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/

Chadc - On March 19 the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena released the following updated Warden Message: "This Warden Message updates information sent on March 10, 2010: "Post continues to evaluate the possibility that groups hostile to U.S. interests may be operating in Chad with intent to commit violence. At this time, the U.S. Embassy is maintaining its current restrictions on movement of employees, prohibiting Embassy personnel from frequenting areas where Westerners are known to congregate and from staying in hotels around N'djamena. The curfew for all American employees remains in effect. Post will update the U.S. citizen community in Chad as the situation changes, and in specific should the curfew for Embassy personnel be rescinded. We remind U.S. citizens in Chad to follow good security practices and remain aware of their security environment. Personal security awareness, along with good security practices, is the first line of defense against becoming a victim. The Embassy will advise private Americans when security restrictions on official personnel are changed. "Remember, if you believe you are being followed, immediately drive to a safe location. Do not drive to your residence. Also, be sure to tell your family or a friend of your travel plans, even if just going to a few places in town."

Guatemala - On March 22 the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City issued the following Warden Message on 22 March 2010, which reads in part as follows: "Please be advised of a nation-wide transit strike involving all public transportation. Workers of transit systems outside of Guatemala City are demanding the same security provisions and benefits received by the workers of transit systems within the city. "In addition, participants in the transit strike have blocked several major arteries leading into and going out of Guatemala City. As a result, several major roads within the city have been shut down. "The U.S. Embassy has recommended to its employees who live outside of Guatemala City to remain in their homes until we receive word that the strike has ended. "The U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates accordingly."

Iran - On March 23 the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Warning for Iran: "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to Iran. Dual national Iranian-American citizens may encounter difficulty in departing Iran. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and carefully consider nonessential travel. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Iran issued July 1, 2009, to add information on treatment of dual nationals and a fax number for the U.S. Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. Some elements in Iran remain hostile to the United States. As a result, American citizens may be subject to harassment or arrest while traveling or residing in Iran. Since 2009, Iranian authorities have prevented the departure of a number of Iranian-American citizens, including journalists, who traveled to Iran for personal or professional reasons, in some cases for several months. Iranian authorities also have detained or imprisoned Iranian-American citizens on various charges, including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Americans of Iranian origin should consider the risk of being targeted by authorities before planning travel to Iran. Iranian authorities deny access to the U.S. Interests Section in Tehran to dual nationals because Iranian authorities consider them to be solely Iranian citizens.

The Iranian government continues to repress some minority religious and ethnic groups, including Bahai, Arabs, Kurds, Azeris, and others. Consequently, some areas within the country where these minorities reside, including the Baluchistan border area near Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Kurdish northwest of the country, and areas near the Iraqi border, remain unsafe. "Large-scale demonstrations with sometimes violent outbreaks have taken place in various regions throughout Iran, in particular as a result of a volatile political climate following the June 2009 presidential elections. U.S. citizens who travel to Iran should exercise caution.

"The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the United States are issued in Tehran. The Iranian government does not recognize dual citizenship and will not allow the Swiss to provide protective services for U.S. citizens who are also Iranian nationals. U.S. citizens of Iranian origin who are considered by Iran to be Iranian citizens have been detained and harassed by Iranian authorities. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and prosecution."

Mexico - - On March 19 the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez released a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "This Warden Message is issued to inform American citizens that the planned outreach to accept U.S. passport applications at the Mediateca in Chihuahua City, Chihuahua on March 24th and March 25th is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. The Information Session that had been scheduled for Tuesday, March 23rd in Parral at the Salon Juan Rangel de Biesma, Mina la Preita, is also cancelled. We will attempt to reschedule these events at a later date and will announce those details. "In the meantime, U.S. citizens who wish to apply for their passports may do so at the Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez.

The Consulate General would like to remind U.S. citizens that a new travel warning for Mexico was issued on March 14th. The situation in the state of Chihuahua, specifically Ciudad Juarez, is of special concern. The U.S. Consulate General recommends that American citizens defer non-essential travel to the Guadalupe Bravo area southeast of Ciudad Juarez and to the northwest quarter of the state of Chihuahua including the city of Nuevo Casas Grandes and surrounding communities. From the United States, these areas are often reached through the Columbus, NM, and Fabens and Fort Hancock, TX, ports of entry. In both areas, American citizens have been victims of drug-related violence. The U.S. government has authorized the departure of dependents of U.S. personnel assigned to consulates along the northern border."

Nicaragua - On March 24 the U.S. Embassy in Managua released a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "Safety Precautions during Semana Santa: March 27 - April 4, 2010. "This message is being issued to urge U.S. citizens to exercise extra caution over the Semana Santa (Holy Week) holiday next week. Semana Santa is a religious holiday in which thousands of people leave Managua to visit beaches and other tourist sites across Nicaragua. During Semana Santa, the Nicaraguan National Police traditionally operate checkpoints on all major roads and intersections. Traffic can be heavy on principal highways, especially on the Saturday and Sunday before Semana Santa (March 27-28) and the following Wednesday through Sunday (March 31 - April 4).

"U.S. citizens are urged to obey all traffic laws and stay within posted speed limits. The U.S. Embassy reminds Americans that driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and a prosecutable offense. Defensive driving is also highly recommended. Travel only during daylight hours. Roads outside Managua are always dangerous at night because of pedestrian traffic hazards and the presence of negligent or drunk drivers.

"The U.S. Embassy recommends that adults supervise their children at all times while in or near water. Many of Nicaragua's best-known resorts do not employ lifeguards to supervise swimmers. Nicaragua's Pacific coast is generally regarded one of the most treacherous in the world and emergency rescue and medical services are largely non-existent. "Remember to use common sense in protecting your property and person. This is the high season for petty thefts and other types of crimes. These crimes include, but are not limited to, assaults by intoxicated people at bars, verbal assaults of a sexual nature, car-jackings while vehicles are parked in front of gasoline stations and restaurants, and other events of this nature. Keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

"U.S. citizens should exercise caution when approached by strangers offering assistance. Several U.S. citizens traveling by bus in San Juan del Sur, Granada, Masaya, Leon and Managua have reported being victimized by fellow travelers who offered to assist them in locating and/or sharing a taxi. In all cases, upon entering the taxi, the U.S. citizens were held at knife-point, robbed of their valuables, and driven around to ATM machines to withdraw funds from their accounts. Violent express taxi kidnappings of U.S. citizens have increased in the past year.

"Violent criminal activities and petty crime are also increasing in tourist destinations like San Juan del Sur and Granada. American citizens have been the victims of armed robberies by assailants wielding machetes, knives, and/or guns along the beaches in and around San Juan del Sur. U.S. citizens should exercise particular caution when visiting the following beaches: Maderas, Marsella, Yankee, Coco, and Remanso."

Thailand - On March 24 the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "This warden message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that it is anticipated that the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or 'red-shirts') will embark on motorcycle road rallys around Bangkok for the next several days. While it is expected that this procession will be carried out peacefully, the potential for violence and confrontations with security elements remains. "In addition, the following roads specifically around Parliament have been closed off to ensure security for Parliamentary meetings:

• Nakhon Ratchasima Road between First Infantry Division and Suan Ruenrudi intersections
• Ratchawithee Road between Karn Ruan and Uthai intersections
• Rama V Road between Sukhothai and Wat Benjamabopit intersections
• Sri Ayutthaya Road between First Infantry Division and Saowani intersections
• Uthong Nai Road from the Royal Plaza to Uthong Nai intersection
• Sawankhalok Road between Saowani and Sawankhalok intersections
• Sukhothai Road from Sawankhalok intersection to Sam Sen boat pier
• Pichai Road between Khattiyani and Uthong Nai intersections

"We wish 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 and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations."

Turkey - On March 19 the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Alert for Turkey that reads in part as follows: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to evolving security concerns in Turkey, and reminds them of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests. This Travel Alert dated March 19, 2010, expires on April 30, 2010.

"U.S. citizens in Turkey should be particularly vigilant in light of the ongoing 'Get Out America, This is Our Country' campaign and upcoming significant anniversaries associated with the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C), a designated terrorist organization. Actions against American and/or Turkish-American cultural and business establishments in Turkey are possible. We remind U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

"In addition, the U.S. Mission in Turkey alerts American citizens about the upcoming Nevruz holiday (Kurdish New Year) occurring on March 21. Previous protests, some of them violent, have occurred in Turkey on this date and could occur again. "The Department of State encourages U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for demonstrations and to avoid large gatherings. 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. Particular caution should be exercised in places known to be frequented by Americans."

Zambia - On March 19 the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka released a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "U.S. citizens residing in, or traveling through, Zambia are reminded that violent crime is a serious threat in Zambia and are advised to take necessary safety precautions. U.S. citizens living in the popular tourist destination of Livingstone, as well as on the Copperbelt have reported being the victims of armed robberies in recent weeks. U.S. citizens or their families were injured and or lost property in the robberies. The Zambian Police Service likewise continues to report carjackings and armed robberies in major cities throughout the country. All U.S. citizens should monitor local news reports and be aware of their surroundings at all times."