Egypt: As of May 15, tourist visas will no longer be issued on arrival for U.S. travelers. Before travel, those wishing to visit the country instead must apply for one through the Egyptian diplomatic mission (Info: tinyurl.com/egyptvisa). The only exception is for Americans arriving in the country with a tourist group that applied through Egyptian tourist agencies.
India: A swine flu outbreak has killed nearly 2,000 people and infected 30,000 more, leading to heightened security at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. Medical staffers there now are screening incoming international flights from 12 airlines to ensure that passengers are not infected with the virus. The health scans and fumigation of aircraft have caused flight delays of several hours but have been effective in preventing the international spread of the infection. Other preventive measures include some Indian states providing free face masks and free treatment for those with swine flu.
Myanmar (Burma): Three men were arrested in Yangon and sentenced to two years in prison for displaying an image of Buddha wearing headphones on their bar’s website, officials said. The three men — the bar owner, the manager and the general manager, a New Zealand citizen — were held in violation of the country’s religion act, which prohibits insulting, damaging or destroying religion. Tourists should use caution about depicting any religious figure, because repercussions can be extreme.
Thailand: Tourists hoping for a spontaneous visit to drink cocktails at Koh Tachai beaches should be aware that all bars recently were banned and ordered demolished to protect the Similan Marine National Park in Phang Nga province. In order to provide further ecological protection, visitors to Koh Tachai will be capped at 200 per day and 250 per day on Koh Similan. Feeding turtles and fish or urinating in the ocean also is prohibited.
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Vanuatu: At least 37 relief centers have been set up on Efate, the most populous island of the ocean nation’s 65 inhabited islands, and in two other provinces in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam. Nearly 70 percent of the buildings in Isangel, a provincial capital, were damaged. Destruction was so broad that complete recovery for the islanders could take years. Travelers should follow news reports on recovery efforts before visiting the islands.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov.