Following is a list of Current Issues and Travel Report changes released in the last 24 hours. Please visit our Web site for details and more updates. If you do not have Internet access, please call 1 800 267- 6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or (613) 944-6788. Current Issues: An entry concerning Indonesia (security) was added. Canadian tourists should not travel to Indonesia. Canadians travelling on business should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Indonesia. Canadians in Indonesia should exercise caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. The current trial of extremist Abu Bakar Ba'asyir by Indonesian authorities could prompt a strong reaction from his supporters, including possible demonstrations. Canadians should avoid the area around the Agriculture Ministry Complex, Jalan Harsono R.M. No. 3, Raguna, south Jakarta, where the trial will be held. Canadians should monitor local developments, avoid crowded places and demonstrations, as well as register and remain in regular contact with the Canadian Embassy in Jakarta or Foreign Affairs Canada (call collect 613-996-8885). An entry concerning Laos (security) was added. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit will be held in Vientiane from November 25 to 30, 2004. Recent reports indicate that anti-Lao government groups could be planning a bombing campaign in the period surrounding the summit. Security measures will be in place before and during the forum and could cause delays. Canadians are advised to monitor local news reports, follow the advice of local authorities, and avoid crowds and demonstrations. From November 22 to December 1, 2004, authorities of the Lao PDR will temporarily cease issuing visas to foreigners travelling to Vientiane City because of limited accommodation facilities during that period. Visas could also be difficult to obtain on arrival at the Wattay Airport and at the Friendship Bridge border crossing from Thailand during this time frame. An entry concerning Senegal (health) was added. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continuously monitors worldwide reports of cholera outbreaks. Cholera is found in many tropical countries around the world and outbreaks are a recurring hazard during the rainy season in much of West Africa. WHO has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in Dakar, Senegal. At this time 128 cases and two deaths have occurred between October 5 and October 28 2004. The Ministry of Health in Senegal has declared the outbreak an epidemic For more information please visit the Travel Medicine Program website at: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/pub_e.html An entry concerning the typhoon and monsoon seasons (natural disasters) was added. The typhoon and monsoon seasons are currently under way in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific and will continue until approximately April. Sudden flooding and mudslides are regular occurences in many countries during these seasons. Transportation and other services may be affected, including emergency and medical care as well as water and food supplies. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate should they require assistance. An entry concerning Cuba (general) was amended. Beginning November 8, 2004, the US dollar will no longer be accepted to purchase goods or services in Cuba. All purchases will have to be made in the Cuban convertible peso (which will still be on a par with the US dollar). It will be possible to exchange US currency, but a 10% fee will be charged to exchange US dollars in cash. It will also be possible to exchange Canadian currency and traveller's cheques at major hotels and banks and at international airports for Cuban convertible pesos without the 10% commission fee. It will be possible to exchange Cuban convertible pesos back to US dollars at the international airports before leaving the country or to Canadian dollars if available. We recommend that you change your currency while in Cuba since it is not possible to exchange Cuban convertible pesos outside of Cuba. Keep receipts for the traveller's cheques separately. Credit cards will continue to be accepted in major establishments provided they are not issued by an American bank. American Express cards are difficult to use, regardless of country of issuance. Debit cards are not accepted. Visa or MasterCard holders may obtain cash advances (in Cuban convertible pesos or in US dollars) at banks, hotels, or Cadeca exchange houses. If you choose to cash US dollars, you should take into account that they will not be accepted in the country to pay for goods or services. In Havana, ATM machines allowing cash advances of Cuban convertible pesos from Visa cards are located at Hotel Parque Central, Hotel Cohiba, Hotel Nacional, and Miramar Trade Centre. In Varadero, Visa's ATMs are located at Plaza America and at banks. Canadian money transfers are not accepted by Western Union in Cuba. If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency. The airport tax that travellers are required to pay before boarding their flights will be paid in Cuban convertible pesos beginning on November 8, 2004. An entry concerning Belarus (demonstrations) was removed. An entry concerning Italy (security) was removed. An entry concerning Japan (natural disasters) was removed. An entry concerning Sri Lanka (general) was removed. An entry concerning the typhoon, monsoon, and hurricane seasons (natural disasters) was removed. An entry concerning Vietnam (travel documentation) was removed. The Upcoming Elections category was updated. The following Travel Report(s) were updated: Bolivia Cuba Indonesia Laos Mexico Senegal Serbia and Montenegro Taiwan United Arab Emirates Vietnam - 30 - For more information, please contact: Consular Affairs Bureau (JPS) Foreign Affairs Canada 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2 Tel.: 1 800 267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or (613) 944-6788 Fax: (613) 996-2157 Internet: www.voyage.gc.ca E-mail: voyage@international.gc.ca
