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/

Côte d'Ivoire - On May 12 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Cote d'Ivoire, which reads in part as follows: "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the continued risks of traveling to Cote d'Ivoire and urges them to exercise caution while traveling there. This replaces the Travel Warning for Cote d'Ivoire dated September 22, 2009 to update information on the security and political situation, and to advise of the increased probability of political demonstrations and unrest.

"Cote d'Ivoire has been a divided country since a 2002 failed coup attempt evolved into an armed rebellion that split the country in two. Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and New Forces leader Guillaume Soro signed the Ouagadougou Political Agreement (OPA) in March 2007, and a new government was formed with Soro as Prime Minister (PM). Implementation of the accord, including federal elections, is ongoing, but long-awaited elections have been postponed repeatedly. No new date for elections has been announced since cancellation of elections in November 2009. The government has not regained full control of the northern part of the country, which remains under the de-facto control of the New Forces.

"Since the ruling party's charges of fraud against the President of the Independent Electoral Commission in December 2009, there has been one large anti-government rally and several incidents of localized violence as opposition parties protested lack of due process in removing names from the voter registration list. On February 12, President Laurent Gbagbo dissolved the Government of Cote d'Ivoire and disbanded the federal election commission, delegating his Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, to form a new government. The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan and the Department of State continue to monitor the political situation in Cote d'Ivoire closely, and advise U.S. citizens that there is new potential for spontaneous demonstrations and political unrest that could escalate into violence. U.S. citizens should stay current on media coverage of local events, and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Because of the increased probability of political unrest and potential violence, it is especially important for Americans traveling to or residing in Cote d'Ivoire to exercise extreme caution and defer travel during periods of political tension. "In early February, the Government of Cote d'Ivoire began major rolling power cuts throughout the country, the first in over 15 years, which may add to the current climate of heightened political tension.

"The United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) currently operates a peacekeeping mission, and France maintains the Force Licorne in Cote d'Ivoire in support of UNOCI. "Given the unpredictable and sometimes tense situation in regions throughout the country, and the ongoing presence of two distinct military/peacekeeping forces, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution should they travel to Cote d'Ivoire, and to take special care when traveling outside Abidjan. Security conditions in the north and in the west can deteriorate without warning. Embassy personnel traveling to western Cote d'Ivoire are often required to use security escorts provided by the United Nations. U.S. citizens planning travel to Cote d'Ivoire should consult the Embassy or their host organization(s) for the most recent security assessment of the areas where they plan to travel. Crimes such as mugging, robbery, burglary, and carjacking pose high risks for foreign visitors in Abidjan. Visitors should be careful when stopped in heavy traffic or at roadblocks due to the threat of violent robbery, and should avoid travel outside of the city after dark. Land routes to neighboring countries are open, although overland travel to Liberia and Guinea is strongly discouraged, and caution is urged when crossing into Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.

"The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, previously a partially unaccompanied post, allowed minor dependents to return to post as of June 2009 because of the improving situation at that time. However, Embassy personnel and dependents are required to adhere to strict security policies and procedures. Embassy employees are instructed to be cautious when traveling within Abidjan and not to travel outside of the city at night. Private U.S. citizens are urged to follow the same guidelines. Embassy personnel must obtain prior approval before traveling more than 35 kilometers outside Abidjan. Some requests may be denied, or multi-vehicle convoys may be required for security reasons. Because of the potential for violent eruptions and the potential need to shelter in place or leave affected areas, U.S. citizen residents in Cote d'Ivoire should maintain several days' supply of cooking fuel, food, and water at home, and ensure that their vehicles remain fully fueled at all times.

"The U.S. Embassy is located in the Riviera Golf neighborhood of the Cocody section of Abidjan. The Embassy may close to the public temporarily from time to time in response to security developments."

Greece - On May 7 the U.S. Embassy in Athens issued the following Warden Message: "U.S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki wish to inform U.S. citizens of continued large demonstrations and strikes to protest measures undertaken by the Greek government in response to the economic crisis. Strikes may occur in the public transportation sector and marching protesters may pass the Embassy. "While strikes and demonstrations are a regular occurrence in Greece, they are increasingly frequent, called on short notice, and have occurred at tourist sites in central Athens. They are much more common in Athens and Thessaloniki, but they have also taken place in smaller cities. The rallies and marches are generally orderly and lawful; however some do escalate into violence. Riot control procedures may include the use of tear gas. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations, and if they find themselves within the vicinity of protests, they should exercise extreme caution and depart the area as quickly as possible.

"You should also keep abreast of news about demonstrations and strikes from local news sources and hotel security. When there are demonstrations, you should avoid places where demonstrators frequently congregate, such as the Polytechnic University area, Exarchia, Omonia, and Syntagma Squares in central Athens, and Aristotle Square in Thessaloniki." On May 12 public and private sector unions announced plans to stage a one-day nationwide strike on May 20 to protest the government's austerity measures. The industrial action is expected to cause disruptions to transportation and other services. Flights to and from Greek airports will likely be halted during the strike action. The work stoppage is the fourth nationwide strike called in 2010 over the government's economic austerity measures, which include reforms to the pension system.

Mexico - On May 6 the U.S. Department of State issued the following updated Travel Warning for Mexico: "The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security situation in Mexico, and to advise that the authorized departure of family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates in the northern Mexico border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros has been extended. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Mexico dated April 12, 2010 to note the extension of authorized departure and to update guidance on security conditions and crime.

"Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.

"It is imperative that U.S. citizens understand the risks involved in travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if one becomes a victim of crime or violence. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where criminal activity might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message."

Nicaragua - On May 12 the U.S. Embassy in Managua issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to possible street violence in association with ongoing student demonstrations at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN) in Managua. U.S. citizens traveling to or already in Managua are reminded to maintain a high level of security awareness and to avoid large crowds due to the potential for violence.

"The Embassy's Regional Security Office has recommended that Embassy personnel avoid the area around UNAN and the University Rotunda (rotonda universitaria) in Managua, and that personnel avoid driving through barricades encountered on the street, keep windows up and doors locked in their vehicles, and carry a cell phone at all times. The Embassy has also urged its employees and family members to stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. "The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. American citizens are therefore urged to exercise caution. Activities observed during past demonstrations include, but are not limited to the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, the launching of explosive 'morteros,' rock-throwing, tire burning, road blocks, bus/vehicle burning, and other types of physical violence between law enforcement and protestors or between rival factions. Street protests and/or clashes may continue to occur and may be unpredictable in time, place, and intensity."

Phillipines - On May 6 the U.S. Embassy in Manila released a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in the Philippines that sporadic violence may occur throughout the Philippines before, during, and after the May 10 Philippine national and local elections. U.S. citizens should pay attention to the media for Philippine government announcements regarding areas likely to experience election-related violence. U.S. citizens living and working in the Philippines are urged to assess their personal security, to remain aware of their surroundings, to keep a low profile, and to avoid public gathering places, including high-profile events, in connection with the May 10 elections.

"A political or other demonstration could materialize on fairly short notice. If and when you do learn of a demonstration, please plan your travel accordingly: avoid crowds and exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of a demonstration. As a reminder, 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 if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations."

Thailand - On May 12 the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok issued a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "This warden message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government has indicated that authorities will cut power and water, and possibly telephone and transportation links, within the next 24-48 hours to the Ratchaprasong rally site in central Bangkok where the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or "red-shirts") continue to demonstrate. It is currently unclear how large an area will be affected. It is also unclear how the UDD will respond.

U.S. citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in this area and the areas in and around all demonstrations, if possible. If U.S. citizens must travel to these areas, they should exercise special caution and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security. U.S. Embassy personnel who live around this area have been given the option to relocate to housing outside of the affected area until the situation is resolved. The U.S. Embassy is also planning on limiting personnel who work on, or directly off of, Rajdamri and Langsuan roads. Other U.S. Embassy facilities, such as the Chancery and Consular Section, will remain open. U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution and vigilance at all times. The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or "red-shirts") continues to demonstrate in central Bangkok. The UDD may change or expand their demonstration locations at any time. Various other groups are engaging in pro-government or counter-demonstrations.

There have been several minor clashes between the security forces and the UDD and other demonstrators. These clashes may escalate with no warning. For areas currently affected by demonstrations, please refer to local media. These demonstrations are expected to continue in Bangkok indefinitely. 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. ..."