State Dept. Travel Warnings and Public Announcements

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

Afghanistan - On July 23 the U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. The security threat to all American citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Afghanistan issued September 10, 2008, to remind U.S. citizens of the security risks, including kidnapping. No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against American and other Western nationals at any time. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the al-Qa'ida terrorist network, and other groups hostile to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)/NATO military operations, remain active.

There is an ongoing threat to kidnap and assassinate U.S. citizens and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country. Afghan authorities have a limited ability to maintain order and ensure the security of citizens and visitors. Travel in all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe due to military operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry among political and tribal groups, and the possibility of terrorist attacks, including attacks using vehicular or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The security environment remains volatile and unpredictable. Kabul is still considered at high risk for militant attacks, including rocket attacks, vehicle borne IEDs, and suicide bombings. The number of attacks in the south and southeastern areas of the country continues to be high as a result of insurgent and drug-related activity, but no part of the country is immune from attacks. More than 100 attacks were reported in Kabul over the past year, although many additional attacks were thwarted by Afghan and coalition forces.

An additional 4,400 attacks occurred nationwide during the same timeframe. Incidents have occurred with some frequency on the Kabul-Jalalabad Road (commonly called Jalalabad Road) and Kabul to Bagram Road. These roads are highly restricted for Embassy employees and, if the security situation warrants, sometimes prohibited completely. Foreigners throughout the country continue to be targeted for violent attacks and kidnappings, whether motivated by terrorism or criminal activity. In January 2008, gunmen attacked the Serena Hotel and killed eight people, including an American contractor and a Norwegian journalist. In April 2008, an assassination attempt against Afghan President Karzai showed the continued desire of the insurgency to destabilize the Afghan government. The July 2008 bombing of the Indian Embassy in downtown Kabul, near many Western embassies and Afghan Government institutions, demonstrated the ability of the insurgents to undertake assaults within Kabul itself.

In February 2009, insurgents launched a complex attack on multiple government buildings in Kabul. Rocket fire and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks have occurred frequently. In August 2008, three female Western non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, along with their male Afghan driver, were gunned down as they traveled south of Kabul. Several American citizens were kidnapped in the six-month period between October 2008 and April 2009. Riots and incidents of civil disturbance can and do occur, often without warning.

American citizens should avoid rallies and demonstrations; even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Carjackings, robberies and violent crime remain a problem. American citizens involved in property disputes -- a common legal problem -- have reported that their adversaries in the disputes have threatened their lives. Americans who find themselves in such situations cannot assume that either local law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy will be able to assist them.

Burundi - On July 22 the U.S. Department of State issued the following updated Travel Warning for Burundi which reads in part: "The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Burundi and continues to caution Americans that travel outside the capital, Bujumbura, presents significant risks, especially after nightfall. The U.S. Embassy restricts travel of its personnel in Burundi, and certain areas of Bujumbura are off-limits to U.S. government personnel after daylight hours. This replaces the Travel Warning for Burundi dated January 8, 2009, to provide information regarding demobilization of rebel forces after the cease-fire agreement between these groups and the government, as well as revised information on security restrictions for Embassy personnel.

Crime and banditry are still prevalent in the province of Bujumbura Rural despite the general demobilization. Crime, often committed by groups of street children or armed bandits, poses the highest risk for foreign visitors to both Bujumbura and Burundi. Common crimes include muggings, burglaries, robberies and carjackings. Visitors should keep car doors locked, windows up, and be careful when stopped in heavy traffic due to the threat of robbery. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of armed criminals ambushing vehicles, particularly on the roads leading out of Bujumbura. Due to the lack of resources, local authorities in any part of Burundi often are unable to provide timely assistance during an emergency.

The Embassy recommends that American citizens not travel on national highways from dusk to dawn. American citizens who travel to or remain in Burundi despite this Travel Warning are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura for information on the latest Embassy security guidelines, and to register at the State Department's travel registration website.

France - On July 23 the U.S. Embassy in Paris issued the following Warden Message which reads in part: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens in France to the security and traffic conditions for the arrival of the Tour De France Cycle Race in Paris on Sunday, July 26, 2009 and to the 8th edition of 'Paris Plage' from Monday, July 20 to Thursday, August 20, 2009, when certain portions of the right and left banks of the Seine River are reserved for pedestrians cyclists. Police advise motorists to avoid these zones.

Gabon - On July 21 the Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the risks of travel to Gabon during the upcoming presidential elections following the death of Gabonese President El-Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba. The official election campaign period begins on August 16. The elections are scheduled for August 30. This Travel Alert expires on September 15, 2009. While the U.S. Embassy in Libreville expects the presidential election to develop peacefully and in an orderly fashion, American citizens should be aware that even peaceful gatherings and demonstrations can turn unexpectedly violent. Significant traffic congestion, shortages in hotel lodgings, and large crowds throughout the country, particularly in Libreville, are likely to inconvenience travelers. U.S. citizens in Gabon should remain aware of their surroundings, monitor their own security situations at all times, and avoid large public gatherings, protests, and demonstrations. U.S. citizens are encouraged to report unusual events or activities to the U.S. Embassy.

Mexico - On July 17 the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to inform American citizens traveling to or residing in the Mexican state of Chihuahua of a new spike in cartel-related violence around the state. Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently against individuals who speak out against them or who they otherwise view to be a threat to their organization, regardless of the individuals' citizenship. The U.S. Consulate General urges all Americans to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Ciudad Juarez and within the state Chihuahua.

The Consulate General specifically recommends that U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel to the northwest quarter of the state of Chihuahua due to increasing drug cartel-related violence. This area begins in Puerto Palomas and runs south to the municipalities of Namiquipa and Madera, and west to the Chihuahua state boundary with Sonora; it includes the city of Nuevo Casas Grandes and surrounding communities. There has been a series of kidnappings and murders in the area. The Columbus port-of-entry is often used to cross into this region from the United States. U.S. Government personnel have been advised to avoid non-essential travel to this area.

The Consulate General also continues to advise American citizens to defer non-essential travel to the Guadalupe Bravo area southeast of Ciudad Juarez due to ongoing drug related violence in the area. This region is also referred to locally as the 'Valle de Juarez' and begins in San Isidro and runs southeast through Guadalupe and Praxedis and ends in Porvenir. The Fabens and Fort Hancock ports-of-entry are often used to cross into this region from the United States. U.S. Government personnel have been instructed to avoid travel to this area. There have been more incidents of violence affecting U.S. citizens in the Guadalupe Bravo area since the first Warden Message on this area was issued in February.