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

China - On May 15 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert: "This Travel Alert advises American citizens that a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck China’s eastern Sichuan province on May 12. Due to rescue and relief operations, damage to infrastructure throughout the area, and the continuing potential for aftershocks, U.S. citizens are urged to defer travel to Sichuan province. This Travel Alert expires on June 30, 2008. "The epicenter of the quake was near Wenchuan County, approximately 55 miles northwest of Chengdu, Sichuan’s provincial capital. While there was less damage in Chengdu itself, cities and towns closer to the epicenter suffered significantly with thousands of casualties. Chinese authorities report that over 13,000 people were killed, over 25,000 injured, and many more reported missing. These figures are expected to rise as more information becomes available. "Although the Chengdu airport is open, scheduling flights, particularly outbound flights, remains difficult. The airport in Jiuzhaigou, close to the epicenter, is closed for all but emergency services. Ground transportation throughout the region is also not yet operating normally. Road conditions in the areas of impact are problematic, with many roads difficult to pass. The only rail-line service currently in operation is from Chengdu to Shaanxi. Telephone service near the epicenter is still poor, although some text messages and cell phone calls seem to be going through. Telephone service for the rest of Sichuan generally seems to be back to normal. "The U.S. Consulate in Chengdu is open for full consular services and is assisting U.S. citizens in the region. Officers from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing have been sent to Chengdu to assist."

 

Indonesia - The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued the following Warden Message on May 19: "The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, informs American citizens that rising food prices and an anticipated government announcement about a dramatic increase in fuel costs could trigger demonstrations in Jakarta and other cities. Though the Embassy does not have any specific information on any scheduled demonstrations, the Embassy would like 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. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. "The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya intend to maintain normal consular services during demonstrations, but may have to close on short notice if security conditions prevent public access to the Embassy or Consulate grounds. American citizens seeking consular services may call the Consular Sections at the numbers below before coming to the Embassy or Consulate to inquire about possible demonstrations."

 

Lebanon - On May 19 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Warden Message: "This Travel Warning updates information on security threats and ongoing political violence in Lebanon, and informs U.S. citizens of current safety and security concerns. The Department of State continues to urge that Americans avoid all travel to Lebanon and that American citizens in Lebanon consider carefully the risks of remaining. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Lebanon issued on May 13, 2008. "On May 7, 2008, violence broke out in Lebanese capital of Beirut when Hizballah militants blocked the road leading to Rafiq Hariri International Airport. Hizballah fighters then pushed into areas of Lebanon where they had not traditionally been prevalent, resulting in several violent clashes. While the Airport road has since been reopened, it is possible Hizballah militants will use the same tactic in the future. "The U.S. is concerned about Hizballah's use of violence to achieve political ends, coupled with its anti-Western and anti-American rhetoric. The threat of terrorist attacks against Western interests in Lebanon is real. In addition to Hizballah, groups such as Al-Qaeda and Jund al-Sham are present in the country and have issued statements calling for attacks against Western interests in the past. "Currently the American Embassy urges American citizens not to travel to Lebanon; those already in Lebanon are urged to consider carefully the risks of remaining in Lebanon and review their travel plans now that air travel services have resumed. U.S. citizens who plan to remain in Lebanon despite this warning are advised to maintain adequate supplies of food, water and other essential items and minimize travel outside of their homes. "U.S. citizens traveling to Lebanon or resident in Lebanon should be aware that 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. "Landmines and unexploded ordnance continually pose significant dangers throughout southern Lebanon, particularly south of the Litani River, as well as in areas of the country 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."

 

Lesotho - On May 16 the U.S. Embassy in Maseru issued the following Warden Message: "According to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), there were several security incidents that occurred the evening of Tuesday, May 13 in Maseru, Maputsoe, and Butha-Buthe. "Six individuals armed with semi-automatic weapons and wearing military-type uniforms opened fire on unarmed police and military units near the Thetsane Traffic Circle in Maseru. Later the same evening perpetrators also opened fire on a combined Lesotho-South African police unit conducting a joint operation near Maputsoe and allegedly attacked and bound a National Security Service (NSS) officer near Butha-Buthe, leaving him by the side of the road. Local residents later discovered the NSS officer, who was unharmed. No injuries were reported in either incident. The motives for the attacks are unknown. "These incidents serve as another reminder to U.S. citizens of the need to remain alert at all times to the potential for impersonators of official security and law enforcement personnel and to the critical crime situation in general throughout Lesotho. If you encounter what may be an unauthorized road-block or otherwise suspicious situation, divert your routing and immediately drive to a safe area. Avoid driving at night if at all possible. You may also wish to consider reporting the occurrence to authorities at the nearest police station."

 

Macedonia - On May 15 the U.S. Embassy in Skopje issued the following Warden Message: "In the past few days, Macedonia has experienced sporadic incidents of violence, especially in Western Macedonia, related to the June 1 parliamentary elections. American citizens are urged to maintain security awareness during this time. The U.S. Embassy also reiterates its longstanding guidance to American Citizens to avoid large crowds or demonstrations as even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence."

 

Somalia - On May 20 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning for Somalia: "This Travel Warning updates information on the unsettled security situation in Somalia and continues to urge American citizens not to travel to the country.  This supersedes the Travel Warning of November 13, 2007. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed “Republic of Somaliland,” since there is no U.S. Embassy or other U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia.  Consequently, the U.S. Government is not in a position to assist or effectively provide services to U.S. citizens in Somalia.  Kidnapping, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry, and other violent incidents and threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners can occur in many regions.  Inter-clan and inter-factional fighting flares up with little warning.  Unpredictable armed conflict among rival militias is prevalent in southern Somalia, particularly in and around Mogadishu, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Somali nationals and the displacement of nearly one million people.  In December 2006, Ethiopian military forces entered Somalia in support of the Somali Transitional Federal Government.  The continuing Ethiopian military presence and support for the Transitional Federal Government has heightened tensions among rival political and clan factions within Somalia.  The Sanaag and Sool Regions in eastern Somaliland, bordering on Puntland (northeastern Somalia), are subject to insecurity due to ongoing border disputes and inter-clan fighting.  There also have been several fatal attacks and violent kidnappings against international relief workers, including Westerners, throughout Somalia, Somaliland, and Puntland.  Lines of control in Mogadishu are unclear and frequently shift, making movement within this area extremely hazardous.  Violent riots have recently occurred in Mogadishu, as thousands of civilians protested rising food prices and the devaluation of the Somali currency. Recently, insurgents and extremist elements opposed to the Somali government conducted hit-and-run attacks on several towns in central and southern Somalia, to include the districts of Gedo and Bay (especially the vicinity of Baidoa) in the south. U.S. citizens also 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 in the waters off the Horn of Africa, most especially in the international waters near Somalia.  There have been numerous such incidents, highlighting the continuing danger of maritime travel near the Horn of Africa.  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."

 

Sweden - On May 20 the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Stockholm alerts American citizens residing in and traveling to Sweden that the Iraq Compact Annual Review Conference will take place in Stockholm from May 28 to 30, 2008. According to the official website (www.icistockholm.se), the conference is an intergovernmental conference at the ministerial level. Invitations to all Member States of the UN have been issued by Iraq and the UN. A number of international and regional intergovernmental organizations have also been invited. During this period, expect some street closures and traffic restrictions around major hotels. "At least one political demonstration will take place on May 29 in downtown Stockholm. Police estimate about 1500 people will participate in a demonstration at Sergels Torg at 1800 hours. Demonstrations in Stockholm may sometimes cause serious disruptions to traffic patterns in the city. Although police do not anticipate any problems, they will be in attendance to deal with any unforeseen disturbances. As a reminder, 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."