1. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The national security ministry mobilized soldiers to join police patrols from Christmas through Carnival in February in response to rising crime.
2. BELGIUM
Police increased security in Brussels Dec. 21 when they uncovered a plan by suspected Islamists to free an imprisoned Al Qaeda sympathizer. Police arrested 14 suspects. As a precaution, security was tightened in public places such as the metro system, railway stations, shopping districts and the international airport. These heightened measures will remain in place until Jan. 2. Belgium has never been a target of terrorists.
3. INDIA
Getting a visa to visit India now requires an application filled out online. Once filled out, the form must be printed and mailed with other papers, including proof of state residence such as a copy of a driver’s license or utility bill. Applicants without computer access at home can go to a public library, Internet cafe or other business that provides access to the Internet.
4. UNITED KINGDOM
Workers at seven UK airports plan a series of strikes to protest changes to airport operator BAA’s pension plan. The first two strikes will be for 24 hours on Jan. 7 and 14, and the third strike will be for 48 hours beginning Jan. 17. Affected airports are London’s Heathrow and Gatwick, Scotland’s Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and Southampton and Stansted. The walkout could cause severe disruptions.
———-
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.
