Travel Update-Weekly Edition

March 27th, 2008

Airline News

Miscellaneous

State Dept Travel Warnings and Public announcements - For the full announcements or further detail on Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, please see  http://travel.state.gov/travel

Algeria - On March 26 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation in Algeria. The threat from terrorism in many areas of the country continues to pose a significant security risk. The Department of State cautions Americans who reside in or travel to Algeria to take prudent security measures while in the country. U.S. citizens should avoid overland travel in Algeria without security escort, including tourist excursions in the Sahara. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on December 23, 2007. "The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risks posed to their personal safety. Small-scale terrorist attacks including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur regularly. Since early 2007, use of vehicle-borne suicide bomb attacks has emerged as a terrorist tactic in Algeria, including in the capital. Suicide car bomb attacks in December 2007 targeted the UN headquarters and the Algerian Constitutional Council in Algiers. The attacks occurred in residential areas where many diplomatic missions are located. The group that claimed credit for the December 11 attacks has pledged more attacks against foreign targets, and specifically American targets. "The U.S. Government considers the potential threat to U.S. Embassy personnel assigned to Algiers sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under significant security restrictions. These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, the movement of U.S. Embassy officials in certain areas of the country. The Government of Algeria requires U.S. Embassy personnel to seek permission to travel to the Casbah within Algiers or outside the province of Algiers and to have a security escort. Travel to the military zone established around the Hassi Messaoud oil center requires Government of Algeria authorization. Daily movement of Embassy personnel in Algiers is limited, and prudent security practices are required at all times. Travel by personnel to areas of the city outside the center requires prior coordination with the Embassy's Regional Security Office. American visitors are encouraged to contact the Embassy's Consular Section for the most recent safety and security information concerning travel in the city of Algiers. "The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens avoid overland travel in Algeria without security escort, including tourism excursions in the Sahara. The Department of State cautions Americans who reside or travel in Algeria to take prudent security measures while in the country, including making provisions for reliable and experienced logistical support. Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where adequate security is provided. All visitors to Algeria should remain alert and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile."

 

Bosnia - On March 26 the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo issued a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "This Warden Message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens of safety and security concerns related to demonstrations scheduled for March 27 in Banja Luka. The demonstrations are related to Kosovo’s recent declaration of independence, and to calls by some groups in the Republika Srpska for secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Following Kosovo’s February 17, 2008 declaration of independence, street protesters in different locations clashed with police and have attempted to attack diplomatic missions and a number of government institutions in Banja Luka. The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo expects that future gatherings and events protesting Kosovo’s declaration of independence, both official and unofficial, could pose security risks for onlookers and participants, including the potential for unrest and violence. Businesses and organizations with U.S. affiliations may serve as focal points for these demonstrations. "Demonstrations may also occur in other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in areas within the Republika Srpska on March 27 and could reoccur on succeeding days. Americans should monitor the media for updates and further details of times and locations and should consider deferring travel to Banja Luka at this time. "We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid participating in public demonstrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. U.S. Citizens are urged to avoid large crowds, maintain a low profile and review their personal protective measures."

 

Central African Republic- On March 25 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning provides an update on the security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). American citizens traveling to or residing in the CAR should exercise extreme caution. This supersedes the Travel Warning for the CAR issued August 9, 2007. "American citizens who travel to or reside in the Central African Republic (CAR) should exercise extreme caution, especially outside the capital city of Bangui. Armed rebel groups, bandits, and poachers present real dangers and the Central African government is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors in most parts of the country. "The U.S. Department of State advises American citizens who are not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts to avoid travel to northwestern and northern CAR, particularly the areas bordering Chad, due to insecurity caused by banditry and clashes between government and rebel forces. In addition, the embassy recommends that Americans traveling outside the capital not travel with any armed escort, as an armed escort may cause problems with local authorities or draw fire from rebel troops. In the northwestern prefecture of Ouham and Ouham-Pende, roadblocks by rebels and by government forces pose a serious and continuing threat to aid workers and travelers. Fighting between rebels and government forces continues sporadically, and efforts to broker a peace agreement or ceasefire between the parties have not succeeded to date. An expatriate aid worker was killed in an attack on a well-marked vehicle north of Bocaranga in June 2007, and local citizens continue to be kidnapped and held for ransom on a regular basis. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN agencies operating in that area share information on security incidents and the NGOs generally abide by the UN travel restrictions. U.S. Government employees on temporary duty and other contract visitors to the U.S. Embassy are allowed to visit the northwestern or northeastern CAR prefectures only on a case-by-case basis and with specific authorization of the Chief of Mission. "Rebels and armed men are also present in the northeastern Vakaga prefecture, and pose a threat to all travelers in that area. A peace agreement with one group of rebels is in place, but splinter groups and other armed men pose a threat to travelers. The firing on a medical convoy of well-marked NGO vehicles, which led to one patient’s death in March 2008, resulted in the temporary suspension of most humanitarian activities in the Vakaga prefecture outside Birao. "Highway bandits ('coupeurs de route' in French, 'zaraguinas' in Sango) pose a serious threat to travelers throughout the country. Two World Health Organization physicians were murdered by unidentified assailants outside Bossembélé in April 2006. There have been repeated attacks on Central African and expatriate travelers on the Berberati-Carnot-Baoro-Bouar-Bozoum road. "Poachers and armed men also pose a threat to game hunters in the north central CAR, in and around the Parc National de Bamingui-Bangoran. A French hunter was murdered and three others wounded in an attack on a hunting party outside the town of Ndele in April 2007. The poachers in this area are heavily armed, often with automatic weapons, and outside local and national government authority. "There are approximately 300 peacekeeping troops from neighboring member countries of the Economic and Monetary Union of Central Africa (CEMAC) that move in and out of the capital. CAR military and civilian security forces, sometimes with French military assistance, staff checkpoints throughout the city. Central African security forces (and people posing as such) at those checkpoints frequently harass local and expatriate travelers for bribes or small amounts of money (described as 'coffee' in French). American citizens should avoid public demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. "The U.S. Embassy in Bangui has just four American officers and can provide only limited services to U.S. citizens at this time."

 

Chad - On March 2 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning, which reads in part as follows: "This Travel Warning provides an update on the serious safety and security concerns in Chad. American citizens should defer all travel to Chad due to the unstable security situation throughout the country. Americans in Chad are advised to avoid all travel after dark and exercise caution at all other times; bearing in mind the political situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Chad of February 20, 2008. "On March 16, the Government of Chad announced that the state of emergency and night curfew had been lifted. The Department of State’s ordered departure of February 2, 2008, for non-emergency American employees and family members of all American employees at the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena, remains in effect. Visa services at the Embassy are suspended until further notice, but American citizen services remain available. "U.S. citizens in Chad, particularly those outside N’Djamena, should be aware that the U.S. Embassy cannot guarantee that the same options and level of evacuation assistance that existed in February 2008 will be available should the situation again deteriorate. The Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens be prepared to implement their personal evacuation or safe haven plans on short notice should the situation warrant. 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. If the security situation deteriorates further, the U.S. Embassy will not be able to support evacuation from eastern Chad. All Americans affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad must have an evacuation plan developed with the UN which has aircraft and other logistical support. Americans in Chad should closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy's website at http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov. "Airlines that normally service N’Djamena have resumed limited commercial operations. American citizens should contact the flight operators to confirm flight schedules and availability. "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 officers 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."

 

China - On March 21 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert: "This Travel Alert is being issued to update U.S. citizens to safety and security concerns in China's Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) as well as the neighboring provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai. American citizens in Tibet, especially in Lhasa, are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. American citizens should defer travel to Tibet at this time. This supersedes the Travel Alert for China dated March 15, 2008 and expires on April 21, 2008. "On March 14, violence erupted following peaceful demonstrations in the city of Lhasa. Scattered violence continues in Lhasa and protests, some of them resulting in violence, have been reported in parts of Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, and Yunnan provinces. Currently, there is a significant increased security presence in many Tibetan areas of China, including Tibetan communities outside of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). Chinese authorities have restricted tourist and other travel to Tibet and other affected areas. "American consular personnel have not yet been granted access to the TAR or other affected areas, and therefore assistance to American citizens in those areas may be limited."

 

Eritrea - On March 26 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "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. The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) is no longer monitoring the Eritrean-Ethiopian border. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued on January 18, 2008. "American citizens considering travel within Eritrea should be aware of the presence of large numbers of Eritrean and Ethiopian troops along the undemarcated Eritrean-Ethiopian border, and acute political tensions between the two countries. In March 2008, the Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) restrictions on diesel fuel supplies caused UNMEE detachments to withdraw from the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), leaving no international observers monitoring the border. U.S. citizens are strongly advised to avoid travel near the Eritrean-Ethiopian border. "The 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."

 

Kenya - On March 21 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning is being issued to update U.S. citizens on safety and security conditions in Kenya. Threats of political demonstrations and violence have dramatically receded following the widely accepted power-sharing agreement signed on February 28. The U.S. Department of State has rescinded the authorized departure order for Kisumu and environs and USG personnel and families are able to return there. The temporary suspension of the United States Peace Corps program in Kenya is under review with the goal of resuming the program in the near future. The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that private American citizens in Kenya and those considering travel to Kenya evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing, potential threats from terrorism and crime. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning of February 8. "Current Situation -- The power-sharing agreement signed on February 28 has been widely accepted throughout Kenya; parliament ratified it on March 18. Implementation of the agreement is expected to proceed. The threat of widespread civil unrest has receded, although there remains potential for spontaneous demonstrations in areas of the country previously impacted should implementation not proceed as expected. "Crime and Terrorist Acts - Kenya has a high rate of violent crime and remains potentially susceptible to attacks from terrorists in the region. The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of potential terrorist threats aimed at American, western, and Kenyan interests. Terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Many of those responsible for the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in 1998 and on a hotel in Mombasa in 2002 remain at large and continue to operate in the region. "Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings and home invasions/burglaries, can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in Nairobi. In January 2007, two family members of a U.S. Embassy employee were killed by armed carjackers. U.S. Embassy personnel continue to be victims of (non-fatal) carjacking incidents, as recently as mid-March 2008. In the short-term, the displacement of thousands of people by the recent civil unrest combined with endemic poverty and the availability of weapons could result in an increase in crime, both petty and violent. Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter, investigate and prosecute such acts. "American citizens in Kenya should be vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. Americans should also remain vigilant in residential areas, schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds."

 

Timor - Leste - On March 21 the U.S. Embassy in Dili issued the following Warden Message: "The government of Timor-Leste declared on March 20 that the current state of emergency rule will be extended on Monday, March 24 by 30 days through April 23 in the districts of Dili, Baucau, Manatuto, Viqueque, and Los Palos, beginning on Monday, 24 March. In these areas, the curfew hours will be from 11:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. "On the same day, a state of siege was declared beginning on Monday, March 24 by 30 days through April 23 in these areas: the districts of Cova Lima, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Ermera, Liquica, Manufahi, and Aileu. In these areas, the curfew hours will be from 10:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m.. "Persons who violate curfew rules may be detained. "A normal state has been declared for the districts of Oecussi and Atauro. No curfew is in effect in these areas. "The state of emergency and state of siege ban all gatherings except for religious and political party meetings, all rallies, and impose a nighttime curfew. The extension measures were requested by the acting president and were approved by the National Parliament. "Curfew hours solely for this period are from 0100 through 0600. "While there continue to be no reports of unrest in Dili or anywhere else in the country at this time, the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens and their dependents to remain vigilant, use extreme caution, and limit movements to the greatest extent possible."

Previous Updates