The American Embassy in London

24 Grosvenor Square

London W1A 1AE

Telephone: 020 7499 9000, press 0 for switchboard

www.usembassy.org.uk

For closure dates at the American Embassy in London, please

visit london.usembassy.gov/ukpubhol.html

www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html

WORLDWIDE CAUTION - February 2, 2009

This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world. In some countries, the worldwide recession has contributed to political and economic instability and social unrest. The armed conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza , which began in December 2008, raised tensions and sparked demonstrations throughout the world. U.S. citizens and others were killed in recent terrorist attacks in India and Pakistan . American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated July 16, 2008 to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East . These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi , Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. Terrorists attacked two hotels, a railway station, restaurant, hospital, and other locations in Mumbai , India , frequented by Westerners on November 26, 2008. Over 100 persons are believed to have been killed, including six Americans, and hundreds were injured. On September 20, terrorist bombed the Islamabad Marriott Hotel killing two U.S. Department of Defense employees and one Department of State contractor, whose remains are still unaccounted for. One private American sustained minor injuries. A July 9, 2008, terrorist attack on Turkish police guarding the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul , Turkey , killed three police officers and wounded other police personnel. On March 15, 2008, a bomb at an Italian restaurant in Islamabad, Pakistan, killed two and injured twelve, including five Americans. Also on March 15, two bombs exploded at the CS Pattani Hotel in southern Thailand , killing two and injuring thirteen.

Democrats Abroad UK

Suite 340

56 Gloucester Road

London

SW7 4UB

Tel: 020 7724 9796

Email: secretary@democratsabroad.org.uk

Website: www.democratsabroad.org.uk

To join: www.democratsabroad.org/join/

Republicans Abroad UK

Adelaide House

London Bridge

London

EC4R 9HA

www.republicansabroad.org.uk

chairman@republicansabroad.org.uk

The organisation's Executive Director works from Washington D.C. maintaining contact with RNC officials, the House of Senate as well as with overseas residents.

Local chapter organisations now exist in over 70 countries and territories. These organisations report to and meet with their respective Regional Chairman. Each Regional Chairman is responsible for one of the four geographical areas: Europe, the Middle East & Africa, Asia/Pacific and the Western Hemisphere.

As well as providing a stimulating social forum, Republicans Abroad (UK) promotes the interests of the Republican Party and communications among its members in the UK in a variey of ways:-

Events; Overseas Voter Identification & Registration; Fundraising; Membership; Government & Party Relations; Media Relations; Education & Information; American Student Overseas.

Find out more about the Party's activities by visiting their website.

www.overseasvotefoundation.org

Overseas Vote Foundation (OVF) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity that will provide free innovative online voter registration tools and services that better enfranchise qualified U.S. voters worldwide in the next federal elections. OVF actively conducts research required to understand the real factors impeding voting from overseas and presents commonsense suggestions on how to improve the overseas voting system to policy-makers.

Overseas Vote Foundation (OVF) helps overseas and military voters participate in federal elections by providing public access to secure, web-based voter registration tools and services.

OVF is committed to open dialogue and aims to nurture a renewed constructive discussion on the role and use of technology in overseas and military voting. OVF believes that when applied appropriately and transparently, new technologies and the power of the Internet can help overseas voters more rapidly than any other element in the mix of tools. In 2008, 4.75 million visitors utilized OVF's Internet-based voter services.

Election Technology Leaders Launch “The Power To MOVE”

New Solution To Help Implement Legislation that Protects Military And Overseas Citizens’ Right To Vote

Overseas Vote Foundation (OVF), a nonprofit, nonpartisan charitable organization, leader in technology solutions for overseas and military voters and Scytl Secure Electronic Voting (Scytl), worldwide leader in secure election modernization technologies, announced today a joint initiative, The Power to MOVE, that offers new Internet-based services to overseas and military voters, helping states complying with the gamut of new technology requirements required by the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act, signed into law in October 2009 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2010.

The MOVE Act requires state election officials to provide online access to registration and ballot request forms, electronic options for blank ballot delivery, downloadable write-in ballots in case of late ballot arrival and voter status tracking services. Many of these services must be implemented by the midterm federal elections of November 2010. Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding will be allocated to the states for the implementation of these new systems.

These requirements, while representing a major step forward in the enfranchisement of military and overseas voters, will require a significant development investment in a highly compressed period of time on the part of all states. Together, the combined OVF and Scytl software solutions will help state election officials meet the core requirements of the MOVE Act in an expeditious, user-friendly and cost-efficient manner; in other words, it gives them The Power to MOVE.

While the MOVE Act marks a milestone in terms of automation of overseas and military voting processes, it differentiates between using technology to modernize electoral administration and Internet voting. OVF and Scytl respect this important distinction. The Power to MOVE initiative based on OVF’s State Hosted System (SHS) and enhanced by Scytl’s ballot administration solution Pnyx.SecureBallot (Pnyx.SB), is designed to reduce the timeframe of the voting process without deviating from the model of auditable paper balloting.

OVF’s SHS program offers specialized voter service websites to the states. Each SHS provides the complete suite of OVF voter tools customized for the state including registration and ballot request, write-in ballots, help desk support, election information and express ballot return through FedEx.

On the other hand, Scytl’s ballot administration system, Pnyx.SB, offers secure blank ballot delivery and voter status tracking information. The Pnyx.SB system allows election officials to assign voters to precincts and ballots to voters, which are then transmitted online or by post per voter request. In turn, individual voters can download their ballot, vote and return it, and at any point check the status of their ballot as it moves through the administrative process.

“Scytl’s Pnyx.SecureBallot is a proven and reliable closed loop solution that allows for secure management of the overseas voting process. It helps both election officials and voters manage and track specific items important to them on-demand. Coupled with OVF’s State Hosted System solution it gives overseas voters control in the process; it moves overseas voters from observers in a process they have had little control over, to a position where transparency and personal control are elements of their participation in the American election process,” adds Hugh Gallagher, Scytl USA Managing Director.

Security takes the central role to make sure that complete and accurate ballots arrive at their destination. Scytl is providing The Power to MOVE initiative with tamper-proof security; using specialized data encryption to protect election related materials and audit mechanisms using immutable audit logs that track the exact data stored in the system to make sure it arrives intact and unchanged as well as verifying the electronic identity of the voters downloading the material.

“OVF’s strength is in designing services with voters in mind. When states look for solutions that bring compliance to the MOVE Act, we hope they will think beyond the legislation to the opportunity to improve service to the voter. That’s where The Power to MOVE can help the states,” said Chip Levengood, OVF’s Chairman.

“As for the MOVE Act and its impact, 2010 bodes well for further enabling this community of voters to successfully engage in the democratic process. In the end, this is an effort to support greater voter participation,” added Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat, OVF President and CEO.

See more information on the OVF website: The Power to MOVE

About Overseas Vote Foundation (www.overseasvotefoundation.org)

Overseas Vote Foundation (OVF) helps overseas and military voters participate in U.S. elections by providing public access to secure, web-based voter registration tools and services. In 2008, 4.75 million website visitors used OVF’s Internet-based voter services. OVF also nurtures open and constructive discussion on the role and use of technology in overseas and military voting. OVF believes that when applied appropriately, the Internet and other new technologies can help overseas voters more rapidly than any other factor. OVF is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, nonpartisan public charity incorporated in Delaware.

About Scytl Secure Electronic Voting (www.scytl.com)

The Middle East & North Africa

Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa . Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.

On September 17, 2008, armed terrorists attacked the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen , killing several Yemeni personnel, one embassy security guard, and a few individuals waiting to gain entry to the embassy. On March 18, 2008, a mortar attack on the U.S. Embassy in Yemen injured several Yemeni citizens in the vicinity. On January 15, 2008, a roadside explosion in Beirut , Lebanon killed three Lebanese and injured an American citizen. On December 11, 2007, two vehicle-borne explosive devices were detonated at the UN headquarters in Algiers and the Algerian Constitutional Council. Three suicide bomb attacks in July and September of 2007 in Algeria killed more than 80 people. In July 2007, suspected al-Qaida operatives carried out a vehicle-borne explosive device attack on tourists at the Bilquis Temple in Yemen , killing eight Spanish tourists and their two Yemeni drivers. There were a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca . Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007. These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.

The violence in Iraq and conflict between Palestinians and Israelis has the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region. The armeed conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza , which began in Decmber 2008, raised tensions and sparked demonstrations throughout the world. The Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa .

The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula . Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Tourist destinations in Egypt frequented by Westerners were attacked in April 2006 resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans.

Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples.

East Africa

A number of al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa . As a result of the conflict in Somalia , some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere in the region. Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, or targeting maritime vessels. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks. In particular, terrorists and likeminded extremists may target international aid workers, civil aviation, and seaports in various locations throughout East Africa, including Somalia . Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets.

Americans considering travel by sea near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there has been a notable increase in armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates in recent months. Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 300 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia , Yemen , and Kenya in international waters.

The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu , and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia . In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea , it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times. Americans traveling on commercial passenger vessels should consult with the shipping or cruise Ship Company regarding precautions that will be taken to avoid hijacking incidents. Commercial vessels should review the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration 's suggested piracy countermeasures for vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden .

South & Central Asia

The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South and Central Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. Government facilities, American citizens, or American interests. The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organizations, many of which are on the U.S. Government's list of foreign terror organizations, poses a potential danger to American citizens in the region. Continuing tensions in the Middle East may also increase the threat of anti-Western or anti-American violence in the region.

Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. Their actions may include, but are not limited to, vehicle-born explosives, improvised explosive devices, assassinations, carjacking, rocket attacks, assaults or kidnappings. In November 2008, coordinated terrorist attacks on luxury hotels, a Jewish community center, a restaurant, train station, hospital, and other facilities frequented by foreigners in Mumbai , India killed more than 170, including six Americans. On November 12, 2008, an American government contractor and his driver in Peshawar , Pakistan were shot and killed in their car. In September 2008, more than fifty people, including three Americans, were killed and hundreds were injured when a suicide bomber set off a truck filled with explosives outside a major international hotel in Islamabad , Pakistan . In August 2008, gunmen stopped and shot at the vehicle of an American diplomat in Peshawar . In August, three female western non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, along with their male Afghan driver, were gunned down as they traveled south of Kabul , Afghanistan . On June 2, 2008, a large bomb exploded in front of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad killing at least six people and wounding nearly 20. In May 2008, a series of coordinated bombings occurred in market and temple areas of the tourist city of Jaipur in Rajasthan , India . In Afghanistan , kidnappings and terrorist attacks on international organizations, international aid workers, and foreign interests continue. In Sri Lanka , the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and other groups have conducted suicide bombings at political rallies, government buildings, and major economic targets, and in recent months have increasingly targeted public transportation. Although there is no indication that American citizens were targeted in these attacks, and none were injured, there is a heightened risk of American citizens being victims of violence by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers and have targeted public areas, such as markets, local government facilities, and, in 2004, the U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Uzbekistan . In addition, hostage-takings and skirmishes have occurred near the Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas.

Before You Go

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at www.travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to " A Safe Trip Abroad " found at www.travel.state.gov

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at www.travel.state.gov . In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is now in the process of fully implementing a five-tier visa regulation system. Information on the new, points-based system, and transitional arrangements for American citizens and dependents already in the United Kingdom , can be found on the UKBA website at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/managingborders/managingmigration/apointsbasedsystem/howitworks

Companies and individuals intending to employ American citizens, or other nationals from countries beyond the European Economic Area and Switzerland , are required to apply to the UKBA for a sponsorship license. Information for employers can be found at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/

Educational establishments must also apply for a sponsorship license. Even American educational institutions that only offer short-term study abroad programs in their own premises in the United Kingdom to students who are enrolled in the United States , and who come to the United Kingdom for one or two semesters before returning home to finish their degree courses, must apply for a license from the UKBA . Information for education providers may be found at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points/sponsoringmigrants/eligibility/tierstudents/

Students and prospective students who intend to stay longer than six months, and those coming for less than six months but who wish to work while studying, are required to obtain a student or prospective student visa in advance of traveling to the United Kingdom. Failure to do so will result in the student or prospective student being refused entry to the United Kingdom . Students may apply on line at: www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs

Note, too, charity workers and religious workers, even those performing unpaid duties, are required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United Kingdom . Please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier5/ for more information.

If travelers or sponsors have any questions about requirements for a visa please refer to the website of the UKBA: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

Travelers must be outside the United Kingdom , the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man when they make an application for a visa.

It is the traveler's personal responsibility to ensure that he/she has the appropriate permission to enter the United Kingdom . The American Embassy cannot intervene with any application, nor can it secure entry on behalf of American citizens who arrive without a visa when one is required.

To register your details with the U.S. Embassy London so that we may be able to contact you in an emergency, please visit https://travelregistration.state.gov/