Travel Insurance Advice

Delays Affecting Air Traffic Near New York City

Sarah M Byrne — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:46:26 +0000

Travel insurance can help travelers in a variety of situations, but one of the more common concerns is an airline delay. The following article from USA Today article takes a look at the increasingly chronic delays affecting the air traffic near New York City.

For airlines, the skies over the New York City metropolitan area are the most sought after in the U.S.— and the most crowded. With roughly a third of all flights in the nation flying to, from or through the New York area, congestion there can lead to rippling delays that ground planes and frustrate passengers from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.

Recognizing the critical role New York plays, federal and local officials are taking a series of steps to keep air traffic moving. New flight lanes are being carved in the skies, runways are being widened and limits are maintained on the number of flights that can take off and land at the region’s three major airports: LaGuardia, JFK and Newark.

Most plans include travel delay coverage. The Travel Delay benefit reimburses the cost for food, hotel and local transportation during the delay. Depending on the plan, there could be a requirement for how long a delay must be as well as daily and overall dollar limits of coverage.

When a delay causes someone to miss a connecting flight, missed connection coverage could also apply. The additional transportation costs to catch up to the trip can be reimbursed by this coverage.

Look closely at different plans since some only offer this benefit for a missed cruise or tour departure, while other plans cover any missed departure. Like travel delay coverage, this benefit can also requires a delay to last for several hours. More significant delays may cause the traveler to miss parts of their trip. Arrangements that go unused and are not refunded can be reimbursed by trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage.

Always refer to the certificate of insurance for details.

Source: USA Today

Travel Alert – Eqypt

Sarah M Byrne — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:44:46 +0000

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

November 7, 2011

Squaremouth recommends travel insurance for all your overseas trips.

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Egypt to the continuing possibility of sporadic unrest. A series of elections for the lower and upper houses of parliament is scheduled to take place from November 2011 through March 2012. Political rallies and demonstrations are likely to occur in the period leading up to and following the elections. In the past nine months, demonstrations have degenerated on occasion into violent clashes between police and protesters, in some instances resulting in deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The security situation in most tourist centers, including Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea Resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, continues to be calm. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert dated April 28, 2011 and updates information on the security situation and upcoming elections. This Travel Alert expires on April 1, 2012.

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. Should security forces block off the area around the U.S. Embassy during demonstrations, U.S. citizens should not attempt 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 is open for all routine American Citizens’ Services by appointment. U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance do not need an appointment. Visit theEmbassy website to 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 the Smart 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 at travel.state.gov where theWorldwide Caution, Country Specific Information for Egypt, Travel Warnings, andTravel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App 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. 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 Egypt is 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.

Travelex Supplier Restrictions as of January 30, 2012

Sarah M Byrne — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:58:17 +0000

Travel insurance companies can choose to exclude travel suppliers and destinations from coverage. The following are travel supplier restrictions from Travelex as of January 30, 2012.

Suppliers Not Covered by New Enrollments Travelex Insurance Services and their underwriters have made a business decision to no longer accept enrollments and confirm coverage for travel with the following suppliers:

Supplier Effective Date

Adventure Link Tours – Canada July 10, 2009
Aero Canadian Tours & Travel Inc January 10, 2008
Aero Continente June 09, 2004
Aerocalifornia April 04, 2006
Air Comet December 22, 2009
Air Midwest January 15, 2008
Air Tanzania December 13, 2005
Albania August 06, 2010
Aloha Airlines March 20, 2008
Ambiance Vacations June 27, 2002
Belarus August 06, 2010
Bellview Airlines December 13, 2005
Bosnia and Herzegovina August 06, 2010
Burma August 06, 2010
Buynetfares.com April 03, 2007
By Land and By Sea May 28, 2007
Carib Aviation September 22, 2008
Caribbean Star Airlines January 09, 2007
Caribbean Sun Airlines January 09, 2007
Chanchangi Airlines December 13, 2005
Christian Pilgrim Tours October 13, 2006
Congo August 06, 2010
Congo, The Democratic Republic of The August 06, 2010
Conquest Vacations Inc April 15, 2009
Cote d’Ivoire August 06, 2010
Dialysis at Sea Cruises December 01, 2005
EAS Airline January 18, 2006
Elegant Cruises & Tours Inc – Port Washington, NY July 16, 2009
Endless Adventures – Utah April 22, 2009
EOS Airlines April 26, 2008
Etm Travel Group October 17, 2005
Exotique Expeditions (Ontario, Canada) August 04, 2006
Fantasy Holidays (Jericho, NY) November 07, 2005
Festival of Asia, California November 22, 2005
First Class Travel, NY July 15, 2004
First European Cruises January 27, 2004
Fitzgerald Cruises & Tours October 09, 2003
Flight Options Limited August 17, 2010
Ghana Airways July 29, 2004
Grand Luxe Rail Journeys August 27, 2008
Great American River Journeys December 22, 2005
Happy Vacations April 20, 2009
Hobbit Travel December 22, 2009
I.T. Travel Inc, Terre Haute IN October 01, 2009
Iran, Islamic Republic of August 06, 2010
Iraq August 06, 2010
Italiatour July 08, 2005
Jet-A-Way August 01, 2007
JetAmerica July 17, 2009
Kosovo August 06, 2010
Lebanon January 20, 2011
Legend Tours September 12, 2005
Liberia August 06, 2010
Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of August 06, 2010
Mile Hi Tours June 07, 2006
Montenegro & Serbia August 06, 2010
Myanmar August 06, 2010
Nationwide Airlines April 29, 2008
Nomads Inc – Michigan Corporation February 25, 2011
North Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of August 06, 2010
Nuevo Continente August 30, 2004
Oasis April 09, 2008
One-Two-Go airline July 08, 2008
Optimum Travel July 15, 2004
Renaissance Pilgrimages May 28, 2010
Rt Tours July 20, 2004
Serbia August 06, 2010
Serbia and Montenegro August 06, 2010
SkyEurope Airlines September 01, 2009
Skyservice Airlines March 31, 2010
Somalia January 20, 2011
Sosoliso Airlines December 13, 2005
South Star Tours October 06, 2010
Spanair January 30, 2012
Spirit Tours, La Jolla CA October 08, 2008
Sudan August 06, 2010
Suntrips December 22, 2005
Symphonic Voyages Inc December 19, 2011
Syrian Arab Republic August 06, 2010
The French Experience October 24, 2003
TMA September 30, 2005
Tour Tech International January 22, 2009
Tradewind Tours, Upsala MN August 15, 2005
TRANSAIR November 28, 2006
Travac January 30, 2003
Travel Connection, Portland OR March 11, 2010
Traveland.com April 03, 2007
United States Line September 29, 2001
Vintage Props & Jets July 18, 2008
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises October 01, 2007
World Travel Vignettes Inc. May 11, 2007
Zimbabwe August 06, 2010

Suppliers Not Covered by Bankruptcy / Default Protection Travelex Insurance Services and their underwriters are not providing Bankruptcy / Default protection for the following suppliers:

Supplier Effective Date

Aer Lingus March 09, 2010
Aerolineas Argentinas November 24, 2005
Alitalia October 12, 2006
Aloha Airlines March 20, 2008
American Airlines November 29, 2011
ATA Airlines April 02, 2008
AVIANCA March 21, 2003
Carib Aviation September 22, 2008
Champion Air March 31, 2008
Coast Air January 23, 2008
Creative Leisure Intl October 06, 2008
Cruise West July 20, 2010
EOS Airlines April 26, 2008
Farequest Holdings, Inc. July 11, 2006
FS Tours, Inc. July 11, 2006
Globespan December 13, 2009
JAL/Japan Airlines January 19, 2010
MAXjet Airways December 24, 2007
Mesa Airlines May 23, 2008
Mexicana August 02, 2010
Nationwide Airlines April 29, 2008
Oasis April 09, 2008
Polar Star Cruises May 16, 2011
Regina Tours September 24, 2003
Silverjet May 23, 2008 Skybus Airline April 04, 2008
Skyway Airline April 04, 2008
Spirit Tours, La Jolla CA October 08, 2008
Sun Country Airlines October 06, 2008
Tour Tech International January 22, 2009
Varig June 17, 2005

Travel Alert – South Pacific Cyclone Season

Sarah M Byrne — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:04:50 +0000

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

January 10, 2012

Squaremouth recommends travel insurance for all your overseas trips.

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to the South Pacific region about the ongoing threat of tropical cyclones affecting the area. While tropical cyclones in the South Pacific may occur throughout the year, the South Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season began on November 1 and ends April 30. U.S. citizens living in or traveling to the region should monitor local weather reports and take other appropriate action as needed. This Travel Alert replaces the South Pacific Cyclone Season Travel Alert issued on December 1, 2011 to incorporate technical edits and expires on April 30, 2012.

Each tropical cyclone season, the South Pacific region experiences approximately nine tropical cyclones, about half of which reach Category 3 intensity, or above, and have the potential to cause severe destruction. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends that people living or traveling in regions prone to tropical storms and tropical cyclones be prepared; for further information about tropical cyclone preparedness, please visit NOAA’s Tropical Cyclones Preparedness Guide at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/hurricane/resources/TropicalCyclones11.pdf.

Severe tropical cyclones have caused death, injury, and extensive property damage. Many U.S. citizens traveling in this region during tropical cyclone season were forced to delay their return to the United States or other travel because of infrastructure damage to airports and limited flight availability. Roads were washed out or blocked by debris, impeding access to airports and land routes out of affected areas. In the event of a tropical cyclone, you may not be able to depart an affected area for 24 to 48 hours or more, particularly if you are residing in or visiting a South Pacific Island country where air service is limited.

You also may encounter uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous conditions after storms pass. In many places, tropical cyclones are often accompanied by damaging high tides and flooding. If you are living or staying close to the ocean or other bodies of water, you may be at higher risk. Landslides and mudslides also are a serious concern during periods of heavy rain. Looting and sporadic violence sometimes occur after natural disasters. Be sure to check with local authorities for safety and security updates. Weather conditions or damage to infrastructure may delay or prevent needed assistance from U.S. embassy and host country security personnel.

If the damage in the aftermath of a storm requires evacuation, the Department of State and our embassies and consulates overseas work to identify and recommend the safest and most efficient means of travel away from the disaster. Commercial airlines are the best, and often least expensive, source of transportation in an evacuation. The Department arranges other means of transport, including U.S. military support, only as a last resort when commercial transportation is completely unavailable. The Department of State does not provide free transportation, but it has the authority to provide you a loan to return to the United States if you are in financial need. You should always obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses during an emergency, as well as medical insurance with provision for emergency medical evacuations to the United States. Commercial medical evacuations can cost $100,000 or more, and may not be covered by your insurance.

If you are living in or traveling to storm-prone regions overseas, you should prepare by organizing a kit containing a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and vital documents, including your passport, and/or birth certificate and other photo identification, in a waterproof container. Emergency shelters often have access only to basic resources and limited medical and food supplies.

Be sure to monitor local media to stay aware of weather developments. For further information on tropical cyclone warnings in the South Pacific region, please consult the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Honolulu at http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC and the National Weather Service’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center,http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc, Fiji’s regional meteorological center responsible for tropical cyclone warnings in the South Pacific region at http://www.met.gov.fj/, or the Government of Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology at http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone.

Minor tropical storms can develop into tropical cyclones very quickly, limiting the time available for you to evacuate safely. Tell family and friends in the United States of your whereabouts, and keep in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency. Please protect your travel and identity documents against loss or damage, as the need to replace lost documentation could delay or otherwise complicate your return to the United States.

We encourage all U.S. citizens abroad to enroll with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov/step or with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By enrolling, you can receive the embassy’s or consulate’s most recent safety and security updates during your trip. Enrolling also ensures that we can reach you, or your designated emergency points of contact, during an emergency. 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. While consular officers will do their utmost to assist you in a crisis, please be aware that local authorities have primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions.

Travel Alert – Senegal

Sarah M Byrne — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:56:34 +0000

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

January 10, 2012

Squaremouth recommends travel insurance for all your overseas trips.

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for civil unrest and disturbances in Senegal prior to and directly following the upcoming Presidential elections scheduled for February 26, 2012. Political demonstrations in June of 2011 were particularly violent, and as certain dates in the election cycle (listed below) come to pass, the potential for similar confrontations exists. Please note the U.S. Embassy in Dakar has requested that all non-essential travel to Senegal by U.S. officials be deferred from January 16 through March 2, 2012. This Travel Alert expires March 2, 2012.

U.S. citizens should be aware of certain dates in the election cycle as these may be focal points for demonstrations. From December 26 through January 26, candidates may file their papers to run in the election. January 27 is the date by which Senegal’s Constitutional Council must rule on a candidates’ eligibility and publish a final candidates list. February 6 is the official start of the campaign period, and February 26 is the scheduled date for the first round of voting. If a candidate does not win more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round, a second round of voting will occur on March 18.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to Senegal during and immediately following the elections should monitor local news, assess local conditions and travel routes, and consult Embassy Dakar’s website for Emergency Messages to U.S. Citizens.

For U.S. citizens residing in Senegal, the U.S. Embassy recommends that you take this opportunity to ensure that passports for all family members are up to date. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a photocopy of their passports with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and citizenship is readily available. If detained or arrested, U.S. citizens should ask to be allowed to contact the U.S. Embassy.

The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid demonstrations, political rallies, and spontaneous gatherings in Senegal. While most demonstrations in Senegal are non-violent, the potential for violence exists, particularly from now until the first round of the scheduled Presidential elections. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence without much advance warning. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

You can stay in touch and receive Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Dakar website. Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States 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 Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler i-Phone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

If you are going to live in or travel to Senegal, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date. It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Dakar is located on at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar; the mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal. 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 message to consulardakar@state.gov. The Embassy telephone number is (221) 33-829-2100. For After Hours Emergency, please call Tel: (221) 33-829-2209 and ask to speak to the duty officer.

Travel Alert – Philippines

Sarah M Byrne — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:53:43 +0000

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

January 10, 2012

Squaremouth recommends travel insurance for all your overseas trips.

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to the Philippines to difficult conditions in the flood-affected areas of the southern part of the Philippines, particularly the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte, which include the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, respectively. The Philippine government has declared a state of emergency (the official Philippine terminology is “state of calamity”) for the region. The Department of State recommends against all but essential travel to the affected areas. This Travel Alert extends only to the areas of the Philippines listed in the following paragraph. This Travel Alert will expire on February 5, 2012.

Tropical Storm Washi (known locally as Tropical Storm Sendong) brought exceptionally heavy rainfall and produced extensive flooding in heavily-populated coastal areas throughout many provinces in the southern part of the Philippines. Flooding and landslides have caused significant loss of life and damage to property. The affected areas include the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro in the province of Misamis Oriental and, to a lesser extent, towns in 12 additional provinces: Capiz, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Although the floodwaters have receded, destroyed bridges and blocked roads have hampered transportation and limited access to some essential services in the affected regions. There are reports of shortages of bottled water and food, and disruptions to communication, transportation, and power services. These disruptions increase the risk of waterborne disease. It is unclear how long these conditions will last. U.S. citizens in the affected areas should follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and refer to the U.S. Embassy web page for specific information.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in the Philippines are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of an emergency.

U.S. citizens living in the Philippines should contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila for the most up-to-date information. The American Citizen Services Unit is located in the Embassy at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, and can be reached by calling 63-2-301-2000, or by e-mailing acsinfomanila@state.gov. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency telephone number is 63-2-301-2000.

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, 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 Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Travel Alert – Chile

Sarah M Byrne — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:51:54 +0000

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

January 10, 2012

Squaremouth recommends travel insurance for all your overseas trips.

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Chile of ongoing forest fires in several regions across the country. The regions of most concern include the 12^th Region Magallanes, location of the Torres del Paine National Park, the 7^thRegion Maule, and the 8^th Region Bio Bio. January is the peak of the austral summer tourist season, and parts of the affected areas are known for outdoor sports and adventure tourism. January is also the summer dry season in Chile, with conditions that increase the risk of fire throughout the country. This Travel Alert updates the alert issued on December 30, 2011, and expires on January 31, 2012.

Chilean authorities have been battling serious forest fires in the Torres del Paine National Park since late December 2011. The Park was closed completely on December 30, 2011 due to the danger presented by the fires. The Chilean government reopened portions of the park on January 4, 2012, including some hotels and camping sites. More recently, fires have broken out in other regions. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the Park or any other affected region and to follow the instructions of local officials. Because of the unpredictable nature of these events, travelers should visit the official website of the Chilean National Tourist Service at http://www.sernatur.cl/ or send an email toinfomagallanes@sernatur.cl, for up-to-date information. The Chilean Federal Emergency Management Agency (ONEMI) also publishes frequent updates on conditions related to forest fires at www.onemi.cl.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Chile are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of an emergency. The American Citizen Services Unit is located in the U.S. Embassy at Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago, and can be reached by calling 56-2-330-3000, or by e-mailing santiagoamcit@state.gov.

Travel Alert – Tunisia

Sarah M Byrne — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:50:25 +0000

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

January 13, 2012

Squaremouth recommends travel insurance for all your overseas trips.

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for unrest in Tunisia. The security situation in most tourist and business centers remains calm. However, spontaneous and unpredictable events, such as work stoppages and demonstrations still occur, a state of emergency remains in force, and curfews can be re-established on short notice. The U.S. Department of State continues to advise U.S. citizens currently in Tunisia to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. Travelers contemplating trips to the interior of the country should assess local conditions and routes when making travel plans, as conditions can quickly change. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert for Tunisia dated October 5, 2011, to update information on the security situation and travel within Tunisia, and expires on April 12, 2012.

Tunisia has experienced unprecedented social and political change following the ouster of former President Ben Ali on January 14, 2011. General elections, which were peaceful and transparent, took place on October 23, 2011 and a new government assumed office on December 23. However, political protests, work stoppages, roadblocks and other public disturbances still occur. Demonstrations have degenerated on several occasions into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage. While demonstrations have not been directed toward foreigners, U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly, and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse.

Tunisian security forces have noted the increased availability of small arms and other weapons in Tunisia throughout 2011. There have been occasional clashes between armed groups, resulting in casualties and the declaration of temporary curfews. In a September 21 incident, Tunisian military aircraft exchanged fire with a convoy of unidentified armed vehicles crossing the desert south of Douz, in the Governorate of Kebili. The incident underscored the need for U.S. citizens to carefully consider all travel in the interior and to avoid travel in remote regions in the south of Tunisia.

Following a November 30 shooting incident at the Ras Jedir border crossing with Libya, the Tunisian government temporarily closed the border; it reopened December 22. Nevertheless, because of the security situation in Libya, the Ras Jedir and Dehiba border crossings may be closed from time to time. Travelers should consult with local authorities before travelling to the border between Libya and Tunisia and read the Travel Warning for Libya.

Government security forces, including the police, army, and National Guard, are visibly present throughout Tunisia. Travelers should heed directions given by uniformed security officials, and should always carry a copy of their passport as proof of nationality and identity. Security personnel, including plainclothes officials, may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. It is against Tunisian law to photograph government offices and other sensitive facilities. Suspicious incidents or problems should be reported immediately to Tunisian authorities and to the U.S. Embassy.

The Embassy is located in the Les Berges du Lac suburb of Tunis. The Embassy telephone number is 216 71 107 000 and the Embassy fax number is 216 71 963 263. The Consular section can also be contacted by email at ConsularTunis@state.gov.

U.S. citizens in Tunisia are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security in Tunisia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or via regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. Stay up to date by bookmarking ourBureau of Consular Affairs website, found at travel.state.gov, 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. You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

Travel Warning – Iraq

Sarah M Byrne — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:48:34 +0000

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

January 19, 2012

Squaremouth recommends travel insurance for all your overseas trips.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all but essential travel to Iraq given the dangerous security situation. Civilian air and road travel within Iraq remains dangerous. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated September 13, 2011, to update information regarding the Government of Iraq’s strict enforcement of immigration and customs regulations and to remind U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns for U.S. citizens in Iraq, including kidnapping and terrorist violence. The United States completed its withdrawal of military forces from Iraq as of December 31, 2011. The ability of the Embassy to respond to situations in which U.S. citizens face difficulty, including arrests, is extremely limited.

Some regions within Iraq have experienced fewer violent incidents than others in recent years, in particular the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). However, violence and threats against U.S. citizens persist and no region should be considered safe from dangerous conditions. Threats of attack against U.S. citizen targets throughout Iraq continue, including in the International (or “Green”) Zone (IZ) of Baghdad. Methods of attack available to groups targeting U.S. interests have included roadside improvise dexplosive devices (IEDs), including Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs); magnetic IEDs placed on vehicles; human and vehicle-borne IEDs, mines placed on or concealed near roads; mortars and rockets, and shootings using various direct fire weapons. Numerous insurgent groups remain active throughout Iraq. Although Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) operations against these groups continue, attacks against U.S. citizens persist in many areas of the country. U.S. citizens in Iraq remain at a high risk for kidnapping. While sectarian and terrorist violence occurs at levels lower than in previous years, it occurs often, particularly in the provinces of Baghdad, Ninewa, Salahad Din, Anbar, and Diyala.

The security situation in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), which includes the provinces of Sulymaniya, Erbil, and Dohuk, has been more stable relative to the rest of Iraq in recent years, but threats remain. U.S. government personnel in northern Iraq are required to be accompanied by a protective security detail when traveling outside secure facilities. Although there have been significantly fewer terrorist attacks and lower levels of insurgent violence in the IKR than in other parts of Iraq, the security situation throughout the country remains dangerous. Increasingly, many U.S. and third-country business people travel throughout much of Iraq; however, they do so under restricted movement conditions and almost always with security advisors and teams.

The Turkish military continues to carry out operations against elements of the Kongra-Gel terrorist group (KGK, formerly Kurdistan Workers’ Party or PKK) located along Iraq’s northern border. Additionally, extensive unmarked minefields remain along the same border. The Governments of Turkey and Iran continue to carry out military operations against insurgent groups in the mountain regions. These operations have included troop movements and both aerial and artillery bombardments. U.S. citizens should avoid areas near the Turkish or Iranian borders because of these ongoing military operations. Borders in these areas are not always clearly defined. In 2009, three U.S. citizens were detained by Iranian authorities while hiking in the vicinity of the Iranian border in the Kurdistan region. The resources available to the U.S. Embassy to assist U.S. citizens who venture close to or cross the border with Iran are extremely limited. The Department of State discourages travel in close proximity to the Iranian border.

Travelers should be aware that a potential threat of attack still exists when using commercial carriers to enter or depart Iraq, even though there have been no recent attacks on civilian aircraft. International carriers are routinely flying into Erbil and increasingly, into Baghdad. Infrequent indirect fire attacks have impacted on or near the Baghdad and Basrah airports. There has been no reported damage or injuries to commercial operations or personnel. In addition, there remains a high risk to road travelers as described above.

The U.S. Embassy is located in the IZ in Baghdad. The IZ is a restricted access area. As of June 30, 2009, Iraqi authorities assumed responsibility for control of the IZ. Travelers to the IZ should be aware that Iraqi authorities may require special identification to enter the IZ or may issue IZ-specific access badges. Some terrorist or extremist groups continue to target U.S. citizens for kidnapping, including within the IZ. Individuals residing and traveling within the IZ should continue to exercise good personal safety precautions.

The U.S. government considers the potential threat to U.S. government personnel in Iraq to be serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security guidelines. All U.S. government employees under the authority of the U.S. Ambassador must follow strict safety procedures when traveling outside the Embassy. State Department guidance to U.S. businesses in Iraq advises the use of protective security details. Detailed security information is available at the U.S. Embassy website.

The U.S. Embassy provides services to the general public, including U.S. citizens, in Iraq. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide services to U.S. citizens throughout Iraq, including Baghdad, is particularly limited given the security environment. U.S. citizens who choose to visit or reside in Iraq despite this Travel Warning are urged to take responsibility for their own personal security and belongings (including their U.S. passports) and to avoid crowds, especially rallies or demonstrations. U.S. citizens who choose to travel in Iraq should be aware that Iraqi authorities have arrested or detained U.S. citizens whose purpose of travel is not readily apparent. The Government of Iraq is strictly enforcing requirements regarding visas and stamps for entry and exit; vehicle registration; authorizations for weapons and movements through checkpoints, as well as other matters. This list is subject to revision. The Embassy highly recommends that all U.S. citizens in Iraq carefully review the status of their government documents and any necessary licenses and government authorizations to ensure that they are current and valid. U.S. citizens are urged to immediately correct any deficiencies in their government documents. U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling throughout the country with deficient or invalid documents. Persons also have been detained for taking photographs of buildings or other scenic sites, especially in the IZ in Baghdad.

All U.S. citizens in Iraq, including those working on contract for the U.S. government, are urged to inform the U.S. Embassy of their presence in Iraq by enrolling in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to obtain updated travel information. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to provide updated security information or to contact them in emergencies.

U.S. citizens may obtain the latest security information or other information about Iraq by contacting the U.S. Embassy, located in the International Zone, via email, landline (from U.S. dial 1-240-553-0581 ext. 4293 or 2413) or by accessing U.S. Embassy Baghdad’s website. The after-hours emergency numbers are 011-964-770-443-1286 (from the United States) or 0770-443-1286 (within Iraq). As cell phone service is unreliable in Iraq, emergency calls may also be placed through the Department of State at 1-888-407-4747.

Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions in Iraq 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.

Travel Insurance – Israel, the West Bank and Gaza

Sarah M Byrne — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:24:59 +0000

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

June 22, 2011

Squaremouth recommends travel insurance for all your overseas trips.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and about threats to themselves and to U.S. interests in those locations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when planning travel to Israel and the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This replaces the Travel Warning issued August 10, 2010, to update information on the general security environment and to warn against participation in any attempt to reach Gaza by sea.

The Gaza Strip and Southern Israel

The Department of State strongly urges that U.S. citizens refrain from all travel to the Gaza Strip. This recommendation applies to all U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens should be aware that as a consequence of a longstanding prohibition on travel by U.S. citizen employees of the U.S. Government into the Gaza Strip, the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens there is extremely limited, including the provision of routine consular services.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strictly controls the crossing points between Israel and the Gaza Strip. The security environment within Gaza, including its border with Egypt and its seacoast, is dangerous and volatile. U.S. citizens are advised against traveling to Gaza by any means, including via sea. Previous attempts to enter Gaza by sea have been stopped by Israeli naval vessels and resulted in the injury, death, arrest, and deportation of U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens participating in any effort to reach Gaza by sea should understand that they may face arrest, prosecution, and deportation by the Government of Israel. The Government of Israel has announced its intention to seek ten-year travel bans to Israel for anyone participating in an attempt to enter Gaza by sea. On May 31, 2010, nine people were killed, including one U.S. citizen, in such an attempt. The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem are not able to provide consular assistance in Gaza or on the high seas or coastal waters.

From December 27, 2008, through January 17, 2009, Israel conducted a military operation in Gaza. Israel and Hamas, a State Department-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization that violently seized power in Gaza in June 2007, declared separate truces to end the fighting. Small clashes continue to occur along the boundary of the Gaza Strip. Rockets and mortars are still fired into Israel from Gaza, and Israel continues to conduct military operations inside Gaza, including airstrikes. Israel has also declared an exclusion zone inside Gaza along its boundary with Israel and has taken lethal measures against individuals who enter it. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is open, but it does not operate full time, and U.S. citizens are not always able to leave Gaza at a time of their choosing.

In the past, some rockets have traveled more than 40 km (24 miles) from Gaza and landed as far north as Yavne and Gadera and as far east as Beersheva. As a result of possible military operations by the Government of Israel in Gaza and the ever-present risk of rocket and mortar attacks into Israel from Gaza, U.S. government personnel travelling in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip boundary, to include the city of Sderot, require approval from the Embassy’s Regional Security Office. U.S. citizens in the area should be aware of the risks and should take note of announcements by the Government of Israel’s office of Homefront Command.

The West Bank

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the West Bank. Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces are now deployed in all major cities and other limited areas within the West Bank. As a result, violence in recent years has decreased markedly throughout the West Bank. Nonetheless, demonstrations and violent incidents can occur without warning. Vehicles have also been the target of rocks, Molotov cocktails and gunfire on West Bank roads. The IDF continues to carry out security operations in the West Bank. Israeli security operations, including incursions in Palestinian population centers, can occur at any time and lead to disturbances and violence. U.S. citizens can be caught in the middle of potentially dangerous situations. Some U.S. citizens involved in demonstrations in the West Bank have sustained serious injuries in confrontations with Israeli security forces. The State Department recommends that U.S. citizens, for their own safety, avoid demonstrations.

During periods of unrest, the Israeli Government sometimes closes off access to the West Bank and those areas may be placed under curfew. All persons in areas under curfew should remain indoors to avoid risking arrest or injury. U.S. citizens have been killed, seriously injured, or detained and deported as a result of encounters with Israeli operations in the West Bank. Travel restrictions may be imposed by Israel with little or no warning. Strict measures have frequently been imposed following terrorist actions, and the movement of PalestinianAmericans, both those with residency status in the West Bank or Gaza as well as foreign passport holders, has been severely impeded. Security conditions in the West Bank can hinder the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens.

Jerusalem

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain vigilant while traveling throughout Jerusalem, including in commercial and downtown areas of West Jerusalem. Spontaneous or planned protests within the Old City are possible, especially after Friday prayers. Some of these protests have led to violent clashes. Travelers should exercise caution at religious sites on holy days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Isolated street protests and demonstrations can also occur in areas of East Jerusalem, including around Salah Ed-Din Street, Damascus Gate, Silwan and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. U.S. Government employees are authorized to visit the Old City from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., but not between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Fridays. The area of the ramparts on the city wall between Herod’s Gate and Lion’s Gate is off-limits to U.S. Government personnel at all times. The Sherover or Haas Promenade (scenic overlook) located in Armon Hanatziv is open to U.S. Government personnel during daylight hours only. Official personnel and their family members are prohibited from using public buses and bus terminals or stations.

Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Personnel

Personal travel in the West Bank for U.S. Government personnel and their families is allowed for limited mission-approved purposes in the areas described below. They may travel to Bethlehem on weekends and holidays during daylight hours only and to Jericho on weekends and holidays; and transit through the West Bank using Routes 1 and 90 to reach the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, or the Dead Sea coast near Ein Gedi and Masada. They also may travel north on Route 90 from the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge to the Sea of Galilee. Use of these routes is approved for transit purposes during daylight hours, with stops permitted only at roadside facilities on Highways 1 and 90. Personal travel also is permitted to Qumran National Park off Route 90 by the Dead Sea, and all areas south of Highway 1 and east of route 90 (Dead Sea area). Each transit requires prior notification to the Consulate General’s security office.

U.S. Government personnel and family members are permitted both official and personal travel on Route 443 between Modi’in and Jerusalem without prior notification between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. only. All other personal travel in the West Bank, unless specifically authorized for mission-approved purposes, is prohibited.

General Safety and Security

Israeli authorities remain concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens are cautioned that a greater danger may exist around restaurants, businesses, and other places associated with U.S. interests and/or located near U.S. official buildings, such as the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. U.S. citizens are also urged to exercise a high degree of caution and to use common sense when patronizing restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, malls, places of worship, and theaters, especially during peak hours. Large crowds and public gatherings have been targeted by terrorists in the past and should be avoided to the extent practicable. U.S. Government personnel have been directed to avoid protests and demonstrations and urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and situational awareness at all times. U.S. citizens should take into consideration that public buses, and their respective terminals are “off-limits” to U.S. Governmentpersonnel.

Two U.S. citizens were murdered in separate incidents while walking in the woods in the Beit Shemesh area near Jerusalem in the last 18 months. Israeli authorities characterized the murders as terrorist attacks.

A bomb blast near the Central Bus Terminal in Jerusalem on March 23, 2011 injured several U.S. citizens.

In the Golan Heights and West Bank, there are live landmines in many areas and visitors should walk only on established roads or trails.

Entry/Exit Difficulties

U.S. citizens planning to travel to Israel or the West Bank should read carefully the detailed information concerning entry and exit difficulties in the Country Specific Information sheet. U.S. citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are strongly encouraged to enroll with the Consular Sections of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem through the State Department’sSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Occasional warden messages issued by the Embassy and the Consulate General are e-mailed to registered U.S. citizens and are posted on State Department websites to highlight time-sensitive security concerns.

U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 630-4000, after hours (for emergencies): (972) (2) 622-7250, or the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7575, after hours (for emergencies): (972) (3) 519-7551.

Current information on travel and security in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. For additional and more in-depth information about specific aspects of travel to these areas, U.S. citizens should consult: the Country Specific Information for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza; and the Worldwide Caution. These along with other Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts andCountry Specific Information are available on the Department’s Internet website. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://israel.usembassy.gov/ or http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov. Follow us onTwitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on facebook as well.