U.S. government warns women of risks in India

Thinking of travelling to India? You should be aware that Western women are facing an increasing risk of harassment and sexual assault. The widely-publicized rape and murder of British teen Scarlett Keeling in Goa and other known cases are highlighting the need for better safety practices and cultural awareness. The issue is prompting warnings in government travel advice for India.

A recent update to the Country Specific Information page for India (from the U.S. Department of State) includes new advice on how women can protect themselves while they travel. Here’s what the advice had to say:

“U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Western women continue to report incidents of physical harassment by groups of men. Known as ”Eve-teasing,” these incidents can be quite frightening. While India is generally safe for foreign visitors, according to the latest figures by Indian authorities, rape is the fastest growing crime in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas underline the fact that foreign women are also at risk and should exercise vigilance.

“Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding using public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions; restricting evening entertainment to well known venues; and avoiding walking in isolated areas alone at any time of day. Women should also ensure their hotel room numbers remain confidential and insist the doors of their hotel rooms have chains, deadlocks, and spy-holes. In addition, it is advisable for women to hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially during the hours of darkness. It is preferable to obtain taxis from hotels rather than hailing them on the street. If women encounter threatening situations, they can call 100 for police assistance.”

Of course, the advice is not exclusive to U.S. women, and the precautions mentioned above are good advice for travel in many countries. The latest news and advice for India can be found on our India Travel Advisory page.

Canadians: Why your CCC won't get you in

Got a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship? You'll still need a passport for foreign travel, otherwise
you may face unnecessary delays and hassles, or be turned away at the border. While many Canadians have a CCC as proof of citizenship in order to apply for jobs, get a passport or obtain other official documents, the certificate cannot be used as a travel document.

Here’s the proof: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has recently been updating its travel reports to include the following warning:

“A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.”

Translation: Get a passport or expect trouble.

While the CCC can’t be used as proof of citizenship for entry into the U.S., a birth certificate and driver’s license will still suffice at land and sea borders.

When in doubt, check the government advice to see what documentation you need.

Nyepi: Important advice you'll want to know about this Indonesian holiday

A day of silence for Nyepi, also known as Balinese New Year, will be observed from starting at 6:00 am March 7 and lasting until 6:00 am March 8. Does this observance affect foreign visitors? Yes.

How will this affect your plans? Check out the latest advice from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:

“All people in Bali must remain indoors and silent during this period. The use of electricity is not permitted. Foreigners on the island should remain in their hotel rooms and seek the advice of hotel management. Anyone who chooses not to comply with these regulations risks being stopped by local security personnel and forcibly returned to their homes or hotels.

“In Bali, all seaports and the airport will be closed for this 24-hour period. Only transit, overfly, technical landing and emergency landing flights are allowed, but these flights will not be allowed to take any passengers with last destination in Bali or departure from Bali. Canadians should be aware of this and plan accordingly. Travellers should also note that outside of resort hotels, all stores and restaurants will be closed and all activities postponed.”

For more advice, see AllSafeTravels' Indonesia Travel Advisory page.

New road rules for Oman

Planning a road trip in Oman? You’ll want to exercise caution when it comes to the rules of the road. According to a recent advice update from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Royal Omani Police are now implementing stiffer penalties for traffic offenses as of January 2008. Running a red light, using the shoulder to pass another car or driving with an invalid or expired license will result in a minimum 48 hour jail sentence.

Government travel advice warns that all travellers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Oman. Using a cell phone while driving is still prohibited, and anyone who is believed to be at fault in an accident may be jailed for 48 hours. Watch out for hazards such as wandering lifestock and poorly lit roads.

Want to know more? Check out the government advisories section on our Oman Travel Advisory page, and take a look at AST's Five things you should know before you drive abroad.

Kosovo gets its own advice

Looking for travel advice specific to Kosovo? Now you can find it.

If you’ve been listening to the radio, watching TV or reading the news, you already know that Kosovo declared independence on February 17. Word of the announcement and related civil unrest has already made it into government travel advice for Serbia.

But the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has taken it one step further: it has released a travel advice page specifically for Kosovo. The FCO is the first governent to separate Serbia and Kosovo travel advice.

Other governments may follow suit in the coming weeks. For now, all advice pertain to Serbia and/or Kosovo can be found on the Serbia (Kosovo) Travel Advisory page. (Note: Currently the advice and news is still so tightly integrated that we're keeping it on one page... for now...)

Why do Brits need help abroad?

What are three common reasons need help abroad – and what can you can do to avoid the same problems?

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice includes in its summary how many of its nationals visit a country, and for what reasons they may seek consular help. Here are the top three issues that come up most often, and what you can do to avoid them:

Lost or stolen passports: Easily the most common issue, and often tied to petty crime such as pick pocketing. Take extra care to safeguard your documents like using a hotel safe, and keep a photocopy handy to help obtain a replacement if needed.

Arrest or detention: Most often people are arrested for drug offenses or alcohol related incidents such as drunk driving and vandalism. Sidestep this problem by following local laws and customs and drinking responsibly.

Hospitalization or Death: Don’t panic: The advice is careful to note that most deaths are from natural causes. Accidents and health emergencies can happen abroad as well as at home. If the worst happens, travel insurance – including health coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation – can cover the substantial costs. Your embassy can help with the rest.

The FCO’s advice usually notes that “most visits are trouble-free”. Considering the large number of travellers who visit a country each year, the number of people requiring help is quite small by comparison. Keep a copy of your embassy’s contact information (including emergency phone number) with you so you’ll always know where to find help.

Warning levels decrease for Burma

Is Burma safer now that the unrest has died down? Government travel advice seems to think so. In the past week, both the Australian and Canadian governments have lowered the warning level for Burma (Myanmar). On January 25, Australia’s advice dropped one level from “reconsider your need to travel” to “exercise high degree of caution” (third out of five possible levels).

Likewise, on February 1, the Canadian government lowered its level of warning from “we advise against all non-essential travel” to “exercise high degree of caution”. Both governments still advise against all travel to border areas with Thailand.

So how does this warning level compare with other governments?

The U.S. Department of State’s Travel Alert for Burma – advising U.S. Citizens to defer non-essential travel -- expired the end of December 2007. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office dropped its advisory against all but essential travel late November/early December. Both continue to warn of security and unrest at the Thai border though they haven't issued a specific warning.

Are Canada and Australia slow to react?

Not necessarily -- The bombings that took place in Burma from January 11-13 may be partially responsible for the differences. No two governments are completely alike when it comes to assessing and communicating risks.

Want to know what's going on now? Take a look at our Myanmar Travel Advisory page to see the latest updates, news and current issues.

Full tank a "must have" for travel

Can a political crisis in one country affect your road trip in another? Yes, if you’re traveling in Rwanda. Consider the following advice update from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office:

“The Government of Rwanda has imposed fuel (diesel, petrol and kerosene) restrictions on all private vehicles due to the ongoing political crisis in Kenya (all Rwanda's fuel is imported via Kenya). You can only purchase fuel up to a maximum value of 5 000 Rwandan Francs (roughly £5.00) at any one petrol station. Buses and taxis are not affected. If you plan to travel outside Kigali in a private vehicle you should make sure you have a full tank of fuel.”

While mediators work to settle the dispute in Kenya, there is currently no word on when these restrictions might be lifted.For the latest news and updates for Rwanda, check out our Rwanda Travel Advisory page.

Keep your luxuries to yourself in the DPRK

Do you know how the United Nations sanctions may affect you when traveling to North Korea?

The Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade now warns its citizens to familiarize themselves with United Nations sanctions before they travel to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), especially when it comes to luxury goods.

According to the governmental advice, Australians are allowed to carry items on the luxury goods list for their personal use only. The sale or transfer of goods is strictly prohibited.

Not Australian? You should still known and understand the UN sanctions. Check your government advice for more information.

Canadians: Got a passport?

What does the January 31 deadline mean for your travel plans?

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is meant to improve security and simplify entry in to the U.S. As of the January 31 2008 deadline, Canadians now need a WHTI compliant document to enter the U.S. through Land and Sea entry points. Customs officials will stop asking for verbal declarations of citizenship and will start demanding proof. Most travellers will now need a government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and birth certificate.

A passport for land and sea travel may be required as soon as June 2008 but an official deadline has not been set by the U.S. government. Recent media reports indicate that this date has been pushed back to June 2009. There is also talk of enhanced driver’s licenses being accepted instead, but a passport is still the recommended document for international travel. Passports are still required for all air travel.

Questions? Check out our article on new entry requirements.

How safe is your airline?

Do you have concerns about the safety and security of your airline? Recent updates to Australian government travel advice now include a section on Airline Safety. Aside from general advice such as travel tips and carry-on restrictions, you can also find out more information about operating bans and restrictions.

The Air Transport Portal of the European Commission publishes a list of airlines banned within the European Union which also includes airlines operating under restrictions or specific conditions. This advice focuses on individual airlines and imposes penalties based on violations of regulatory practice.

In contrast, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) focuses on a country’s (not the specific airline’s) ability to follow international standards and best practices for maintenance and operation. Further research can be done at the International Civil Aviation Organization website.

Brits behaving badly

How prepared are travellers when it comes to avoiding or minimizing problems? A new report suggests there is a lot of room for improvement.

Arrests, hospitalizations, lost passports and even deaths are among the many reasons British nationals needed help from their government while travelling last year. On August 2, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Know before you go campaign released its new report on British Behaviour Abroad which reveals some startling statistics.

For instance, Greece had the largest number of hospitalizations at 955, despite having significantly less visitors than Spain and France. The USA has the most arrests per capita at 1368, as well as the most lost passports (3064) – second only to 6078 lost passports in Spain which had three times as many visits. The data doesn't cover victims of crime other than rape or transportation accidents.

Furthermore, the report suggests that “although Brits are getting more adventurous with their travels, they are not doing enough preparation before they go.” The FCO hopes releasing this data will encourage travellers to better prepare for their trips. According to the report, the FCO “believes that many of these problems could be prevented or made easier to deal with through better preparation by travellers”. The report therefore provides tips and information on preventing common problems, such as protecting your password, avoidng excessive drinking and exercising caution in certain locations.

The best advice? Check out the government travel advice before you go.

To see the full details of the report, see British Behaviour Abroad.

Insure a good trip to Belarus

Insurance can keep you out of trouble in the event of an accident, but not having it can even keep you out of some countries.

For Belarus, insurance is more than a failsafe – it’s a necessity if you want to get into the country. The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns its citizens that medical insurance is compulsory for a trip to Belarus. Health insurance must be purchased from a Belarus insurance company or a company accredited in Belarus. A list of companies is available from Belarus Embassies and insurance can even be purchased when obtaining a visa.

The advice also notes that if you plan to drive in Belarus you are required to have third-party car insurance (which can only be purchased when you arrive).

What is ANZAC Day?

ANZAC (short for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.
This important anniversary is marked every year with ceremonies to commemorate the campaign and the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives.

The Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs website outlines the history of ANZAC Day and provides information about worldwide events on this day.

According to a recent article on NEWS.com.au, security measures will be even tighter for this year’s events in Turkey. For example, attendees with be required to wear a wrist-band to show that they have passed security screening, and alcohol and inappropriate entertainment will be banned.

Both the Australian and New Zealand governments have issued special travel bulletins.

Take your bible, but don’t take copies

Many countries are tolerant of other religious practices, but beware of materials that could be confiscated or get you into trouble with the law.

While predominantly Islamic countries do accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, beware of what religious materials you take with you when traveling. For example, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for Saudi Arabia warns that religious books and materials brought in for personal use may be confiscated. If you’re caught importing large quantities of religious books other than the Quran, you will be suspected of trying to convert others and you could face serious penalties.

Other countries have similar bans on religious materials, so check before you go and don’t take a book or artifact that you would be upset to lose.

Don’t drink and trek

Trekking through the mountains can have serious risks. According to multiple government advice sources, those who plan to travel in high-altitude areas should take precautions against acute mountain sickness. The cause? Going too high too fast and not allowing the body to adjust to lowering levels of oxygen in the air. Alcohol can also exacerbate the condition, and in rare cases cause fatality.

Government advice for countries such as Peru, Nepal and even Andorra recommends that travelers should be physically fit, in good health and equipped with proper gear. They should also be aware of the risks, plan an itinerary that allows for acclimatization and follow professional advice. Traveling with an experienced guide is also recommended.

While government advice does not go into detail, there are many good online sources, such as the UK-based Travel Doctor website, that provide more information.

Where to go for official advice

According to a recent survey conducted by Redfern Research, only 1 in 4 travelers consult government advice when they are researching their trips. What are you missing, and where can you find it?

According to Redfern, one of the reasons so few people consult government sources is that they are not aware of the services and information governments have started to provide in the past few years. Government advice is well-researched and reviewed, and contains the information that travelers need to know, such as current issues, travel warnings, country information and visa requirements.

For English-speaking travelers, here are the main advice sources:

• Smartraveller.gov.au (Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
• Voyage.gc.ca (Canada Foreign Affairs and International Trade Office)
• Safetravel.govt.nz (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office (United Kingdom)
• Travel.state.gov (United States Department of State)

While you should always check your government's advice for your travel destination, it never hurts to compare the content with other governments. Different countries have access to different levels of information based on diplomatic relations and geographic proximity.

Australia advice for your travels

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s www.smartraveller.gov.au website offers country-specific travel advisories for Australian citizens. The advisories include important information such as Local Laws, Safety and Security and Health issues. The department also posts issue or event-specific Travel Bulletins for more in-depth advice. You can even subscribe to email updates or RSS news feeds to be notified when advice changes. Smartraveller also has travel tips, health advice and other general travel information.

An additional note: The DFAT advice is written specifically for Australian nationals. It never hurts to compare advice from different governments to see how they differ.

New Zealand advice for your travel

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s www.smartravel.govt.nz website offers country-specific travel warnings for New Zealand citizens. The site reports on current security risks in each country, such as political instability, crime and threats of terrorism, that can affect citizens of New Zealand. You can even subscribe to email updates when advice is changed.

An additional note: The MFAT website does not have warnings or advisories for all countries, but it will direct you to other governments’ advice. It never hurts to compare advice from different governments to see how they compare.

UK advice for your travel

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issues Travel Advice by country which includes relevant information including Safety and Security, Local Laws and Customs, Entry Requirements and Health. You can find additional advice for current issues, such as Avian & Pandemic Flu, Risk of Terrorism and Hurricanes in the navigation bar on the left hand side of the screen.

Another bonus – you can subscribe to receive email alerts about changes to Travel Advice notices that affect you.

British nationals may also be interested in looking at the What We Can Do to Help section and the Know Before You Go awareness campaign.

An additional note: It never hurts to compare government advice from different countries to see what’s different.