Worldwide: It is impossible to say what the ramifications of the military attacks on Afghanistan by the U.S. and allies will be for travelers throughout the world, but special caution is called for. Anti-American sentiment is high in certain Islamic countries, most notably Pakistan and Indonesia, with tensions simmering throughout the Middle East and in Egypt. It is also impossible to say if the call for jihad by Osama bin Laden and certain religious leaders will be heeded by anyone other than bin Laden’s al-Qaeda terrorist network. If it is, travel in Islamic areas could be especially risky. Americans should seek to blend in as much as possible and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Security has been tightened in just about all Western nations, both at airports and other sensitive sites in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. To assist U.S. citizens during the current worldwide crisis, the State Department has set up an official task force that operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 888-407-4747 or 317-472-2328.