Travel Update-Weekly Edition

December 13th, 2007

Airline News

Baggage into Mexico will be limited to a maximum weight of 50lbs (23kgs) and 62 inches (total of length plus width plus height). No extra piece or weight will be accepted to Mexico destinations: Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL); Mexico City, Mexico (MEX); Mazatlan, Mexico (MZT); Zacatecas, Mexico (ZCL)

                     
June 15 through August 15: San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL); Quito, Ecuador (UIO)

 

Year-round Embargos: The Dominican Republic has a year-round additional excess baggage (piece) embargo. This embargo applies to flights to/from: Santo Domingo (SDQ); Santiago (STI);

 

Customers may not bring more than two checked bags, Also, bags over 70 pounds or exceeding 62 inches (total of length plus width plus height) will not be accepted.

Passengers are allowed to check two excess pieces of baggage at the applicable rate during non-embargo time periods on a standby basis if traveling to: Bogotá, Colombia (BOG); Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA); Lima, Peru (LIM); San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL)

Miscellaneous

Bolivia - On December 12 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement is to inform U.S. citizens of the potential for political unrest throughout Bolivia leading up to and following sessions of the country’s constituent assembly to prepare a new draft constitution. The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel to Bolivia. This Public Announcement expires on 11 January 2008. "Political and social tensions have escalated in Bolivia due to the highly polarized nature of Bolivia ’s Constituent Assembly process. Recent protests and demonstrations have led to violent clashes, resulting in casualties and mass injuries in various locations throughout Bolivia . The Department recommends that U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel to Bolivia at this time. U.S. Embassy La Paz is restricting the official travel of U.S. Government employees to Bolivia during this period. Since protests and demonstrations can break out with little or no notice, U.S. citizens in Bolivia should monitor local media sources for the latest developments. U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations at all times and exercise caution. "Strikes and road blockades are a constant risk in Bolivia and are likely to disrupt transportation at the local and regional levels. U.S. citizens are advised not to attempt to cross these blockades. In addition to affecting transportation, blockades and strikes may limit access to services and amenities. During the month of October, the Santa Cruz Administration and Auxiliary Services of Aerial Navigation suspended services in and out of Viru Viru International Airport and all domestic and international flights were cancelled for a 24-hour period. U.S. citizens should contact their airline and/or tour operators prior to commencing travel for the latest travel information."

 

Burundi - On December 5, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Burundi which reads in part: "This Travel Warning is being re-issued to provide updated security information on the situation in Burundi and to remind Americans of precautions to take while traveling in Burundi.  Adult dependents of U.S. Embassy personnel in Burundi were authorized to return to Burundi in June 2006.  In December 2007, all dependents were authorized to return.  This supersedes the Travel Warning of August 9, 2007. The Department of State continues to caution U.S. citizens traveling to Burundi.  Burundi was plagued by a civil war from 1993 to 2006 that often involved non-government, non-combatant targets.  In September 2006, the government and the last remaining hold-out rebel group from the peace process, the PALIPEHUTU–FNL, signed a cease-fire agreement.  While many of the cease-fire provisions have not been implemented and the rebels still retain the capability to conduct indirect fire attacks on the capital, Bujumbura has remained free of attacks since July 2006.  Rebels are still present throughout Bujumbura Rural, which surrounds the capital city. Crime, often committed by groups of armed bandits or street children, poses the highest risk for foreign visitors to Bujumbura and Burundi in general.  Common crimes include muggings, burglaries, robberies, and carjackings.  Visitors should be careful when stopped in heavy traffic due to the threat of robbery by roving bands of criminals.  The U.S. Embassy has received reports of armed criminals ambushing vehicles, particularly on the roads leading out of Bujumbura.  U.S. Government personnel are restricted from walking on the streets during hours of darkness, and prohibited from using local public transportation.  Due to insufficient resources, local authorities in any part of Burundi are often unable to provide timely assistance in case of need. Adult dependents of U.S. Embassy personnel in Burundi were authorized to return to Burundi in June 2006, and all dependents, including minors, were authorized to return in December 2007. Nonetheless, Embassy employees are still subject to certain travel restrictions.  Certain areas of the capital of Bujumbura are off-limits to Embassy personnel.  In addition, the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer must pre-approve all travel outside the capital by U.S. Embassy personnel, and employees must travel in two-vehicle convoys.  The Embassy recommends that Americans not travel on national highways from dusk to dawn.

 

Côte d'Ivoire - On December 5, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Cote D'Ivoire which reads in part: "This Travel Warning is being issued to remind U.S. citizens of the ongoing safety and security concerns in Cote d’Ivoire and to urge Americans to exercise extreme caution while traveling in Cote d’Ivoire.  This supersedes the Travel Warning of June 1, 2007. Cote d’Ivoire continues to experience periodic episodes of political unrest and violence, sometimes directed against foreigners, since a 2002 failed coup attempt that evolved into an armed rebellion and split the country in two.  Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and New Forces leader Guillaume Soro signed the Ouagadougou Political Accord (OPA) in March 2007 and a new government was formed with Soro as Prime Minister (PM).  Although implementation of the accord has begun, the political situation has not returned to normal. In June 2007, rockets were fired at the PM’s plane while it was in Bouake. Four people were killed but the PM was unharmed; this incident underscores the potentially volatile political situation in Cote d’Ivoire. UN and French peacekeepers remain in the country. The security situation continues to be poor and unpredictable throughout the country, particularly in the western part of Cote d’Ivoire.  In May 2007, Embassy personnel traveling in western Cote d’Ivoire were subject to unprovoked violence from non-military personnel.  Crime poses the highest risk for foreign visitors in Abidjan, including mugging, robbery, burglary and car jacking.  Visitors should be careful when stopped in heavy traffic or at impromptu roadblocks due to the threat of violent robbery. Given the tense and potentially volatile security situation, the Department of State urges American citizens to exercise extreme caution should they travel to Cote d’Ivoire, and to take special care when traveling outside Abidjan.  Shops and businesses are open, and overland travel between the large population centers in both the traditionally government-controlled south and the formerly rebel-controlled north is possible.  The airport currently operates normally and handles a number of flights by regional and European carriers.  Land routes to the Ghanaian border are open. The Department of State continues to prohibit minor dependents from accompanying U.S. government employees assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan.  Embassy employees are asked to limit their travel within Abidjan and to avoid travel at night.  Private Americans are urged to follow the same guidelines.  U.S. Embassy personnel must obtain prior approval before traveling more than 35 kilometers outside of Abidjan.  Some of those requests may be denied, or multi-vehicle convoys may be required for security reasons.  Americans should ensure that their vehicles are fully fueled and that they have adequate cooking fuel, food, and water to last several days. The U.S. Embassy is located in the Riviera Golf neighborhood of the Cocody section of Abidjan.  The Embassy may close to the public temporarily from time to time in response to security developments.

 

Democratic Republic Of Congo - The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued the following Warden Message on December 5: "The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa hereby informs American citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that all non-essential travel to the province of North Kivu should be deferred until further notice. The Travel Warning dated April 24, 2007 remains in effect for the DRC. "According to media reports, as well as information provided by MONUC and the U.S. Embassy representative in Goma, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have stepped up military action against General Laurent Nkunda and his forces, using helicopter gunships and heavy artillery in the area of Mushake on December 4. Nkunda loyalists are moving from Kabati and Kilolirwe towards Kichanda and further north. Movements of forces on both sides, build-up of government troops, and continued clashes are expected. Numerous civilians are fleeing the region. "Americans in the area are advised to closely monitor local and international news from reliable sources for updated reports. Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM at 0700, 0800, 1200 and 1800 as well as flash broadcasts throughout the day. English language news can be found on BBC at 92.6 FM. "Additionally, American citizens are urged to review and update their personal and professional emergency plans, and take necessary precautions to avoid being caught in dangerous situations."

 

Mozambique - The U.S. Embassy in Maputo issued the following Warden Message on December 10: "The Mozambique Ministry of Health and local media outlets have reported an increase in cholera cases over the past few weeks. Health officials have reported cases in Quelimane, Beira, Cabo Delgado, Maputo Province and Maputo City. While Maputo and many areas of Mozambique encounter cholera cases annually, the Embassy reminds all American citizens of the importance of food and water preparation to prevent cholera and other water-borne illnesses."

 

Niger - On December 12 the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to recent landmine incidents in Niger. On the morning of 10 December, a vehicle traveling near Maradi hit a landmine. Later the same day, a vehicle traveling in Tahoua also hit a landmine. Travelers in both vehicles were killed. As a result of these incidents, the US Embassy in Niamey continues to temporarily prohibit all U.S. Embassy personnel from traveling east of the city of Dosso. Americans who currently live east of Dosso are urged to stay at home and to avoid traveling at the present time. "In addition, the current travel restriction for Americans north of Abalak remains in effect. American citizens are urged to avoid the region of Niger north of Abalak - to include areas in and around the cities of Agadez, Arlit, and Iferoune. This warden message will be updated as new information on the security situation on Niger’s roads becomes available."

 

Saudi Arabia - On December 9 the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued the following Warden Message: "On or about 18 December the annual Hajj ritual will begin in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Up to three million pilgrims will participate and large crowds and congestion will occur in the cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah.  "Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. U.S. Citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security."

 

Previous Updates

December 5, 2007
November 29, 2007
November 21, 2007
November 15, 2007
November 8, 2007
November 1, 2007
October 25, 2007
October 18, 2007
October 11, 2007
October 4, 2007
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