Egypt: A tourist was recently banned from entering the country again after he was caught climbing to the top of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Climbing the ancient pyramids is strictly forbidden and anyone caught breaking this law could face up to three years in prison. Climbing any pyramid or other historic site is not only dangerous, it is disrespectful and can damage the heritage sites.
Fiji: Travelers should be aware that a significant increase in credit card fraud has been reported in the pasts few months; only two cases were on record for the prior two years, but in recent months reports increased by dozens. The U.S. Embassy says that card information is most often obtained through dumpster diving or skimming, in which a device is placed in ATM slots to collect card data. Tourists should use caution when discarding receipts and withdraw cash inside banks when possible.
Guatemala: Tourists visiting the Volcan de Agua National Park area are urged to use caution because several armed robberies have been reported in recent weeks. The high security risk has prompted the U.S. Embassy to restrict employees from personal travel to the popular tourist area. Those choosing to visit should have personal security plans in place, leaving valuables behind in a safe, secure location.
Thailand: Health officials expect to see a 16-percent increase in nationwide dengue cases this year, a sharp increase from the 140,000 cases of infection in 2015. While chemical spraying continues to be used to combat the mosquitoes, it is growing less effective as the dengue-carrying Aedes mosquito populations increase in urban areas. The infection, which currently has no vaccine available outside of Mexico, the Philippines and Brazil, can cause severe head, joint and body aches, fever, rash and in extreme cases, organ failure.
Turkey: The U.S. State Department released an updated travel warning, advising tourists to avoid travel to the southeastern region of the country, particularly along the Syrian border where terror threats are a major concern. Terrorists have targeted popular tourist sites and U.S. government buildings. Kidnapping is also a concern. Travelers are urged to avoid large crowds, use vigilance near popular tourist destinations and follow the instructions of local authorities in case of emergencies.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, www.travel.state.gov.
Larry Habegger and Dani Burlison are freelance reporters.
