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Sign up to receive free USG news updates via email ------------- SAMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT ------------- From: CA, Travel Info To: DOSTRAVEL@LISTS.STATE.GOV Subject: Ecuador Public Announcement Ecuador Public Announcement This Public Announcement is to alert Americans that the security situation in Quito remains unsettled following the April 20 removal of Ecuador's president. There have been no reports of disruptions in the rest of the country, and both the U.S. Embassy in Quito and the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil remain open. This Public Announcement expires on May 31, 2005. After a week of increasingly confrontational protests and demonstrations, the President of Ecuador was removed from office, and the Vice-President took the oath of office on April 20, 2005. The protests, centered in Quito, may abate, but the possibility exists that they may continue. American citizens should avoid large crowds and demonstrations and minimize travel in the city. Demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution in the vicinity of any demonstrations. Seek reliable sources of information for news of demonstrations, protests and other activities that may impact your safety and security. For updated information on the protests in Quito, please call the Embassy at 011-593-2-256-2890 X4510 during working hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) For emergency services after hours, please call 011-593-2-223-4126 or 256-1749. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for State Department Travel Warnings further reading... Sefco Export: security precautions historical perspective: wardens message for US Expats (Moscow-03) HAITI ALERT March - Valid May 2005 This Travel Warning is being issued to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation, even though the authorized departure for non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. Embassy personnel has been lifted. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued October 14, 2004. Americans are reminded of the potential for spontaneous demonstrations and violent confrontations between armed groups. Visitors and residents must remain vigilant due to the absence of an effective police force in much of Haiti; the potential for looting; the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the police; and the possibility of random violent crime, including kidnapping, car-jacking, and assault. Travel can be hazardous within Port-au-Prince. Some areas are off-limits to embassy staff, including downtown Port-au-Prince after dark. The embassy has imposed a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., which could change periodically. Staff members must remain in their homes or in U.S. government facilities during the hours covered by the curfew. The embassy has limited travel by its staff outside of Port-au-Prince and the ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port-Au-Prince remains extremely limited. U.S. businesses continue to operate in Haiti, but take special precautions to protect their facilities and personnel. The UN stabilization force (MINUSTAH) is fully deployed and is assisting the government of Haiti in providing security. They have challenged violent gangs and have moved into some gang enclaves. U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in Haiti despite this Travel Warning must remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and are strongly advised to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ or come to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) to obtain updated information on travel and security in Haiti. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can be reached at (509) 223-7011, the fax number is (509) 223-9665 and the e-mail address is acspap@state.gov. Travelers should also consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Haiti and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from overseas. In Haiti citizens can call 509/222-0200 ext. 2000. Sefco Export's Security Review: "Safe and Sound"

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