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In its revised Travel Alert on Chile, the State Department is advising U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Chile due to the February 27 earthquake’s aftermath. It has further advised Americans in Chile to apprise friends or family of their well-being via telephone or Internet.

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The Monitor reports that, beginning March 1, 2010, foreign visitors will need a passport to enter Mexico. The requirement will not apply to visitors traveling to one of Mexico’s border cities, e.g., Reynosa or Nuevo Progresso, and who visit only the border area. However, visitors traveling beyond the border area will need to show their passport to immigration officials. For Americans and Canadians traveling beyond border regions, a tourist card will be required (at no cost for a visit of up to seven days, or approximately $20 for a six-month tourist card).

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The U.S. State Department has announced a travel alert for India. U.S. citizens visiting or living in India are cautioned about possible terrorist attacks throughout India during the country’s current holiday season which also coincides with the anniversary of the September 11th attacks. It has been less than one year since the Mumbai attacks in which hotels and other public places were targeted.

Accordingly, U.S. citizens are advised to:

• be aware of local surroundings;
• maintain a low profile;
• monitor local news reports;
• consider the security level of venues before visiting them; and
• register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate via the State Department’s website. Those without internet access can register directly at any of the five diplomatic offices.

The travel alert will expire on October 30, 2009.

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Recent violence in Urumpqi, in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, resulted in The State Department issuing a Travel Alert in the area until August 10, 2009. Americans in that area are advised to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement in the city. Those planning on traveling to the area have been advised to defer their travel to the region.

While there is no indication of violence directed at U.S. citizens, Chinese state media has reported over 150 deaths and over 1,000 injured. Although there is an increased security presence, further violence might occur.

The State Department has recommended that Americans register through its website with whichever office is nearest: the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu, the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, or the U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang.

Travelers can obtain information on security conditions by calling, toll free, (888) 407-4747, in the U.S. or, if outside the United States and Canada, (202) 501-4444 - toll charges will apply.

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The Department of State has issued a travel alert to warn U.S. citizens of safety and security concerns in Madagascar “due to demonstrations stemming from a political rift between supporters of the mayor of the capital city of Antananarivo and the government of Madagascar.” The travel alert urges American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Madagascar at this time, and expires on May 1, 2009. Although, to date, American citizens have not been targeted, the alert urges U.S. citizens already in Madagascar to maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile.

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