Terrorist Attacks Possible in Mideast, Europe

World Travel Watch is a monthly report designed to help you make informed judgments about travel throughout the world. Because conditions can change overnight, always make your own inquiries before you leave home. In the United States, contact the nearest passport agency office; abroad, check in with the nearest American embassy .

PERSIAN GULF

Iraq/Kuwait: Due to the continuing crisis, avoid travel to Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Yemen and Oman. Keep a close eye on developments if you are considering travel to Israel. At this time, however, travel to Israel, Turkey and Egypt remains safe for the most part.

Terrorism warning: The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning about possible terrorist attacks in Europe and the Middle East, as a result of the Iraq/Kuwait crisis. The warning states, “Evidence continues to accumulate that Iraqi-sponsored terrorism may occur in the near future.” The evidence reportedly indicates that Europe and the Middle East are the likeliest places for these attacks, and the warning goes on to say, “While information does not suggest that Americans traveling abroad are the specific targets of possible Iraqi-sponsored terrorism, Americans overseas should exercise caution, particularly when in or near U.S. military or civilian facilities or at other facilities commonly identified as ‘American.’ ”

ASIA

India: An attempt to reserve more jobs in the central government for lower-caste Indians has provoked violent protests in Delhi and other cities across northern India. Avoid large gatherings and exercise caution.

Nepal: One result of the new-found democracy here has been the developing awareness among Sherpas and porters who man climbing expeditions and work for trekking agencies of the value of unity to obtain higher wages. Loose labor unions are forming and the cost of mounting expeditions to the Himalayas is increasing.

Pakistan: Whatever the outcome of ousted Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s legal wranglings to have her dismissal rescinded, national elections are scheduled Oct. 24, and could be volatile. Exercise caution.

AFRICA

Liberia: Civil war continues; defer travel here until further notice.

Nigeria: A new law prohibits smoking in public places, including cinemas, elevators, schools, offices and on public transportation, punishable by up to two years in prison.

EUROPE

Soviet Union: Alaska Airlines plans to begin regular summer service to the Soviet Far East next June, the result of agreements reached between the United States and Soviet Union. Flights will be offered three times a week from mid-June through August, from Anchorage to Magadan and on to Khabarovsk, and will be timed to connect with flights from Seattle. The route will be the first and only entree to the Soviet Far East from the West Coast.

Bulgaria: There are signs that more unrest is brewing in this country where promises of reform by the Communist Party resulted in its return to power in free elections following the political upheaval of the past year. Recent demonstrations against the government and the growing strength of the opposition indicate that a struggle for power may resume. Exercise caution.

France: For the first time, water is being rationed to pilgrims at the famous shrine of Lourdes. Previously, pilgrims were permitted to take home as much as they wanted, but now they are restricted to one small container to protect the levels of the bathing pools, at least until the end of the peak season this month.

CENTRAL AMERICA

and CARIBBEAN

El Salvador: Civil war drags on here, and travel to the northern and eastern parts of the country is dangerous and should be avoided. If arriving by air, allow enough time to clear customs and depart the airport by 5:30 p.m. If arriving by road, the safest routes are along the Guatemalan border in the south. Avoid traveling after dark, stay away from military vehicles and army patrols, and stay indoors after 1 a.m.

Guatemala: National elections are scheduled for Nov. 11, and with them will come heightened tensions and possible violence. Political violence has increased in recent months, and President Vinicio Cerezo has ordered an investigation of army involvement in the June 8 murder of a popular American resident, which pits Cerezo against an institution believed to be more powerful than the government. A sharp increase in poppy production has also moved the United States to place Guatemala on a short list of countries contributing to international drug trafficking.

Nicaragua: The threat of general strikes and other unrest to protest government austerity measures exists. The deposed Sandinistas are flexing their muscles as an opposition party, threatening a mass anti-government movement. Although the government has moved to ease the austerity plan’s effects, tensions remain high. Such unrest could affect travel.

Trinidad & Tobago: A passport and proof of return or onward tickets is now required of arriving or departing travelers. The new regulation is a result of the July/August coup attempt against the government. An 11 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew remains in effect throughout Trinidad, but there is no curfew in Tobago. Conditions are returning to normal, with most air service restored, but it’s not clear yet whether flights around the Christmas holidays--which are usually heavily overbooked in both directions--will be as busy this year. Business in pubs and nightclubs is picking up now that the curfew has been moved from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Indonesia: Monkeys in Sangeh, Bali, are becoming accomplices to crime. There have been cases of monkeys filching eyeglasses, guidebooks or anything not firmly gripped or tied down from travelers, then dropping them when chased by local people. The not-so-friendly locals then have refused to return the goods without payment. Watch your possessions, even around seemingly innocent animals.

Philippines: Threats of violence by Communist rebels (NPA) accompanied recent talks between Philippine and U.S. officials on the future of American bases there, and prompted the State Department to issue a warning to avoid Roxas Boulevard near the American Embassy.

Talks have adjourned until late this month, but the advisory should be heeded in light of a recent rejection by the NPA of the government’s proposal to cease hostilities in metropolitan Manila. Adding to the confusion, mutinous soldiers trying to destabilize the government recently set off bombs in the offices of three American companies.

For more information on safety concerns in countries you may be visiting, contact the Citizens Emergency Center, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, (202) 647-5225 .