert U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Burma of the ongoing large demonstrations in Rangoon, Mandalay, and other cities. The Burmese Government has officially informed the Embassy that the curfew in Rangoon is in effect every day from 9:00pm to 5:00am, and has stated it will be enforced. We strongly recommend that all American citizens avoid travel during curfew hours. U.S. citizens should defer non-essential travel to Burma at this time. American citizens resident in Burma should avoid all demonstrations and processions, as they could turn violent with little or no warning, as has happened recently. On September 27, a Japanese journalist was shot and killed in the Sule Pagoda downtown area during a demonstration. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens not to photograph and film the military and police because doing so could be interpreted as provocative. "The scale of demonstrations by monks and Burmese citizen supporters in Rangoon, Mandalay, and other cities has grown and become more overtly political. Authorities have shot and in some instances killed demonstrators, have used gunfire and tear gas against them, have begun to restrict their movements, and have imposed a curfew from 9:00pm to 5:00am. The Burmese Government has banned gatherings of more than five people. The situation remains fluid and an even harsher military reaction could occur at any time, particularly if the protests continue. "We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence, as has happened recently. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens should defer non-essential travel to Burma at this time. Given the fluidity of the current situation, the Department of State advises all U.S. citizens in Burma to monitor events closely, to exercise discretion when moving about, and to avoid any large public gatherings, any visible military presence, and any area cordoned off by security forces."

Zimbabwe - On October 2 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement is being issued to update travelers on security concerns in Zimbabwe and to advise Americans to consider the risks of travel to Zimbabwe at this time.  This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on July 12, 2007, and expires on December 30, 2007. "The security situation in Zimbabwe is volatile and could deteriorate quickly without warning.  Sharp price cuts on local goods have caused widespread shortages of bread, milk, meat, poultry and gasoline, and other basic goods, resulting in occasional outbreaks of violence as security agents seek to enforce the price cuts and citizens rush to buy available goods.  Visitors should be prepared for food shortages and avoid large gatherings, particularly around shopping areas and in the high-density suburbs of Harare and Bulawayo. "In response to growing public protests against deteriorating conditions, the Zimbabwe Government continues to authorize its security forces to suppress all dissent by whatever means deemed necessary.  In recent months, political leaders at the highest levels of the Zimbabwean government have condoned the security forces’ use of violence against opponents of the government. The government has defended its right to treat individuals roughly, including those in custody, and has warned of more such actions. "As campaigning and preparations for 2008 presidential elections take place, there is an increased potential for political violence, particularly at large rallies or demonstrations.  American citizens in Zimbabwe should, therefore, exercise caution when traveling within the country and avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings. "The government frequently uses roadblocks to enforce order.  Roadblocks can be particularly dangerous, and extreme caution should be used when approaching them.  Travelers should comply with instructions from police or other security officials to stop at roadblocks. Travelers are advised to carry a mobile phone or other means of communication.”

 

Previous Updates

September 27, 2007
September 20, 2007
September 13, 2007
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