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/

Bangladesh - On March 29 the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka released the following Warden Message: "Recently a U.S. Embassy employee was injured during a purse snatching while riding in a Rickshaw. An unknown subject leaned out of a window of a passing vehicle and grabbed the employee's purse. The employee was pulled violently off the rickshaw and dragged, sustaining multiple abrasions. The incident occurred in the diplomatic zone in the early evening. "The recent incident involving rickshaw use is a reminder that one is exposed to special risks whenever riding on a rickshaw. To minimize exposure to accidents and crimes of opportunity, each passenger should carefully evaluate the situation when making a decision to use a rickshaw. Factors might include the expected route, time of day, traffic congestion, condition of the rickshaw and assessment of the rickshaw driver. It is strongly recommended that handbags, knapsacks and the like not be carried while riding on a rickshaw. For security reasons, the Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid riding in taxis, buses, and engine-powered rickshaws (CNGs)."

Chad - On March 26 the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena issued the following Warden Message: "At this time, the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena no longer has specific reason to believe that there may be an imminent threat to U.S. interests in Chad. Thus, the Embassy has rescinded the restrictions imposed March 12 on Embassy personnel's movements to locations in and around N'Djamena where Westerners are known to congregate, including hotels and restaurants. The restriction was lifted as of noon on Friday, March 26. The Embassy will continue to monitor and evaluate the possibility that groups hostile to U.S. interests may be operating in Chad with intent to commit violence. "Criminality against Westerners remains an ever-present danger in N'Djamena, and we remind U.S. citizens in Chad to follow good security practices and remain aware of their security environments. Personal security awareness, along with good security practices, is the first line of defense against becoming a victim. "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."

Haiti - On March 26 the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to inform U.S. citizens that since the January 12 earthquake, the Embassy has noted an increase in reports of violent crime, including murder and kidnapping, in Port-au-Prince, and crimes occurring in places frequented by foreigners, including areas that had until recently been considered safer after-dark, such as Petionville. Additionally, since the earthquake the capability of the Haitian National Police to patrol and to respond to reports of crime has been degraded. Due to these factors U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince, and are reminded to conduct themselves in a manner sensitive to the local situation when considering the planning of social events, travel, etc.

"U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid certain high-crime zones in the Port-au-Prince area, including Croix-des-Bouquets, Carrefour, Martissant, the port road (Boulevard La Saline), urban route Nationale #1, the airport road (Boulevard Toussaint L'Ouverture) and its adjoining connectors to the New ('American') Road via Route Nationale #1 (which should also be avoided). This latter area in particular has in recent years been the scene of numerous robberies, carjackings, and murders. Embassy employees are prohibited from remaining in the downtown area after dark or from entering Cite Soleil and La Saline and their environs without additional security precautions due to significant criminal activity. Neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince once considered relatively safe, such as the Delmas road area and Petionville, have been the scenes of violent crimes."

Jamaica - - On March 25 the U.S. Embassy in Kingston released a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "The U.S. Embassy in Kingston is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens of reports of violence in the Mountain View area of Kingston today, March 25, 2010. The affected area is located near Bygrave Avenue and Goodwich Lane. Police have reported that two people have been killed. Tensions remain high, and retaliation shootings are expected. Americans are advised to monitor media reports and avoid the area until an all-clear is announced by the Government."

Mozambique - On March 26 the U.S. Embassy in Maputo released a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to recent criminal activity in expatriate neighborhoods in Maputo. On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, four assailants armed with two AK-47 assault rifles and two pistols robbed the recently opened café, Campo de Fiore, located in a park less than 200 meters from the U.S. Embassy. This is a reminder that areas where expatriates live and work are frequently the targets of criminals because they are locations of perceived wealth. The U.S. Department of State rates Mozambique a critical threat country for crime. Critical is the highest threat rating given by the Department of State. Recently, incidents of armed assault, carjacking, and home invasion have risen in Maputo, particularly in the areas where most expatriates live. While criminal incidents can happen at any place and time, recent incidents appear to have occurred during the early evening hours and involve multiple armed attackers."

"The U.S. Embassy recommends all U.S. citizens to follow protective measures as you move throughout Mozambique: "Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Know your destination and how you would escape should the need arise. Be alert to criminal surveillance and aware of your surroundings at all times. If something seems unusual, it probably is. Do not wear expensive-looking jewelry, watches, etc., and do carry belongings in nondescript bags or containers. Expensive-looking backpacks, purses and camera cases invite criminals' attention. Avoid carrying more cash than you need for the day's business, and never display large amounts of currency in public. Do not set a pattern of frequenting the same restaurants, shops or clubs, especially those patronized primarily by expatriates and diplomats. Taking precautions can prevent you from becoming a victim of crime. Sometimes though, people are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you become a victim of a crime-in-progress, please consider the following protective measures: Try to remain calm. Armed criminals are often nervous and easily provoked. For this reason, attempt to avoid direct eye contact. Obey the criminals' commands. Do not resist.

In the vast majority of circumstances, criminals want possessions and will not harm you if you do not resist. Do not attempt to apprehend or interfere with the criminals except in a case of self-protection. If safe to do so, attempt to get a good description of the criminals including clothing, physical descriptions, and whether weapons were involved. If the criminals entered a vehicle, note the license number, make, model, color, any outstanding characteristics, and direction of travel. Give the criminals time to leave the scene."

Peru - On March 26 the U.S. Embassy in Lima issued the following Warden Message: "The Embassy is aware of seven different airplane accidents since December 2007 over the world-famous Nazca Lines, located in the southern Peruvian city of Nazca. Two of these accidents resulted in 12 deaths, including one pilot, most recently on February 25, 2010. Travelers are urged to take the following information into account when making arrangements to view the Nazca lines from the air. All the accidents appear to have involved single engine planes that were hired locally. Peruvian authorities have taken steps to address safety issues, including, implementing new regulations. Two civil aviation inspectors are assigned to the Maria Reiche Airport in Nazca, and will monitor compliance with these regulations.

As of March 15, 2010, all air companies offering over flights of the Nazca Lines, either from Nazca or from the city of Ica, must have a co-pilot on board, and their planes must have manufacturer approved controls for the co-pilot to use. As of April 5, any aircraft the air companies introduce into service must be no more than 15 years old and must also be able to accommodate at least 8 passengers and two crew members. As of August 1, no aircraft in service in Nazca may be more than 30 years old. The planes are prohibited from banking more than 30 degrees to view the Lines. Authorities also have reduced the number of flights in the air at any time by eliminating the lowest flying altitude authorized.