Travel Alerts

Chile Travel Alert

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0500

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the situation in Chile in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake, measuring 8.8 magnitude, that struck 73 miles north of Concepcion (Chile’s second largest city; pop. 650,000) and 197 miles south of Santiago. To date, more than 700 people have died in the natural disaster, hundreds were injured and there has been damage to thousands of homes and commercial properties. This replaces the Travel Alert issued on February 28, 2010 and expires on April 1, 2010.

U.S. citizens currently in Chile should contact family and friends in the US to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity. Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Chile. The February 27th earthquake caused significant damage to the areas closest to the epicenter, including the cities of Concepcion, Talcahuano and Temuco. Santiago, Vina del Mar and Valparaiso were also affected by power outages and limited telecommunications.

The Santiago International Airport has been closed to all but military operations since the earthquake. U.S. citizens who planned to depart Chile by air are advised to stay in place and wait for the return of international flights. In a meeting of the Chilean civil aviation authority (DJAC) on March 1, the authorities announced a two-phase restoration of airline service. During Phase One (March 3 – 5), domestic flights will arrive and depart from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM through temporary facilities at the airport. International flights will arrive and depart from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. All international arrivals during Phase One will transit another Chilean airport to clear immigration and customs before arriving in Santiago. According to the DJAC plan, Phase Two will begin March 6 when the airport will return to round the clock operations, still operating through temporary facilities at the airport, but without the need for international arrivals to transit another Chilean airport before departing the country. Current information is available on the DJAC web site (www.dgac.cl). U.S. citizens are advised to work directly with their airlines to arrange for their departure.

Strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a strong earthquake such as this one. The American Red Cross recommends that in the event of an aftershock, persons outdoors should avoid being struck by falling debris by moving to open spaces, away from walls, windows, buildings, and other structures that may collapse. If indoors, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON: Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there is no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines. Great care should be used with matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame in case of disrupted gas lines.

Contact Information:

For Americans living or traveling in Chile:
- Register with through the State Department's travel registration website to obtain updated information on travel and security within Chile.
- Register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Santiago
  
  U.S. Embassy Santiago
  Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes
  Santiago, Chile
  Phone: 56-2-330 30 00
  Fax: 56-2-330 30 05
  After Hours Emergency Line: (56-2) 330-3000
  Email: SantiagoAmcit@state.gov

If you are concerned about a U.S. citizen in the affected area and have not been able to reach that person:
- Chile Task Force phone number: 1-888-407-4747
- Chile Task Force email: ChileEarthquake@state.gov
- Please provide as much information about the individual (full name, birth date and birth place, location and contact information in Chile, any special circumstances) to assist us in locating the U.S. citizen.
Calling from Chile to the United States
Calling from the United States to Chile
For up-to-date information on security conditions:
- From inside the U.S.: 1-888-407-4747
- From outside the U.S.: 1-202-501-4444

India - Security Issues Travel Alert

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0500

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing security concerns in India. The U.S. government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. This replaces the Travel Alert dated December 29, 2009, and expires on April 30, 2010.

The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provide a vivid reminder that hotels, markets, and other public places are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. U.S. citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad."

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. 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). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy's website and on the Department’s website.

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

-- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11- 2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-11-2419-8000.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363- 0350. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-22-2363-3611, ext. 0.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-44-2857-4000, 91-44-2811-2000, or 91-44-2811-2021.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91- 33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. For after-hour emergencies, call 91-99030-42956 (cell) or 91-33-3984-2400, ext. 0.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-90-0060-4234.

Malaysia Travel Alert

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0500

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to eastern Sabah, in Malaysia, due to threat of violence against foreigners, and urges extreme caution if traveling there. This Travel Alert expires on April 15, 2010.

U.S citizens should consider the risks associated with travel to eastern Sabah in Malaysia due to the threat from both terrorist and criminal groups. There are indications that both criminal and terrorist groups are planning or intend acts of violence against foreigners in eastern Sabah, notwithstanding the Government of Malaysia's increased ability to detect, deter and prevent such attacks. The Abu Sayyaf Group, based in the southern Philippines, has kidnapped foreigners in eastern Sabah in the past. Criminal elements are also responsible for kidnapping and piracy committed against foreigners. Of present concern are the resorts (and transportation to and from them) located in isolated areas of eastern Sabah, including Semporna and the islands of Mabul and Sipadan. Please avoid or use extreme caution in connection with any travel in these areas or locations.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. The Worldwide Caution reminds U.S. citizens that terrorism can occur anywhere.

The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in Malaysia to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur through the State Department's travel registration website in order to obtain updated information on travel and security. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in the case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tel. 03-2168-5000. The American Citizens Services (ACS) section's fax number is 03-2148-5801.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings can be found. U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas. The Department also encourages U.S. citizens to read the Country Specific Information Sheet for Malaysia, available on the Embassy’s website and also on the Department's website.