World Travel Risks
Bahrain: Tensions High Following Grand Prix Violence
With the Grand Prix over, the Bahraini monarchy is still faced with the task of stabilizing the country. Clashes between anti-government protesters and police broke out April 22 just hours before the trademark race was set to begin. The race, which was cancelled last year due to tensions in the country, went ahead as planned [...]
China: Foreigner's Death Spurs Better Security in Chongqing
Chongqing municipal police have vowed to better protect foreigners after the recent death'believed to be a homicide'of a British national. Officials claim that outside of the recent scandal, there have been no cases of violent crimes against foreigners in Chongqing since 2010. The megacity is a hub of business, academics and tourism, and is plagued [...]
Colombia: Government Prepares for Eruption from Deadly Volcano
The government is preparing for the imminent eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, which has become increasingly active, emitting columns of gas and steam. The Interior Ministry ordered the fire departments of 19 municipalities to stand prepared for an eruption, as calls for contingency plans involving evacuation are being heard. Nevado del Ruiz is [...]
Japan: New Airport Security Measures to Come
Passengers who complain of untimely security delays at American airports take notice: international airports in Japan will shortly begin random body searches and baggage checks. According to the Kyodo news agency, the transport ministry has decreed that roughly 10 percent of passengers will be selected for the new procedures. In line with other countries that [...]
Lebanon: Five Injured in Latest Restaurant Bombing
In the last few months, bombings have rocked the majority-Muslim city of Tyre, targeting nightclubs, shops and restaurants that serve alcohol. The latest bomb went off shortly after midnight April 23, injuring five and damaging the building that housed the targeted restaurant. While the majority of Tyre residents are Shi'ite Muslims, members of Lebanon's Christian [...]
Chile: Earthquake Rattles Country
A 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook eight regions of the country April 17, causing two people to die of heart attacks. After the quake ended, shockwaves were felt north and south of Santiago, prompting the government to urge calm while the damage was being assessed. Following the guidelines of the National Emergency Office, the Chilean coast [...]
Mali: Swiss Citizen Kidnapped in Timbuktu
A Swiss woman was abducted in Timbuktu, a city seized by Islamists following the recent coup in the country. Local reports identified the woman as a Christian who had lived in Timbuktu for years and was active in the community. The Swiss government advised its citizens'as did the U.S. State Department'to consider leaving the country [...]
New Zealand: Temporary Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch
As Christchurch continues to recover from February's deadly earthquake, New Zealand's Anglican church has announced that it will build a temporary cathedral made of cardboard. The church's 131-year-old cathedral was destroyed in last year's quake, and the cardboard cathedral is a stand-in as a permanent replacement is planned and constructed. The transitional cathedral is largely [...]
Tunisia: U.S. State Department Warns of Unrest
The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Tunisia, citing the potential for unrest in the country. While tourist areas remain fairly calm, spontaneous events such as work stoppages and demonstrations still occur, and the country remains under a state of emergency. Furthermore, curfews can be reestablished on short notice. Travelers should assess local [...]
United Kingdom: Four-Day Strike in London
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) announced that London Underground workers will stage a four-day strike from 4 PM April 24 to 4 PM April 27. The workers maintain and upgrade the Piccadilly, Northern and Jubilee lines, and voted to go on strike in an effort to go on the London pension scheme and [...]
