Travel Alerts Articles

(Dive Travel Business News - May 28, 2011) --  The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published an official warning about the increasing number of missing people in Costa Rica on its travel advice website

The new text includes the line: "Eight foreign nationals (including one British national) have gone missing in the last two years, with some related to criminal activity."

The change comes in response to a letter from the Dixon family to Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Minister of State Jeremy Browne said in a reply to the Dixons on 12 May: "Violent crime against tourists is increasing. The recent increase in the number of foreign nationals missing in Costa Rica is also worrying."

David Dixon said: "There is a common misperception that Costa Rica is a safe place to go on holiday. While it is a beautiful country, travellers need to be aware of the increasing number of tourist disappearances and exercise a much greater degree of caution." read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - May 5, 2011) -- The State Department issued a worldwide travel warning for Americans after President Barack Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden 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," the State Department said in a worldwide travel warning issued early Monday. "U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times."

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security expects "threats of retaliation" from al Qaeda in the aftermath of Osama bin Laden's death, a department official told CNN early Monday. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - May 22, 2011) -- The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration anticipates an active 2011 Atlantic hurricane season with between 12 and 18 named storms predicted.  The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30.  

The waters the waters in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and tropical Atlantic continue with above-average temperatures, which is an underlying reason for an above-average number of potential storms.  NOAA forecasts that between six and ten of the storms will strengthen into Category 1 hurricanes (winds at least 74 mph), and three to six storms will become major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph (at least Category 3).

Last year’s season was one of the busiest on record with 19 named storms, including 12 hurricanes. NOAA’s forecast in 2010 was 14 to 23 named storms, eight to 14 hurricanes and three to seven major storms.

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(Dive Travel Business News - January 27, 2010) --The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will discontinue the color-coded alerts of the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) in favor of a new system, the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS). For years, the color coded system has been stuck mostly on the “orange” level threat. The new system aims to more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs, and the private sector. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - December 1, 2010) -- The six-month Atlantic hurricane season that started June 1 and ended yesterday on November 30 was one of the most active ever recorded.  The National Hurricane Center has characterized the past season as a "gentle giant."

In addition to 21 tropical depressions, the hyperactive 2010 Atlantic Hurricane season produced 19 named storms (tying for third alongside 1995 and 1887). Twelve of this year's named storms became hurricanes including five major hurricanes of Category 3 or above, defined by sustained winds between 111 and 130 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. Only 1933 (21 storms) and 2005 (a record 28 storms) were more active. But with 12 actual hurricanes, the 2010 season ties with 1969 for second most hurricanes. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - November 10, 2010) -- This is a travel alert issued by the Canadian Government last updated on November 10, 2010).

Heavy monsoon rains have resulted in severe flooding and landslides in much of central, north-eastern and southern Thailand, which has caused over 180 deaths. Some areas have experienced serious disruptions to transportation infrastructure, electricity supply, and communications. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News -  November 7, 2010) --  A weakened Hurricane Tomas moved into the open Atlantic Ocean, about 525 miles southwest of Bermuda on Sunday. After declining to tropical storm status after causing flooding across several regions of earthquake-ravaged Haiti on Saturday, the storm’s winds fell to 60 mph. According to international press reports, the storm avoided Haiti’s largest homeless encampments, located around the capital of Port au Prince. Roughly 1.3 million people remain homeless following the Jan. 12 earthquake. Tomas did not cause loss of life or significant damage in Cuba, according to reports, and largely bypassed the Turks & Caicos. read more »

Hewanorra International Airport in the south and George F. L. Charles Airport on the island’s north end are open, and American Eagle has increased services at George F.L. Charles Airport to move passengers previously delayed between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Lucia. Electricity has been restored to 80 percent of the island while power will flow to 90 percent of the country by this weekend. Most resorts currently have adequate water, and water supply “should be restored in short order after detailed inspections revealed damage to the water dam is substantially less than expected,” Allen Chastanet, St. Lucia's Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - August 10, 2010) -- A recent study by online travel company Travelocity reports that the misperceptions about the Deep Horizon Oil Spill on Gulf Coast travel plans may take far longer for the travel industry to fix by press releases alone.

There has been progress in stopping the leak in the Gulf since the well was capped several weeks ago:  The outflow of oil appears to have stopped and the process of permanently sealing the well may be complete with the next ten days.

Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and northwest Florida have all experienced oiled shorelines. Beaches have been cleaned up and are monitored daily. The vast majority of beaches is now open to the public.

Current  projections by scientists in the field indicate it is very unlikely that the Western Gulf Coast, South Florida, the Florida Keys, and the East Coast will experience any effects from the remaining oil on the surface of the Gulf. 

However, the online travel agency's recently conducted poll of over 2,000 Americans found that many travelers believe the oil has spread far beyond its actual reach. read more »

(Dive Travel Business - July 19, 2010) -- This Travel Alert is a reminder to travelers to East Asia and the West and Central Pacific region about the ongoing threat of typhoons originating in the West and Central Pacific region.  This alert was first published on June 16, 2010 by the US State Department:

"The region covered by this alert includes countries in East Asia and the West and Central Pacific regions north of the Equator.  Typhoons in this area of the Pacific may occur year round; however, historically, the most active months are June through November.  U.S. citizens in the region should monitor local weather reports and take appropriate action as needed.  This travel alert expires on December 1, 2010. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - July 19, 2010) -- The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Thailand. Large-scale political demonstrations marked by violence, unrest, and rioting occurred in Bangkok from March 12 to May 25, 2010 resulted in deaths and injuries. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - May 23, 2010) -- The latest status report issued by the Icelandic Met Office and Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland.Scientific says the Eyjafjallajökull volcano "appears to be dormant" although it is too early to say it's completely over. Latest scientific readings show little eruption activity, with tremors decreasing and the temperature inside the crater dropping to 100C. The volcano is currently producing a considerable amount of steam but no magma and ash. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - May 31, 2010) -- The Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of ongoing political demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Due to recent violence in central Bangkok, demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, the Department of State recommends against non-essential travel to Thailand at this time. This replaces the Travel Warning dated May 15, 2010, to provide updated information on the security situation in Thailand. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - May 27, 2010) --The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Kingston, Jamaica and its surrounding areas because of escalating violence, shootings and unrest.  The Government of Jamaica has imposed a State of Emergency in Kingston and St. Andrew.  Jamaican Defense Forces are engaged in an operation to arrest an alleged drug and weapons trafficker. 

Access to the Norman Manley International Airport has been blocked on an intermittent basis by gun battles between criminal elements and police.  A number of air flights into and out of Kingston have been canceled. 

Travel experts are urging travelers to Jamaica to follow the situation closely, but not to let the turmoil in Kingston automatically taint the rest of the island: They compared the situation to recent violence in Mexico, which has been centered near the country's border with the United States but has affected tourism in Cancun and other popular spots far away from the unrest. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - May 6, 2010 ) --  The Colorado State University's hurricane forecast team predicts an above-average year of tropical storms for the Atlantic basin, which includes the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

The forecast for 2010, released calls for 15 named tropical storms in the Atlantic, of which eight will become hurricanes. The team predicts four of the eight hurricanes will in turn develop into major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5) with maximum wind speeds of 111 mph or greater. A typical Atlantic hurricane season sees just 10 named storms — six of them hurricanes with just two major hurricanes.

Colorado State's Tropical Meteorology Project is the nation's longest-running and most well-known hurricane forecast effort. Begun by William Gray in 1984, the forecasts are used by insurance companies, emergency managers and the media to prepare Americans for hurricane season. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - April 27, 2010) -- BANGKOK - Thailand's political turmoil enters its seventh week and the economic toll is spreading. Shopping malls, office buildings, hotels and now the city's financial district have shut down as the "Red Shirt" protesters have occupied various parts of Bangkok since March 12 to demand the government's resignation.

Twenty-five people died in the political violence on April 10, with more than 800 hurt, causing protestors to move, pitch tents and sleep on the sidewalks of the city's Rajprasong district, a luxury shopping and hotel area.  

On Thursday April 23, five grenade explosions blasted holes through the roof of an elevated Skytrain station near the finanical district and shattered cafe windows near the landmark Dusit Thani hotel. Authorities immediately closed the elevated rail line that runs down Silom Road. The night of bloody rioting resulted in one death and more than 80 wounded. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - April 21, 2010) --  Do you have dive travelers in Thailand who are headed for or are in Bangkok? Today luxury hotels located in a hot zone of Bangkok, where Government protestors have been demonstrating for more than 5 weeks - have been closing their doors, relocating guests for their safety, and are not accepting reservations for the time being. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - April 12, 2010) -- The U.S. State Department is alerting U.S. citizens traveling to Thailand that the Royal Thai Government, under the order of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, has declared a State of Emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas following demonstrations by protestors from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or ″red-shirts″).  This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 9, 2010, to include additional information about clashes between the UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces.  This Travel Alert will expire on May 14, 2010.  read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - April 2, 2010) -- The U.S. State Department has updated its Travel Warning for the Philippines. The hot spot continues to be the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. This replaces the Travel Warning dated September 17, 2009, to reflect continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities, as well as possible concerns about election related violence.

U.S. citizens traveling, living, and working throughout the Philippines are urged to exercise heightened caution in public gathering places where events may occur in relation to the May 2010 Philippine elections and June inauguration.  Sporadic violence throughout the Philippines is also possible before and after the May 10 national and local elections and the June 30 inaugurations. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - April 15, 2010) -- LONDON – An ash cloud from a spewing volcano in Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier near Reykjavik has halted air traffic across a wide swath of Europe on Thursday, grounding planes on a scale unseen since the 2001 terror attacks.

Thousands of flights were canceled, stranding tens of thousands of passengers, and officials said it was not clear when it would be safe enough to fly again. The ash-plumb threat will continue through Sunday, predicted Europe AccuWeather. The threat is expected to decrease next week, but there still could be problems. If the volcano continues to erupt for more than a year, as it did the last time, periodic disruptions to air traffic could continue, according to Bill McGuire, a professor at the Aon Benfield UCL Hazard Research Center in London.Flights into Europe have been cancelled for the time being. More coverage here. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - March 19, 2010) -- At first glance, the U.S. State Departement Travel Warning regarding Mexico issued March 14  may cause dive travelers to question the safety of traveling to Mexico. The State Department has been careful to detail the situation in Mexico, pointing out that millions of US travelers visit Mexico each year without incident: The problem areas are not the beach resort areas that Dive Travelers frequent but rather the border towns and specifically Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros.

If you are considering a Dive Trip to Mexico heed the State Deparment's advice and "exercise common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable." read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - March 17, 2010) -- A popular dive destination, the South Pacific island nation of Fiji has suffered damage from a powerful cyclone that made landfall Friday March 12, 2010.  The country's northern regions bore the brunt of Cyclone Tomas for more than three days. The country's military leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarara, has appealed for international assistance, and the governments of New Zealand, France and Australia are determining how best to help. read more »

(DiveTravelBusinessNews.com - January 25, 2010) -- The State Department is alerting U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert dated Nov. 24, 2009, and reflects the continuing instability in the area following acts of violence in the Mindanao province of Maguindanao in November and is supplemental to our Sept. 17, 2009, Travel Warning to the Philippines. This Travel Alert expires on Feb. 28, 2010.

Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. The violence in Maguindanao in 2009 and continued instability there resulted in the Government of the Philippines extending a state of emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and in the city of Cotabato. read more »

(DiveTravelBusinessNews.com - December 9, 2009) -- The U.S. and Canada have canceled their travel alerts for Honduras following last weekend's election of President Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo, who will take office on Jan. 27.

The U.S. issued its advisory against all travel to Honduras on June 28, the day after the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya and exiled him from the country.

Although most of the resulting political protests were in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, far from the country's tourism areas, hotels and businesses on the island of Roatan in the Caribbean said a lot of travelers canceled their plans. They had lobbied to get the advisory lifted earlier, saying it was scaring tourists away. read more »