Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_934.html
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Sun Mar 16 2008 02:01:42 GMT-0700 (PDT).
SUDAN
March 14, 2008
This updated Travel Warning alerts U.S. citizens to the threat from armed conflicts and warns of continued threats from terrorism in Sudan. The Department of State continues to warn against all travel to Sudan. American citizens who choose to remain in Sudan should review their security posture, and take appropriate precautions in light of the January 2008 murder of an American Embassy official. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued for Sudan on September 6, 2007.
On January 1, 2008, an official with the American Embassy and his Sudanese driver were shot and killed in their vehicle while returning to the official’s residence. The Embassy has implemented heightened security measures to protect Embassy personnel when traveling in Sudan, which include obtaining advance permission for all travel and modes of transportation to be used. American citizens residing in Sudan are urged to carefully review and assess their safety and security situations, and to practice situational awareness at all times to ensure personal safety.
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur area, where violence between government forces and various armed militias continues. Americans and other westerners have been victims of carjacking and armed robbery while traveling in Sudan. Land travel at night should be avoided.
Travelers are reminded that the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and western interests in Sudan. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or western interests. As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds.
Travel outside of the capital city of Khartoum and the adjacent town of Omdurman is potentially dangerous. Sporadic fighting instigated by militias often is reported in the southern parts of the country. Threats have been made against foreigners working in the oil industry in Upper Nile state.
Americans who travel to Sudan despite this Travel Warning must possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a Sudanese visa. Travelers must apply for a visa in their own country of residence. In August 2006, five foreigners, including two Americans, were arrested and detained in Darfur after entering Sudan via the Chadian border town of Banal without the appropriate documentation. Several of these individuals had solicited and obtained escorts in Chad who allegedly promised to facilitate entry into Sudan but who were ultimately unable to follow through with their commitments. Without appropriate travel documents and permits, travelers may face arrest and detention for crimes including illegal entry, publication of false information, and espionage. If convicted, sentences range from deportation to life in prison or the death penalty.
The Sudanese Government requires that anyone seeking to enter the Darfur area, and some other areas, obtain a special travel permit. This includes humanitarian workers, journalists, photographers, and other media employees. Separate additional permits are required to take photographs, even for private use, and to conduct journalism anywhere in Sudan. Additional information about entry requirements for Sudan and other countries is located on the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov.
U.S. citizens are strongly urged to register with the Embassy in Khartoum or through the State Department’s Travel Registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum; tel. (249-183) 774-701/2/3 (outside Sudan); tel. (0183) 774-701/2/3 (inside Sudan.) For after-hours emergencies, please call 249-183-774-705 and leave a message with Post One for the Consular Duty Officer.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2258.html
Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sun Mar 16 2008 02:02:55 GMT-0700 (PDT).
March 13, 2008
This Travel Alert updates U.S. citizens about security concerns in Tunisia. In light of the reported kidnapping of two Western tourists in the Tunisian-Algerian southern desert region, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution if traveling in this area. Sections of this border are not clearly marked. All U.S. citizens in Tunisia are encouraged to comply with local regulations regarding desert travel, to maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to their personal security and to remain aware of local developments. This Travel Alert expires on June 15, 2008.
Al-Qaida in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of two Austrian tourists in Tunisia in late February 2008. The two Austrians had been driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle in the southern desert. AQIM is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, and the presence of AQIM in North Africa presents potential dangers to travelers.
U.S. citizens planning travel to the southern desert regions of Tunisia despite this Travel Alert, as well as Americans residing or traveling in Tunisia, are urged to register with the Department of State through our travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. Specific information on desert travel in Tunisia, including local regulations and procedures, can be found at http://tunisia.usembassy.gov/desert_travel.html. The U.S. Embassy in Tunis is located in Les Berges du Lac, Nord de Tunis 1053. Tel: (216) 71-107-000, Fax: (216) 71-964-360, Internet: http://tunisia.usembassy.gov.
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 for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Tunisia and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.