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 - The U.S. Embassy Dhaka released the following Warden Message on June 14: "The number of attacks on women using rickshaws in Baridhara and Gulshan in the hours of darkness, to include evenings, has increased. Typical incidents involve passengers in cars reaching out and grabbing purses from women seated in rickshaws, who are then dragged down to the road. All such incidents have resulted in serious injuries. "The U.S. Embassy reminds everyone to responsibly use discretion in their decision to ride in a rickshaw. The inherent dangers in using a rickshaw are only increased during the hours of darkness, which begins about 6:30 p.m. 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)."

Kosovo - The U.S. Embassy in Pristina issued the following Warden Message on June 14: "Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Awareness. "Kosovo is experiencing a cyclical outbreak of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), which is endemic to this area. From April 26 to June 9, 2010 the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPH) has reported a total of 75 hospitalizations, including four deaths, due to CCHF. "There is no safe and effective vaccine widely available for human use. People living in endemic regions should avoid areas where there are many ticks, particularly in the spring and summer. "The following safety precautions are recommended:

* Wear light-colored clothing that covers legs and arms;
* If living in infested area, check whole body regularly for ticks; remove ticks gently but promptly;
* Examine clothes regularly for ticks;
* Use tick repellents on skin and clothing

"CCHF is a severe disease in humans, with a high mortality rate. Fortunately, human illness occurs infrequently. The disease may be more frequent in local livestock. Ticks may act as a vector between the animal and humans. The victims of this outbreak have been from rural areas, and urban areas are typically spared. The cases have been reported from Malishevë/Mališevo municipality (11 cases), Rahovec/Orahovac municipality (three cases), Theranda/Suva Reka municipality (one case), Hani i Elezit/Elez Han municipality (one case), and Gjakovë/akovica municipality (one case), as well as one case from northern Albania. The NIPH advises there is nothing unusual about this particular outbreak and the unfortunate loss of life associated with this illness. Outbreaks of CCHF typically occur at this time of year and often result in a number of deaths. According to NIPH the areas of highest incidence are rural areas. "Signs and symptoms of the disease include: sudden onset of high fever, headache, backache, and abdominal pain; small hemorrhages of the eyes; and a type of rash in the mouth and on the trunk of the body."

Mozambique - U.S. Department of State issued the following updated Travel Warning on June 15: "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the potential risks of traveling to Nepal and urges caution when traveling in that country. The Department of State remains concerned about the security situation in Nepal. U.S. citizens are urged to obtain updated security information before traveling and they should be prepared to change their plans on short notice. This replaces the Travel Warning for Nepal dated November 19, 2009, to update information on the security and political situation, and to advise travelers about the continuing possibility of political demonstrations and unrest.

"Political violence has occurred sporadically throughout Nepal in the past and may escalate due to recent political tensions. Protests, demonstrations, and disruptions continue to occur, often without advance notice. In a recent indefinite strike imposed by the Unified CPN-Maoist Party on May 3-7, 2010, business and transportation were brought to a standstill. During this strike, large demonstrations were held and incidents of localized violence occurred. During past demonstrations, some protestors forcibly closed businesses, damaged vehicles, threw rocks, and burned tires to block traffic. Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of past disturbances, you are urged to exercise special caution during announced demonstrations, avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming, avoid road travel, and maintain a low profile. Curfews can be announced with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens are urged to consult media sources and register with the Embassy … for current security information.

The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu continues to monitor the political situation in Nepal closely, and advises U.S. citizens that the potential remains for spontaneous demonstrations and political unrest, which could escalate into violence. You should stay current on media coverage of local events and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

"Crime in the Kathmandu Valley and in the major cities of Nepal continues and includes violent crimes, robberies by armed gangs, and harassment of female travelers. Police resources to combat such crimes are limited. Theft and muggings occasionally occur in popular tourist and trekking areas such as Chitwan, Pokhara, the Annapurna region and the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Trekkers have been robbed by small groups of young men, even on popular trails.

"Visitors to Nepal should practice good personal security when moving about and avoid walking alone after dark, carrying large sums of cash, or wearing expensive jewelry. Women are advised to pay attention to local customs and dress appropriately in public. In several reported incidents, tourists have had their belongings stolen from their rooms while they slept. There has been an increase in the number of fraudulent schemes perpetrated against tourists. These schemes involve requesting the traveler's assistance, particularly financial assistance, in establishing shipping routes, or business contacts with the United States or other countries, involving jewelry, antiquities, or carpets, promising huge returns.

"The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly recommends that you do not hike alone or become separated from larger traveling parties while on a trail. Solo trekking is dangerous, has contributed to injuries and deaths, and makes an individual more vulnerable to criminals. Foreign trekkers have gone missing while trekking alone. The safest option for trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable trekking company that provides an experienced guide and porters who communicate in both Nepali and English. Destruction of telephone services in many trekking areas has complicated efforts to locate U.S. citizens and make arrangements for medical evacuations when needed. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest security information and to register their itinerary before undertaking treks outside the Kathmandu Valley. Trekkers also are advised to leave their itinerary with family or friends in the United States and to check in at police checkpoints where trekking permits are logged.

"Travel via road in areas outside the Kathmandu Valley is hazardous due to erratic drivers, poor road conditions, and frequent road accidents. Public transportation, such as microbuses and tuk tuks, should be avoided because they are often overfilled, driven unsafely, and mechanically unsound. You should use taxis with meters or negotiate a price with the taxi driver before starting a trip. However, there have also been instances of taxi drivers tampering with the meters in order to charge higher fares. Most U.S. official travel outside the Kathmandu Valley, including by air, requires specific clearance by the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Officer. Active duty U.S. military and Department of Defense contractors must obtain U.S. Embassy clearance in advance for official and personal travel to Nepal.

"The U.S. Government's designation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' organization under Executive Order 13224, and its inclusion on the 'Terrorist Exclusion List' pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, remain in effect. These two designations make Maoists excludable from entry into the United States without a waiver and bar U.S. citizens from contributing funds, goods, or services to, or for the benefit of, the Maoists."

Nigeria - On June 15 the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Warning, which reads in part as follows: "The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria and continues to recommend U.S. citizens to avoid all but essential travel to the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers; the Southeastern states of Abia, Edo, and Imo; and the city of Jos in Plateau State, because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas. Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, is a problem throughout the country. This replaces the Travel Warning for Nigeria dated May 24, 2010, to update information on violent activity and crime in Nigeria.

"Since January 2009, over 111 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Nigeria, including 18 in 2010. Six foreign nationals were killed in connection with these abductions; two U.S. citizens were killed in separate abduction attempts in Port Harcourt in April 2010. Local authorities and expatriate businesses operating in Nigeria believe that the number of kidnapping incidents throughout Nigeria is underreported. Since March 2010, five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been detonated in the Niger Delta region with no reported casualties.

"A loose alliance of militant groups in the Niger Delta region has conducted a number of attacks against oil installations and posts of the Nigerian military's Joint Task Force (JTF), which had attempted to close the militant camps. In June 2009, the Federal Government of Nigeria offered unconditional amnesty to any militant willing to surrender his/her arms and accept the government's amnesty program. While almost all major militant leaders accepted the offer and the amnesty remains in effect, the potential for violence and the risk of kidnapping remains high. Violent incidents involving 'ex-militants' continue.

"Travel by foreigners to areas considered by the Nigerian government to be conflict areas without prior consultation and coordination with local security authorities is not recommended, as the Nigerian government may see this activity as inappropriate and potentially illegal and it may detain violators. Nigerian authorities detained six U.S. citizens, including journalists, on six occasions, in areas where militant groups had operated in 2008. The Nigerian government interrogated these U.S. citizens for lengthy periods of time without bringing any formal charges before ultimately deporting them. Journalists are required to obtain a special accreditation from the Ministry of Information prior to traveling to conflict areas in the Niger Delta region states. This special accreditation is in addition to the general press accreditation and a valid Nigerian visa which are required to conduct such activities elsewhere in Nigeria.

"Many foreign oil companies operating in the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers have implemented 'essential travel only' policies for their personnel. The U.S. Mission currently requires advance permission for U.S. government travel to these states, as well as the states of Abia, Edo, and Imo, and the city of Jos in Plateau State, given the safety and security risk assessments and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General's limited ability to provide assistance to people detained by Nigerian authorities in these states. U.S. citizens who are resident in these states are advised to review their personal security in light of the information contained in this Travel Warning. "Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society in which different ethnic and religious groups often coexist in the same geographic area. Travelers throughout the country should be aware that, in areas where such circumstances prevail, there is the potential for ethnic or religious-based disturbances. The States of Bauchi, Borno, and Plateau have experienced violence by fringe sects or inter-ethnic groups in the past year.

"Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by some persons wearing police and military uniforms, is an ongoing problem throughout the country, especially at night. Visitors and resident U.S. citizens have experienced armed muggings, assaults, burglary, carjacking, rape, kidnappings, and extortion - often involving violence. Home invasions remain a serious threat, with armed robbers accessing even guarded compounds by scaling perimeter walls; following, or tailgating, residents or visitors arriving by car into the compound; subduing guards and gaining entry into homes or apartments. Armed robbers in Lagos also access waterfront compounds by boat. U.S. citizens, as well as Nigerians and other expatriates, have been victims of armed robbery at banks and grocery stores and on airport roads during both daylight and evening hours. Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly or not at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims. U.S. citizens, Nigerians and other expatriates have experienced harassment and shakedowns at checkpoints and during encounters with Nigerian law enforcement officials. Traveling outside of major cities after dark is not recommended due to both crime and road safety concerns. ..."

Togo - The U.S. Embassy in Lome issued the following Warden Message on June 14: "This Warden message is being issued to highlight some recent criminal trends reported in Lomé, and to offer suggestions on how to protect yourself and your family from becoming a victim of crime. "The Embassy has received several reports of burglaries in business and residential throughout the city in recent weeks. The burglaries have all been committed by entrance through open and/or unguarded windows. The items stolen have been electronics, jewelry, and other objects that are easily sold for cash. Please ensure that all of your windows and doors are securely locked when you leave the house or go to bed.

"The Embassy has also received information concerning armed robberies on public beaches. These robberies have occurred during the day and at night and appear to target expatriates. The Embassy continues to recommend that visitors use private beaches which provide security and avoid beaches altogether at night. "Another alarming trend is thefts from vehicles stopped in traffic. These have occurred on the beach road in areas under construction where circulation is slow, and involve criminals approaching unlocked car doors and grabbing whatever they can before running away. Remember - always lock your car doors when driving. The Embassy also recommends that drivers leave enough space around their vehicles when stopped in traffic so they can leave the area quickly if necessary.

"Finally, it is likely that The Front Républicain pour l'Alternance et le Changement (FRAC) will continue to hold marches in Lomé as part of its ongoing protest of the political situation. The marches are generally on Saturdays and begin at 8:00 a.m. in the Bè Kodjinji area. They proceed down the Boulevard Circulaire and end with a rally in the area in front of the Palm Beach Hotel around 2:00 p.m. The Embassy recommends that you avoid these areas during marches, and avoid large crowds in general. These events can be emotionally charged and crowds are unpredictable. Though the attendance at the rallies has varied considerably, tensions exist among various factions of the RPT, UFC, and FRAC. "As a rule, U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling to remote areas, or in the presence of large crowds."