Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Eritrea - The U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning for eritrea on November 14: "This Travel Warning updates information on Eritrea ’s current security situation and reiterates the Department of State’s advice that U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel to Eritrea due to restrictions on travel outside the capital city of Asmara and heightened tensions along the Eritrea-Ethiopia border.  This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued on May 2, 2007. The Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) continues to restrict the travel of all foreign nationals, including resident diplomats.  These restrictions require all visitors and residents to apply with the GSE 10 days in advance for permission to travel outside Asmara city limits.  As a result, the U.S. Embassy cannot provide consular assistance in an emergency outside of Asmara .  Travelers also should be aware that that the GSE does not inform the U.S. Embassy when American citizens have been arrested or detained. American citizens considering travel within Eritrea should be aware of the large presence of Eritrean and Ethiopian military forces along the undemarcated Eritrean-Ethiopian border, and rising political tensions between the two countries.  The Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Commission (EEBC) has said publicly that it plans to publish its border demarcation decision in November, even if the parties to the conflict have not agreed to its specific terms.  This decision could increase instability.  U.S. citizens are strongly advised to avoid travel near the Eritrean-Ethiopian border."

 

Georgia - The U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement on November 8: "This Public Announcement is being issued to inform American citizens that a State of Emergency has been decreed in Georgia for the next fifteen days. The decree has imposed restrictions on the press, demonstrations, and strikes, among other activities. Due to the potential for demonstrations, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Georgia to be aware of their surroundings at all times, to avoid areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Americans residing in Georgia may wish to review their home emergency preparedness plans. At this time, Rustaveli Avenue and Baratashvili Street in Tbilisi are closed to vehicular traffic and the Freedom Square and Rustaveli metro stations are closed. High schools and universities are closed and will reopen on Monday, 12 November. Media news coverage has been restricted, and the Georgia Public Broadcasting, also known as Channel One is currently the only channel authorized to broadcast news."

 

Middle East & North Africa - The U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement on November 8: "This Public Announcement is being updated as the Department of State continues to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in the Middle East and North Africa, including Iraq.  U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  This message supersedes the Public Announcement issued on May 14, 2007. Credible information indicates 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.  While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat.  Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.  Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.  Three suicide bomb attacks in July and September of 2007 in Algeria killed more than 80 people.   In July 2007, suspected al-Qaida operatives carried out a vehicle-borne explosive device attack on tourists at the Bilquis Temple in Yemen, which resulted in the deaths of eight Spanish tourists and their two Yemeni drivers.  There was a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca.  Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007.  These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners.  Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties.  For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals.  Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments. The violence in Iraq, clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, clashes between terrorist extremists and the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the ongoing political instability in Lebanon have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region.  In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region.  Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa. The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula.  Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance.  Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners were attacked in April 2006 resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans.  Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities.  Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests.  Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples. Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks and robberies at sea by pirates in the last year. Military action by U.S. and allied navies in several subsequent incidents resulted in the capture or death of pirates threatening international commerce.  No U.S. citizens have been hurt in these attacks.  When transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea near Yemen, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times. On occasion, the travel of official personnel at embassies and consulates is restricted because of security concerns, and these posts may recommend that private U.S. citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible.  Services to U.S. citizens in countries abroad may be affected if employees' movements are restricted.  If this happens, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  In case office hours are reduced, U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting in person."

 

Somalia - On November 13, the U.S. Deparment of State issued the following Travel Warning for Somalia: "This Travel Warning updates information for U.S. citizens about the security situation in Somalia.  This supersedes the Travel Warning of June 5, 2006. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed “independent Republic of Somaliland.” Inter-clan and inter-factional fighting can flare up with little warning.  Kidnapping, murder, and other threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners can occur unpredictably in many regions.  Armed conflict among rival militias has occurred in southern Somalia, particularly in and around Mogadishu, which has resulted in the deaths of numerous Somali nationals.  In December 2006, Ethiopian military forces entered Somalia in support of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG).  The African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) deployed troops to Somalia in March 2007.  As of October 2007, both Ethiopian and AMISOM forces remained in Somalia. Extremist elements and a limited number of al-Qaeda linked operatives continue to maintain a presence in southern Somalia and have launched attacks against high ranking TFG officials and Ethiopian forces.  There is no U.S. Embassy or other U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia.  The U.S. government cannot provide services to U.S. citizens in Somalia. In late 2003 and early 2004, violent and deadly attacks targeted foreigners in the self-declared "Republic of Somaliland" in northern Somalia.  The Sanaag and Sool Regions in eastern Somaliland, bordering on Puntland (northeastern Somalia), are subject to insecurity due to recent inter-clan fighting.  In past years, there also have been several fatal attacks against international relief workers, including Westerners, throughout Somalia and Somaliland.  Serious fighting between armed militia groups and pro-Somali security forces continues in the Mogadishu area and in the districts of Gedo and Bay (especially the vicinity of Baidoa) in the south. Territorial control in the Mogadishu area is divided among numerous clans and militia groups; lines of control are unclear and frequently shift, making movement within this area extremely hazardous. U.S. citizens are urged to use extreme caution when sailing near the coast of Somalia.  Merchant vessels, fishing boats, and recreational craft all risk seizure by pirates and having their crews held for ransom, especially in the waters off the Horn of Africa.  There have been numerous such incidents, highlighting the continuing danger of maritime travel near the Horn of Africa.  The international waters near Somalia have become the preferred venue for these pirate attacks.  If transit around the Horn of Africa is necessary, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys and maintain good communications contact at all times.

 

Venezuela - The U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement on November 8:"This Public Announcement is to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Venezuela of the potential for political unrest throughout the country leading up to and following the referendum on proposed constitutional reforms scheduled for December 2, 2007.  This announcement expires on December 14, 2007. Recent student demonstrations in Caracas resulted in sporadic throwing of rocks and bottles, skirmishes between demonstrators and police, and the use of tear gas by law enforcement authorities.  A student protest in Maracaibo on November 2 left two students dead and 15 people injured. Political tensions remain high in Venezuela and demonstrations may occur on short notice.  Opposition parties have called for demonstrations on November 10 and November 26, and government supporters are expected to stage similar events.  There could be other demonstrations prior to the December 2 referendum.  For updated information, U.S. citizens are advised to check the Embassy’s website, listed below. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  Since the timing and routes of marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments."

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