Travelers warned of post-Bin Laden unrest

The State Department issued a new worldwide travel warning,
its highest level of alert, telling Americans to take extra precautions
in traveling to areas where reaction to the killing of Osama bin Laden could turn violent.

The warning does not list any specific countries.

U.S. embassies and consulates could shut down in
case of unrest, the warning said. Travelers are advised to keep abreast
of developments in the areas where they are traveling and to register
with embassies or consulates in trouble-prone areas.

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet raised the
terrorism threat level. CNN reported an unnamed department official
said that the department is in a “heightened state of vigilance” and
would only increase the threat level if it had information about
specific and credible information.

Here’s the full text of the State Department Travel Warning:

WORLD WIDE

May 1, 2011

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling
and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American
violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan.
Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S.
citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American
violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their
homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations. U.S.
citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be
aware of their surroundings at all times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011.

U.S. Embassy operations in affected areas will
continue to the extent possible under the constraints of any evolving
security situation. U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a
heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or
periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture.
In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every
effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens
abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Media coverage of local events may cause family and
friends to become concerned for their loved ones traveling and residing
abroad. We urge U.S. citizens to keep in regular contact with family
and friends. U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to
enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive the latest travel updates and
information and to obtain updated information on travel and security
issues. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly
with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

Travel information is also available at www.travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

For information on “What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis,” please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at www.travel.state.gov.
For further information on specific countries, U.S. citizens should
consult the Country Specific Information pages, Travel Alerts, and
Travel Warnings at www.travel.state.gov as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ page on Facebook as well.

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(c) 2011, The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.).

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Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.