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/

Afghanistan - On June 2 the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "There have been reports of rocket attacks and small arms fire within the vicinity of the Peace Jirga in Kabul, which began this morning and is scheduled to end on June 4, 2010. Indirect fire (i.e. rocket or mortar) attacks in Kabul remain a threat. U.S. citizens should anticipate a heightened security presence throughout Kabul by Afghan National Security Forces. There will be increased check points around the city and some road closures in the vicinity of the InterContinental Hotel and Kabul Polytechnic University (the central location for the Peace Jirga). U.S. citizens are advised to remain vigilant, and to avoid the area where the Peace Jirga is taking place. "The Afghan Government has declared that Wednesday, June 2, and Thursday, June 3, are holidays for Afghan government employees. However, the U.S. Embassy remains open. The attempted disruption of the Peace Jirga serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by insurgents, and also underscores a seasonal increase in attacks during the spring and summer months."

Belize - On May 28 the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan issued the following Warden Message: "With the recent advent of rain, flooding continues to be an issue in some parts of Belize. Residents and travelers should be prepared for flooding at all times, and expect possible delays in traffic or road closures. There can be considerable delays from the effects of rain, such as when waters move downhill from the central part of the country toward low lying areas many days after a storm has ended. During flooding, areas have been known to become inaccessible and residents may be asked to temporarily move to shelters with little notice.

"Areas of the country that have experienced serious flooding in the past are: the bridge at Kendal, the bridge at Middlesex, the Belize River Valley, Belize City, and Orange Walk District, especially at the Rio Hondo bordering Mexico. "Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan as necessary. For continued updates on flood developments, residents and travelers are advised to monitor www.nemo.org.bz. Additional media reports may be found at Channel 5 News Belize (http://www.channel5belize.com/), Channel 7 News Belize (http://www.7newsbelize.com/), and the Belize Tourism Industry Association, http://btia.org/."

Mozambique - On June 2 the U.S. Embassy in Maputo issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "On June 1, 2010, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated, pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act ('Kingpin Act'), three Mozambican businesses (Grupo MBS Limitada, Grupo MBS - Kayum Centre, and Maputo Shopping Centre) for materially assisting in and/or acting for or on behalf of Mohamed Bachir Suleman, who was identified by the President of the United States on June 1, 2010 as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker. This designation will prompt mandatory 'blocking' or 'freezing' of any U.S. assets of the three businesses.

"U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents 'green card' holders), and U.S. companies or organizations and their subsidiaries) are prohibited from engaging in unlicensed transactions with foreign persons and entities designated under the Kingpin Act, and U.S. persons face criminal and civil penalties should they violate this prohibition. The U.S. Mission to Mozambique is considered a U.S. person and it or its entities cannot engage in official transactions with Mohamed Bachir Suleman ('MBS'), Grupo MBS Limitada, Grupo MBS - Kayum Centre, or Maputo Shopping Centre."

Thailand - On June 3 the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok issued a Warden Message that reads in part as follows: "The Department of State has canceled the May 27, 2010 Travel Warning for Thailand due to improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country. The Thai government ended the nightly curfew May 29, 2010. "This message reminds U.S. citizens that a State of Emergency remains in effect in the following provinces:

"Bangkok metropolitan area; Chaiyaphum; Chiang Mai; Chiang Rai; Chon Buri; Khon Kaen; Lampang; Nakhon Ratchasima; Nakhon Sawan; Nan; Nonthaburi; Pathum Thani; Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; Samut Prakan; Si Sa Ket; Udon Thani. "A State of Emergency gives the police and military increased powers to maintain public order. Specifically, security forces have the authority to: "Prohibit gatherings of more than five people; prohibit distribution of media or publications deemed to affect security or public order; prohibit or limit the use of vehicles or particular routes; and evacuate buildings or areas or prohibit entry into them. You might encounter security forces personnel at roadblocks or other security checkpoints. If you do, you should obey all instructions from them. Be sure to carry identification and proof of your U.S. citizenship at all times to present if asked by authorities. "There were numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including several isolated grenade and arson attacks, in and around Bangkok and Chiang Mai over the past two months. Additional explosive devices were 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. The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out. You should 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.

"Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence with little or no warning. You should avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. You should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information of any demonstrations and areas to avoid. "The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in Thailand to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or through the State Department's travel registration website. ..."

Tajikistan - On May 28 the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan is aware that some Tajik airlines may be enforcing travel restrictions for children under seven leaving Tajikistan for other countries in connection with the polio outbreak in Tajikistan. The embassy suggests that U.S. citizens planning to travel outside of Tajikistan with children under seven contact the airlines regarding possible travel restrictions prior to finalizing travel plans. "In addition, please be advised that, according to the Tajik Ministry of Health and Sanitary Epidemiological Station, travelers arriving to Tajikistan from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan with children under 15 years of age should carry with them their children's polio immunization records."