<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Travel Alerts</title><link>http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1765.html</link><description>The State Department issues Travel Alerts to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term conditions that pose significant risks or disruptions to Americans. The current Travel Alerts are listed below. In addition to this list, the State Department issues Country Specific Information  for every country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest embassy or consulate in the subject country.</description><item><title>Honduras  Travel Alert</title>
<link>http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4526.html</link><guid> http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4526.html</guid><category>Honduras </category><pubDate>June 29, 2009 12:00:00 EST</pubDate><description> &lt;p&gt; &lt;div&gt;   &lt;p&gt;The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends    that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice. This Travel Alert expires on July    29, 2009.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;On Sunday June 28, the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya and sent him out of the country. There are military    or police checkpoints throughout Tegucigalpa, and there have been reports of sporadic demonstrations.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;The Department of State recommends that American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras remain close to their homes or    hotels unless their travel is of a life or death nature, or a scheduled departure from Honduras, and that U.S. citizens restrict    travel within the country to necessary trips. The Government of Honduras has imposed a curfew for June 29 and June 30 from    9:00 p.m through 6:00 a.m. The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa strongly recommends American citizens to abide by such curfews    and to check the Embassy&#8217;s website for the latest information on curfews. The U.S. Embassy has restricted the travel of its    staff within Honduras to necessary trips. The decision to lift or continue those restrictions will be made on a day-to-day    basis.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;There have been regular demonstrations at the Presidential palace in central Tegucigalpa, and streets in the vicinity of many    government offices are blocked by police or military. In general, the streets of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are quiet.    Reports from the rest of the country indicate that calm prevails, although there have been cases of occasional roadblocks.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;Honduras&#8217; borders remain open, and the airports remain open for regularly scheduled flights. Continental Airlines, American    Airlines, and Delta Airlines continue to operate flights as usual, though this is subject to change. Those traveling with    Continental Airlines may wish to call (011 504) 220-0999 (Tegucigalpa), (011 504) 557-4141 (San Pedro Sula), or 1-800-231-0856    (United States). Those traveling with American Airlines may wish to call (011 504) 216-4800 (Honduras) or 1-800-433-7300    (United States). Those traveling with Delta Airlines may wish to call 1-800-791-9000 (United States and Central America)    or (011 504) 550-1616 (San Pedro Sula).&lt;br&gt;   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid large gatherings and not try to pass roadblocks    if they encounter them. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio when possible,    and via the internet.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa and the Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula may close for all but emergency services as a result    of the political and security situation. The decision to reopen the Embassy and the Consular Agency for non-emergency services    will be made on a day-to-day basis. Check the Embassy&#8217;s website for up-to-date information.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (011 504) 238 5114, after hours telephone (011 504)    236 8497; Consular Section fax (011 504) 238 4357; E-mail: &lt;a href="mailto:usahonduras@state.gov"&gt;usahonduras@state.gov&lt;/a&gt; Webpage: &lt;a href="http://honduras.usembassy.gov/"&gt;http://honduras.usembassy.gov&lt;/a&gt;.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department&#8217;s Internet website    (&lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/"&gt;http://travel.state.gov&lt;/a&gt;), where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the &lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html"&gt;Worldwide Caution&lt;/a&gt;, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in    the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. 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).   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the    State Department&#8217;s travel registration website (&lt;a href="https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs"&gt;https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs&lt;/a&gt;), and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. 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.   &lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit31"&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit32"&gt;</description></item><item><title>China  Travel Alert</title>
<link>http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4238.html</link><guid> http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4238.html</guid><category>China </category><pubDate>June 19, 2009 12:00:00 EST</pubDate><description> &lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the quarantine measures imposed by the Government of China in response to   the 2009-H1N1 pandemic that may affect travel to China.This Travel Alert expires on September 30, 2009. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Current quarantine measures in China include placing arriving passengers who exhibit fever or flu-like symptoms into seven-day   quarantine.Although the proportion of arriving Americans being quarantined remains low, the random nature of the selection   process increases the uncertainty surrounding travel to China.The selection process focuses on those sitting in close proximity   to another traveler exhibiting fever or flu-like symptoms or on those displaying an elevated temperature if arriving from   an area where outbreaks of 2009-H1N1 have occurred.We have reports of passengers arriving from areas where outbreaks have   occurred (including the U.S. and Mexico) being placed in precautionary quarantine simply because they registered slightly   elevated temperatures. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;In some instances, children have been separated from their parents because either the parent or the child tested positive   for 2009-H1N1 and was placed in quarantine for treatment.This situation presents the possibility of Chinese medical personnel   administering medications to minors without first having consulted their parents. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The Department of State has received reports about unsuitable quarantine conditions, including the unavailability of suitable   drinking water and food, unsanitary conditions, and the inability to communicate with others. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Travelers to China are reminded that all foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, are obliged to follow local procedures   regarding quarantines and any other public health-related measures.The U.S. Embassy will be unable to influence the duration   of stay in quarantine for affected travelers.The Chinese government will not compensate people for lost travel expenses.Travelers   to China are urged to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against losses in the event they are quarantined. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State   Department&#8217;s &#8220;Pandemic/Avian Influenza&#8221; and &#8220;Remain in Country&#8221; fact sheets on &lt;a href="http://www.travel.state.gov/"&gt;www.travel.state.gov&lt;/a&gt;.Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found atthe U.S. Centers   for Disease Control website at &lt;a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"&gt;http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/&lt;/a&gt;, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at &lt;a href="http://www.pandemicflu.gov/"&gt;http://www.pandemicflu.gov&lt;/a&gt;, and the World Health Organization website at &lt;a href="http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html"&gt;http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of State&#8217;s   travel registration website.By registering, American citizens can receive the Embassy&#8217;s most recent security and safety updates   during their trip. Registration also ensures that U.S. citizens can be reached should an emergency arise either abroad or   at home. While consular officers will do their utmost to assist Americans in a crisis, travelers always should be aware that   local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Beijing: The U.S. Embassy is located at No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.The American Citizen Services   section can be contacted during regular business hours and for after-hours emergencies at (86) (10) 8531-4000 or by e-mail.For   detailed information please visit the U.S. Embassy web site. The Embassy consular district includes the following provinces/regions   of China: Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan,   and Jiangxi. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Chengdu: The U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu is located at Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu   610041; tel. (86)(28) 8558-3992, 8555-3119; after-hours emergencies (86)(28) 1370 8001 422, and can be contacted via email.   This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Guizhou, Sichuan Xizang (Tibet), and Yunnan, as   well as the municipality of Chongqing. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Guangzhou: The main office of the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou is located at Number 1 South Shamian Street, Shamian   Island 200S1, Guangzhou 510133.The Consular Section, including the American Citizens Services Unit, is now located at 5th   Floor, Tianyu Garden (II phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District; tel. (86)(20) 8518-7605; after-hours emergencies   (86)(20) 8121-8000; and contact by email. This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Guangdong,   Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Shanghai:The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai is located in the Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038   Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200031; tel. (86)(21) 3217-4650, ext. 2102, 2013, or 2134; after-hours emergencies (86)(21) 6433-3936;   inquiries can be made via email. This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Shanghai, Anhui,   Jiangsu and Zhejiang. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Shenyang:The U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang is located at No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110003; tel.   (86)(24) 2322-2374; after-hours emergencies (86)(24) 137-0988-9307; contact may be made via email. This consular district   includes the following provinces/regions of China: Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Jilin. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit31"&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit32"&gt;</description></item><item><title>Gabon  Travel Alert</title>
<link>http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4517.html</link><guid> http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4517.html</guid><category>Gabon </category><pubDate>June 15, 2009 12:00:00 EST</pubDate><description> &lt;p&gt; &lt;div&gt;   &lt;p&gt;The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the risks of travel to Gabon following the death of Gabonese President El-Hadj    Omar Bongo Ondimba on June 8, 2009 in Spain. The president's remains were returned to Gabon on June 11, with state and private    funerals scheduled to occur through Thursday, June 18. A 30-day period of mourning began on June 8. An interim head of state    was sworn in and, under Gabon&#8217;s constitution, must organize elections within 45 days. This Travel Alert expires on July 25,    2009.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;While the U.S. Embassy expects the funeral week, the national mourning period, and the ensuing presidential election to develop    peacefully and in an orderly fashion, American citizens should be aware that even peaceful gatherings and demonstrations can    turn violent unexpectedly. Significant traffic congestion, shortages in hotel lodgings, and large crowds throughout the country,    particularly in Libreville, are likely to inconvenience travelers.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;The Department of State discourages non-essential travel to Gabon on the part of U.S. Government officials and U.S. citizens    just before or immediately after the state funeral.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;American citizens in Gabon should monitor their own security situations at all times, and avoid large public gatherings, protests,    and demonstrations. American citizens are encouraged to report unusual events or activities to the U.S. Embassy.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;Updated information on travel and security in Gabon may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747    toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. Additional    details can be found in the Department of State's &lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1120.html"&gt;Country Specific Information&lt;/a&gt; for Gabon and the &lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html"&gt;Worldwide Caution&lt;/a&gt;, which are available on the Department's Internet website at &lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/"&gt;http://travel.state.gov&lt;/a&gt;.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;The Embassy is located in Centre Ville on the Boulevard du Bord de Mer, and may be reached at 76-20-03/04 during business    hours. In case of emergency, a 24-hour duty officer may be reached after hours at 07-38-01-71.   &lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit31"&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit32"&gt;</description></item><item><title>Guinea-Bissau  Travel Alert</title>
<link>http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4513.html</link><guid> http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4513.html</guid><category>Guinea-Bissau </category><pubDate>June 10, 2009 12:00:00 EST</pubDate><description> &lt;p&gt; &lt;div&gt;The Department of State is issuing this Travel Alert to advise American citizens of the risks of travel to Guinea-Bissau immediately   before and after the presidential elections scheduled for June 28, 2009, and to recommend against all but essential travel   to Guinea-Bissau at this time. This Travel Alert expires on August 1, 2009.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div&gt;On June 28, 2009, the Government of Guinea-Bissau will hold elections to replace President Vieira, who was assassinated in   March 2009. Others, including a candidate for president, were killed on June 5. These incidents have heightened political   tension in the country, and raise the likelihood of further security incidents during the electoral period.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div&gt;In the days before and after the elections, political demonstrations are likely, and there is the potential for violence.   The response of security forces to politically-charged demonstrations is unpredictable. Even demonstrations intended to be   peaceful can turn confrontational and quickly escalate into violence. American citizens traveling to or residing in Guinea-Bissau   are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise extreme caution within the vicinity of any demonstration, political   gathering, or other public assemblage. &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div&gt;The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas,   to review emergency procedures and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.&lt;br&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div&gt;There is no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau. American citizens considering travel to Guinea-Bissau despite this Travel Alert   are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, through the State Department's travel   registration website, &lt;a href="https://travelregistration.state.gov/"&gt;https://travelregistration.state.gov&lt;/a&gt;. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy in Dakar to contact them in case of emergency. Please   be sure to include your e-mail address and cellular phone number when registering.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div&gt;The U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, has jurisdiction over Guinea-Bissau. The Embassy is located at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar,   Senegal. The mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal; telephone (221) 33-829-2100 during regular business hours. For   after-hours emergencies involving American citizens, call (221) 76-383-9566. The Consular Section e-mail address is &lt;a href="mailto:consulardakar@state.gov"&gt;consulardakar@state.gov&lt;/a&gt;; the Embassy's web site is &lt;a href="http://dakar.usembassy.gov/"&gt;http://dakar.usembassy.gov&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div&gt;Updated information on travel and security in Guinea-Bissau may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747   toll-free within the United States and Canada or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line   at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Guinea-Bissau and the Worldwide   Caution, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at &lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/"&gt;http://travel.state.gov&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit31"&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit32"&gt;</description></item><item><title>Hurricane Season Travel Alert</title>
<link>http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3245.html</link><guid> http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3245.html</guid><category>Hurricane Season</category><pubDate>May 29, 2009 12:00:00 EST</pubDate><description> &lt;p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the Hurricane Season in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and   the Gulf of Mexico. The official Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June through November. This Travel Alert expires on   December 4, 2009. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;National Weather Service officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict a 50 percent chance   that activity during the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be near-normal this year, forecasting nine to fourteen named   storms, with four to seven becoming hurricanes and one to three becoming major hurricanes. NOAA recommends that those in   hurricane-prone regions begin preparations at this time for the upcoming season. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;In the aftermath of some previous storms, U.S. citizens have encountered uncomfortable and often dangerous conditions that   have lasted for several days while awaiting transportation back to the United States. In the past, many U.S. citizens traveling   abroad to affected regions have been forced to delay their return to the United States due to infrastructure damage to airports   and limited flight availability. In many cases, flights were suspended and passengers faced long delays due to the need to   repair a damaged airport. Roads also were 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 are not   uncommon. Security personnel may not be readily available to assist at all times. 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 more. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Should a situation require an evacuation from an overseas location, the State Department 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 Department   of State will not provide no-cost transportation, but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial   need. U.S. citizens should obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses during an emergency. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;U.S. citizens living in or traveling to storm-prone regions overseas should prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms by   organizing a kit containing a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and   vital documents (especially passport and other identification) in a waterproof container. Emergency shelters often have access   only to basic resources and limited medical and food supplies. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, local media, and the &lt;a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/"&gt;National Weather Service&lt;/a&gt; to stay aware of any weather developments in their area. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly,   limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Travelers should apprise family and friends of their whereabouts and keep   in close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a   weather emergency. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the &lt;a href="https://travelregistration.state.gov/"&gt;Department of State's travel registration website&lt;/a&gt;. By registering, American citizens can receive the Embassy's most recent security and safety updates during their trip.   Registration also ensures that U.S. citizens can be reached should an emergency arise either abroad or at home. While consular   officers will do their utmost to assist Americans in a crisis, travelers always should be aware that local authorities bear   primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found on the &lt;a href="http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_3795.html"&gt;Hurricane Season 2009 page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs' website&lt;/a&gt; or in the " &lt;a href="http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html"&gt;Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go" pamphlet&lt;/a&gt;. Updated information on travel in the Caribbean may be obtained 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. Travelers to the region are encouraged   to check the Internet site of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with consular responsibilities for the territory they will be   visiting (accessible via http://usembassy.state.gov/). For further information please consult the Country Specific Information   Sheet for the country or territory in question, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit31"&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit32"&gt;</description></item><item><title>Mexico  Travel Alert</title>
<link>http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4491.html</link><guid> http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4491.html</guid><category>Mexico </category><pubDate>February 20, 2009 12:00:00 EST</pubDate><description> &lt;p&gt; &lt;div&gt;   &lt;p&gt;This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel    Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for    study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the    risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense    precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution    and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;u&gt;Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should    exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have    been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public    places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved.    U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest    American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads,    which generally are more secure. Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private    U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity,    or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling    to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors. When this happens, the Embassy or the affected    consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating    the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors    are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend    or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure    to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking    jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;u&gt;Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services    - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat violence, the government of    Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints    when traveling on Mexican highways.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing    automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently    in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have    been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The US Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential    travel within the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos    River for US Government employees assigned to Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in    assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and    timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies, homicides,    petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana    and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public    shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens    traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed    in the city since January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and    1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez,    avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of    muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers    visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed    with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms    and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security    situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the    consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the    end of this message.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;u&gt;Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings&lt;br&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br&gt;Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful    can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including    that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent    attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels,    avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations    are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution    while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions    may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations    or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering,    U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.   &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;Further Information&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: &lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html"&gt;http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html&lt;/a&gt;. Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring Break in    Mexico- Know Before You Go!!" at &lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html"&gt;http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html&lt;/a&gt; For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web    site at &lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/"&gt;http://travel.state.gov&lt;/a&gt; where the current &lt;a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html"&gt;Worldwide Caution&lt;/a&gt;, 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 from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers    are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens    traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's    travel registration website at &lt;a href="https://travelregistration.state.gov/"&gt;https://travelregistration.state.gov/&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy    is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000;    telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the    Embassy by e-mail at: &lt;a href="mailto:ccs@usembassy.net.mx"&gt;ccs@usembassy.net.mx&lt;/a&gt;. The Embassy's internet address is &lt;a href="http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/"&gt;http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Consulates:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Ciudad Juarez: Paseo de la Victoria 3650, tel. (52)(656) 227-3000. &lt;a href="http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/"&gt;http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100. &lt;a href="http://guadalajara.usconsulate.gov/"&gt;http://guadalajara.usconsulate.gov/&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500. &lt;a href="http://hermosillo.usconsulate.gov/"&gt;http://hermosillo.usconsulate.gov&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402. &lt;a href="http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/"&gt;http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Merida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700. &lt;a href="http://merida.usconsulate.gov/"&gt;http://merida.usconsulate.gov&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 047-3100. &lt;a href="http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov/"&gt;http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150. &lt;a href="http://nogales.usconsulate.gov/"&gt;http://nogales.usconsulate.gov&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512. &lt;a href="http://nuevolaredo.usconsulate.gov/"&gt;http://nuevolaredo.usconsulate.gov/&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400. &lt;a href="http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/service.html"&gt;http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/service.html&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Consular Agencies:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556.&lt;br&gt;Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.&lt;br&gt;Cancun: Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998) 883-0272.&lt;br&gt;Ciudad Acuca: Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone (52)(877) 772-8661&lt;br&gt;Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juarez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor, locales #8    and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.&lt;br&gt;Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755) 553-2100.&lt;br&gt;Mazatlan: Hotel Playa Mazatlan, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.&lt;br&gt;Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcala no. 407, interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.&lt;br&gt;Piedras Negras: Abasolo #211, Zona Centro, Piedras Negras, Coah., Tel. (878) 782-5586.&lt;br&gt;Playa del Carmen: "The Palapa," Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303.&lt;br&gt;Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, telephone (52)(322)    222-0069.&lt;br&gt;Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodriguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331&lt;br&gt;San Luis Potosi: Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.&lt;br&gt;San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.   &lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit31"&gt;&lt;br id="XSpLit32"&gt;</description></item></channel></rss>