TRAVEL ALERT: GUINEA-BISSAU

UNCLAS STATE 059793 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC PU SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT: GUINEA-BISSAU ¶1. The Department of State is issuing this Travel Alert to advise American citizens of the risks of travel to Guinea-Bissau immediately before and after the presidential elections scheduled for June 28, 2009, and to recommend against all but essential travel to Guinea- Bissau at this time. This Travel Alert expires on August 1, 2009. ¶2. On June 28, 2009, the Government of Guinea-Bissau will hold elections to replace President Vieira, who was assassinated in March 2009. Others, including a candidate for president, were killed on June 5. These incidents have heightened political tension in the country, and raise the likelihood of further security incidents during the electoral period. ¶3. In the days before and after the elections, political demonstrations are likely, and there is the potential for violence. The response of security forces to politically-charged demonstrations is unpredictable. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and quickly escalate into violence. American citizens traveling to or residing in Guinea- Bissau are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise extreme caution within the vicinity of any demonstration, political gathering, or other public assemblage. ¶4. The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas, to review emergency procedures and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. ¶5. There is no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau. American citizens considering travel to Guinea-Bissau despite this Travel Alert are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy in Dakar to contact them in case of emergency. Please be sure to include your e-mail address and cellular phone number when registering. ¶6. The U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, has jurisdiction over Guinea-Bissau. The Embassy is located at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar, Senegal. The mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal; telephone (221) 33-829-2100 during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies involving American citizens, call (221) 76-383-9566. The Consular Section e-mail address is consulardakar@state.gov; the Embassy's web site is http://dakar.usembassy.gov. ¶7. Updated information on travel and security in Guinea- Bissau may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Guinea-Bissau and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. ¶8. Minimize considered. CLINTON