The State department recently issued a travel alert warning against demonstrations currently occurring along the Pan-American Highway in Western Panama. Disputes over mining rights have led to violent confrontations between Panamanian security forces and the local indigenous groups in the San Felix area of Chiriqui. There have also been reports of clashes in the San Juan, San Felix, Horconcitos, and Vigui areas as well.

The U.S. Embassy is urging American citizens to avoid travel along the Pan-American Highway as protesters have attempted to block it with trees, rocks, and burning tires. In some cases, protesters have thrown rocks as passing vehicles.

In addition, the Panama security forces have had to use tear gas and other riot control measures.

Read the complete travel alert for Panama.

As always, U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency where you are traveling.

This week, the State Department issued a new travel alert recommending against travel to Bahrain due to spontaneous and occasionally violent anti-government demonstrations which have blockaded highways, set trash on fire, and established non official checkpoints. Participants in these demonstrations have thrown a number of homemade weapons and the Ministry of Interior is known to use tear gas, stun grenades and other crowd control measures.

These violent clashes between the security forces and demonstrators have made travel in and around Bahrain dangerous without much prior warning. The U.S. embassy currently restricts employees from traveling to specific areas and continues to advise U.S. citizens to do the same. Current demonstration notices indicate where the latest problem areas can be found as well as mapping the recommended areas of travel.

At this time, there are no indications that westerners are specifically being targeted, but U.S. flags have been burned at some demonstrations.

Read the complete travel alert for Bahrain.

This travel alert supersedes the travel alert for Bahrain in November.

Yesterday, the Department of State issued a travel alert to its citizens regarding the current state of unrest in Tunisia. While the security situation in most tourist and business centers remains calm, spontaneous and unpredictable work stoppages and demonstrations still occur and a state of emergency remains in force. Curfews may be re-established on short notice and U.S. citizens are reminded to stay away from all demonstrations and remain alert to local security developments.

This travel alert supersedes the one issued in October and expires on April 12, 2012.

General elections which took place in October 2011 have not stopped political protests, road blocks, and other public disturbances from occurring and several recent occurrences have turned into violent clashes between police and protesters resulting in deaths, injuries and extensive property damage.

As always, U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for the latest updates and information to be sent to them directly. By enrolling, U.S. citizens also make it easier for the local embassy to contact them in case of an emergency.

Read the complete travel alert on Tunisia for additional details.

Yesterday, the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for U.S. citizens on the risks of travel to the Republic of South Sudan. During the summer, the Republic of South Sudan seceded from Sudan and became an independent nation. In recent months, skirmishes have occurred between forces loyal to the government of Sudan and those loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army instead. Military forces have been building up along both sides of the border and the Sudanese air force has bombed areas in the Unity and Upper Nile states.

Travelers and residents should exercise extreme caution in all areas of South Sudan as clashes between the forces can flare up without warning. The government of South Sudan has limited capacity to deter crime and this time, or to provide security to travelers outside the capital of Juba.

The risk of violent crime is high inside Juba as well, with the U.S. Embassy issuing a curfew from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. to ensure the safety of its own personnel. Due to current security conditions, the spouses and family members of U.S. government officials are not permitted to reside in South Sudan currently.

U.S. citizens may obtain global updates from the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where they will find the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and country-specific information.

See the complete travel warning for the Republic of South Sudan.

The Department of State issued a travel alert for its citizens on December 12th, warning of the potential for civil unrest and disturbances in Senegal prior to and following the Presidential elections scheduled in late February.

Between now and the election, specific dates are crucial to the candidate process and may be dates on which demonstrations occur. For example, January 27 is the date by which the country’s Constitutional Council must rule on candidate eligibility. Other dates are important as well and travelers headed to the region should review the travel alert and be aware of those dates.

U.S. citizens planning trips to Senegal during this period should closely monitor the local news and keep aware of local conditions. The U.S. State Department also urges its citizens to avoid demonstrations, political rallies and gatherings. Even those that start out as peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate.

Travelers should stay in touch and check U.S. Embassy updates on the Dakar Embassy website. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) will give you updates and security announcements as well as helping your friends and family get in touch with you in the event of an emergency.

Read the complete travel alert for Senegal for more details.