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Guinea Travel Alert
The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Guinea to the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for June 30, 2013. This Travel Alert expires on July 15, 2013.
Opposition political parties have objected to the date set for the elections as well as other concerns. This opposition has manifested itself in marches and demonstrations over the past several months, some of which have turned violent, resulting in fatalities.
U.S. citizens in Guinea are strongly urged to avoid voter polling places, demonstrations, political rallies, or large crowds of any kind during the election period. Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn violent with little or no warning.
The U.S. Embassy in Conakry is closely monitoring election activity throughout Guinea and will provide updates as the situation warrants on the Embassy website and via Facebookand Twitter. U.S. citizens should monitor these sites, as well as local media. U.S. citizens are advised to be aware of their surroundings and exercise good judgment in the coming weeks. General information on preparing for emergencies is available on U.S. Embassy Conakry's websiteat http://conakry.usembassy.gov/.
U.S. citizens in Guinea are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP). By enrolling, U.S. citizens gain access to vital security information and enable the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Internet website at travel.state.gov, where the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Guinea, and Travel Alertscan be found. An archive of messages to U.S. citizens in Guinea can be found on the Embassy website. Download our free Smart Traveler app available through iTunesand the Google Play Store, for travel information at your fingertips.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Conakry is located on the Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, opposite the RTG building in Ratoma. If you have questions or concerns about safety or related issues, you are encouraged to contact the consular section at the Embassy by sending an email to conconakry@state.gov or calling 657-104-444. The Embassy's main telephone number is 655-104-000. For after –hours emergencies, please call Tel: 657-104-311 and ask to speak to the duty officer.
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Turkey Travel Alert
The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Turkey to the continuing public demonstrations taking place throughout the country. There have been numerous reports of violence, injuries, and at least two confirmed deaths resulting from or related to clashes between protestors and Turkish law enforcement authorities. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. This Travel Alert expires on July 5, 2013.
Violent altercations have occurred in areas of Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Adana, Mersin, and elsewhere. The Turkish National Police and protestors continue to clash in some locations. Individuals caught in the vicinity of violence have been injured and/or detained, including U.S. citizens. Labor organizations have announced plans for strikes.U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Turkey should be alert to the potential for violence. We strongly urge U.S. citizens to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. There have been no direct attacks on U.S. citizens.Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news media for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities.We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens and nationals traveling to or residing in Turkey enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).U.S. citizens and nationals without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling signs you up to receive updated information about areas abroad and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to communicate with you or your designated contact in case of emergency.Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or a regular toll line at +1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Google play market to have travel information at your fingertips.Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.
The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at 2 Uçsehitler Sokaği, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90)(212) 335-9000, fax (90)(212) 335-9102.
The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at 212 Girne Bulvarıı, Güzelevler Mahallesi, Yüreğir, tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916.
The Consular Agency in Izmir can be reached attel: (90)(232) 464-8755, fax (90)(232) 464-8916.
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Cameroon Travel Alert
The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the Far North region of Cameroon and recommends against travel to this region, which includes the city of Maroua. In February 2013, Nigerian terrorists affiliated with Boko Haram kidnapped a French family travelling from Waza National Park in Cameroon and took them from Cameroon into Nigeria. The French family was released after being held captive for two months, but there is a continuing concern that expatriates could be targeted in the Far North region of Cameroon. This travel alert expires on August 26, 2013.
While we alert U.S. citizens against all travel to the Far North of Cameroon, we also urge extreme caution when travelling in the North region of Cameroon, especially in areas which border Nigeria. Nigeria recently declared a state of emergency in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe (Adamawa and Borno states in Nigeria share borders with the North and Far North regions of Cameroon). The Nigerian military has stepped up military operations against Boko Haram in these states. This could adversely affect security in neighboring regions of Cameroon should terrorists cross into Cameroon to avoid Nigerian military operations.
The U.S. Embassy has placed restrictions on travel by U.S. officials to the Far North of Cameroon; all U.S. officials must receive advance clearance from the U.S. Embassy to travel to the Far North, including the city of Maroua.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Yaoundeweb site (yaounde.usembassy.gov). You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairswebsite where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. If you don't have internet access, you may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or from other countries on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You may also follow U.S. Embassy Yaounde’s Twitter feed for information for U.S. citizens at twitter.com/USEmbCameroon.
The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde encourages U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(step.state.gov) for the most up-to-date security information. Keep all of your information in STEP up to date by maintaining your current phone numbers and email addresses where you can be reached in case of an emergency. U.S. citizens may also download our free Smart Traveler App from iTunesand the Google Play storeto have travel information at their fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé(yaounde.usembassy.gov) is located at Avenue Rosa Parks close to the Mont Febe Golf Club. The telephone number is 237 2220-1500 ext. 4341/4023. The number for after-hours emergencies is 237 2220-1500 ext. 4531. The fax number is 237 2220-1572. The Embassy’s e-mail address is yaoundeacs@state.gov.
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Hurricane and Typhoon Season 2013
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the upcoming Hurricane Season in the Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1 and ends November 30.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/) expects to see an active or extremely active season in the Atlantic Basin this year with a 70 percent chance of 13 to 20 named storms, of which seven to eleven are predicted to strengthen to a hurricane (with top winds of 74 mph or higher). Of those, three to six are expected to become major hurricanes (with top winds of 111 mph or higher, ranking Category 3, 4 or 5). NOAA recommends that those in hurricane-prone regions begin preparations for the upcoming season now.
During and after some previous storms, U.S. citizens traveling abroad encountered dangerous and often uncomfortable conditions that lasted for several days while awaiting transportation back to the United States. In the past, many U.S. citizens were forced to delay travel (including return travel to the United States) due to infrastructure damage to airports and limited flight availability. Roads were also washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access to airports and land routes out of affected areas. Reports of looting and sporadic violence in the aftermath of natural disasters have occurred. Security personnel may not always be readily available to assist. In the event of a hurricane, travelers should be aware that they may not be able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or longer.
If you travel to these areas during hurricane season, we recommend you obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses during an emergency. If a situation requires an evacuation from an overseas location, the U.S. Department of State will work with commercial airlines to ensure that U.S. citizens are repatriated as safely and efficiently as possible. Commercial airlines are the Department's primary source of transportation in an evacuation; other means of transport are utilized only as a last resort. The U.S. Department of State will not provide no-cost transportation, but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial need.
If you live in or are traveling to storm-prone regions, prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms by organizing a kit in a waterproof container that includes a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, any medications taken regularly, and vital documents (especially your passport and other identification). Emergency shelters often provide only very basic resources and may have limited medical and food supplies. NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have additional tips on their websites, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.phpand http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
Monitor local radio, local media, and the National Weather Service to be aware of weather developments. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Inform family and friends of your whereabouts and remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, transportation providers (airlines, cruise lines, etc.), and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
We strongly encourage U.S. citizens to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, you will receive the most recent security and safety updates during your trip. Enrollment also ensures that you can be reached during an emergency. While we will do our utmost to assist you in a crisis, be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions.
Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness can be found on the Department’s "Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go"webpage. You can get updated information on travel in the Caribbean from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada, 1-202-501-4444. We also encourage you to check the Country Specific Informationand the website of the U.S. embassy or consulatewith consular responsibilities for the territory you will be visiting. Follow us on Twitterand become a fan of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ page on Facebookas well.
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Iran Travel Alert
The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Iran that Iranian presidential elections are scheduled for June 14, with the possibility of a runoff election on June 21. There likely will be an increased security presence in the weeks preceding and following the election. The last presidential elections in 2009 were followed by months of unrest and included a harsh government crackdown on demonstrators, journalists, and political activists. We expect anti-Western sentiment to be strong, and even potential demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and may escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of potential demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any such demonstrations. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. This Travel Alert expires on August 30, 2013.
The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran. The range of consular services provided by the U.S. Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy is limited and may require significantly more processing time than at U.S. Embassies or Consulates. The Iranian government does not recognize dual citizenship and will not allow the Swiss to provide protective services for U.S. citizens who are also Iranian nationals.
Our ability to assist U.S. citizens in Iran in the event of an emergency is extremely limited. U.S. citizens in Iran should ensure that they have updated documentation at all times and make their own plans in the event of an emergency. For more information, see "What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis" at the Department's website. U.S. citizens who travel or reside in Iran are strongly encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. U.S. citizens may also enroll in person at the U.S. Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy, located at No. 39, Shahid Mousavi (Golestan 5th), Pasdaran, Tehran. The telephone numbers for the U.S. Interests Section are ( 98)(21)2279-3912, ( 98)(21)2279-3697,( 98)(21) 2254-2178, and ( 98)(21) 2256-5273, fax ( 98)(21) 2258-0432, email: tie.vertretung@eda.admin.ch, website: http://www.eda.admin.ch/tehran.
U.S. citizens should also review the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Iranand stay up to date by bookmarking the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. You may follow us on Twitterand the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebookas well; however, both Twitter and Facebook are filtered in Iran and will not be accessible without a virtual private network (VPN). If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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Egypt Travel Alert
The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Egypt to the continuing possibility of political and social unrest, incidents of which have led to recent violence. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert for Egypt dated March 29, 2013, and has been updated to include information about a knife attack on a private U.S. citizen near the Embassy on May 9. This Travel Alert expires on August 15, 2013.
Political unrest, which intensified prior to the constitutional referendum in December 2012 and the anniversary in 2013 of Egypt's 25th January Revolution, is likely to continue in the near future. Additionally, violent protests followed the January 2013 sentencing of persons involved in deaths and injuries at a February 2012 soccer match in Port Said. These demonstrations have, on occasion, degenerated into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage. Participants have thrown rocks and Molotov cocktails and security forces have used tear gas and other crowd control measures against demonstrators. There are numerous reports of the use of firearms as well. While violent protests have occurred in major metropolitan areas, including downtown Cairo, Alexandria, and Port Said, the security situation in most tourist centers, including Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, continues to be calm. Of specific concern is a rise in gender-based violence in and around protest areas where women have been the specific targets of sexual assault.
On May 9, a private U.S. citizen was attacked with a knife outside of the Embassy after being asked whether he was an American. Egyptian police have a suspect in custody and an investigation is ongoing. Additionally, Westerners and U.S. citizens have occasionally been caught in the middle of clashes and demonstrations. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security by knowing the locations of police and fire stations, hospitals, and the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations in Egypt, as even peaceful ones can quickly become violent, and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse. Because of the proximity of the U.S. Embassy to Tahrir Square in Cairo, the U.S. Embassy has sometimes been closed to the public on short notice due to violent protests. The Embassy will notify U.S. citizens as quickly as possible of any closing and the types of emergency consular services that will be available. Should security forces block off the area around the U.S. Embassy during demonstrations, U.S. citizens should contact the American Citizens Services section before attempting to come to the U.S. Embassy during that time. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to carry identification and, if moving about alone, a cell phone or other means of communication that works in Egypt.
The U.S. Embassy restricts its employees and their family members from traveling to specific areas listed in theCountry Specific Information Sheetand advises all U.S. citizens to do the same. We continue to urge U.S. citizens to stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Please check ourCountry Specific Information Sheetfor further security guidance.
Unless otherwise indicated in a public announcement, the U.S. Embassy is open for all routine American Citizens Services by appointment. U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance do not need an appointment. Visit theEmbassy websiteto check the latest changes to Embassy hours or services. U.S. citizens with routine phone inquiries may call the Embassy's American Citizens Services section at 2797-2301, Sunday to Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard on 2797-3300. The U.S. Embassy is closed on U.S. federal holidays. U.S. citizens in Egypt are encouraged to enroll in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Internet website attravel.state.govwhere theWorldwide Caution,Country Specific Information for Egypt,Travel Warnings, and Travel Alertscan be found. Follow us onTwitterand the Bureau of Consular Affairs page onFacebookas well. Download our free Smart Traveler app, available throughiTunesorGoogle Play, to have travel information at your fingertips.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. Thesenumbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
TheU.S. Embassy in Egyptis located at 5 Tawfik Diab Street (formerly known as Latin America Street), Garden City, Cairo. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard on 2797-3300.
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While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travelers, neither ineedahotel.com nor its agents or employees including any member of the ineedahotel.com staff, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
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