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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_kenya.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Fri Mar 23 2007 04:20:43 GMT-0700.

KENYA

March 22, 2007

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert American citizens about the World Cross-Country Championship taking place in Mombasa, Kenya, on March 24, 2007. Americans planning travel to Mombasa for this event are strongly advised to take appropriate measures to ensure their personal safety and property.

The U.S. Government continues to be concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. We can not discount the possibility that any large-scale public events, such as the World Cross-Country Championship, could become the focus of terrorist acts or other forms of violence, or public demonstrations. U.S. citizens planning to attend or participate in this event are, therefore, advised to use caution and stay alert to their surroundings at all times. American citizens should avoid demonstrations, and are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and quickly escalate into violence.

Americans are also advised to be alert to their personal property, especially in crowded areas where pick-pocketing is a possibility.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling to Kenya should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, East Africa Public Announcement, and Kenya Travel Warning 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. and Canada, 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)

U.S. citizens traveling to Kenya are required to have a valid passport and visa. Visas should be obtained in advance, although airport visas are available. Travelers who opt to obtain an airport visa should expect delays upon arrival. There is a fee for the visa, whether obtained in advance or at the airport. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested. Travelers may obtain the latest information on visas as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101, or the Kenyan Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York City. Persons outside the United States should contact the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate. To learn more about country-specific entry requirements, please visit http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html.

U.S. citizens are also advised that the higher than normal tourist volume in Kenya during this period may increase by several days the replacement time for lost or stolen passports. All travelers are urged to protect valuable personal items at all times, including passports, credit cards, jewelry and other personal valuables, in order to guard against loss or theft.

The Department of State urges Americans traveling overseas to ensure they have adequate medical insurance, including insurance for medical evacuations. Medicare recipients should know that Medicare does not cover medical expenses abroad. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise personal safety at all times and to travel with a friends or companions when visiting unfamiliar places. Practicing personal safety measures can effectively reduce the risk of being a victim of violent crime, sexual assault, general assault or extortion. For more information, see the State Department’s flyer Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad.

Americans living or traveling in Kenya are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Kenya. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254)(20) 363-6000; fax (254)(20) 363-6410. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254)(20) 363-6170. The Embassy's international mailing address is P.O. Box 606, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya. Mail using U.S. domestic postage may be addressed to Unit 64100, APO AE 09831. The Embassy home page is http://kenya.usembassy.gov.