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

Botswana - On February 3 the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana has received updated information on criminal activities targeting shopping complexes and residences in Gaborone. U.S. citizens are encouraged to be vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety and security. "The Embassy has received information that there are groups of criminals operating at shopping complexes in Gaborone, particularly at the Game City shopping center. They are working together in teams to target individuals and rob them. One or two members of the gang will distract the targeted person, while another will then grab the valuables. Reports indicate that the criminals have been non-violent, but they will resort to violence if necessary. "The Embassy has also received reports of individuals attempting to gain entrance into residences or gain information about the occupants and security systems by posing as government or security guard company representatives. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of the individuals at your gate, do not let them in. "Security Suggestions from the Embassy Regional Security Office: "When visiting crowded shopping areas in Gaborone, please remember the following principles: "Be aware at all times of who is around you. As you walk and shop, stop periodically and look behind you. "Do not advertise valuables, including phones, iPods, and jewelry. "Backpacks and purses should be zipped up and carried securely in the front of the body. "Wallets and other valuables should be carried in front or side cargo pockets, and not in the rear pockets. "Keep some small bills in external pockets to pay for items to avoid displaying the contents of your wallet to everyone in the checkout queue. "What to do if you are a victim?"If you are robbed, remain calm, and call the police on 999 from a secure area to report the incident. "If robbed, do not try to confront or apprehend the assailants. "For after-hours emergency assistance from the U.S. Embassy, contact the Embassy at 395-7111."

India - On January 30 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for India which reads as follows: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing security concerns in India. The U.S. government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. This replaces the Travel Alert dated December 29, 2009, and expires on April 30, 2010.

"The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provide a vivid reminder that hotels, markets, and other public places are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. U.S. citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues."

Mexico - On February 3 the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey issued a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "The United States Consulate General in Monterrey would like to advise American citizens that incidents of carjackings have increased significantly in and around the San Pedro Garza Garcia and Monterrey areas in the state of Nuevo Leon. Reports indicate that over four dozen vehicles have been stolen by force in the last three weeks. Recent carjackings have occurred at all times, day and night, and both male and female drivers have been victimized in these crimes. Victims have been selected and approached following both short and extensive surveillance operations. All incidents involve small arms or knives. Recent incidents have shown that the perpetrators are willing to use violence against their victims.

"American citizens in the Monterrey consular district should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. Citizens should be on the alert for being followed or being placed under some form of hasty surveillance in public venues. If surveillance is detected or suspected, citizens are encouraged to call the local police, then proceed to a police station, fire station, or other public safe haven. It is not recommended that the citizen proceed directly to his or her home or place of residence.

"If victimized in an auto robbery or other property crime, citizens are advised not to resist and relinquish their keys and belongings. It is also strongly recommended to remove any specific personally identifying items from your vehicle. Maintain only the bare essentials in terms of documentation (insurance, registration, etc). "The U.S. Consulate General Monterrey stresses the importance of route and time variance as well as situational awareness. We recommend that American citizens residing in or visiting Monterrey discuss these incidents with their family members in order to educate them as the safety situation in the area. ..."

Peru - - On February 2 the U.S. Embassy in Lima issued the following Warden Message: "On January 28 the Peruvian Government declared a 60-day state of emergency in Cusco Province, in the Peruvian Andes, because unusually severe seasonal rains caused flooding and landslides. The capital city of Lima is not affected.

"Peruvian authorities announced the Machu Picchu archeological park and Inca Trail are closed. The rail line between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, the base camp for Machu Picchu, is closed due to landslides and will remain closed possibly until March. There is flooding along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. "Tourist sites within the city of Cusco are open and operating as usual. Regular flights in and out of the city of Cusco continue, but delays due to bad weather are not uncommon.

"The rainy season in Cusco generally lasts into March, but the El Nino phenomenon this year may aggravate or extend the rainy season. Travelers may wish to monitor the media and consult with their travel professional for up to date information on closings at individual sites, and may consider deferring travel until conditions improve."

Qatar - On January 28 the U.S. Embassy in Doha issued the following Warden Message: "The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current threat information suggests that al-Qaida and other affiliated extremist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in Qatar and elsewhere in the Middle East region. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide and vehicle bombing operations, shootings and assassinations, kidnappings and hijackings.

"Violent extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons to carry out their attacks, and may choose to target both official (Diplomatic and Military) and/or private interests. Examples of such targets include shopping malls, sporting events, Western residential areas, business offices, hotels, Western clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, and other public areas and locales where Americans gather."

Turkey - On February 3 the U.S. Consulate in Adana issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message updates U.S. citizens regarding the gunfire near the U.S. Consulate in Adana on January 31, 2010. After further investigation it appears that this was an attack on the U.S. Consulate. Turkish police have arrested several individuals today in relation to the shooting. The U.S. Consulate encourages all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to maintain their security awareness. The Consulate continues to be open for regular business. ..."