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Nepal Travel
Warning
On
June 15, 2010, the U.S. Department of State released the following Travel
Warning:
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the
potential risks of traveling to Nepal and urges caution when
traveling in that country. The Department of State remains concerned
about the security situation in Nepal. U.S. citizens are urged to
obtain updated security information before traveling and they should
be prepared to change their plans on short notice. This replaces the
Travel Warning for Nepal dated November 19, 2009, to update
information on the security and political situation, and to advise
travelers about the continuing possibility of political
demonstrations and unrest.
Political violence has occurred sporadically throughout
Nepal in the past and may escalate due to recent political
tensions. Protests, demonstrations, and disruptions continue to
occur, often without advance notice. In a recent indefinite strike
imposed by the Unified CPN-Maoist Party on May 3-7, 2010, business
and transportation were brought to a standstill. During this
strike, large demonstrations were held and incidents of localized
violence occurred. During past demonstrations, some protestors
forcibly closed businesses, damaged vehicles, threw rocks, and
burned tires to block traffic. Given the nature, intensity and
unpredictability of past disturbances, you are urged to exercise
special caution during announced demonstrations, avoid areas where
demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming, avoid road
travel, and maintain a low profile. Curfews can be announced with
little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens are urged to consult
media sources and register with the Embassy (see instructions below)
for current security information. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu
continues to monitor the political situation in Nepal closely, and
advises U.S. citizens that the potential remains for spontaneous
demonstrations and political unrest, which could escalate into
violence. You should stay current on media coverage of local events
and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Crime in the Kathmandu Valley and in the major cities of
Nepal continues and includes violent crimes, robberies by armed
gangs, and harassment of female travelers. Police resources to
combat such crimes are limited. Theft and muggings occasionally
occur in popular tourist and trekking areas such as Chitwan, Pokhara,
the Annapurna region and the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Trekkers have
been robbed by small groups of young men, even on popular trails.
Visitors to Nepal should practice good personal security
when moving about and avoid walking alone after dark, carrying large
sums of cash, or wearing expensive jewelry. Women are advised to pay
attention to local customs and dress appropriately in public. In
several reported incidents, tourists have had their belongings
stolen from their rooms while they slept. There has been an increase
in the number of fraudulent schemes perpetrated against tourists.
These schemes involve requesting the traveler's assistance,
particularly financial assistance, in establishing shipping routes,
or business contacts with the United States or other countries,
involving jewelry, antiquities, or carpets, promising huge returns.
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly recommends that
you do not hike alone or become separated from larger traveling
parties while on a trail. Solo trekking is dangerous, has
contributed to injuries and deaths, and makes an individual more
vulnerable to criminals. Foreign trekkers have gone missing while
trekking alone. The safest option for trekkers is to join an
organized group and/or use a reputable trekking company that
provides an experienced guide and porters who communicate in both
Nepali and English. Destruction of telephone services in many
trekking areas has complicated efforts to locate U.S. citizens and
make arrangements for medical evacuations when needed. U.S.
citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in
Kathmandu for the latest security information and to register their
itinerary before undertaking treks outside the Kathmandu Valley (see
Registration/Embassy Location section below). Trekkers also are
advised to leave their itinerary with family or friends in the
United States and to check in at police checkpoints where trekking
permits are logged.
Travel via road in areas outside the Kathmandu Valley is
hazardous due to erratic drivers, poor road conditions, and frequent
road accidents. Public transportation, such as microbuses and tuk
tuks, should be avoided because they are often overfilled, driven
unsafely, and mechanically unsound. You should use taxis with meters
or negotiate a price with the taxi driver before starting a trip.
However, there have also been instances of taxi drivers tampering
with the meters in order to charge higher fares.
Most U.S. official travel outside the Kathmandu Valley,
including by air, requires specific clearance by the U.S. Embassy's
Regional Security Officer. Active duty U.S. military and Department
of Defense contractors must obtain U.S. Embassy clearance in advance
for official and personal travel to Nepal.
The U.S. Government's designation of the Communist Party
of Nepal (Maoist) as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist"
organization under Executive Order 13224, and its inclusion on the
"Terrorist Exclusion List" pursuant to the Immigration and
Nationality Act, remain in effect. These two designations make
Maoists excludable from entry into the United States without a
waiver and bar U.S. citizens from contributing funds, goods, or
services to, or for the benefit of, the Maoists.
U.S. citizens who choose to visit
or remain in Nepal despite this Travel Warning 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
Nepal. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly
with the U.S. Embassy during the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.,
Monday to Friday, when the American Citizens Services section is
open to the public. Registering makes it easier for the Embassy to
contact U.S. citizens in case of emergency. The
U.S.
Embassy is located at Maharajgunj.
The Consular Section can be reached at 977-1-400-7200, 400-7201. The
number for after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens is
977-1-400-7266, 400-7269. The fax number is 977-1-400-7281. The
Consulate's email address is
consktm@state.gov.
On November 19, 2009, the U.S.
Department of State issued the following Travel Warning:
The Department of State warns
U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Nepal, and urges
caution when traveling in that country. The Department of State
remains concerned about the security situation in Nepal, and
urges American citizens to obtain updated security information
before they travel and to be prepared to change their plans on
short notice.
Political violence remains a
problem in Nepal. Protests, demonstrations and disruptions
continue to occur, often without advance notice. During
demonstrations, protestors have used violence, including
forcibly closing businesses, damaging vehicles, throwing rocks,
and burning tires to block traffic. Given the nature,
intensity, and unpredictability of disturbances, American
citizens are urged to exercise special caution during times when
demonstrations are announced, avoid areas where demonstrations
are occurring or crowds are forming, avoid road travel, and
maintain a low profile. Curfews can be announced with little or
no advance notice. American citizens are urged to consult media
sources and to register with the Embassy (see instructions
below) for current security information.
The Young Communist League (YCL),
a Maoist Party affiliate, and several other armed groups
continue to engage in extortion, abuse, and threats of violence,
particularly in rural areas and the Terai (the border region
with India). Youth groups from the other two main political
parties, the Nepali Congress (NC) and the United
Marxist-Leninist Party (UML), have also formed and clashes
continue to take place among these political rivals. In some
instances, this has caused local authorities to impose curfews
without prior notice. Violent actions by multiple armed
splinter groups in the Terai region along the southern border
with India remain a significant concern.
Crime in the Kathmandu Valley
and in the major cities of Nepal continues and includes violent
crime, robberies by armed gangs and the harassment of female
travelers. Police resources to combat such crime are limited.
Theft and muggings occasionally occur in popular tourist and
trekking areas such as Chitwan, Pokhara and the Annapurna region
and the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Trekkers have been robbed by
small groups of young men, even on popular trails. Visitors to
Nepal should practice good personal security when moving about
and avoid walking alone after dark, carrying large sums of cash,
or wearing expensive jewelry. Women are advised to pay
attention to local customs and dress appropriately in public.
In several reported incidents, tourists have had their
belongings stolen from their rooms while they slept. There has
been an increase in the number of fraudulent schemes perpetrated
against tourists. These schemes involve requesting the
traveler's assistance, particularly financial help, in
establishing shipping routes, or business contacts with the
United States or other countries, involving jewelry,
antiquities, or carpets, promising huge returns.
Travel via road in areas
outside of the Kathmandu Valley is hazardous due to erratic
drivers, poor road conditions, and frequent road accidents.
Public transportation, such as microbuses and tuk tuks, should
be avoided because they are often overfilled, driven unsafely,
and mechanically unsound. American citizens should use taxis
with meters or negotiate a price with the taxi driver before
starting a trip. However, there have also been instances of
taxi drivers tampering with the meters in order to charge higher
fares.
Most U.S. official travel
outside the Kathmandu Valley, including by air, requires
specific clearance by the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security
Officer. Active duty U.S. military and Department of Defense
contractors must obtain U.S. Embassy clearance in advance for
official and personal travel to Nepal.
The U.S. Government's
designation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a
"Specially Designated Global Terrorist" organization under
Executive Order 13224 and its inclusion on the "Terrorist
Exclusion List" pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act
remain in effect. These two designations make Maoists
excludable from entry into the United States without a waiver
and bar U.S. citizens from transactions such as contribution of
funds, goods, or services to, or for the benefit of, the
Maoists.
the
U.S. Embassy Kathmandu released the following Warden Message:
"As you may know, the
Government of Nepal has confirmed an outbreak of Avian Influenza in
Kakarbhitta, Jhapa in eastern
Nepal. Currently, bird flu has been
confirmed only in Jha district, although active surveillance is in
effect in 26 other districts which border
India.Culling began
as soon as the outbreak was confirmed and continues in a 3km radius of
the outbreak.
"In order to understand more about bird flu, how to protect yourself
from it and what the current situation is in
Nepal, we invite you to attend a Town
Hall Meeting at Phora Durbar, Kantipath this Thursday, Jan. 22 at
4:30pm.Please bring your
U.S. passport for entry into the
compound and RSVP to
wardenktm@state.gov to confirm your
attendance.Non-American citizen parents of American
Citizen minors are welcome to attend, but must bring a photo ID and
their child’s passport.
"For more information on Avian Influenza, frequently asked questions and
comprehensive planning checklists, please visit
http://www.pandemicflu.gov "
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today. info@worldwidemedicalplans.com 877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
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July 22, 2010 MEXICO
CITY – Mexico is facing a sort of perfect storm of floods that breed
mosquitoes, prompting a big increase in the number of hemorrhagic dengue
cases, the country's top epidemiological official said Wednesday.
July 1, 2010
The Mexican government announced on Tuesday the
end of the health alert for the AH1N1 flu virus after 14 months in which
1,289 people died in this country and 72,000 cases were registered.
. .
Thailand's PM declares emergencyApril
7, 2010
Thailand's prime minister declares a state of
emergency in Bangkok amid growing anti-government protests.In a televised address, Mr Abhisit said the move - which gives
sweeping new powers to the security forces to tackle protesters - would help
restore order. It comes hours after thousands of "red-shirt" protesters
marched on parliament - forcing MPs to flee the building.
January 5, 2010
BEIJING: The Chinese capital was in the grip of
its coldest weather in 20 years Tuesday after snow storms caused chaos,
while South Korea sent out an army of civil servants and soldiers to clear
clogged roads. China's national weather centre said the mercury dipped
Tuesday to minus 15.6 degrees Celsius (four Fahrenheit) - the lowest in more
than two decades, after Beijing was hit by its heaviest snowfall in 60 years
at the weekend.
UK Did Not Pass Plane Bomber Intel To the U.S.
January5, 2010
Gordon Brown's spokesman says there is "no suggestion" the UK passed
intelligence to the US that they did not act on, regarding the alleged
Detroit plane bomber.
It follows
reports that the White House accused the Prime Minister's
spokesman of making a "mistake" when he appeared, on Monday, to confirm the
UK told the US that
Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab had links to extremists over a year
ago.
October 22, 2009
Thailand has mounted one of its biggest
security operations in recent history with more than 36,000 military and
police to prevent anti-government demonstrators from overrunning a
summit of Asian leaders, an official spokesman said Thursday.
June3, 2009 East Asia / Pacific - Australia
Australia raised the H1N1 flu alert level in the worst
hit state of Victoria on Wednesday and warned more areas would follow as
the national total topped 500.
March
3, 2009 Americas - Mexico
More than 800 federal and local police have
been assigned to improve security in and around Mexico City's
international airport after a series of armed robberies against
travelers who exchanged money there, authorities announced Monday.
4 Indonesians die of bird flu; toll climbs to 119
March
3, 2009 East Asia / Pacific -
Indonesia Four Indonesians have died of
bird flu, bringing the death toll in the country hardest hit by the
disease over the past several years to 119, an official said Tuesday.
February 26, 2009
PHOENIX - The U.S. State Department and
universities around the country are warning college students headed for
Mexico for some spring-break partying of a surge in drug-related murder and
mayhem south of the border.
February
13, 2009
A Colgan Air-operated Continental Connection flight from Newark, N.J., to
Buffalo, N.Y., went down about six miles from its destination airport
Wednesday night, killing all 49 aboard and at least one person on the
ground. An FAA spokeswoman said there was no distress call before the
Bombardier Q400 dropped off the radar. Colgan Air is a subsidiary of
Pinnacle Airlines. Continental Airlines Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner said,
"Continental extends its deepest sympathy to the family members and loved
ones of those involved in this accident."
Bloomberg (2/13)
February
6, 2009
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been reported in more localities across
Vietnam, raising fears of a possible epidemic, official and media
reports said Friday.
Is China Covering up a New Bird Flu Epidemic?February
3, 2009
Certainly there seems to be very strong
evidence it is. There have already been eight reported cases of humans
contracting the potential deadly H5N1 virus, from which
five people have
died this year. And despite the fact that Hong Kong officials have been
finding dead birds infected with the virus washing up onto its shores in
recent days from the mainland, China has not made any official statement
concerning an outbreak among birds.
February 2, 2009 Thailandnews.net -- seeking political
asylum claiming they face persecution at home, because they fought alongside
U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. "Today we will send 190 Hmong
back to. . .
Japan rocked by major earthquake
July 16, 2007 An earthquake has struck central Japan, killing at least seven
people, flattening buildings and triggering a fire at a nuclear power plant.
Hundreds of people were injured when the 6.8-magnitude tremor struck the
Niigata area.
Feb.
26, 2007 Tokyo, Japan:In a move aimed at further
thwarting terrorist attacks, passengers on all international flights will be
prohibited from bringing aboard liquids in containers larger than 100
milliliters starting Thursday
South / Central Asia - Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Earthquake PreparednessFeb.
13, 2007 Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan:
The
U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan would like to remind American Citizens that
Kyrgyzstan is located in a seismically-active zone.
Registration Rules Stir Up Confusion
Feb. 5, 2007 Moscow, Russia:
According to a new
law that came into effect Jan. 15, foreigners are now required to hand over
their registration papers to migration officials -- via their employer or
other sponsor -- every time they leave the country and re-register upon
subsequent entry into the country.
Large swathes of greater Jakarta ground to a halt yesterday
after the heaviest rain in at least five years left many areas of the
Indonesian capital several metres underwater.
BA
running normal flight schedule
Europe - United Kingdom British Airways is running flights as
normal from Heathrow and Gatwick after averting a strike by cabin crew.
Thai airport hit by runway cracks1/29/07 Bangkok -
Thailand's transport ministry is to recommend some domestic flights be
transferred from Bangkok's new airport to the decommissioned old one.
Islamabad Marriott
Hotel Attack Pakistan -
It was reported that on January 26, 2007, at
approximately 2:37 p.m. local time, a bomb exploded at the back area
of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Nestle dairy plant in Colombia destroyed
Americas - Colombia
A pickup truck carrying 660 pounds of
explosives destroyed a dairy plant owned by
Swiss food giant Nestle SA in southern Colombia,
an attack police attributed Thursday to leftist
rebels
East Asia / Pacific -
Philippines
Philippine troops closed in Thursday on another
veteran of the Abu Sayyaf extremist group, a day
after announcing the death of a senior leader
wanted in the beheading of a California tourist.
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