Travel updates for August 31, 2004 as issued by the Consular Affairs Section of Foreign Affairs Canada. Current Issues: An entry concerning the 2004 Summer Paralympic Games (general) has been added. The 2004 Summer Paralympic Games will take place in Athens from September 17 to 28. During the games, the city of Athens and the surrounding region will host athletes, officials, media, and other guests from countries around the world. The Athens 2004 Organizing Committee, International Paralympic Committee, and Greek authorities are endeavouring to ensure the success of this event. Canadian visitors should recognize that any high profile international event in the current global climate is vulnerable to the risk of a terrorist attack. The Greek Government has made security at the games a top priority. Special security arrangements will be in place at Olympic venues, airports, border crossings, other sensitive areas, and in major public areas in Athens. During the games, there may be demonstrations, some of which could turn violent. In recent months, Greek anarchist groups have launched several attacks with small explosive devices on official Greek buildings and those of foreign commercial interests. More such activities could take place during the games. Travellers to the games are reminded to take sensible precautions. They should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. Canadians should avoid demonstrations, monitor local developments, and follow the advice of local authorities. They should exercise caution in crowded areas, on public transportation, at airports, railway stations, bars, restaurants, and hotels. Ensure personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. As in many countries, there is a risk of petty crime, such as mugging, pickpocketing, purse snatching, and luggage theft. Visitors should confirm their accommodation and travel arrangements well in advance. Athens will experience a significant influx of visitors for the Games that will affect the availability of hotel accommodations and ease of movement around the city. Special transportation rules will be in effect. The access to the road network will be somewhat limited for non-Olympic vehicles. The public, including visitors, is urged by Greek authorities to use public transportation. Canadian visitors to the games are encouraged to seek local advice on travel time required to get to Olympic venues. Consular services, including emergency assistance, are available from the Canadian Embassy at 4 Ioannou Ghennadiou Street, 115 21 Athens (country code: 30/ tel.: 210-727-3400/ fax: 210-727-3480/ e-mail: athns-cs@dfait-maeci.gc.ca). If you are in Greece, and in case of an emergency after working hours, please dial 210-727-3399. In case of an emergency abroad, family and friends in Canada may call collect at 1-613-996-8885 for assistance. Information on tickets, accommodations, and other matters relevant to Canadian visitors can be found on the Web site of the Canadian Embassy in Athens. Additional information on tickets, accommodations, local travel, and guidance on access to Olympic venues can be found in the "Visitor Info" section of the Web site of the Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Visit the Web site of the Canadian Paralympic Committee for details on Canadian participation in the 2004 Summer Paralympic Games. An entry concerning Hurricane Frances (Natural Disaster) was amended. Hurricane Frances is active in the Atlantic Ocean. For up-to-date information on Hurricane Frances, please visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center. Canadians resident in, or travelling to, the affected areas should monitor local news reports and weather reports, follow the advice of local authorities, and determine whether the situation will disrupt travel arrangements. We encourage Canadians who have disrupted their travel plans due to Hurricane Frances to maintain contact with relatives in Canada who may have concerns for their safety. The following Travel Report(s) were updated: Czech Republic Greece Country Travel Reports may be updated after 3 p.m. (EDT), so if you want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information, please visit our Travel Updates page.
