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/

Iraq - On April 9 the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) have announced a curfew within the International Zone (IZ) effective immediately. All movement within the IZ is now restricted between midnight and 6 am. No civilian traffic movements will be allowed within the IZ and all entry control points will be closed to outgoing and incoming movements during the stated hours. ISF has stated that violators of this curfew will be arrested.

"Additionally, all U.S. government employees under the authority of the U.S. Ambassador are prohibited from walking at any time outside of secure compounds within the IZ. U.S. government employees traveling within the IZ must travel in a motor vehicle in groups of two or more and must carry a working cell phone or radio.

"U.S. citizens are reminded that violence and threats against U.S. citizens persist and that no region, including within the IZ, should be considered safe from continued dangerous conditions, including kidnappings, explosions, and other terrorist and criminal attacks. "The Department of State Travel Warning for Iraq issued on February 25, 2010, remains in effect. That warning notes the continued fluid security situation and recommends against all but essential travel throughout all regions of the country.

"All U.S. citizens in Iraq, including those working on contract for the U.S. government, are urged to register their presence in the country with the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens without internet access may register directly at the U.S. Embassy. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency."

Kyrgyz Republic - On April 9 the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek issued the following Warden Message: "The Embassy of the United States in Bishkek remains operational, but closed to the public. Some Embassy personnel and families have been temporarily moved to the Manas Transit Center, but plans are for them to remain in country. Services for American Citizens continue to operate. Non-emergency e-mail: consularbishkek@state.gov. For inquiries or afterhours emergencies, call +996 (312) 551 241."

Mexico - - On April 12 the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Warning for Mexico, which reads as follows: "The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico of concerns about the security situation in Mexico, and that the authorized departure of dependents of U.S. government personnel from U.S. consulates in the Northern Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros has been extended until May 12. Family members of U.S. government personnel assigned to other areas of Mexico outside the Mexican border states are not affected by this departure measure. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning of March 14, 2010, to note the extension of authorized departure.

"While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including tens of thousands who cross the land border daily for study, tourism or business and nearly one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico), violence in the country has increased. It is imperative that U.S. citizens understand the risks in Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if victimized. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable. "Recent violent attacks have prompted the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to delay unnecessary travel to parts of Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua states (see details below) and advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution. Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently against individuals who speak out against them or whom they otherwise view as a threat to their organizations. These attacks include the abduction and murder of two resident U.S. citizens in Chihuahua.

"Violence Along the U.S.- Mexican Border "Mexican drug cartels are engaged in violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. To combat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed military troops throughout the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways. "Some recent confrontations Mexican authorities and drug cartel members have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in towns and cities across Mexico, but occur mostly in northern Mexico, including Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Nogales, Matamoros, Reynosa and Monterrey. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts its U.S. government employees' travel within the state of Durango, the northwest quadrant of the state of Chihuahua and an area southeast of Ciudad Juarez, and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River. This restriction was implemented in light of a recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those three states.

"The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted. Recently, the cities of Durango and Gomez Palacio in the state of Durango, and the area known as "La Laguna" in the state of Coahuila, which includes the city of Torreon, experienced sharp increases in violence. In late 2009 and early 2010, four visiting U.S. citizens were murdered in Gomez Palacio, Durango. These and several other unsolved murders in the state of Durango have caused particular concern.

"A number of areas along the border continue to experience a rapid growth in crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico, with notable spikes in Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities that have experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana. Travelers on the highways between Monterrey and other parts of Mexico to the United States (notably through Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros) have been targeted for robbery and violence and have also inadvertently been caught in incidents of gunfire between criminals and Mexican law enforcement. Such incidents are more likely to occur at night but may occur at any time. 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.

"Mexican authorities report that more than 2,600 people were killed in Ciudad Juarez in 2009. Additionally, this city of 1.3 million people experienced more than 16,000 car thefts and 1,900 carjackings in 2009. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

"Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico. "U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped and most of their cases remain unsolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican law enforcement officials and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City or the nearest U.S. consulate as soon as possible. Any U.S. visitor who suspects they are a target should consider returning to the United States immediately. U.S. citizens should be aware that many cases of violent crime are never resolved by Mexican law enforcement, and the U.S. government has no authority to investigate crimes committed in Mexico.

"U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure. When warranted, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place.

"U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and check with their cellular phone service providers prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items. Travelers to remote or isolated hunting or fishing venues should be aware of their distance from appropriate medical, law enforcement, and consular services in an emergency situation.

"Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings. "Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. "The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings."

Thailand - - On April 12 the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Warning for Thailand, which reads as follows: "The State Department alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government, under the order of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, has declared a State of Emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas following demonstrations by protestors from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or 'red-shirts'). The State of Emergency grants special powers to the Royal Thai Police and Army. U.S. citizens should expect to see an increase in the presence of security personnel on the streets of Bangkok and should adhere to any and all instructions from such personnel. This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 9, 2010, to include additional information about clashes between the UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces. This Travel Alert will expire on May 14, 2010. "On Saturday, April 10, UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces clashed in the Phanfa Bridge area, resulting in 21 deaths and at least 858 wounded. The UDD continues to demonstrate around the Ratchaphrasong intersection adjacent to Central World, Rajadamri Road and Soi Lang Suan, as well as the Phanfa Bridge area in old Bangkok. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in these areas, as well as Khao San Road, a popular tourist street near the Phanfa Bridge area.

"U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok. "Political demonstrations by the UDD are expected to continue in Bangkok throughout the Songkran holidays (April 13-16). As a result, traffic congestion and difficulty of movement is possible throughout Bangkok. There have been numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including several isolated grenade attacks, in and around Bangkok and Chiang Mai over the past two months. Additional explosive devices have been discovered before detonation. Some of these incidents occurred at or near areas frequented by U.S. citizens. These incidents appear to be motivated by domestic politics and do not appear to be acts of international terrorism. Travel to Thailand remains generally safe. However, the possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out. U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution and vigilance at all times. Immediately report to law enforcement or security personnel any unattended packages or bags or suspicious objects in public areas. "The Department also alerts U.S. citizens that if demonstrations in Bangkok are forcibly dispersed, the UDD demonstrators may move to other provinces, as occurred April 9 and 10. Possible demonstration sites include provincial halls and military and police installations. Therefore, U.S. citizens should monitor public sources of information to stay abreast of the latest information concerning demonstrations and areas to avoid."

United Kingdom - On April 13 the U.S. Embassy in London issued the following Warden Message: "This week, a teenage boy and a friend were robbed at knifepoint in the St. John's Wood neighborhood of London. The assailants, young men aged 18-24, struck at 2:30 in the afternoon on a busy street. While no one was injured in the robbery, it is an aberration in the normal criminal pattern for this neighborhood. "Other incidents reported in the St. John's Wood area involve groups of young men pursuing individuals on the street, presumably with the intent to commit robbery. These groups also have attempted to force open entry doors to apartment buildings. "We realize that many Americans live outside the St. John's Wood area, but wanted to share this information as a precaution for those who may be visiting the neighborhood, as it is a popular tourist destination and home to many U.S. citizens. "As always, you should: Remain aware of your surroundings at all times. If you believe you have attracted the attention of a criminal, change your path and immediately seek shelter in a safe place, preferably off the street and in a crowded area. If you are confronted by a robber, hand over your possessions and remain calm. Immediately call 999 from a safe place."