Travel Update-Weekly Edition

January 10th, 2008

Airline News

Chad - On January 3 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning updates U.S. citizens on ongoing safety and security concerns in Chad. The Department of State advises American citizens not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts to avoid travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border area. Travelers to other regions in Chad, including the capital, N’Djamena, should consider postponing non-essential travel. "The State Department advises American citizens not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts to avoid travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border area due to insecurity caused by banditry and clashes between Government and rebel forces. Travelers to other regions in Chad, including the capital, N’Djamena should consider postponing non-essential travel due to the unstable security situation throughout the country. "On 16 October 2007, the Government of Chad declared a State of Emergency in response to inter-ethnic violence and rebel activity throughout the country, especially in the east. The Chadian national army continues to mobilize and move additional troops to the east, and has placed police and military checkpoints in the capital of N’Djamena. The recent 'Arche de Zoe' affair, in which a French organization was accused of kidnapping Chadian children, has heightened government scrutiny of humanitarian and other organizations. Demonstrations targeting westerners have taken place and may recur. "Visitors (including journalists) traveling to Chad despite this Travel Warning should ensure all required permits and authorizations are obtained before their arrival. "American citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, street demonstrations, and government installations, including the Presidential Palace, which is across from the Parade Grounds. Vehicles should never stop in front of the Presidential Palace. When traveling anywhere in Chad, American citizens should travel in groups, keep a cell phone for use when service is available or two-way radio in reach at all times, avoid travel after dusk, and leave detailed travel plans with a reliable point of contact. American citizens traveling with Thurarya satellite phones should register the phones with Chadian authorities. "Reports indicate an increase in the number of highway banditry incidents across the country. Some American citizens have reported harassment at Chadian government roadway checkpoints. American citizens are urged to carry all necessary travel documents, including valid passports and visas, and any specific documents required for travel within the country. American citizens who encounter problems at these checkpoints should contact the U.S. Embassy. "Since 2006, clashes between Government forces and anti-government rebel groups occurred primarily in the east of Chad but on one occasion reached as far as the capital. There is a potential for further clashes between rebel movements and government forces in eastern and southeastern Chad and possibly closer to N’Djamena. In the east, there are continued reports of cross-border banditry and United Nations (UN) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) vehicles have been targeted for carjacking. At least one foreigner was critically injured during a carjacking, and another was seriously wounded during an armed robbery at an NGO compound in 2006. U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) security offices in Abeche and N’Djamena, and to follow UNHCR guidance regarding safety and security. The government of Chad requires all individuals traveling to or residing in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad to obtain permits issued by the Ministry of Territorial Administration in N’Djamena, and to register in Abeche upon arrival in eastern Chad. "American citizens who intend to enter Sudan from Chad despite the Department’s Travel Warnings for both countries must obtain the appropriate visas and permits in advance of entry into Sudan. In August 2006, five foreigners, including two Americans, were arrested and detained in Darfur after entering Sudan via the Chadian border town of Bahai without the appropriate documentation. Several of these individuals had solicited and obtained escorts in Chad who allegedly promised to facilitate entry into Sudan, but who ultimately were unable to follow through with their commitments. Further information is available in the Department’s Travel Warning for Sudan. "In southern Sudan, along Chad’s border with the Central African Republic (CAR), the situation is volatile, with over 50,000 refugees in Chad who have fled ongoing fighting in the CAR between northern Central African rebels and CAR forces. In the northern Tibesti region and the area north of Lake Chad, there have been occasional clashes between government forces and a rebel group known as the Chadian Movement for Justice and Democracy (MDJT)."

 

Democratic Republic of  Congo - On January 8, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for the Democratic Republic of Congo which reads in part as follows: "This revised Travel Warning for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa) provides an update on the country’s security situation.  This Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for the Democratic Republic of the Congo issued April 24, 2007. The Department of State again warns U.S. citizens against travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  Conditions within certain regions of the DRC remain dangerous; the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is currently restricting mission personnel to official, pre-authorized travel only in the North Kivu area.Fighting between armed rebels, Congolese military forces and U.N. peacekeeping troops continues in the provinces of North and South Kivu, Ituri, and northern Katanga, and other areas of eastern Congo.  U.S. citizens are warned particularly against travel in Eastern Congo as fighting there is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Armed groups and active duty and demobilized Congolese troops in parts of the country, including Eastern Congo, are known to pillage, carjack, and steal vehicles, kill extra-judicially, rape, kidnap, and carry out military or paramilitary operations.  Large numbers of former rebel and government soldiers to be demobilized, as a result of the earlier peace process, remain a security concern.  Travelers are frequently detained and questioned by poorly disciplined security forces at numerous roadblocks and border crossings throughout the country. Travelers to the DRC frequently experience difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry, such as temporary detention, passport confiscation and demands by immigration and security personnel for unofficial “special fees.”  Visas are not available at ports of entry.  All resident foreigners, including Americans, are required to register at the office of the Direction General de Migration (DGM) in the commune of their place of residence.  Border closures of 24-48 hours duration can occur without much advance notice. American citizens should avoid all public demonstrations and areas where crowds are gathered, exercise caution, and closely watch and listen for local and international news from reliable sources. Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM at 0700, 0800, 1200 and 1800 as well as “flash” updates throughout the day.  English-language news can be found on BBC at 92.7 FM.  In times of emergency, the Belgian Embassy operates a French-language radio broadcast system at FM 98.8.  Changes in security conditions may occasionally restrict the travel of U.S. Mission personnel. Public Health concerns also pose a hazard to U.S. citizen travelers for outbreaks of deadly viruses and other diseases which can occur without warning and many times are not rapidly reported by local health authorities.  During the months of August-October, lab confirmed cases of Ebola were found in the Luebo area of Kasai Occidental Province.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Agency for International Development responded with the World Health Organization to assist the Ministry of Health to successfully contain and control this epidemic.  Official notification of the end of the Ebola epidemic (42 days after the last identified case) was announced in mid November 2007.  Information on personal protection for international travelers including children can be found at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel. U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in the DRC despite this Travel Warning are strongly urged to register with the Embassy in Kinshasa or through the State Department’s travel registration website.

 

Israel - On January 8 the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalam issued the following Warden Message: "Demonstrations are expected in and around the vicinity of the Consulate General’s Agron Road building from 8-12 January 2008. In addition, several road closures will be in effect near Agron and King David Roads at various times during the visit of President George Bush. Traffic disruptions and an increased security presence are expected and Consulate General personnel have been encouraged to avoid the area as much as possible during the visit."

 

Libya - On January 8 the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli issued the following Warden Message: "In a letter dated 1 January 2008, the Libyan government notified airlines that, beginning January 7,  2008, all tourist visa holders, both individuals and in groups, must show that they have at least USD1000 or the equivalent in currency in order to be allowed to enter Libya. Credit cards, bank statements, and travelers checks will not be accepted to meet this requirement. This requirement applies only to tourist-visa holders; persons traveling to Libya on other types of visas are exempt from the requirement. Americans planning to travel to Libya should contact the Libyan Embassy or their air carrier for further information."

 

Uzbekistan - On January 3 the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens residing and/or traveling in Uzbekistan that it is located in an earthquake-prone region of the world. Since December 31, 2007 the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has registered three earthquakes, ranging in magnitude from 4.8 to 5.7 on the Richter scale, within Uzbekistan or close to its borders in neighboring Kyrgyzstan."

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