Terrorist Threats Heighten the Need for Caution

World Travel Watch is a monthly report designed to help you make informed judgments about travel. 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. Note: Due to the Travel Section’s Wednesday deadline, travel advisories may change. For up-to-date information, call the U.S. State Department’s Citizens Emergency Center in Washington, D.C., (202) 647-5225 or (202) 647-1512 (after hours). Global Security Update

War in the Middle East and the threat of Iraqi terrorism has created an unprecedented need for caution on the part of travelers worldwide. The U.S. State Department now has more than 70 travel advisories in effect.

Security has tightened at most airports, increasing waits and travel time, routes from Europe to Asia have been disrupted, tourism has plummeted, cancellations are epidemic. Terrorist bombs have exploded in France, the Philippines and Turkey, and threats have been made in several other countries around the world, including Thailand and Germany.

This does not mean, however, that travel to these places is suddenly unsafe, or that you can no longer travel safely in countries with large Muslim populations.

Apart from the potential hazards of travel to the most obvious Middle East and Persian Gulf countries, the U.S. State Department has ordered nonessential government personnel and dependents in Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tanzania and Yemen to leave those countries. Voluntary departure has been authorized for this same group from Algeria, Bangladesh, Djibouti, India, Nigeria (Kaduna only), Syria and Tunisia.

Worldwide Updates

Middle East

Egypt: Although the U.S. State Department urges travelers to exercise caution throughout the Middle East, so far there have been no advisories to stay away from this country. Security is very tight, especially around the pyramids and other ancient sites. The normally busy tourist attractions are reportedly almost empty. Although there is the possibility of unrest from Islamic fundamentalist groups in urban areas, so far the general populace seems to support the government’s position in the coalition against Iraq.

Turkey: The State Department advises that travel to the southeastern region should be avoided until the Persian Gulf crisis is resolved (the area near Adana contains the Incirlik air base used by allied forces). At press time there were no advisories in effect, however, for Istanbul, Ankara and the western regions of the country. Travelers should check with the American Embassy in Ankara or the consulate general in Istanbul and Izmir to find out about travel restrictions in specific provinces.

Europe

Germany: Due to the Persian Gulf crisis, the German government has tightened security at airports throughout the country. According to the State Department, some delays may result from additional passenger and baggage checks. Travelers should allow plenty of time for check-in.

Despite the fact that the war has scared off many tourists from Europe, the State Department has issued travel advisories for only a few Western European countries: Albania, Northern Ireland, Romania and Yugoslavia.

Africa

Cameroon: Travel to the extreme northern province of the country should be avoided at this time. This province includes the city of Maroua and the tourist attractions of Waza National Park and Rhumsiki. It is adjacent to southwestern Chad, which has been suffering considerable unrest. Refugees and former soldiers have filtered across the northern border of Cameroon, and some are armed. The danger of armed robbery in rural areas has increased.

Somalia: U.S. government personnel and dependents have been authorized to leave the country due to civil war. Once the embassy has closed, there will, of course, be no consular protection or assistance for Americans who are still here.

Tanzania: There has been a threat made against American officials. Avoid travel here. If you decide to come anyway, be extremely cautious in downtown Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, market and beach areas and, of course, near American facilities.

Soviet Union

As a result of unrest due to the recent Soviet military crackdowns in the Baltic states, travel to Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia should be avoided at this time. It should also be noted that early this month, Soviet troops will start patrolling major cities, a measure the Soviets contend is necessary to control rising crime. The impact of this on foreign travelers is unknown at this time.

Asia

India: Travel restrictions in West Bengal are no longer in effect. However, unrest continues in different parts of India, including Jammu and Kashmir, the Punjab and Rajasthan. In addition, there are occasional problems in Agra, Varanasi, Indore, the Lucknow area, Hyderabad and the suburbs of Bangalore. Foreigners are not usually targeted by demonstrators, but vehicles are, and travel can be disrupted if an incident occurs, especially if curfews are imposed. Read local English-language newspapers and check with the American Embassy in New Delhi or consulates in Bombay, Calcutta and Madras for the latest security information.

South America

Peru: A car bomb exploded recently in the parking lot of Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, and shortly thereafter there was a bazooka attack on the U.S. Embassy. A recent visit to Chavez Airport by U.S. Federal Aviation (FAA) officials found inadequate adherence to international aviation security standards. While this FAA finding doesn’t necessarily mean that travelers should avoid trips to Peru, it does signal a warning about safety in this country that for years has had serious political and economic problems. Two leftist guerrilla groups remain active throughout the country and regularly disrupt power supplies in and around Lima. Special caution is advised if you are planning to travel here.

Southeast Asia

Indonesia: Irian-Jaya is the western half of the island of New Guinea, but forms the easternmost province of Indonesia. To visit, travelers must be in possession of a travel letter (called a surat keternagan jalan ) issued by Indonesian police authorities. Some areas, including the border with Papua New Guinea, are restricted, and all government restrictions should be carefully followed. Guerrillas are active on both sides of the border. Contact the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya for current travel information.

Philippines: Communist and Muslim insurgent activity continues in many regions, though most major tourist destinations remain relatively unaffected. Areas to avoid include the islands of Samar and Basilan, the Sulu Archipelago, the Cagayan Valley and the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Masbate, Kalinga Apayao, Negros Occidental and Ifugao. Anti-American hostility related to the U.S. military bases at Subic Bay and Clark Air Base exists, but is directed at the offical American presence and, to a lesser degree, American business interests. Avoid the military bases and places patronized by U.S. government personnel. . Check with the U.S. Embassy for the latest security information. In Manila, use authorized money changers. There have been several bombings recently in the metropolitan Manila area, including two at five-star hotels in the Makati business district, though no serious injuries were reported. After a bomb carried by two Iraqis went off in the Makati district, near a U.S. government facility, security was quickly tightened everywhere, especially at Benigno Aquino International Airport. Be prepared for a lengthy check-in.