Avoid India Until After Elections

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. Asia

India: Repercussions from the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21 are uncertain, but in light of widespread violence in the aftermath of the 1984 assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Rajiv’s mother, violence is feared. The days immediately following the tragedy were relatively peaceful, but there have been reports of sporadic rioting with some violence and many arrests in the last few days. Passions will stir as the campaigning resumes in the elections that were postponed until June 13-15. The U.S. Department of State recommends Americans defer all nonessential travel at this time. It would be wise to wait until the elections are completed before traveling to India. This is not the best time to visit in any case--the onset of summer marks the hottest time of the year and the low season for tourism.

Africa

Algeria: The country’s first multiparty national election since it gained independence from France in 1962 will take place June 27. The campaign is heating up amid concerns that there could be unrest in the election’s aftermath, depending on the outcome. Exercise caution if traveling in Algeria in the period surrounding the vote.

Angola: A peace agreement was reached in May between the government and UNITA guerrillas. If the peace holds, the accord will mark the end of 16 years of civil war and pave the way for elections in 1992. Travel within the country has been severely restricted by the war and the government’s security concerns, but should open up in the coming months as the peace plan takes effect. Currently there is no U.S. consular representation in the country.

Burkino Faso: Visas are now required for entry by all nationalities.

Togo: The curfew imposed recently following clashes between demonstrators and security forces has been lifted, and calm has been restored.

Zaire: Clashes between security forces and opposition groups have occurred in recent months in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi, Kisangani and other cities. Tensions remain high. Areas where demonstrations are likely to take place should be avoided. In Kinshasa, these include the road from the international airport, the university area, Avenue 24 November, Deviniere Road leading to the Teacher’s College, and the Kintambo region.

Europe

Yugoslavia: The national political crisis that threatens to split the country into several independent states continues. Ethnic violence between Croats and Serbs has intensified throughout Croatia, the army has been put on alert and ethnic guerrilla groups that had disappeared beneath the repression of Communist rule the last 40 years have re-emerged. Serbia’s recent move to block the normal rotation of the office of the presidency from Serbia’s Borisav Jovic to Croatia’s Stipe Mesic increased tensions and created the country’s worst crisis since World War II. Defer nonessential travel.

Persian Gulf

Kuwait: Nonessential travel should be avoided, but persons traveling on business or assignment during the country’s rebuilding effort have moved around without incident. Conditions remain difficult: there is a water shortage, no public transportation or postal service, very limited international telephone service, a shortage of hotel space and limited transportation in and out of the country. Mines and unexploded ordinance are present in open areas both within Kuwait City and outside of town. Oil fires present uncertain health risks. Be sure to obtain authorization from Kuwaiti officials before traveling to Kuwait, and register with the U.S. Embassy on arrival.

South America

The cholera epidemic that began in January in the coastal regions of Peru continues to spread, and is now being reported in Peru (including Cuzco), Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and Brazil. There have also been several confirmed cases in the United States among American travelers returning from Peru and Ecuador who brought back fresh crabs and ate them at home. The best way to prevent the disease is to be careful of what you eat and drink. Travelers should avoid municipal water and ice made from that water, plus uncooked foods and unpeeled fruit. Avoid street-vendor food. Vaccination for cholera is not recommended because the vaccine provides only brief, incomplete protection.

Ecuador: Yellow fever is active in the Napo and Zamora Chinchipe provinces. Although there is no immunization requirement for entry, travelers should be vaccinated against the disease if they are planning to visit these areas. A yellow fever vaccination lasts 10 years.

Caribbean

Haiti: The civilian government of Jean-Bertrand Aristede, which took power Feb. 7, has succeeded in reducing urban crime and political corruption, creating a sense of stability in this country that has been racked by violence for decades. Because of the improved security conditions, travel conditions have also improved, but visitors should continue to exercise caution throughout the country.

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.