Dept.of State --- Public Announcement -- Travel

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

A friend alterted me to this...

http://travel.state.gov/y2k_announce.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman

Y2K Worldwide Notice

July 26, 1999

As a consequence of the so-called Y2K "bug", on or about January 1, 2000, some automated systems throughout the world may experience problems, including unpredictable system malfunctions. Many businesses and governments around the world are actively engaged in preventing potential Y2K problems. As a result, those governments and businesses may experience little or no noticeable disruption in essential services.

Governments or businesses with more limited resources or expertise, or that are not paying appropriate attention to the problem, may experience more significant difficulties, although it is impossible to predict in what degree or what sectors. In countries that are not prepared, the Y2K problem might affect financial services, utilities, telecommunications, transportation, medical services and other vital sectors. Practically, this could mean, for example, cancelled or delayed flights, limited acceptance of credit cards and availability of automatic teller (ATM) machines or limited medical resources, particularly for persons dependent on electronic medical devices. Persons with concerns about medical conditions should consult their doctors about the advisability of travel on or about January 1, 2000, and ask for suggestions about preparedness for special needs.

While travelers do not necessarily need to alter their travel plans, being prepared for possible disruptions is prudent. Such disruptions may be overcome or limited through proper planning. An essential element of planning for possible Y2K disruptions is personal preparedness. All U.S. citizens planning to be abroad in late 1999 or early 2000 should take the potential for temporary disruptions related to Y2K into account when making their travel plans.

If you are planning to be abroad on or about January 1, 2000, learn as much as you can beforehand about possible Y2K disruptions in the country or region where you will be. The United States Government is working with the international community to minimize any impact as a result of Y2K. As January 1, 2000, draws nearer, the situation will become clearer, and we will provide information on a country-by-country basis where available on the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov/y2kca.html.

You may also wish to take the following measures to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible in the event of unforeseen disruptions related to the Y2K problem:

Consult your airline, cruise line, tour operator, hotel, and travel agent about contingency plans in the event of unforeseen Y2K-related delays, cancellations, or disruptions.

Obtain written confirmation of reservations.

Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance.

Anticipate possible delays in flights overseas. Give yourself plenty of time, if your travel itinerary includes connecting flights.

Make sure that your essential possessions such as passports, medications, eyeglasses, emergency telephone numbers and contacts for your place of destination and back home, etc., are in carry-on baggage. Your supply of medications should be sufficient to last for the anticipated duration of travel.

Consult your insurance companies to ascertain whether your insurance policies cover Y2K-related problems, including health and accident coverage abroad.

Please note that U.S. embassies and consulates abroad do not have facilities to provide private U.S. citizens overseas with food, water, fuel, medicines, shelter or other equipment and supplies in the event of disruptions of essential services in foreign countries. The Department of State is preparing its embassies and consulates worldwide for continual operation through the beginning of the new year. Our embassies and consulates will be available to assist American citizens in emergency circumstances. Nevertheless, this ability may be hampered by local Y2K disruptions. The Department of State expects to evacuate, prior to January 1, U.S. Embassy personnel who are medically reliant on systems that may not be Y2K compliant.

For additional ideas about personal preparedness, see the websites of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/y2k/, the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion at http://www.y2k.gov, and the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/y2k.

For general information about the Y2K problem abroad, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs' pamphlet "Are You Ready for Y2K?" now available on our Y2K website at http://travel.state.gov/areyouready.html. See also the home page of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country or countries where you reside or plan to visit for additional preparedness information. These can be accessed through the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. The Department of State will provide more specific information as it becomes available. Monitor our Y2K website at http://travel.state.gov/y2kca.html for additional information about Y2K issues.

This Public Announcement supersedes our Y2K Notice of January 29, 1999, and expires on March 1, 2000.

-- Deborah (infowars@yahoo.com), July 28, 1999

Answers

Doh! That should read alerted not alterted.

Also take not of this statement from the announcement:

Please note that U.S. embassies and consulates abroad do not have facilities to provide private U.S. citizens overseas with food, water, fuel, medicines, shelter or other equipment and supplies in the event of disruptions of essential services in foreign countries.

-- Deborah (infowars@yahoo.com), July 28, 1999.


that's o.k. Deb- all they need is a three day supply anyway.......sigh

-- farmer (hillsidefarm@drbs.net), July 28, 1999.

Overseas US embassies and consulates are preparing with a LOT more than a three day supply...

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), July 28, 1999.

I am a little surprised that this alert does not mention electronic tickets. If you plan on traveling overseas during the rollover period, I think that it would be smart to have the physical airline ticket and not rely on the electronic ticketing system.

-- B.K. Myers (B.K.Myers@cwix.com), July 29, 1999.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ