Colombia Street Crime Increasing

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

Colombia: Kidnapings of both Colombians and foreigners have increased, and guerrilla groups and drug traffickers are active in many areas. The most common problem for travelers is street crime by pickpockets, muggers and con men. Be careful in airports, where much theft occurs, and only use official taxis.

Suriname: A military coup occurred here Dec. 24, with the new rulers promising free elections. Defer nonessential travel until the situation stabilizes.

Carribean/Central America

El Salvador: Civil war continues with no end in sight. Travelers must obtain a visa in advance, and those arriving by air should plan to arrive in time to clear customs and depart the airport by 5:30 p.m. Travel to the northern and eastern parts of the country is dangerous because of insurgent activity, and overland travel after dark should be avoided. The government has designated some areas “conflictive zones,” and special permits are required to visit them. Zones are subject to change, however, and foreigners have been arrested for violating regulations. Register with the U.S. Embassy and ask for the latest security information.

Middle East

Kuwait/Iraq Crisis: The U.S. Department of State has ordered nonessential personnel to leave Jordan and Sudan due to the continuing crisis in the Persian Gulf, adding to a growing list of countries considered unsafe for Americans. The list now includes Bahrain, Qatar, the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the North African country of Mauritania, an Iraqi ally. Defer travel to those places until further notice.

Africa

Chad: A rebel force drove out the existing government and took control of the country in December, vowing to create a democratic government. Travel should be avoided here until the situation stabilizes.

Madagascar: Banditry along the road from Ambalavao to Ranohira has increased, especially at night. Avoid night travel if possible. The robbers are usually armed with automatic weapons.

Morocco: Violent demonstrations due to a labor strike took place in December, with the most serious occurring in Fez. Exercise caution, and check with the U.S. Embassy in Rabat for the latest information if you are planning travel to Fez.

Senegal: Occasional shooting incidents occur along the Senegal River where it forms the border with Mauritania, and travel here should be avoided. The popular Casamance region in the south has also been the site of unrest due to a local separatist movement. Travel should be avoided from Kolda west to the Atlantic Ocean, between the borders of the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

Somalia: A civil war is underway in the countryside, and unrest is occurring in the city of Mogadishu. Defer all travel at this time.

Togo: In response to growing unrest in recent months, long-ruling President Gnassingbe Eyadema created a constitutional commission and gave it the task of writing a new constitution for the country. The newly drafted constitution will supposedly be put to a national vote in December in an effort to move the country closer to a representative, multiparty government.

Europe

Romania: Tensions remain high as large demonstrations continue to take place in Bucharest, Timisoara and Brasov. Unrest could flare up at any time. Check with the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest for the latest information.

Asia

Bangladesh: Because of communal violence, threats of strikes and a transitional government, travel here should be avoided at this time.

India: Communal violence continues to flare up on short notice in many regions of the country. Sikh militants in the Punjab have stepped up their violent campaign for an independent homeland, reportedly in response to the new government in Pakistan that they believe is more sympathetic to their goals. Check with the U.S. Embassy in Delhi or consulates in Bombay, Calcutta or Madras for the latest information.

Southeast Asia

Burma: The military government recently took a further step to retrench itself, banning the democracy party that won last May’s general election by an overwhelming margin. The prospects are slim that the military will turn power over to the freely elected government. An 11 p.m.-to-4 a.m. curfew remains in effect in Rangoon, and armed security forces patrol the streets of major cities. Tensions remain high. Be careful taking pictures because photographing seemingly innocuous bridges, offical residences, military installations or uniformed officers can lead to arrest. Burma has tight restrictions on exporting art and antiques, and it may be impossible to obtain valid export permits for purchases. Failure to obtain these permits could lead to arrest or confiscation of the items.

Papua New Guinea: An Indonesian secessionist group is active in the region along the Indonesia/Papua New Guinea border, and is responsible for kidnaping an American missionary and four other people in November. Avoid traveling within 50 miles of the border. Travel remains unsafe to Bougainville Island due to a continuing insurgency movement. Crime continues to be a problem throughout the country. Travelers should be especially cautious after dark in the urban centers of Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagan, and should travel inland only with experienced tour companies.

Singapore: Litterbugs face fines up to $588 and a counseling session about why their behavior is harmful in a stiffening of Singapore’s already tough laws against littering. In a related move, the Environment Ministry also plans to crack down on people who fail to flush public toilets after use. The “failing to flush” law went on the books in July, 1989, and since then, 134 offenders have been warned but none prosecuted. First-offenders face a fine of $88, while chronic non-flushers could pay up to $588 for three or more offenses.

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.