H1N1 Virus Update

For the latest information on the Swine (H1N1) flu, including countries affected, go to the World Health Organization (WHO) website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/ ; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or the Business Travel Coalition (BTC) website: http://www.netvibes.com/btc#Flu.

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

Algeria - On November 16, the State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Algeria. This Travel Warning updates information on the current security situation in Algeria and the continuing threat posed by terrorism. This replaces the Travel Warning dated March 3, 2009. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risks posed to their personal safety. Terrorist attacks, including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur regularly, particularly in the Kabylie region of the country. Since early 2007, the use of suicide bomb attacks, particularly vehicle-borne attacks, has emerged as a terrorist tactic in Algeria, including in the capital. The group that claimed credit for the December 11, 2007, suicide car-bomb attacks in Algiers has pledged more attacks against foreign targets, and specifically against American targets.

Bangladesh - On November 12 the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy is aware of media reports regarding alleged threats to the U.S. Embassy. After extensive discussion with the Government of Bangladesh we see no reason to change the security posture of the Embassy at this time. "We remind American citizens of the worldwide caution regarding the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against American citizens and interests throughout the world. We urge American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security overseas."

Ecuador - On November 17 the U.S. Embassy in Quito and the Consulate General in Guayaquil issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Quito and Consulate General in Guayaquil wish to remind American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador of the need to be vigilant about their personal security in light of the October 17 kidnapping for ransom of an American citizen traveling in the northern province of Carchi. While the victim was rescued and one of the kidnappers was arrested, American citizens are reminded to maintain good overseas security practices in their day-to-day activities and to be vigilant at all times. Below are recommended actions that American citizens should incorporate into their daily security practices:

• Maintain a habitual state of alertness.
• Keep a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to you.
• Become familiar with your surroundings - it will become easier to identify suspicious or out of place people and items.
• Check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle.
• Check the street near your residence before you go out each day.
• Remember, people are generally most vulnerable in the morning when departing for work.
• Vary your times and routes to and from work.
• Tell your household staff and family members to note descriptions and license numbers of suspicious vehicles seen near your residence.
• Your colleagues and family should be aware of your daily plans and how to reach you.
• Keep emergency numbers readily available; provide your family with emergency numbers.
• If possible, limit the amount of personal information that you share with doormen, maids, vendors, temporary workers, etc.
• If possible, limit the amount of access to your residence that you provide to doormen, vendors, temporary workers, etc.

"The U.S. Embassy in Quito and Consulate General in Guayaquil also wish to remind American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador to practice sound personal security. With the recent power outages throughout the country, please keep in mind that criminals may utilize the cover of darkness to carry out their criminal activity. American Citizens should be cognizant of this threat and take appropriate preparatory measures at home in anticipation of the power outages. Ensure that your family has candles and flashlights ready for emergencies. If traveling outside your home while the power is out, remember that traffic lights will be out. Be particularly vigilant when driving, especially when crossing intersections.

Germany - On November 13 the U.S. Department of State extended its Travel Alert for Germany, the text of which reads as follows: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens that over the past few months, Al Qaeda has released videos threatening to conduct terrorist attacks against German interests. While these threats initially mentioned the German federal elections in September, Al Qaeda continues to threaten Germany. German authorities are taking these threats seriously and are actively investigating all threats. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert issued on September 24, notes continuing threats to German interests, and expires on February 10, 2010. "The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to maintain good security practices at all times, and to maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Americans are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places or choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues."

Mali - On November 17 the U.S. Embassy in Bamako released a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is issuing this warden message to remind the U.S. citizen community of the continued kidnapping threat in the north of Mali (Timbuktu, Gao, and Kidal regions) and also reminds citizens that the U.S. Department of State has issued a Travel Warning for Mali and continues to recommend against all travel to the north of Mali due to these threats against Westerners from Al-Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)."

Niger - On November 15 the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued the following Warden Message: "On Saturday, November 14, heavily armed individuals attempted to kidnap American Embassy employees in Tahoua. The Embassy once again strongly urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution and remain vigilant. The Embassy restrictions on the travel of U.S. Government employees and official visitors have been amended to prohibit official travel outside of Niamey until further notice."

Zambia - On November 18 the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the potential for violence leading up to and immediately following the November 19 parliamentary by-elections in Solwezi district, Northwestern Province. Although no U.S. citizens have been targeted, there is always the potential to become caught up in disturbances. U.S. citizens in Solwezi district are advised to avoid large political gatherings. "We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times."