Nov. 25--Belgium: Prime Minister Charles Michel announced that Brussels would remain on the nation's highest alert (Level 4, imminent attack) for at least one week starting Nov. 23. The alert caused the temporary closure of the city's subways, schools, and many stores and tourist sites for several days. The rest of the country was under a Level 3 warning (high threat). Tourists should stay up to date with news of security issues and public transit operations and remain cautious, avoiding large crowds when possible.
India: Visitors to the popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi must wear appropriate attire before entering. Temple officials said women with shorts or dresses above the knee will be offered saris and men with shorts will be offered wrap-around pants to cover up. Similar requests continue to be made at various cultural and spiritual sites across the country, reminding tourists to dress appropriately.
Mongolia: The U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar reported an increase in crimes, particularly pickpocketing and theft but also more serious crimes such as physical and sexual assault. Officials reported that Western men tend to be targets of threats and assaults at nightclubs, while women should use caution while out at night in Ulaanbaatar, where a 12.8 percent increase of sexual assaults was reported in 2014.
Taiwan: Dengue fever continues to spread throughout the country; roughly 14,000 cases were reported in recent months, with most concentrated in the Kaohsiung City area. At least 174 people have died from ailments related to the mosquito-borne virus. There is no vaccine to prevent dengue, but travelers can protect themselves by using high-quality mosquito repellent and wearing pants and long-sleeve shirts. Dengue symptoms can include high fever; severe headache; eye, joint and muscle pain; and rash.
Worldwide: The U.S. State Department released a worldwide travel alert Nov. 23, pointing to the planning of several terrorist attacks as cause for alarm. This travel alert remains in effect until Feb. 24. While authorities continue to conduct raids and thwart attacks, tourists should remain cautious and be aware of surroundings at all times. Travelers also should be prepared for heightened security screenings and disruptions in local transit services and entry to popular tourist sites.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, www.travel.state.gov.
Larry Habegger and Dani Burlison are freelance reporters.
