War in the Middle East and the threat of Iraqi terrorism have created an unprecedented need for caution on the part of travelers worldwide.
Security has tightened at most airports, increasing waits and travel time. Routes from Europe to Asia have been disrupted; tourism has plummeted;
cancellations are epidemic.
Terrorist bombs have exploded, and threats have been made around the world, including Thailand, Turkey, France, Germany and many other countries.
All that does not mean travel to those places is suddenly unsafe, or that you no longer can travel safely in countries with large Muslim populations.
You don`t have to be terribly intrepid to keep traveling, just more cautious.
A world of cowed travelers is a victory for terrorism.
The crisis has created travel bargains for those willing to take the chance and go. Tour packages, hotel and cruise rates all have become negotiable.
That said, one does need to be informed of the risk. Since the Pan American World Airways-Lockerbie bombing Dec. 21, 1988, most people`s fears understandably revolve around the safety of air travel. Security has tightened at international airports worldwide in an unprecedented fashion in response to the threat of Iraqi terrorism. But no security system is foolproof.
Travelers must be vigilant, pay attention to anyone who might be following them and generally keep a low profile, especially visiting or associating with American or coalition-related institutions abroad, whether they be university campuses, embassies, libraries, cultural centers, airlines or other business interests.
Check your baggage to make sure it has not been tampered with if it has been out of your sight for any time.
Apart from the potential hazards of travel to the Middle East and Persian Gulf countries, the U.S. State Department has ordered non-essential government personnel and dependents from Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tanzania and Yemen.
Voluntary departure has been authorized for this group from Algeria, Bangladesh, Djibouti, India, Nigeria (Kaduna only), Syria and Tunisia.
The Gulf War and increased threat of terrorism also has heightened the need to read the fine print in insurance policies. Many have what is known as ”war-risk exclusion” provisions, which absolve companies from claims resulting from war and acts of terrorism.
Despite all those concerns, it is important to remember that your chance of injury or death in a traffic accident or mugging in the United States is still greater than being a victim of terrorism abroad. The drunk driver, for most of us, is still more dangerous than Saddam Hussein.
Worldwide updates
Cameroon: Travel to the extreme-northern province of the country should be avoided. This province includes the city of Maroua and the tourist attractions of Waza National Park and Rhumsiki. It is adjacent to southwestern Chad, where there is considerable unrest. Refugees and former soldiers have filtered across the northern border of Cameroon, and some are armed. The danger of armed robbery in rural areas has increased.
China: Direct flights between Irkutsk in the southwest Soviet Union and the northern Chinese city of Shenyang are scheduled to begin July 1.
India: On Jan. 28, the U.S. State Department recommended against all non- essential travel, and said Americans already in India should consider leaving until Persian Gulf hostilities abate. Those travelers who do not choose to change their travel plans should read local English-language newspapers and check with the American Embassy in New Delhi or consulates in Bombay, Calcutta and Madras for the latest security information on regions they plan to visit.
Indonesia: Irian-Jaya is the western half of the island of New Guinea but forms the easternmost province of Indonesia. If you want to visit, you must have a travel letter (Surat Keternagan Jalan) issued by Indonesian police authorities. Some areas, including the border with Papua New Guinea, are restricted, and all government restrictions should be followed carefully. Guerrillas are active on both sides of the border. Contact the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya for current travel information.
Oman: Gulf Air has begun flights from Bahrain to Muscat, Oman, for the first time since the outbreak of war. The airline hopes to run a daily flight to Muscat or Abu Dhabi to connect with flights to Asia and Europe. The airline levies a surcharge to cover high insurance costs.
Peru: A car bomb exploded recently in the parking lot of Lima`s Jorge Chavez International Airport, and shortly thereafter there was a bazooka attack on the U.S. Embassy. A recent visit to Chavez Airport by U.S. Federal Aviation officials found inadequate adherence to international aviation security standards.
Somalia: U.S. government personnel and dependents have been authorized to leave the country because of civil war. Once the U.S. Embassy has closed, there will be no consular protection or assistance for Americans who remain in Somalia.
Soviet Union: There has been a deeply disturbing trend recently, reversing the positive political direction in which the country had been moving: military crackdowns in the Baltic states (travel to Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia should be avoided), seizure of 50- and 100-ruble notes and sweeping new powers granted the KGB.
The most alarming change is that Soviet troops will patrol major cities with local police. It is claimed that this is a crime-control measure-crime has been increasing in metropolitan areas as rules were relaxed under perestroika and as the economy worsened-but it is doubtful this is the only reason. The effect of these events on foreign travelers is unknown.
Tanzania: A credible threat has been made against American officials. Avoid travel there. If you decide to go anyway, be extremely cautious in downtown Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, market and beach areas and near American facilities.
Thailand: A credible threat of terrorist activity has been made in Bangkok. No specific flight from Bangkok has been targeted, but travelers should be aware of this when making plans.
Travel assistance
In addition to medical insurance, which all travelers should carry, it is a good idea to buy a travel assistance policy when abroad, especially if you are traveling in the developing world. A basic travel assistance policy usually includes trip cancellation insurance and coverage for medical expenses and evacuation in emergencies.
Premiums are low for services offered and well worth the peace of mind. Top companies offering such policies are Access America (800-284-8300), International SOS Assistance (800-523-8930) and Travel Assistance
International (800-821-2828).
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World Travel Watch is a monthly report designed to help you make informed judgments about travel. Because conditions can change overnight, always make your own inquiries before you leave home. In the U.S., contact a Passport Agency office; abroad, check in with the nearest American embassy or consulate.
