Atmosphere Still Tense in Algeria :...

AFRICA Algeria: The U.S. Consulate in Oran has been reopened but only limited services are available due to reduced staff. Tensions remain high throughout the country due to the January cancellation of legislative elections and arrests of Islamic party leaders.

Travelers are advised to defer travel to the southern desert region bordering Niger and Mali because of incidents of banditry south of Tamanrasset. Further, the government of Niger has closed the main crossing point between Niger and Algeria for security reasons.

Rwanda: Due to continued fighting between government forces and Rwandan exiles along the northern border with Uganda, an area that encompasses both Volcano National Park and Akagera Game Park, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning that advises U.S. citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Rwanda. There has also been a recent outbreak in inter-ethnic fighting in south-central Rwanda, in the Bugesera region. A curfew remains in effect throughout the country.

Liberia: Non-essential travel should be avoided here. A tenuous cease-fire among rival factions in the civil war was agreed to, but a permanent solution has not been found. Travel into the interior should be avoided, and overland routes to neighboring countries are closed. Monrovia’s international airport remains closed.

Nigeria: Travel to the region of Wukari should be avoided due to clashes between local groups over long-standing land disputes. Travelers have been stopped and attacked at random.

Lesotho: The State Department advises citizens to exercise caution when traveling here, especially at night, due to a noticeable increase in armed robberies, break-ins and auto thefts, primarily in the capital city of Maseru. Foreigners have been targeted, and in recent weeks an American was shot, a French woman and Irish man were kidnaped and a Swedish woman was killed, all during auto thefts.

MEDITERRANEAN / MIDDLE EAST Kuwait: Public services such as water, electricity and postal service are not back to pre-Gulf War standards. The U.S. Department of State reports that the crime rate has increased, particularly harassment of women. Foreign women are advised to be alert to the possibility that they may be followed, to avoid travel alone in unfamiliar parts of the city and not to respond to approaches of strangers.

Turkey: Turkey’s worst earthquake since 1983 hit Erzincan, in eastern Turkey, March 13, killing hundreds, cracking roads and destroying bridges and utility lines. Travel to the region should be avoided until the crisis has passed. Travel to southeastern Turkey should be avoided due to ongoing insurgency. The principal tourist areas of western Turkey are safe.

CARIBBEAN / CENTRAL AMERICA Haiti: The political situation here remains uncertain and potentially volatile, especially in view of the parliament’s rejection of an internationally brokered settlement that provided for the return of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Further, due to continuing Organization of American States sanctions, there are shortages of fuel and electrical power throughout the country. Defer non-essential travel here.

Guatemala: Incidents of violent crime have increased around Antigua. Travelers should exercise caution at night within the city and should avoid walking, jogging or cycling on the roads leading out of town at all times. Pickpockets abound in market areas of major towns, especially those that draw large numbers of foreigners. Travelers to Lake Atitlan should take the Pan American Highway to Los Encuentros and then Route 1 to Panajachel. Travel to the lake on other routes is dangerous. An American was killed near Godinez in January.

Climbing the Pacaya and Agua volcanoes is risky due to armed robbers. Several tourists, including those traveling in large groups, have been robbed. Armed vehicle theft is common, especially in Guatemala City. , and travelers should give up their cars without resistance if confronted by armed robbers.Mexico: Warnings about pollution in Mexico City are issued every year, but March 17 saw the most serious pollution alert ever in Mexico City, causing school closures, forcing half the city’s private cars off the streets and cutting factory output by 75%. Pollution readings reached nearly four times the safe limit.