CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech government reported Sept. 23 that it had received information of a terrorist threat in Prague and stepped up security at the airport and other locations. The U.S. Embassy issued a statement recommending that all visitors be vigilant but that it had “no knowledge of specific terrorist plans in the Czech Republic.”
ITALY
A 24-hour strike planned by Alitalia workers for Oct. 9 was canceled. In recent weeks, strikes have forced cancellation of dozens of flights, and in response, the government vowed to present a new business plan for Alitalia by the end of the year. In other news, Prime Minister Romano Prodi has proposed allowing cities and towns to levy a $6.30 per day accommodations tax on tourists.Officials in Rome, Florence and Venice are considering imposing the tax.
KENYA
Kenya has its share of police corruption, and one of the challenges for travelers is knowing what to do when confronted with a roadblock. Most of the time they are legitimate, but sometimes they are set up by criminals posing as police. At legitimate roadblocks, police will issue a “cash bill” if they accuse you of an infraction. Kenyan law does not permit collecting fines at roadblocks, and the “cash bill” acts as bail to assure that you appear in court, where the bill is fully refundable, providing you have a receipt. Always cooperate with police at roadblocks and be sure to appear in court if requested. If you encounter problems at a roadblock, ask for the person in charge, and ask for the badge number. Police are required by law to provide badge numbers to anyone who asks for them.
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Compiled from various news services and travel sources. For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.
