1. SPAIN
Under a directive from the European Union, air carriers must begin collecting “Advance Passenger Information” from all passengers from non-Schengen Treaty countries, and Spain is the first country to apply this requirement. This means that all U.S. citizens flying to Spain must now provide information such as name, nationality, date of birth and passport number before departure, either online or at the airport.
2. SRI LANKA
A joint effort by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, the Tourism Ministry and the Police Department has re-established a Tourist Police Division that will set up stations in key resorts.
3. SYRIA
The U.S. Embassy in Damascus reported recent incidents of sexual harassment against foreign women in the Syrian capital. In the first week of June, two incidents occurred when women walking alone were groped in the early morning or early evening. Several months ago, two women walking together near Damascus University experienced similar physical harassment.
4. TAJIKISTAN
The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe encouraged all U.S. citizens to carry their passports with valid visas (or copies) at all times to present to local officials if questioned. All foreigners must register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if staying in the country for more than three days.
5. TURKEY
A small bomb outside a clothing shop near the airport in the Istanbul district of Bakirkoy injured 14 people June 10.
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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.
