Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Fiji - On November 2, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Warning for Fiji: "This Public Announcement is updated to reflect the current security situation in Fiji.  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to the Republic of Fiji due to the current unstable environment in the country.  This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on August 9, 2007 and expires on February 1, 2008. On December 5, 2006, the Commander of Fiji’s military deposed the lawfully elected government of Fiji.  An unelected interim government was later established.  While a State of Emergency is no longer in effect, some basic rights may be denied.  Some protections ordinarily afforded by the rule of law are not guaranteed in the current situation.  While Fiji is currently calm, political and economic uncertainties continue.  Some nighttime police checkpoints remain in place in and around major population centers.  The security situation, especially in Suva, could deteriorate without warning.  American citizens in Fiji should remain vigilant, particularly in public and near military sites in the greater Suva area, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent unexpectedly."

 

Indonesia - The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued the following Warden Message on 5 November 2007: "Americans living and traveling in Indonesia are urged to avoid traveling to or within six miles of Mount Kelud, located in the province of East Java. The Government of Indonesia has issued an evacuation order for all people living within six miles of Mount Kelud. Indonesian authorities ordered the evacuation on Tuesday, 16 October, warning of an imminent eruption. In recent days, the situation on the mountain has become increasingly dangerous. Volcanic tremors are constant and white smoke is rising above the crater. Heavy rains in the area have increased the danger. Local officials warn that an eruption is imminent. Extra caution should be exercised if traveling near this site."

 

Mali - On November 2, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Warning for Mali: "This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to security concerns in Mali.  Due to recent armed conflict, kidnappings, and the presence of landmines, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid travel to northern Mali.  Areas of particular concern include the Mali-Niger and Mali-Algeria borders, the Kidal region, and the city of Tinzawaten.  This Public Announcement expires on January 30, 2008. On August 26-27, 2007, Tuareg dissidents attacked and kidnapped civilian and military convoys near the Mali-Niger border.  On August 30, a truck transporting civilians from Algeria to Tinzawaten hit a landmine, killing at least 14 people.  In September 2007, the Malian military garrison at Tinzawatan clashed with armed rebels.  While the government of Mali is working to strengthen security in northern Mali and achieve a peaceful settlement, the area remains unstable. Al-Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has a presence in northern Mali, and was designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.  The presence of AQIM and other armed groups in the north present potential dangers to travelers. Many people who reside in or visit northern Mali travel with security escorts.  However, the August 2007 convoy attack on agricultural researchers (escorted by Malian military personnel) illustrated that this does not ensure safety.  U.S. government employees, including those on temporary duty, must be given special permission before traveling north of the Niger River, including to Kidal, Tessalit, Lere, Goundam, Essakane, and Menaka towns. Americans planning travel to the northern regions of Mali despite this Public Announcement, including those planning to attend music festivals like the Festival in the Desert in Essakane or Sahara Nights Festival at Essouk, as well as Americans residing or traveling in Mali, are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website."

 

Pakistan - On November 3 the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad issued the following Warden Message: "The Government of Pakistan has announced a State of Emergency effective immediately. Although the Government of Pakistan has not imposed a curfew, the U.S. Embassy recommends all American citizens in Islamabad remain in their residences and defer all nonessential travel. Constitution Avenue in Islamabad is closed."

 

United Arab Emirates - On November 5, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Warning for United Arab Emirates (UAE): "This Public Announcement is to remind all American citizens resident in the UAE, and those intending to visit there, that thousands of foreign visitors will be attending the Dubai Air Show between November 11-15, 2007. Although the U.S. Government has no specific or credible information about security concerns related to the Dubai Air Show, terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations. During the event, U.S. citizens are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance, to be aware of local events and traffic delays, and to take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. This Public Announcement expires November 16, 2007. As is typical at large international conferences and exhibitions, residents and visitors can expect this event to attract senior foreign government officials and high-level business delegations from many countries, resulting in significant traffic delays. Also, there will be increased police and security presence in and around various event venues in the city, near the Dubai airport, around hotels, shopping centers and other locales."

Previous Updates