Caribbean
The tourist season means an influx of credit cards and hard American currency, which also translates into a spike in fraudulent activity on the islands. Criminal organizations thrive at this time because merchants often have to take on additional, temporary employees who are not as good at spotting abnormal occurrences and transactions. Payment fraud and counterfeit currency are growing problems in the small island nations, and skimming and harvesting techniques become common in bars, clubs and restaurants. Travelers should keep a close watch on their account activity.
Egypt
The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Egypt ahead of its first free presidential elections since Hosni Mubarak was ousted more than a year ago. The country continues to be plagued by sporadic violence and demonstrations, along with the underlying sectarian tension between Copts and Muslims. Egypt’s first round of voting will be May 23-24. If needed, a second round will be June 16-17. Political rallies and demonstrations can be expected. Travelers are advised to avoid gatherings, though tourist hubs remain calm.
Fiji
Cyclone Daphne caused severe flooding, killing five and leaving thousands stranded in evacuation shelters on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, April 1. The storm caused major rivers and streams to swell, prompting safety concerns in low-lying areas. Viti Levu was hit with exceptionally strong winds and heavy rain. The cyclone disrupted travel, flooding the roads surrounding the Nadi International Airport and causing authorities to suspend all incoming flights for a day.
Russia
Vladimir Putin’s recent election did not completely quell the unrest that the prospect of his return to the presidency stirred. Fifty-five protesters were arrested April 1 near the Red Square as they surrounded the area donning white ribbons, a symbol of the protest movement. As a result, police unexpectedly closed off the historic square near the Kremlin to all visitors.
Thailand
Three bombs rocked parts of southern Thailand on March 31. The attacks left at least 13 dead and hundreds injured in the troubled provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, notorious for Islamic separatist movements dating to 2004. The third blast went off in the parking lot of a five-star hotel in Hat Yai, killing three. Authorities warned that further attacks would merit the imposition of martial law. Most of the violence has been targeted at areas not known for tourism, though Hat Yai is a tourism and trade center.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov
