Travel Information

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Georgia Travel Warning

This Travel Warning updates information on the current security situation in Georgia to include the return of U.S. Embassy eligible family members to Tbilisi, the resumption of visa services, and the status of roads within the country. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Georgia issued August 12, 2008. The Department of State authorized the return of U.S. Embassy eligible family members to Tbilisi on August 23, 2008. However, since Russian troops remain in some parts of the country near Poti, Zugidi and Senaki as well as in the conflict zones, Embassy staff and family members will travel outside of Tbilisi only with the concurrence of the Regional Security Officer. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens in Georgia to exercise caution while traveling.American citizens currently in Georgia are urged to continue to review their personal security situations to take appropriate action to ensure their safety. Given the recent upheaval in Georgia, American citizens should take precautions in case of an increase in violent crime. Private American citizens are encouraged to follow the precautions detailed below and to remain in close communication with the American Embassy in Tbilisi for more detailed information.On August 10, 11, and 14 three Embassy-coordinated convoys departed Georgia for Armenia. There are no additional convoys currently scheduled at this time. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy suspended visa processing, but will resume visa services on August 27. The Peace Corps temporarily relocated trainees and volunteers to Armenia on August 11, however, the Peace Corps office in Tbilisi remains open for business.American citizens in Georgia are advised to register with the Department of State on-line at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or in person at U.S. Embassy Tbilisi so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Travel in some parts of western Georgia remains unpredictable.American citizens should monitor the U.S. Embassy website http://georgia.usembassy.gov and stay in contact with family and friends in the United States. American citizens in Tbilisi may also tune in to Radio Syndicati at FM 104.3 or throughout Georgia at Radio Green Wave at FM 107.4 for updated U.S. Embassy warden message information.Family members and friends unable to verify the safety and welfare of U.S. citizens in the affected area should call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or from other areas via a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens in the area are urged to monitor the local news. Those residing or traveling in Georgia are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or in person at U.S. Embassy Tbilisi so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the embassy to contact them in case of emergency.The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is located at 11 George Balanchine Street (in Didi Dighomi), Tbilisi 0131, Georgia, tel: 995-32-27-70-00. The after-hours emergency number is 995-99-57-39-69, or, if dialing locally on a mobile telephone, 899-57-39-69.For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information, and health information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States 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 Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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Algeria Travel Warning

This Travel Warning updates information on the current security situation in Algeria and warns American citizens against travel to the Kabylie region of the country.The threat from terrorism continues to pose a significant security risk.This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on March 26, 2008.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risks posed to their personal safety.Terrorist attacks including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur regularly.Since early 2007, the use of suicide bomb attacks, particularly vehicle-borne attacks, has emerged as a terrorist tactic in Algeria, including in the capital.The group that claimed credit for the December 11, 2007, suicide car-bomb attacks in Algiers has pledged more attacks against foreign targets, and specifically against American targets.

The Department of State warns American citizens against travel to the Kabylie region of Algeria.Since June 2008, the Kabylie region has seen a series of bombing and other terrorist attacks of increasing size and frequency, including a suicide car-bomb attack at a gendarmerie school in Issers on August 19 that killed at least 44 people.While many of the attacks have targeted Algerian security forces, other targets have included a bus transporting the employees of a foreign company, and many of the victims of the attacks have been civilians.

The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens avoid overland travel in Algeria.Americans who reside or travel in Algeria should take prudent security measures while in the country, including making provisions for reliable and experienced logistical support.Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where adequate security is provided.All visitors to Algeria should remain alert and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile.

The U.S. Government considers the potential threat to U.S. Embassy personnel assigned to Algiers sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under significant security restrictions.These practices lim