Security issues

Netherlands: The Hague Rates Terrorism Risk as “Substantial”

Date: March 19th, 2013 |

Due to an increase in the number of violent extremists traveling to Syria, and signs of increased radicalization among youth, the threat of terrorism has increased from “limited” to “substantial,” Dutch authorities reported March 14. The U.S. Dept. of State has not issued any travel warnings for the country, but notes that, as with other [read more]

Kenya: Tourist Resort Attacked on Eve of Election

Date: February 27th, 2013 |

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An Italian tourist was shot and hospitalized when a gang of masked men, armed with guns and machetes, attacked a coastal resort near Malindi Feb. 20. On the eve of the country’s general election, scheduled for Mar. 4, experts warn that tensions are running high, and tourists may be swept up in local protests or [read more]

Turkey: Embassy Attack Prompts Updated Travel Warning

Date: February 27th, 2013 |

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In light of the recent attack on the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and instability at the Turkish-Syrian border, the U.S. State Dept. has issued an updated travel warning. The Consulate strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid all border areas with Syria, and exercise extreme caution when traveling anywhere in southeastern Turkey. Travelers should stay abreast [read more]

Peru: Embassy Warns U.S. Citizens of Kidnapping Risk

Date: February 20th, 2013 |

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The U.S. Embassy in Lima issued a new travel warning Feb. 13, cautioning Americans about a potential kidnapping threat by criminal gangs operating in the Cuzco area, including the ancient Incan fortress of Machu Picchu—the country’s largest tourist draw. The warning drew fire from Peruvian authorities, who deny any knowledge of a specific threat to [read more]

India: U.S., Other Nations Advise Women Not to Travel Alone

Date: February 6th, 2013 |

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Several countries, including the U.S., have issued new warnings that advise women against traveling alone in India, stating they are “at risk and should exercise vigilance.” The treatment of women in India—and the all-too-common occurrence of gender-based violence—has come under closer scrutiny since December, when the brutal gang-rape and subsequent death of a 23-year-old student [read more]

Peru: Embassy Revises Travel Warning for Cuzco, Machu Picchu

Date: March 13th, 2013 |

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The U.S. Embassy in Lima has lifted its travel restriction for Cuzco and the region of Machu Picchu after a thorough review of information regarding a potential kidnapping threat to U.S. citizens. The Embassy continues to recommend that its citizens proceed with caution if traveling in or around the Peruvian “VRAEM” Emergency Zone, which includes [read more]

Peru: California Couple Missing in Cuzco

Date: February 27th, 2013 |

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Authorities are searching for a California couple reported missing while traveling in the Cuzco region, an area where the U.S. government recently warned its citizens of a potential kidnapping threat. The warning, issued in early February, was hotly disputed by the Peruvian government, and both Peruvian and U.S. authorities have denied any indication of kidnapping [read more]

Mexico: Tourist-Zone Crime Adds to Image Problem

Date: February 20th, 2013 |

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Another barrage of negative headlines has thrust Mexico into the international spotlight, but this time its tourist zones are directly involved, increasing safety concerns and worrying those who rely on tourism jobs and revenue. Recent media coverage of a daytime murder in Mexico City’s busy Zona Rosa, along with the case of six Spanish tourists [read more]

Philippines: Updated Travel Warning from U.S. Dept. of State

Date: February 13th, 2013 |

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The U.S. Dept. of State has issued an updated travel warning for the island nation to reflect ongoing security issues, particularly in the Sulu Archipelago and the southern island of Mindanao. U.S. citizens should continue to avoid non-essential travel to the Sulu region due to the high threat of kidnapping of international travelers, and violence [read more]

Egypt: President Declares State of Emergency

Date: January 30th, 2013 |

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President Morsi declared a month-long state of emergency Jan. 26, after political unrest escalated into violent street protests that left 52 people dead. Soldiers have been deployed to the three main cities on the Suez Canal where the latest rash of protests erupted—Port Said, Ismailia and Suez—and central Cairo and Alexandria remain volatile. Anti-government sentiment [read more]

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