Peru: After more than two months of violence and protests over a copper-mining project known as Tia Maria, the government declared a state of emergency in Islay and has instituted martial law, including restricting freedom of movement and assembly in the region. The martial law restrictions about 650 miles south of Lima affect the districts of Cocachacra, Dean Valdivia, Punta de Bombon, Mejia, Mollendo and Islay and may also include curfews.
Belize: Tourists are urged to use increased caution when traveling the Western Highway between Roaring Creek and Teakettle because of an increase in violent crime in recent months. Since Jan. 1, at least 11 people have been murdered in the region amid other violent crimes. Drivers should avoid suspicious detours, not pull over if being followed by vehicles, leave space for maneuvering your vehicle and escaping traffic congestion and avoid following predictable travel itineraries.
Caribbean: Health officials have reported the presence of Aedes mosquitoes, which carry the Zika virus, in Jamaica and in Trinidad and Tobago. Though no fatal cases have been reported in any outbreak regions, the virus can cause fever, conjunctivitis, joint pain (particularly in the hands and feet) and a rash that spreads from the face to the whole body. Symptoms generally last for a week, and infection can be avoided only by protecting against mosquito bites.
Germany: The annual G7 summit kicks off in early June, and with it will come many protests. Demonstrations are expected in and around Schloss Elmau, a resort in the Bavarian Alps that sits between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald. Specific affected areas include Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Klais, Mittenwald and Munich in the days around the June 7-8 summit. Tourists should be prepared for road closures, travel delays and heightened security, including checkpoints along the Austrian border.
Worldwide: The risk-analysis firm Verisk Maplecroft recently named 64 cities worldwide as being at extreme risk for terror attacks and therefore possibly unsafe for tourists. Though war-torn cities like Baghdad, Kabul and Tripoli naturally rank high on the list, other cities such as tourist spots Cairo; Jerusalem; Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya; and Tel Aviv also made the list. Paris was ranked as the world’s 94th most dangerous city, though not in the extreme group, yet other reports indicate improved safety there because police presence has increased since the Charlie Hebdo attack in January. The top six cities are in Iraq.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov.
Habegger and Burlison are freelance reporters.
