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Travel Security News Update

Worldwide caution, this April 29, 2004 announcement is being updated to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated March 23, 2004 and expires on October 23, 2004. The U.S. Department of State is deeply concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department is also concerned about the potential for demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

The U.S. Department of State remains concerned by indications that al- Qaida continues to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have most recently struck in the Middle East and in Europe but other geographic locations could also be venues for attacks. Future al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve non- conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents as well as conventional weapons of terror. We also cannot rule out that al-Qaida will attempt a catastrophic attack within the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning for travel to Lebanon to remind Americans of the dangers involved in visiting there. There have been public expressions of anti U.S. sentiment, as well as bombings directed at U.S. franchises. While tensions on the southern border have been quiet in the past few months, the potential for violence by Hezbollah and Palestinian militants could happen without warning. State urges any Americans in Lebanon to register with the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.

The U.S. Department of State says U.S. citizens should be wary of traveling to Nepal because of continued threats against America, increasing Maoist extortion and attacks on government forces, as well as disruptions to transportation services. State said rebel Maoists are threatening humanitarian organizations associated with the U.S. U.S. citizens are requested to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu (977-1- 441-1179) for the latest security information before traveling to outlying areas, and to travel by air when possible.

Honolulu media are reporting that a person suspected in a ticket scam involving Hawaiian Airlines transpacific tickets turned himself in to Honolulu police. According to reports, consumers may have lost $200,000 thus far, but that dollar figure could rise if additional victims come forward. Hawaiian Airlines had issued a warning to would-be travelers earlier this month that an individual was offering consumers five roundtrip tickets between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland for $250 each and promising a sixth ticket for free. In its warning, the airline noted that the first ticket was legitimate but the subsequent ones were not. Consumers who think they've been scammed should file a police report and call Hawaiian Airlines' customer advocate line at 808-838-3500 to confirm ticketed reservations.

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