Interesting Facts

Control Risks: Extreme security, terrorist and travel threat
iJet: 4
State Department: No current warning

The political instability in the Caucasus region is among the most severe in Russia, and travelers are advised to avoid North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya and Kabardino-Balkariya as well as Chechnya itself, where open guerrilla warfare still rages in an environment of lawlessness. Kidnappings for ransom, of Americans and other foreigners, are common, as are terrorist attacks or bombings at hotels, government buildings, markets and schools, including the raid in September 2004 at a school in Beslan, which ended in the deaths of many children and other civilians.

Control Risks: High security and travel threat
iJet: 4
State Department: No current warning

Port Moresby has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and violent crime rates are extremely high across the country of Papua New Guinea. Car-jacking, armed robberies and vehicle stonings are common in Lae and Mount Hagen, and pickpockets operate in practically all the urban areas. Papua New Guinea's mines and forests attract industry from around the world, but rural areas or even isolated public places like parks or beaches are the scene of robberies and sexual assaults. Travelers are advised against public transportation, including taxis. Rental cars are generally a safer option.

Control Risks: Extreme security and travel threat in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan; high terrorist risk in Islamabad
iJet: 4
State Department: Travel warning

Pakistan has been a conflicted state ever since it was founded in 1947 when a section of India, at the time under British rule, was cordoned off to make a Muslim state. Two wars were subsequently fought over disputed Kashmiri territory, and a third resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. Nuclear testing by India prompted copycat testing in Pakistan in 1998, and since then, militant and extremist groups have congregated here and target American and Western interests. Islamabad and the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan are particularly dangerous, where members of al-Qaida and remnants of the Taliban remain.

Control Risks: High security, political and travel threat
iJet: 5
State Department: Travel warning

In the summer of 2003, Liberia's 14-year civil war was brought to a close with a peace-keeping agreement and the exile to Nigeria of Charles Taylor, the former president. But there are still 15,000 U.N. peacekeepers and 1,100 police advisers stationed throughout the country. Crime in Liberia is a major problem, and the bulk of it takes place after dark. Theft, sexual assault and murder are common. Moreover, recent business scams asking for money for a variety of dubious causes have targeted Americans. These frauds can result in physical, as well as financial, harm.

Control Risks: Extreme security, terrorist and travel threat
iJet: 5
State Department: Travel warning

No region of Iraq is safe for visitors, not even the International, or Green, Zone. The U.S.-led occupancy has so far not been able to tame the insurgency, and former members of the Ba'ath regime are still at large, as are various international terrorists and criminals. Civilians die daily in car bombings and suicide bombings, and much of the terrorist activity is aimed directly at U.S. citizens or U.S. assets. Obvious targets, like restaurants, hotels, police stations or checkpoints, are to be avoided.

Control Risks: High political, security and travel threat
iJet: 5
State Department: Travel warning

There is no effective police force in Haiti. Sudden demonstrations and violent outbreaks are common, despite a 2004 government change. Previously, private businesses were often victims of violence and extortion, and even today many Haitian towns are controlled by criminals. Basics such as water and electricity are unavailable or extremely limited. Employees of the U.S. Embassy function under a curfew here, and visitors traveling in Haiti cannot expect the protection of the few U.N. representatives who remain here.

Control Risks: High across much of the country
iJet: 3
State Department: No current warning

The civil war of the 1980s and 1990s has divided Georgia to this day: Separatist regions exist in north-central and northwest Georgia, which refuse to recognize the authority of the government in the capital of T'bilisi. The volatile political situation and intensity of past violence against missionary troops (including beatings and destruction of property) means that travelers should proceed with great caution, especially in the Pankisi Gorge area, where Georgian forces have clashed with Chechen fighters and other terrorists. In addition, American citizens are prohibited legally from making the overland crossing between Russia and Georgia.

Control Risks: Extreme security and travel threat in the northeast
iJet: 5
State Department: Travel warning

AIDS is one major health hazard in this African country, and active rebel groups, formed over the course of long-standing political power battles, are another. U.N. observer forces, located around the country, are unable to prevent the pillaging, car-jackings, murders, rapes and kidnappings performed by active-duty troops as well as armed, unofficial groups. Airports and other ports of entry often levy bribes on incoming or departing travelers.

Control Risks: Extreme security and travel threat
iJet: 4
State Department: Travel warning

Since 1993, Burundi has faced an ongoing civil war, with rebel factions engaging in intense fighting with government forces. Despite domestic elections, which were held last summer, and a cease-fire agreement between six of the rebel groups and the government, rocket and mortar attacks are frequent in Bujumbura, as is spontaneous gunfire. Roving groups of armed criminals commit muggings and car-jackings with impunity.

Control Risks: Extreme across all categories
iJet: 5
State Department: Travel warning

Travelers are under the ongoing threat of kidnapping and assassination in Afghanistan. Former Taliban and al-Qaida operatives remain at large, and attacks with improvised explosive devices and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices are increasing in frequency, according to the State Department. Areas most vulnerable to attack include domestic and international government centers, and the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan frequently bans its employees from entering areas considered to be particularly risky.