AFRICA
Zimbabwe,
March 31, 2000 -- The U.S. Embassy in Harare wishes to alert U.S.
citizens in Zimbabwe to certain conditions in country that could potentially
affect their safety. These conditions include the occupations of commercial
farms, the potential for unrest during the run-up to the parliamentary
elections in May or June 2000, flooding and fuel shortages.
Zimbabwe is experiencing some tension, as members of the Zimbabwe National
Liberation War Veterans Association are occupying commercial farms throughout
the country. Police authorities view these farm occupations as a political
issue and have been unwilling to dislodge the trespassers. To date, the
actions of the war veterans have been solely directed against commercial
farm owners. U.S. visitors and residents are urged not to visit any occupied
commercial farm.
During the run-up to the parliamentary elections in May or June 2000,
U.S. citizens should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations
and maintain security awareness at all times. These demonstrations and
rallies have the potential to turn violent, and they typically occur in
the central business districts of cities or in high-density suburbs.
Recent cyclones inflicted heavy flooding in the major cities of Bulawayo,
Masvingo, and Mutare, causing road and building damage, and telephone
and electrical disruptions. U.S. visitors traveling to these cities should
obtain information from their hotels and travel agencies as to the general
conditions in the areas where they will be staying.
Zimbabwe is experiencing fuel shortages in all urban centers, including
tourist areas, forcing people to wait in line at service stations. However,
for the most part, commercial airlines, hotels, businesses, restaurants,
taxis, and travel agencies continue to operate normally. U.S. visitors
intending to rent vehicles for in-country travel may wish to inquire if
the rental company provides fuel in order to avoid long waits in line.
Algeria,
March 31, 2000 -- The United States Department of State warns U.S.
citizens to evaluate carefully the implications for their security and
safety before deciding to travel to Algeria. Although the number of terrorist
incidents in Algeria has fallen considerably over the last two years,
there are still unpredictable attacks at night, in rural villages and
roadsides, and on public transport. Most recent terrorist activity has
occurred in rural areas in northern Algeria.
At the height of terrorist violence in Algeria, most commercial airlines
cancelled service to and from Algeria. Since then, a number of carriers
have resumed service, including one Western airline. U.S. government employees,
however, routinely use chartered aircraft for travel to and from Algeria
because of ongoing concerns about security.
The Department of State strongly recommends that those Americans who travel
to Algeria exercise maximum caution, and take the following measures:
--Minimize use of regularly scheduled commercial flights and be met and
accompanied by pre-arranged local contacts upon arrival and departure
at airports.
-- Nighttime and overland travel should be strictly avoided.
-- Visitors to the capital of Algiers should stay only in the large, internationally-recognized
hotels where security is provided.
-- U.S. citizens should not move anywhere in Algeria unless accompanied
by a known Algerian companion. This measure applies to walking the streets
of Algiers and other cities.
U.S. Embassy personnel follow all of the precautions mentioned above.
In addition, U.S. Embassy employees and official visitors are confined
to the Embassy compound or their hotels except when it is necessary to
conduct official business. Official travel within Algiers is by armored
car with appropriate security.
U.S. oil companies operating in the desert region south of the Saharan
Atlas Mountains have experienced no attacks in the past year. The Algerian
government and the companies themselves take stringent security precautions
to ensure their safety, including the measures described above.
Nigeria,
April 7, 2000 -- The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the
dangers of travel to Nigeria. Nigeria has limited tourist facilities and
conditions pose considerable risks to travelers.
Violent crime, committed by ordinary criminals, as well as by persons
in police and military uniforms, can occur throughout the country. Kidnapping
for ransom of persons associated with the petroleum sector, including
U.S. citizens, remains common in the Niger Delta area.
Use of public transportation throughout Nigeria is dangerous and should
be avoided. Taxis pose risks because of the possibility of fraudulent
or criminal operators and poorly maintained vehicles. Most Nigerian airlines
have aging fleets, and there are valid concerns that maintenance and operational
procedures may be inadequate to ensure passenger safety.
Nigerian-based business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide
and pose a danger of financial loss. Recipients pursuing such fraudulent
offers risk physical harm if they come to Nigeria. Persons contemplating
business deals in Nigeria are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department
of Commerce or the U.S. Department of State before providing any information
or making any financial commitments. No one should provide personal financial
or account information to unknown parties. An invitation to enter Nigeria
without a visa is normally indicative of illegal activity. Under no circumstances
should U.S. citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa. Furthermore,
the ability of U.S. Embassy officers to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful
business deals and their consequences is extremely limited.
For additional information consult the Department of State's Consular
Information Sheet for Nigeria and the Department's brochure "Tips
for Business Travelers to Nigeria," available via the Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov or by providing a SSAE to
the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department of State,
Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.
Guinea, April 11,
2000 -- The U.S. Embassy in Conakry has advised the American community
in Guinea to maintain a heightened state of vigilance during the period
surrounding the Guinean government's trial of opposition leader Alpha
Conde, which is scheduled to begin April 12. While the U.S. Embassy has
no specific information regarding trial-related security threats, it is
possible that the trial will draw large crowds or protests, and security
in the Kaloum area of Conakry is expected to be increased.
The U.S. Embassy continues to recommend that all American citizens in
Guinea register with its consular section and periodically check with
the Embassy for updated travel and security information. The Embassy's
phone numbers are (224)41-15-20, (224)41-15-21 and (224)41-15-23. The
consular section will issue updates on the situation on its voice mail
system through the main Embassy telephone numbers.
Burkina
Faso, April 11, 2000-- Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, is
currently experiencing an increase in civil unrest and violent activity
related to a strike called by collective opposition groups. Demonstrations
are scheduled for April 11-12, 2000 but could continue beyond these dates.
American citizens are strongly cautioned to avoid large crowds, as violence
is possible.
Maps
courtesy of 4maps.com.
For
questions and comments about Worldtravelcenter.com, its World Travel Health
newsletter, or its travel companion jetStream, contact
Laura Bauer:
laura@worldtravelcenter.com
Phone: 1-800-234-1862
GlobalNotes
Asia
Africa
Central
& South America
Feature Articles
Trouble-Free
Travel?... Say What?!
Vaccine
Recommendations
Travel Health
Risk Overview
jetStream
Travel Stories
Travel
Insurance Primer
Fun and Games
Travel
Health & Safety Quiz
