Travel Alert
Libya: Day of Mourning

The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Libya, issued the following Warden Message on October 25, 2007:

In commemoration of the Libyan Day of Mourning, the Government of Libya has decreed that on Friday, October 26, internet and international phone calls will be cut off nationwide from 6AM to 6PM. All Libyan Airline flights are cancelled, although other international airline travel may be permitted. International and national ground and marine travel operated by Government of Libya-owned companies are also cancelled. The Day of Mourning commemorates the expulsion by Italy in 1911 of a number of Libyans. 

JoAnne's Advice: If you decided to go despite the warning, I suggest that you register with the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov/,. You should monitor up-to-date information on security 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). I also recommend that you get a good international travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation and travel assistance such as contacting the U.S. embassies on your behalf. I recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance, Liaison International, and Atlas Travel Series .

Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
           For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance

Global Health Alert
Jamaica: New Malaria Cases in Kingston

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received a report of an additional case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a resident of Kingston, Jamaica. This brings the total number of recent cases to two, suggesting that the outbreak that started in September 2006 resulting in 370 cases by June 2007 is still continuing. As a result, CDC is reinstating the recommendation that U.S. travelers to Kingston, Jamaica, take malaria preventive medication (prophylaxis).

This recommendation is expected to be temporary and does not apply to other areas of Jamaica. Jamaica is a country where malaria is not considered endemic and malaria transmission does not normally occur. The Ministry of Health in Jamaica has responded to these latest cases with heightened surveillance for malaria cases, measures to control mosquitoes (larviciding and spraying), and educating the local population.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received official reports of two confirmed malaria cases in Great Exuma, Bahamas. Malaria transmission had not previously been reported from this area, until an outbreak was reported in late spring and summer 2006. One of the confirmed cases occurred in a U.S. citizen who traveled to Great Exuma in late July 2007. This patient’s illness has been confirmed as malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is not considered endemic on the islands of the Bahamas.

At this time, CDC is recommending chloroquine as an antimalarial medication for travelers to Great Exuma. This recommendation is expected to be temporary and does not apply to other islands of the Bahamas.

Chloroquine has a long history of use and safety and is well tolerated by most people, including children. People with an allergy to chloroquine should discuss an alternative antimalarial drug with their health-care provider. To learn more about chloroquine, including dosing information.

Global Health Alert
Latin America: Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year.  In 2007 there has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region.  In Brazil; 480,000 cases have been officially recorded between January and October 2007, which is a 50% increase on 2006.  The worst affected region is the State of Mato Grosso do Sul.

JoAnne's Advice: If you plan to travel to Latin America and the Caribbean, I suggest that you register with the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov/,. You should monitor up-to-date information on security 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). I also recommend that you get a good international travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation and travel assistance such as contacting the U.S. embassies on your behalf. I recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance, Liaison International, and Atlas Travel Series .

Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
           For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance

Overseas Safety and Security
Ecuador: Volcano Warning

The U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador released the following Warden Message on October 19, 2007:

This is to inform American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador that the US Embassy in Quito received reports of increased activity at Tungurahua Volcano, approximately 140 kilometers south of Quito near Bańos. To date, only increased seismic activity, and limited emissions of ash and gas have been reported. Geologists are monitoring the volcano closely. Reports are available at http://www.igepn.edu.ec, under “volcanoes.”

Although the alert status has not changed, volcanic conditions can change rapidly. Tungurahua erupted last year causing significant damage, displacement, deaths, and injuries. Ash from the eruption affected not just the immediate vicinity of the volcano but also closed the city of Bańos.

American citizens are advised to exercise caution in the area around Tungurahua Volcano and to verify that roads and tourist facilities are open before traveling. Because Ecuador is in a region of frequent volcanoes and earthquakes, Americans are advised to keep extra food and water in your homes, and consider purchasing dust masks and heavy gloves to protect hands during ash clean-up.

JoAnne's Advice: If you decided to go despite the warning, I suggest that you register with the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov/,. You should monitor up-to-date information on security 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). I also recommend that you get a good international travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation and travel assistance such as contacting the U.S. embassies on your behalf. I recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance, Liaison International, and Atlas Travel Series .

Let us help you when you need help most.SM

Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
           For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance

Overseas Safety and Security
Hungary: Protests and Demonstrations in Budapest

The U.S. Embassy Hungary issued the following security warning message on October 19, 2007: 

Between October 21st and November 4th, there will be more than 100 events throughout Budapest that will commemorate the 51st Anniversary of the 1956 Revolution. During this period, protestors will stage demonstrations against the Hungarian Government.

Police will be posted throughout the city in large numbers to monitor the different events and demonstrations. The police are preparing for the possibility of violence, such as hooligans infiltrating peaceful, legal demonstrations and trying to cause disturbances.

On October 23, 2006, a large riot occurred in the Astoria section (in Pest – from the intersection of Rákóczi út and Múzeum Körút westward to the Erzsébet Bridge on Szabad Sajtó út) that ended with many injuries and arrests. During that demonstration, police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water canons to control the rioting.

Because of this and earlier similar incidents last autumn, the U.S. Embassy in Budapest again directs the attention of U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Hungary to the following existing language in our Consular Information Sheet for Hungary: 

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations in Hungary and police oversight is routinely provided to ensure adequate security for participants and passersby. Nonetheless, situations may develop which could pose a threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas in which public demonstrations are taking place.

JoAnne's Advice: If you decided to go despite the warning, I suggest that you register with the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov/,. You should monitor up-to-date information on security 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). I also recommend that you get a good international travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation and travel assistance such as contacting the U.S. embassies on your behalf. I recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance, Liaison International, and Atlas Travel Series .

Let us help you when you need help most.SM

Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
           For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance

 

Global Aviation Report

USA, China: New flights to China

 

On September 25, 2007, the U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters announced 6 new flight routes from the U.S. to China.

 

“By bringing China and the U.S. one step closer, we increase our ability to compete, boost our success in the global marketplace, and make international travel for all passengers easier and more affordable,” Secretary Peters said.

 

Secretary Peters announced that Delta Airlines had been awarded a new direct route from Atlanta to Shanghai, making them the first airline to fly that route. The Secretary also announced that United Airlines was awarded a direct route from San Francisco to Guangzhou, to begin flying in 2008. Both the Delta and United awards represent final decisions by the Department.

 

Secretary Peters also proposed awards for four new daily flights to begin in 2009: American Airlines for Chicago-Beijing service, Continental Airlines for Newark-Shanghai service, Northwest Airlines for Detroit-Shanghai service, and US Airways for Philadelphia-Beijing service. Final decisions of these proposed awards will be made in the near future after further public comment.

Secretary Peters said the announcement today is the result of an agreement signed in July with the Chinese government to open up airways between the two countries and double the number of daily flights allowed between the U.S. and China over the next five years. The agreement also allows for new cargo flights operating to and from the U.S. and China.

By increasing competition, allowing more flight options, and reducing costly stops and layovers, these new direct routes are expected to lower fares and increase convenience for both business and leisure passengers to travel to China, Secretary Peters said.

 

 

 

Visa Alert

Bolivia: New Visa Requirement for Americans

 

The U.S. Embassy La Paz in Bolivia issued the following Warden Message on September 20, 2007:

This message is being issued to notify American citizens traveling to and residing in Bolivia of the new visa requirement for American citizens entering Bolivia as tourists.  The Bolivian government announced earlier this month that effective December 1, 2007, U.S. citizens seeking to enter Bolivia as tourists must first obtain an entry visa from a Bolivian diplomatic post nearest their place of residence by submitting an application, and presenting documentation that includes proof of economic solvency, itinerary and lodging, a police record , and yellow fever vaccination. The U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia has requested clarification regarding this policy and we are awaiting further information from Bolivian officials.  Please continue to direct specific inquiries to the Bolivian Embassy in Washington or your nearest Bolivian Consulate (see http://www.bolivia-usa.org/ for contact information). If you are in Bolivia, please contact Bolivian Immigration Services at 211-0960.   An unofficial translation of the Bolivian government decree can be found on the U.S. Embassy website at:  http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/wm17092007.html .

 

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Shakespeare said it well in Othello: "But he that filches from me my good
name/Robs me of that which not enriches him/And makes me poor indeed."

Identity theft is now the fastest growing crime in America and around the world. It happens when a criminal wrongfully obtains and uses the personal information
belonging to someone else--perhaps to you. Such personal information may
include your Social Security number, credit card numbers, or the ATM PIN
code for your bank account. Although you may think you are careful with
this information, identity thieves are clever and can obtain this
information in any number of ways.

A popular method is "shoulder surfing" where the thief just stands near
the ATM and watches as you key in your PIN. Or the thief may listen in on
your cell phone conversation as you make hotel reservations with a credit card.

Many of us have gone fishing at one time or another. Well, ID thieves
utilize "phishing" as a way to get your personal information. They send
out fake e-mails, purportedly from banks or credit card companies,
indicating that there is a problem with your account. In order to "verify"
your account, they ask for your Social Security Number and other
information. Many people respond in good faith to these inquires. As a
result, their identities are often stolen.

While most people would not be caught dead going through a trash bin,
"dumpster diving" has become a new sport for ID thieves. They go through
dumpsters looking for things such as bank statements, checks, or credit
card statements--items that contain your address and account number.

We could go on and on with examples of identity theft, but you get the
picture. There are several things you can do to protect yourself.

- If you have to give out personal information over the phone, make sure
you know who is at the other end of the line. Also, make sure no one is
close by, listening to your conversation. When using an ATM, ensure that
no one is watching you.

- Shred all bank statements and credit card bills before you throw them
away.

- Do not respond to any e-mail inquiries for your information without
first calling the sender.

You can also now purchase an endorsement to your homeowners insurance
policy to cover expenses you incur in case your identity is stolen. For
just a few dollars a year, you may purchase up to $15,000 of such
protection. Please call your insurance agent for more information.

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Overseas Travel Warning
Indonesia: Ramadan Vigilance

The U.S. Embassy Jakarta issued the following Travel Alert on September 17, 2007:

The American citizens need to be aware that the potential exists for disruptions at establishments that serve alcohol during the month of Ramadan by groups acting in the name of religious or moral standards. In recent years, acts of intimidation or threats to destroy property have sought to stop the sale of alcohol or temporarily close businesses. The Embassy urges Americans to be vigilant about security if frequenting these locations until the end of Ramadan and Idul Fitri on October 13/14, 2007.

Americans living and traveling in Indonesia are urged to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, or U.S. Consular Agency in Bali. Registration facilitates the U.S. Mission’s contact with Americans in emergency situations, and may be done on line and in advance of travel. Information on registering can be found at the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs website at http://travelregistration.state.gov and at the Embassy’s website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov. All Travel Warnings, Public Announcements and recent warden messages are posted on the Embassy website.

The Embassy is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 4-5, Jakarta; the 24-hour telephone number is 62-21-3435-9000. The telephone number of the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya is 62-31-295-6400; the number for the U.S. Consulate in Medan is 62-61-415-2200; the number for the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali is 62-361-233-605. 

JoAnne's Advice: Keep in mind that you are a guest in your visiting country. Be respectful to the local custom and religion in your host country. I suggest that you get a good international travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical evacuation and travel assistance such as contacting the U.S. embassies on your behalf. I recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance, Liaison International, and Atlas Travel Series .

Global Aviation Report
New Trend in the Aviation Industry
By JoAnne Green

  Pilots are like fine wines. They get better with age. Researchers say the findings, published in the February 27, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology, show expert knowledge may offset the impact of old age in this and some others occupations.

The American Academy of Neurology study’s results may be surprising to some. Traditionally, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has required that all U.S. pilots stop flying commercial airplanes at age 60. Yet for years, FAA has allowed foreign pilots, age over 60, to fly in and out of the U.S. airports.

On September 27, 2006, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, Marion C. Blakey, established a group of airline, labor and medical experts to recommend whether the United States should adopt International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard and determine what actions would be necessary if the FAA were to change its rule.

On January 30, 2007, Administrator Blakey, announced that the FAA will propose to raise the mandatory retirement age for U.S. commercial pilots from 60 to 65.

For the American Academy of Neurology study, researchers tested 118 non-commercial airline pilots, age 40 to 69, annually for three years. All pilots were currently flying, had between 300 and 15,000 hours of total flight time, and had an FAA medical certificate. Pilots were tested on accuracy of executing communications, traffic avoidance, scanning cockpit instruments to detect emergencies, and executing a visual approach landing.

Researchers suggest that pilots with advanced FAA pilot ratings may maintain performance over time due to a mechanism of preserved task-specific knowledge, known as crystallized intelligence, which is similar to what is seen in music or expert chess playing.

The study was supported by the Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, the Medical Research Service of the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the National Institute on Aging.

“These findings show the advantageous effect of prior experience and specialized expertise on older adults’ skilled cognitive performances,” said study author Joy L. Taylor, PhD, with the Stanford/VA Aging Clinical Research Center in Palo Alto, California. “Our discovery has broader implications beyond aviation to the general issue of aging in the workplace and the objective assessment of competency in older workers.”

“A pilot’s experience counts — it’s an added margin of safety,” said Administrator Blakey. “Foreign airlines have demonstrated that experienced pilots in good health can fly beyond age 60 without compromising safety.”

Federal Aviation Administration made wise decisions in changing on the U.S. pilot's mandated retirement age based on the result of scientific study rather than the pressure of union leaders. Finally, experience and competency count!

About the Author: JoAnne Green is an American businesswoman. She specializes in multinational business relation and transglobal risk management. She is founder and principal of Sunburst International Risk Management, SIRM, (www.internationalriskmanagement.com).
Copyright (c) JoAnne Green

Overseas Health Issue
China: No Sewage or Water Treatment for 700 Million People

According to a Reuters' report today, more than half of China's 1.3 billion population, including 278 cities, live without any form of sewage or water treatment.

An estimated 5,000 "administrative towns" and 20,000 smaller "market towns" also had no sewage treatment facilities, and a lack of clean water was especially acute in the central province of Henan.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government is scurrying to clean up the filthy air in Beijing timely for the opening of 2008 Olympics.

JoAnne's Advice: Keep in mind that China is ruled by a communist government. If you plan to travel to China, be extremely careful about what you say, do, eat, and drink.  Remember to take with you a good respirator, which you can find at your local hardware store, and water-purification tablets, or better yet, a portable water filter, which you can buy from REI. A good international medical plan and emergency medical evacuation insurance such as Atlas Travel Series, or  Liaison International or Liaison Traveler is essential for any travelers who visit or live in China.

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Air Travel Safety
Turkey: Attempted Hijack of Turkish Aircraft

On Saturday, August 18,2007,  two men attempted to hijack an Atlasjet flight en route to Istanbul from northern Cyprus, intent on causing the aircraft to land in either Iran or Syria. Instead, the plane’s pilots arranged an emergency landing in southern Turkey, claiming the plane needed to be refueled. Upon landing, most of the 147 passengers escaped through doors on the sides and back of the plane, but the hijackers held four passengers and two crew members for more than five hours of negotiations. Ultimately, all six were released and the hijackers surrendered.

According to the Turkish government, one of the hijackers was a Turkish national and the other was an Egyptian citizen of Palestinian heritage. The two met in Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus. Open press sources have quoted passengers who claimed the hijackers announced that they were al-Q’aida members, and Turkish police stated that the two suspects confessed they wanted to fly to Iran or Syria, and then travel to Afghanistan to join al-Q’aida. Although the men claimed to have a bomb on board, upon investigation, the purported explosive was constructed of clay.

This marked the fifth attempted hijacking of a Turkish plane in four years. Significantly, in each instance, the hijackers falsely claimed to have explosives on board. In April, a Turkish male attempted to hijack a plane traveling from Istanbul to southeastern Turkey; the pilots were able to safely land in Ankara and the hijacker surrendered. Although the Turkish press characterized this most recent attempt at hijacking as “amateurish,” the episode demonstrates that these incidents have the ability to ground aircraft and cause potential flight disruptions.

JoAnne's Advice: I suggest that you get a good international travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical evacuation and travel assistance such as contacting the U.S. embassies on your behalf. I recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance, Liaison International, and Atlas Travel Series . You'll be glad you did.<