Tourists Attacked on Africa’s Transkei Coast...

Africa

South Africa: Attacks against tourists occurred recently in the Transkei independent homeland. The resorts on Transkei’s Wild Coast are popular holiday destinations for South African and foreign tourists. Two South Africans returning from a fishing trip were killed in an ambush near Port St. John on April 13 and two German tourists were attacked at the Coffee Bay Resort two days later. Armed police were sent to the area to provide protection. Transkei has been very tense in the wake of the killing of African National Congress official Chris Hani. Transkei officials recommend deferring travel to this area until further notice.

Zaire: Conflict continues between President Mobuto Sese Seko and opposition Prime Minister Etienne Tshisekedi, whose cabinet is barred from its offices and must now meet in Tshisekedi’s home in the capital city of Kinshasa. Mobutu appointed a new prime minister March 29, and two governments are now trying to run the country. Violence is common. Avoid travel here at this time.

Caribbean

Jamaica: Crime remains a serious problem in Kingston, with pickpocketings and purse snatchings common, especially on public transportation. Walking the streets after dark or taking unlicensed taxis is not recommended. Some parts of Kingston are occasionally subject to curfew, and visitors should check with local authorities or the U.S. Embassy for information. Self-contained resorts, which are abundant in popular tourist areas, provide a high degree of security, and security arrangements for small hotels or secluded villas can be verified by the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Haiti: According to the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, there has been a significant increase in crime in and around the capital since the beginning of the year. Americans have not been singled out, but have been the victims of a number of violent crimes. Since January, an American child has been murdered and there have been two shooting incidents, three assaults and two armed robberies of U.S. citizens. Exercise caution when traveling in Haiti, especially in and around Port-au-Prince.

Latin America

Guatemala: Three bombs exploded simultaneously in Guatemala City April 16 and caused considerable damage to state-owned telecommunications and electric-power company offices. No group claimed responsibility, but officials speculate that the bombings were linked to discontent with a recent drastic rise in electricity rates. The same day, workers marched on the capital’s main streets to protest the increase. Travelers should follow local press reports about planned demonstrations and should avoid such gatherings.

Peru: The U.S. State Department has lifted its advisory authorizing the departure of U.S. government dependents and non-essential personnel, but still advises against travel to Peru until further notice. With the exception of major tourist areas--Arequipa, Cuzco, Ica, Iquitos, Paracas, Puerto Maldonado, Puno and Trujillo--much of the country is designated an emergency zone, which means martial law is in effect. Many of these areas are dangerous due to insurgent and criminal activity, and the military’s response. Lima is located in an emergency zone, bombings have been frequent and violent crime is common. Street crime and robberies are a serious problem in Cuzco and Iquitos, and travelers should be cautious.

Asia

Cambodia: The Khmer Rouge pullout from the U.N.-sponsored peace agreement has created a mood of uncertainty, and travel outside the capital city of Phnom Penh has become risky in some areas due to banditry and occasional military conflict. The northwestern city of Siem Reap, near the Angkor Wat temple complex, has experienced several attacks by bandits and the Khmer Rouge since January, and areas near the city are considered unsafe. Travel to these areas may be restricted. Check with local law-enforcement authorities or the U.S. Mission in Phnom Penh for current information regarding restrictions. In light of these conditions, the U.S. Mission has advised all U.S. government personnel to avoid travel to Siem Reap until further notice. Tourism continues to Angkor Wat, but travel here should be undertaken with caution.

Philippines: Travel in the autonomous Muslim regions of Mindanao island can be dangerous due to ongoing crime and insurgency problems. This area includes the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi Tawi. The provinces of Agusan del Sur, Basilan and Surigao del Sur have also experienced incidents of violence in recent months, and caution is advised if traveling there.