Many of you know that I have not yet met my squad—the people I am going on this mission trip with—face to face. But we have been communicating with each other in a group chat and it has been wonderful being able to already get to know them. We share things like prayer requests, updates, what gear we all still need/got, and what God is teaching us at this moment. But we also use it to get to know each other. What our favorite movies are, who played sports, who’s artistic or musically inclined. How tall we are, etc. I am so thankful for this group of people that in 4 short months I will be spending almost a year with.
One of the things most of my squad has in common is a love for Lord of the Rings and all things Tolkien. This past week we were given our squad letter. This is to differentiate between Routes and Squads. A Squad is the group of people who are on the same route. Each squad gets broken down into teams (but that’s a different blog). Our Squad was given the letter M and we have to decided to take our Lord of the Rings love and become Squad Misty Mountains.
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ~ Bilbo Baggins
Below I have inserted research my fellow squad mate did on the countries.
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World Race Weather and Safety
October- Malaysia
High; 88
Low; 73
Embassy Contact Info:
376 Jalan Tun Razak?50400, Kuala Lumpur?Malaysia
Telephone: +(60) (3) 2168-4997/4979
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(60) (3) 2168-5000 (press 1 at the recording)
Fax: +(60) (3) 2148-5801
Destination Info: Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with an elected federal parliamentary government. The country comprises 13 states, 11 on the Malay Peninsula and two, Sabah and Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. There are also three federally administered territories: the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, the administrative center of Putrajaya, and the island of Labuan. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country of 27 million people. Malays form the predominant ethnic group; the two other large ethnic groups are Chinese and Indians. Islam is the official religion and is practiced by approximately 60 percent of the population. Bahasa Malaysia is the official language, although English is widely spoken.
Travel and Security: The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens in Southeast Asia. Extremist groups in the region have demonstrated the capability to carry out attacks in locations where Westerners congregate, and these groups do not distinguish between civilian and official targets. The U.S. government has designated two such groups, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. JI is linked to al-Qaeda and other regional terrorist groups and has cells operating throughout the region. Since 2014, Malaysian authorities have arrested more than 100 supporters of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group, including many individuals who planned to fight in Syria and Iraq.
U.S. citizens should consider the risks associated with travel to coastal eastern Sabah (Eastern Malaysia) because of the threat of kidnappings-for-ransom and violence from both terrorist and criminal groups. U.S. government employees are prohibited from travelling to most of this area without prior permission from the Embassy security office and Ambassador. The requirement for U.S. government employees to receive permission before traveling to these areas indicates a strong concern over safety, given recent kidnappings of foreign tourists in the region. Accordingly, U.S. citizens are advised against travel to coastal areas and outlying islands in Eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau.
The Malaysian government has designated the entire eastern portion of Sabah (extending from the town of Kudat in the north to Tawau district near the border of Indonesia) as the Eastern Sabah Security Zone, and established the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to coordinate security forces’ activity. There is a significant police and army presence in the area, and road checkpoints have increased. The Malaysian government has also enhanced efforts to patrol its maritime border with the Philippines, yet the area’s size and remoteness continue to make the region vulnerable to future security incidents.
Malaysian law enforcement officials have enacted land and water-based curfews in the coastal areas of Eastern Sabah. Curfew schedules and the affected areas are subject to frequent change; upon arrival to the Eastern Sabah region, travelers should check local media or ask local police for the most recent curfew information.
November- Thailand
High; 88
Low; 72
Embassy Contact Info:
95 Wireless Road?Bangkok 10330?Thailand
Telephone: +(66) (2) 205-4049, 02-205-4049 (within Thailand)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) (2) 205-4000, 02-205-4000 (within Thailand)
Fax: +(66) (2) 205-4103, 02-205-4103 (within Thailand)
Destination Info: Thailand, officially the Royal Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a Southeast Asian nation at the center of the Indochina peninsula with a population of nearly 70 million. It is a popular travel destination with tourist facilities available throughout much of the country. Bangkok is the capital city and Chiang Mai is an important educational and cultural center in northern Thailand. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with the King as head of state and the prime minister as head of government. The monarchy is an integral and respected part of Thai society and is protected by a vigorously enforced lèse majesté law that makes it a crime to commit any offense or insult against the royal family. On May 22, 2014, the Royal Thai Army seized control of the government, voided the 2007 Constitution, and established the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to oversee Thailand’s interim government. The military intervention had been preceded by months of anti-government protests. Nationwide martial law, enacted in May 2014, was lifted April 1, 2015, and replaced with new security measures that give authorities broad latitude to act against perceived threats to political stability, the economy, or the monarchy, and explicitly bans demonstrations. Martial law remains in effect in Thailand’s Deep South, where it was imposed in 2005. Political and civil unrest have perennially affected Thailand, and in some cases disrupted travel into, out of, and within Bangkok.
Travel and Security: On August 17, 2015, an explosion took place during the evening rush hour at the crowded Rachaprasong intersection in the central commercial district of Bangkok (near the Erawan Shrine, Central World mall, several major hotels, and the overhead bisection of the two Skytrain lines) killing at least twenty people and injuring more than 100. In February 2015, two small improvised explosive devices detonated in close proximity to the Siam Paragon Shopping Mall BTS entrance, slightly injuring two people Both areas are popular with tourists. On March 7, a hand grenade exploded in front of the Bangkok Criminal Court Building. No one was injured.
The State Department is concerned that there is a continued risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia, including in Thailand. In April 2014, Thai police arrested two individuals with suspected ties to Hezbollah. Additionally, in January 2012, Thai police discovered a large quantity of explosive materials linked to suspected Hezbollah operatives. In February 2012, individuals from Iran—who police believe were plotting a terrorist attack against foreign interests in Thailand—detonated explosive devices on a busy street in central Bangkok while they were trying to evade law enforcement officials.
While traveling in Thailand you should exercise caution, especially in locations where expatriates congregate, such as clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation venues, tourist areas, beach resorts, and other places frequented by foreigners. You should remain vigilant with regard to your personal security and avoid crowds and demonstrations. For more information on terrorist threats against U.S. citizens worldwide and steps to take as a result of these threats, please see the Worldwide Caution.
The NCPO has banned political gatherings and placed restrictions on the media, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly. Security forces have additional powers, including the right to control movement and search for weapons. U.S. citizens may encounter a heightened military presence throughout Thailand. Individuals—including foreigners—may be detained for publicly criticizing the National Council for Peace and Order or the monarchy. Security operations against possible demonstrations have led to disruptions to traffic as well as to some public transport services, and restricted access to some areas around major shopping and hotel districts in central Bangkok. Additional measures could be enforced at any time.
U.S. citizens are advised to stay alert, exercise caution, and monitor international and Thai media. Avoid areas where there are protest events, large gatherings, or security operations and follow any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities.
December – Cambodia
High; 86
Low; 72
Embassy Contact Info:
No. 1, Street 96 (entrance on St. 51 between St. 96 and 102)?Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Telephone: +(855) (23) 728-801 Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(855) (23) 728-000
Fax: +(855) (23) 728-700
Destination Info: Cambodia is a developing country with a constitutional monarchy and an elected government. King Norodom Sihamoni is the constitutional monarch and the head of state. Elections for Members of the National Assembly were held in July 2013. The July 2013 elections sent representatives from eight different parties to the National Assembly, with the Cambodian People’s Party holding a majority of seats. The country has a market economy, with approximately 80 percent of the population of 15.4 million engaged in subsistence farming. The quality of tourist facilities varies widely in Cambodia, with the highest standards found in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
Travel and Security: The State Department is concerned that individuals and groups may be planning terrorist actions against U.S. citizens and interests, as well as at sites frequented by Westerners in Southeast Asia, including in Cambodia. Extremist groups in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate. U.S. citizens residing in, or traveling to, Cambodia should therefore exercise caution in clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation venues, tourist areas, beach resorts, and other places frequented by foreigners. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and avoid crowds and demonstrations. In the wake of the contested July 2013 National Elections, opposition groups held large-scale demonstrations. The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid crowds and immediately leave any area where crowds are gathering. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can quickly escalate into violence without warning as seen most recently in January 2014 when several people were killed. In September 2013, police found three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) within Phnom Penh. The IEDS were planted by an unknown group and no one was injured in the incident.
The U.S. Embassy occasionally receives reports of random gunfire and armed attacks in the vicinity of bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues, particularly in the Ochheuteal beach area of Sihanoukville. Several foreigners have been injured in violent attacks in these areas, and U.S. citizens should remain vigilant.
The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid travel along the Cambodian – Thai border in the provinces of Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and the Banteay Ampil district of Banteay Meanchey province because of a continuing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. Thai and Cambodian soldiers have been stationed along the border in this area since July 2008 and have exchanged gunfire on several occasions. Land mines and unexploded ordnance are found in rural areas throughout Cambodia, and especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom provinces. Travelers in these regions should never walk in forested areas or even in dry rice paddies without a local guide. Areas around small bridges on secondary roads are particularly dangerous.
January- Philippines
High; 90
Low; 77
Embassy Contact Info:
1201 Roxas Boulevard?Manila, Philippines 1000
Telephone: +(63)(2) 301-2000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(63)(2) 301-2000 x0
Fax: (63) (2) 301-2017
Destination Info: The Philippines is an emerging economy with a democratic system of government. Located in Southeast Asia, the country is an archipelago consisting of more than 7,100 islands, of which more than 800 are inhabited. The major island groupings are Luzon in the north, where the capital, Manila, is located; the Visayas in the center; and Mindanao in the south. Tourist facilities are available within population centers and the main tourist areas. English is widely spoken in the Philippines, although less so outside metropolitan areas, and most signs are in English.
Travel and Security: U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Philippines should carefully consider the risks to their safety and security while there, including the risk of terrorism. The southern island of Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago, and the southern Sulu Sea region are of particular security concern. Travelers should defer all non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago and should exercise extreme caution on the island of Mindanao and when traveling through the southern region of the Sulu Sea. For further information regarding the continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities in the Philippines, see the Travel Warning for the Philippines.
Terrorist groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group and Jema’ah Islamiyah, as well as groups that have broken away from the mainstream Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which reached a peace agreement with the government in March 2014, have carried out bombings resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage; engaged in armed confrontation with Philippine security forces and the military; and conducted kidnappings for ransom. In October 2014, police arrested three men known to have links to terrorist organizations on suspicion of plotting to bomb targets in metro Manila. Separately, bombings in the central and western areas of Mindanao have targeted bus terminals, public buildings, public markets, and local festivals. Insurgent groups continue to confront Philippine security forces in the Maguindanao area, and in early 2015, security forces launched a major counterinsurgency operation against groups responsible for the massacre of 44 Philippine National Police commandos in Mamasapano. While those responsible do not appear to target foreigners, travelers should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Official U.S. government visitors and U.S. Embassy employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. When traveling in Mindanao, U.S. official travelers maintain a low profile, limit their length of stay, and exercise extreme caution. Some foreigners who reside in or visit western and central Mindanao hire their own private security personnel.
Kidnap-for-ransom gangs operate in the Philippines and have targeted foreigners, including Filipino-Americans. Such gangs are especially active in the Sulu Archipelago, and a number of foreigners have been kidnapped there in recent years. Due to recent kidnappings of foreigners by the Abu Sayyaf Group in the region, U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution if considering travel in the southern Sulu Sea region between Balabac Island and Palawan, in the Philippines; Sabah, Malaysia; and east to Zamboanga City, Mindanao, in the Philippines.
Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy is the target of planned and/or spontaneous demonstrations. While Philippine security forces generally prevent such demonstrators from reaching the Embassy, in rare instances protestors have made their way successfully to the Embassy perimeter. In such instances, Embassy security authorities may take appropriate measures to safeguard personnel and visitors, including restricting access to the compound. U.S. citizens or other individuals having business at the Embassy should keep this in mind and be prepared to defer their business until any such situation is resolved.
U.S. citizens in the Philippines are advised to monitor local news broadcasts and consider the level of preventive security when visiting public places, especially when choosing hotels, restaurants, beaches, entertainment venues, and recreation sites.
February- Zimbabwe
High; 80
Low; 62
Embassy Contact Info:
172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue?Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +(263) (4) 250-593
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(263) (4) 250-593
Fax: +(263) (4) 250-343
U.S. Citizen Emergency What’sApp: +(263) 0772-124-896
Destination Info: Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. The official language is English, however, the majority of the population speaks Shona, with many in the southern and western areas speaking Ndebele. Zimbabwe has a fragile political environment, and the Zimbabwean economy is underdeveloped due to decades of economic mismanagement and political uncertainty. Although Zimbabwe offers popular tourist attractions in Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, and selected game parks, much of the country’s infrastructure is in disrepair and emergency medical care is limited.
Travel and Security: The political, social, economic, and security situation in Zimbabwe is unpredictable and could deteriorate quickly without warning. While the country is relatively stable, the government may use force to disperse civilian demonstrations and protests. U.S. citizens in or traveling to Zimbabwe should avoid all crowds, public demonstrations, and protests.
You should carefully evaluate travel around Zimbabwe by road, particularly at night (please see the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below). If traveling by road, you should make sure you have working communication devices, evidence of your citizenship, and a valid visa. Such evidence should include photocopies of the biodata page of your passport and your Zimbabwe visa approval stamp. You should also notify a trusted friend or family member of your itinerary, including expected departure and arrival times.
Communications infrastructure in Zimbabwe is unreliable. Telephone and cell phone outages are common and, although cell phones usually work in most urban areas, outages do occur, and large sections of Zimbabwe are without reliable coverage.
Resident and visiting U.S. citizens have been arrested, detained, and threatened with expulsion for activities that would not be considered crimes in the United States, including the administration of humanitarian aid and the expression of opinions regarding the current political regime in Zimbabwe. Criticism of the President of Zimbabwe is a crime in Zimbabwe. The streets around State House, the official residence of the president, and the Botanical Gardens are particularly sensitive, and are closed to vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic from 6 pm to 6 am daily. Drivers and pedestrians in that area should exercise caution. Taking photographs around State House is strictly prohibited. President Mugabe and other senior government officials travel around Harare accompanied by large and aggressive motorcades that have been known to run motorists off the road. Security personnel occasionally beat and harass drivers who fail to pull out of the way quickly enough. U.S. citizens are advised to be aware of police vehicles and police motorcycles flashing lights and sirens, and should move quickly off the road and come to a complete stop if overtaken by a motorcade.
U.S. citizen visitors have been detained under suspicion of operating as journalists without accreditation for photographing cultural sites and areas that may not immediately appear to be sensitive. Tourists may also be subject to harassment or arrest for photographing police, roadblocks, occupied commercial farms, and government buildings or military installations, official residences or embassies, including the president’s residence. Get prior written permission from the appropriate government office before taking such photographs. It is not always immediately apparent what the police deem sensitive. Police have detained U.S. citizens for photographing any subject they view as sensitive no matter how innocuous it may seem to the photographer. You should be very aware of your surroundings and seriously consider the risks of taking any pictures outside game parks and known tourist areas.
March- Zambia
High; 88
Low; 64
Embassy Contact Info:
Eastern end of Kabulonga Road?Ibex Hill?Lusaka, Zambia
Telephone: +(260) 211-357-000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(260) 211-357-000 or +(260) 966-877-805.
Fax: (+260) (0) 211-357-224
Destination Info: Zambia is a developing country in southern Africa with a democratic government. The official language is English although many Zambians in rural areas exclusively speak local Bantu languages. Outside of Lusaka, Livingstone (Victoria Falls), and well-known game parks, tourist facilities are not fully developed.
Travel and Security: The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers exercise caution when traveling throughout the country. Spontaneous demonstrations occasionally take place in Lusaka and elsewhere in the country, sometimes in response to ongoing political disputes or around elections due to clashes between political groups and partisans. Remember, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid the vicinity of demonstrations. You should also stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
The Embassy has received several reports of the use and attempted use of “date rape” drugs on unsuspecting females in a variety of bars and restaurants. There are several “date rape” drugs on the market, and these are easily purchased or obtained in Zambia. Common symptoms of these drugs are: drunken feeling, loss of consciousness, memory problems, confusion, dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, and loss of motor skills. Rapists use the drug to render a victim easier to attack. If you feel that you have been a victim of a “date rape” drug attack, seek medical attention immediately. The Embassy maintains a list of medical professionals.
The U.S. Embassy discourages travelers from driving off-road or on remote, lightly-used tracks near the borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Angola as there may still be undetected land mines and unexploded ordnance. U.S. citizens who must drive in these areas are encouraged to drive in convoys and carry satellite telephones. See our Country-Specific Information for the DRC and Angola for additional information on travel to these countries.
April- Malawi
High; 77
Low; 64
Embassy Contact Info:
Area 40, City Center?Lilongwe, Malawi?Mailing Address: PO Box 30016?Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Telephone: +(265) 1-773-166, 1-773-342 and 1-773-367 (Dial “0” before the “1” within Malawi)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(265) (0)999-591024 or +(265) (0) 888-734-826
Fax: +(265) 1-774-471 (Dial “0” before the “1” within Malawi)
Destination Info: Malawi is a developing landlocked country in southern Africa. Tourist facilities in major cities and in resort areas are steadily improving, but remain limited. Aging infrastructure and lack of investment have rendered electricity, water supply, and telecommunications unreliable in rural areas.
Travel and Security: Spontaneous civil disturbances and/or demonstrations, primarily related to governance and economic issues can occur. These may become more common leading up to, and immediately following elections in Malawi. U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, street demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times.
We urge you to avoid traveling on foot at night, especially in urban areas, as armed muggings and assaults have increased. Specifically, non-Malawians have been targeted in Lilongwe, and several U.S. citizens have been injured. Even when walking in a large group, city streets should be considered unsafe after dark. Pedestrians should be cautious even during daylight hours. Visitors in need of transportation should request that hotel or restaurant management call a taxi or car service.
We recommend you use caution when visiting and/or staying in isolated areas such as Mount Mulanje where the availability of public security forces is limited. You should take appropriate action to ensure your safety if traveling to remote areas, and never travel alone or at night.
May- Ukraine
High; 62
Low; 48
Embassy Contact Info:
4 A.I. Sikorsky St. (formerly Tankova)?04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
Telephone: +(380) (44) 521-5566
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(380) (44) 521-5000
Fax: +(380) ( 44) 521-5155
Destination Info:
Travel Alerts: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Crimea and the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and recommends those U.S. citizens currently living in or visiting these regions to depart. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Ukraine dated July 16 to provide updated information on the security situation in southern and eastern Ukraine.
Russia-backed separatists continue to control areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, where violent clashes have resulted in over 9,000 deaths. A ceasefire agreement established a de facto dividing line between Ukrainian government-controlled and separatist-held areas of Ukraine, with numerous checkpoints controlled by government and separatist forces. The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens to defer all travel to the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. There have been multiple casualties due to land mines in areas previously controlled by separatists, and separatist leaders have made statements indicating their desire to push the front line to the administrative borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Individuals, including U.S. citizens, have been threatened, detained, or kidnapped for hours or days after being stopped at separatist checkpoints. The Government of Ukraine has stated that foreigners, including U.S. citizens, who enter Ukraine from Russia through separatist-controlled territory will not be allowed through checkpoints into government-controlled territory.
Travel and Security:
Terrorism Activity: Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.
Small-scale bombings and terrorism incidents continue to occur throughout Ukraine. While most attacks are at night and appear intended to cause property damage and incite fear, some attacks were fatal, targeting populated areas during daylight hours.
Potential for civil disturbances: Large-scale protests have occurred in many cities throughout Ukraine.
You should avoid large gatherings or protests and adjacent areas.
Some of these protests have turned violent and resulted in deaths and injuries.
Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media.
The Embassy will post information about sizeable planned protests on the Embassy website.
June- Romania
High; 80
Low; 58
Embassy Contact Info:
B-dul, Dr. Liviu Librescu Nr. 4-6,?Sector 1, Bucharest?015118 Romania
Telephone: +(40) (21) 200-3300 and/or +(40) (21) 270-6000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(40) (21) 200-3433
Fax: +(40) (21) 200-3578
Destination Info: Romania is a republic and a member of both NATO and the European Union. The country has a market-oriented economy with developed tourist facilities in the capital, Bucharest, and facilities of varying quality throughout the rest of the country.
Travel and Security: Terrorist incidents are rare in Romania. Police oversight is routinely provided in the event of public demonstrations. The financial crisis and resulting austerity measures have increased the occurrences of strikes and public demonstrations in Romania, especially in Bucharest. To date, protests have remained peaceful. However, even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable; you should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media reports.
July- Albania
High; 87
Low; 63
Embassy Contact Info:
Rr. Elbasanit, No. 103?Tirana, Albania
Telephone: +(355) (0) 4224-7285
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(355) (0) 4224-7285
Fax: +(355) (0) 42237-4957
Destination Info: No further information
Travel and Security: Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.
Public demonstrations are frequent, often occur with little or no notice, and can cause serious traffic disruptions, roadblocks, and the blocking of public facilities. Avoid demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent and resulted in deaths and injuries. Demonstration information can be found on the U.S. Embassy Tirana website.
Attacks using small improvised explosive devices and targeting individuals in contentious disputes have occurred in the past year. Remain vigilant when parking in unattended parking areas, avoid parking overnight in non-secure areas, and inspect vehicles for suspicious items. If you find something strange, do not tamper with it and contact the Albanian Police immediately. Power outages occur frequently throughout Albania which disrupt water service and interfere with traffic lights.
August- Greece
High; 90
Low; 71
Embassy Contact Info:
91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue?10160 Athens, Greece
Telephone: +(30)(210) 721-2951
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(30)(210) 729-4444 or? +(30)(210) 729-4301?Fax: +(30)(210) 724-5313
Destination Info: No further information
Travel and Security: Greece has been the scene of domestic terrorist incidents as recently as 2015. Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possibly near term attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. Greece’s open borders with other Schengen zone countries, as well as its long coastline and many islands, could permit terrorist groups to enter or transit the country with anonymity. You should remain vigilant and exercise caution.
