Travel Update-Weekly Edition

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

Burundi - On April 21 the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform American citizens in Burundi that it has lifted restrictions on its personnel imposed 18 April requiring them to remain inside Embassy residences during the hours of darkness. This decision reflects a return to peaceful conditions in Bujumbura after recent exchanges of fire between government troops and FNL rebels. However, the Embassy has received reports of small unit guerrilla attacks in Cibitoke Province, north of Bujumbura. Americans are advised to avoid the area. All Americans traveling to or living in Burundi are urged to remain vigilant. Continuing security measures for Embassy personnel restrict movement within the capital to designated areas, require all travel after dark to be in vehicles, and limit travel outside Bujumbura to two-vehicle caravans during daylight hours. We advise all American citizens to take similar precautions."

 

Lebanon - On April 21 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: "This Travel Warning updates information on security threats and ongoing political tensions in Lebanon, and informs U.S. citizens of current safety and security concerns. The Department of State continues to strongly urge that Americans defer travel to Lebanon and that American citizens in Lebanon consider carefully the risks of remaining. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Lebanon issued on October 17, 2007. "The U.S. remains concerned about the threat of terrorist attacks against Western and Lebanese government interests in Lebanon. Groups such as Al-Qaeda and Jund al-Sham are present in Lebanon, and they have issued statements calling for attacks against Western interests. The Department of State is also concerned that the clashes between terrorist extremists and the Lebanese Armed Forces that occurred in the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon from May to September 2007 could occur in other camps in Lebanon. U.S. citizens who visit refugee camps in Lebanon risk becoming trapped during hostilities. "There have been several assassinations of military and political figures in Lebanon within the past year. On December 12, 2007, a senior member of the Lebanese Armed Forces was killed by a car bomb; a Lebanese Internal Security Force officer was killed in a similar fashion on January 25, 2008. Two anti-Syria Members of Parliament were assassinated in separate car bombings in Beirut in June and September 2007. On January 15, 2008, an Embassy vehicle was damaged and two Embassy employees were injured in yet another bombing. In each of these incidents innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. "On June 7, 2007, a bomb exploded in the town of Zouk Mousbeh, north of Beirut. This followed the discovery of explosive-laden vehicles in Eastern Lebanon. Since May 20, 2007, explosions have occurred in the Beirut neighborhoods of Achrafieh and Verdun, the Beirut suburb of Sad Al-Bouchrieh, and the resort town of Aley. "The terrorist group Hizballah has threatened retaliatory actions for the assassination of Hizballah official Imad Fayez Mugniyah, who was killed in Syria by unknown assailants on February 12, 2008. Prominent members of Hizballah have intimated that they hold the United States partially responsible for Mugniyah's death, and it is possible that someone may lash out against U.S. interests or persons. "Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose significant dangers throughout southern Lebanon, particularly south of the Litani River, as well as in areas of Lebanon where civil war fighting was intense. More than a dozen civilians have been killed and over 100 injured by unexploded ordnance following the armed conflict in July-August 2006. Travelers should watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance may be present. "The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Lebanon, and urges U.S. citizens already in Lebanon to carefully consider the risks of remaining. U.S. citizens who choose to remain in Lebanon are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance; confirm and maintain the validity of their passports and other U.S. travel documents for themselves and their family members; monitor the local security situation and be ready to depart quickly in the event of any deterioration in the situation. "U.S. citizens traveling to Lebanon or resident in Lebanon should be aware the U.S. Embassy has limited ability to reach all areas of Lebanon. The Embassy cannot guarantee that Embassy employees can render assistance to U.S. citizens in areas where there is limited government control, such as the southern part of Lebanon where Hizballah continues to be active. "In a crisis situation, U.S. citizens are responsible for arranging commercial or private means of transportation to depart Lebanon. If evacuation is warranted, only when all other transportation options are unavailable will the U.S. Government assist U.S. citizens in leaving a country. This service will be provided on a cost-recovery basis, which means the traveler must reimburse the U.S. government for the cost of the travel. The lack of valid travel documents will slow the U.S. embassy’s ability to provide assistance. Further information on the department’s role during emergencies is provided at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html. "The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security restrictions. These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, access by U.S. Embassy officials to certain areas of the country. Unofficial travel to Lebanon by U.S. government employees and their family members requires prior approval by the Department of State."

 

Nigeria - On April 17 the U.S. Embassy in Abuja issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to advise American citizens of the recent increase in reports of waterborne criminal activity on Ikoyi and Victoria Islands, Lagos. "With the Nigerian Police Force’s increased presence on the roadways, criminal gangs are using boats to access their targets and to circumvent the standard checkpoints. Compounds near or on Lagos Lagoon have been targeted, infiltrated and violently attacked by waterborne gangs. The U.S. Consulate General Lagos experienced this type of attack at one of its residences; a similar attack took place next door to another of its residences. Criminals have used domestic quarters as a route into the main compound by obtaining the domestic’s keys and other items/information, facilitating easier access to the residence. In another incident, compound attackers accessed an apartment building via Lagos Lagoon and allegedly used a set of keys to open at least one unit. "Additional reporting in Lagos indicates a trend involving armed attackers, often dressed as police or in business suits, gaining access to compounds by following closely behind the car of a legitimate guest or resident. Once the guards open the gate, the attackers jump out and subdue, assault, and/or rob the guards and inhabitants of the car before moving on to individual units. "If you notice a car following closely behind you or suddenly appearing while entering a housing compound, immediately alert the guards if possible that the car is not with you. If you can, drive away until in a safe area and call the authorities for assistance. "Take strong security steps to decrease your vulnerability to a criminal attack by establishing a personalized emergency action plan for your residence. Use the points below to help you: "Control the keys to your residence! If you give your domestic a key, limit it to the key for the secondary lock; Keep all ground floor and balcony windows, doors and grills locked when not in use, and particularly before retiring for the evening. Close all drapes; Keep doors locked during the day, even if you or your domestic are inside; Discourage children from answering the door or the gate bell. Do not open the door or gate until you have identified the visitor. Domestics and dependents should be instructed to do the same and to report any strange visitor, activity that occurred in your absence; If you leave your residence unoccupied during evening hours, turn on lights to make it appear someone is home; If you intend to be away for more than 24 hours, have a friend/neighbor check your residence daily at irregular times; Inspect your home periodically to identify any inoperative security items; Brief your household staff on security procedures you wish them to follow and how you wish them to handle emergencies. Ensure your household staff is aware when repairmen and visitors are coming to your residence. Instruct them not to let anyone onto your property whom you have not previously authorized to be there."

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