U.S. State Dept.

(Dive Travel Business News - May 10, 2010) --The U.S. Department of State has issued a Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security situation in Mexico. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - March 19, 2010) -- Give your travel clients needing a new passport a heads up - The U.S. State Department recently proposed an increase in the cost of new passports (up from $100 to $135) and passport renewals (up from $75 to $110). The U.S. Passport Book and U.S. Passport Card for adults are valid for 10 years.

The proposed schedule of fees for passport application services is as follows: read more »

(May 22, 2008 - Modern Agent) -- The U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert advising American citizens of an increase in violent attacks on foreigners in South Africa, particularly refugees or immigrants from other African nations. American citizens in South Africa are urged to monitor media reports and to avoid areas where attacks may be likely to occur. This Travel Alert expires on July 1.

In recent weeks, South Africa has seen an increase in the frequency, size, and duration of “xenophobic” attacks directed at foreigners — particularly refugees or immigrants from other African nations. The most recent attacks started in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra but spread to other low income neighborhoods and informal settlements.

Several recent incidents of mob violence have taken place in other areas of Johannesburg including the Central Business District (CBD), Hillbrow, and Soweto. An undetermined number of persons have been killed in these incidents and many more, including both targeted victims and bystanders, have been injured. So far, most violent incidents have taken place at night. read more »

(May 25, 2008 - The New York Times) -- The U.S. State Department has lifted its travel warning for Indonesia, the U.S. ambassador in Jakarta said on Sunday, reflecting improved security and paving the way for closer ties between the two countries.

The Islamic militant group Jemaah Islamiah, which wanted to create an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia, carried out a series of deadly bomb attacks in Indonesia between 2002 and 2005, dealing a severe blow to the country’s tourism and trade.

Following the bombings, the Indonesian authorities worked closely with foreign allies to arrest militants and step up security.

“The U.S. has lifted the warning due to objective improvements made by Indonesia in its current security situation,” the U.S. embassy said in a statement. read more »

October 14, 2008 (U.S. State Dept) -- This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico.  It replaces the Travel Alert for Mexico dated April 14, 2008, and expires on April 14, 2009. read more »

(November 14, 2008 - U.S. Embassy Kenya) -- The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Kenya.  American citizens in Kenya and those considering travel to Kenya should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats from terrorism and the high rate of violent crime.  This replaces the Travel Warning of August 22, 2008, to note increased security concerns in northeast Kenya near the Somali border. read more »

February 13, 2008 (U.S. State Dept.) -- This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation and reminds Americans of the risks of travel in the Philippines .  This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for the Philippines issued April 27, 2007.

U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Philippines should carefully consider the risks to their safety and security while there, including those due to terrorism.  While travelers may encounter such threats anywhere in the Philippines , the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are of particular concern.  Travelers should exercise extreme caution in both central and western Mindanao as well as in the Sulu Archipelago. read more »