Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_926.html
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 30 2004 01:01:00 GMT-0800.
LIBYA
December 29, 2004
This Travel Warning is being issued to update the security information in Libya. Libya remains on the U.S. Government’s State Sponsors of Terrorism List. The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to Libya to exercise caution. This Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Libya issued June 28, 2004.
The U.S. lifted restrictions on the use of U.S. passports for travel to Libya in February 2004. While Libya has taken steps to cooperate in the global war on terrorism, the Libyan Government remains on the U.S. Government’s State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Although Libya appears to have curtailed its support for international terrorism, it may maintain residual contacts with some of its former terrorist clients.
Recent worldwide terrorist alerts have stated that extremist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the region. Therefore, any American citizen who decides to travel to Libya should maintain a strong security posture by being aware of surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, and varying times and routes for all required travel. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
In June 2004, a U.S. Liaison Office opened in Tripoli. There is no consular officer included among the staff. Thus, due to limited staffing and interim facilities, only limited services are currently available to U.S. citizens.
Most U.S. economic sanctions on Libya were ended on September 20, 2004. Libya remains on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Technologies and goods on the Department of Commerce Export Control List must be licensed by the Department of Commerce for export to Libya.
Travelers should be aware that credit cards and checks on U.S. banks generally are not accepted in Libya, and should be prepared to engage in cash-only transactions while in Libya.
Americans who decide to travel to Libya despite this Travel Warning should exercise a high level of caution. Updated information on travel and security in Libya may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-317-472-2328. Those travelers should consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information sheet for Libya and the current Worldwide Caution and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcements, which are available on the Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.
Return to Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings Page
Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1158.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 30 2004 01:05:03 GMT-0800.
December 29, 2004
This Public Announcement is being reissued to remind Americans of the continuing potential for terrorist actions against U.S. citizens in East Africa. This supersedes the Public Announcement of June 29, 2004, and expires on June 28, 2005.
The Department of State believes there remains the threat of future terrorist attacks in East Africa. Travelers to East African destinations should carefully review their plans accordingly.
The potential for future threats against civil aviation continues throughout the East Africa region. Seaports may also be targeted.
Supporters of Al-Qaida and other extremists are active in East Africa. Americans in the region must remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, American commercial interests, western-oriented shopping centers, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts, beaches, and planes. Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also be targets of attacks or kidnappings.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. They may temporarily close or suspend public services for security reviews. On occasion, the travel of official State Department personnel is restricted, and these posts may recommend that private American citizens avoid the same areas. Services to American citizens could be affected if employees’ movements are restricted. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. American citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting there.
U.S. citizens planning to travel to East Africa should consult the Department’s travel information and register their trip at the Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or 317-472-2328 from overseas.
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