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 issued the following updated Travel Warning for Afghanistan: "The 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.

Guatemala - On July 23 the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy has learned that two separate groups of tourists have been attacked this month while hiking the Acatenango Volcano in Chimaltenango. The circumstances of both attacks are similar: a group of armed gunmen, upwards of six, targeted the groups to rob them of valuables. There was an attempted sexual assault during at least one of the attacks and armed escorts accompanying the tourists were shot in the other.

Honduras - On July 24 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert that reads in part: The Department of State alerts American citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice. This Travel Alert expires on October 20, 2009. On June 28, the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya and sent him out of the country. There are military or police checkpoints throughout Tegucigalpa, and there have been frequent demonstrations.

Kenya - On July 24 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Kenya. American citizens in Kenya and those considering travel to Kenya should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats from terrorism and the high rate of violent crime. This replaces the Travel Warning of November 14th, 2008, to note increased security concerns in northeast Kenya near the Somali and Ethiopian borders.

"The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of potential terrorist threats aimed at American, Western, and Kenyan interests in Kenya. Terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation as evidenced by the 2002 attacks on an Israeli airliner, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Travelers should consult the Worldwide Caution for further information and details. 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. In July 2009, three NGO workers were kidnapped and taken into Somalia by suspected members of a terrorist group that operates out of Somalia. In November 2008, armed groups based in Somalia crossed into Kenya near the town of El Wak and kidnapped two Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has designated a small portion of Kenya bordering Somalia and Ethiopia as "restricted without prior authorization" for purposes of travel by U.S. Government employees, contractors, grantees and their dependents. This designation is based on reports of Somali-based armed groups that have on occasion crossed into Kenya to stage attacks or to commit crimes. This restriction does not apply to travelers not associated with the U.S. Government, but should be taken into account when planning travel.

American citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. Americans should also remain alert in residential areas, at schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds. .

Lesotho - On July 28 the U.S. Embassy in Maseru issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens of a planned "stay-away", or strike, called by the All Basotho Convention (ABC) party, beginning on Monday, August 3, 2009. American citizens are advised to exercise caution throughout the city of Maseru. ABC supporters are being encouraged to stay away from work to protest the distribution of parliamentary seats after the 2007 elections.

Members of several other political opposition parties may also take part in the protest. Protests occasionally take place in Maseru, some of which have turned violent. Some businesses and retail stores may be closed to the public for the duration of the stay-away. U.S. citizens should ensure in advance that they have sufficient food, water, medications, and supplies for the duration of the protest. At this time no public demonstrations or marches have been announced during the stay away period, but it is possible some may occur.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid all demonstrations. If you come upon any demonstration while traveling, alter your route and avoid driving or walking near a demonstration. American citizens should monitor local media coverage of events and be aware of their surroundings at all times."

Myanmar - On July 29 the U.S. Embassy in Yangon (Rangoon) issued the following Warden Message on July 29: "This warden message is to alert U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Burma that the Burmese authorities are likely to increase security throughout Burma and in Rangoon over the course of the coming few weeks. A Burmese court has announced it plans to deliver a verdict in the trial of detained democracy activist Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on July 31, 2009. In addition, August 8, 2009, will be the 21st anniversary of the 1988 popular uprising against the Burmese government.

As in the past, security forces may be on alert for public gatherings at places of detention or imprisonment, monasteries, pagodas, political party offices, government offices, and the general Rangoon downtown area. American citizens resident in Burma should avoid any gatherings, demonstrations, or processions, which could turn violent with little or no warning. The Burmese Government has a standing ban of all gatherings of more than five people. The Embassy also advises U.S. citizens not to photograph or film the military and police because doing so could be interpreted as provocative."

Niger - On July 24 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert that reads in part: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Niger immediately before and after the constitutional referendum on August 4, 2009, and recommends against all non-emergency travel to Niger at this time. This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2009 If approved, the new constitution would extend President Mamadou Tandja's current term in office by three years and allow unlimited five-year presidential terms.

Demonstrations for and against the referendum have primarily been peaceful. However, on July 15, 2009, security forces in Niamey used tear gas and batons to disrupt a women's rally in support of the dissolved Constitutional Court. Also, on June 1, 2009, a violent clash occurred outside of Niamey between groups demonstrating for and against the referendum. In light of the volatile political environment, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey has temporarily deferred the travel of U.S. Government visitors to Niger. U.S. citizens are urged to defer their travel to Niger as well. The State Department wishes to remind Americans that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and quickly escalate into violence. As a result, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise extreme caution within the vicinity of any large public gathering.

U.S. citizens in Niger should also stock up on food, water, and other basic necessities due to possible disruptions in the delivery of goods and services. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal safety and security. American citizens should keep abreast of local events, monitor local news sources, and maintain heightened situational awareness at all times.