January 2009

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Travelers get a wonderful chance to witness European history in the making. Years ago when I got my history degree, I said to myself, ‘I’d better get a business degree, too, so I have something useful.’ But I’ve learned over the years that if more people knew more about history, our world would be better off.

As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 27 destinations: Nepal, Pakistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Chad, Kenya, Yemen, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Israel/West Bank/Gaza, Iran, Georgia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Algeria, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Cote d’Ivoire, Haiti, Burundi, Syria, Central African Republic, Philippines and Nigeria.  

For details, call the State Department at 202/647-5225 or visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html.

Despite the recent smooth transition of government in Nepal, some unrest remains. One subgroup continues to engage in extortion, abuse and threats of violence, particularly in rural areas. Clashes continue among other political rivals. Violent actions by multiple armed splinter groups in the Terai region along the southern border with India remain a significant concern.

The Department of State recommends deferring travel to Eritrea due to restrictions on travel outside the capital city of Asmara and heightened tensions along Eritrea’s borders with Ethiopia and Djibouti, with large numbers of troops stationed there.

Since Sept. 13, the government of Eritrea has repeatedly interfered with the delivery of the US Embassy’s diplomatic pouches, thus the consular section has had to suspend all nonemergency services.

The Department of State continues to warn against all travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border area due to insecurity caused by banditry and clashes between government and rebel forces.

Rebel activity tends to increase during the dry season, which lasts from late September to July. The security situation in general remains fluid and potentially dangerous. 

The Department of State warns against all travel to Somalia.

On Oct. 29, 2008, terrorists launched several coordinated attacks involving multiple car bombs against local and international targets in Somaliland and Puntland. Terrorist operatives and armed groups in Somalia have demonstrated their intent and capability to attack air operations at Mogadishu International Airport. Kidnapping, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry and other violent incidents can occur in many regions. Interclan and interfactional fighting can flare up with no warning.

The Department of State warns that certain regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the east, remain dangerous. Travelers should avoid Goma and environs. Fighting between armed rebels, Congolese military forces and UN peacekeeping troops has increased in North Kivu and continues in the provinces of South Kivu, Orientale, northern Katanga and, sporadically, Bas Congo.

In Kenya, gangsters have been setting up roadblocks on highways, especially at night, and robbing passengers in matatus, shared taxi-vans that sometimes hold up to 14 people. The victims usually are not injured if they do not resist.