---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 07:50:10 -0400 From: PA List Manager <statelists@STATE.GOV> To: DOSTRAVEL@LISTS.STATE.GOV Subject: France and Switzerland Public Announcement France and Switzerland Public Announcement U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman May 28, 2003 This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the potential for large-scale anti-globalization protests on or near the French/Swiss border during the G-8 Summit scheduled for June 1-3, 2003, in Evian, France. American citizens traveling in or out of France during this period should be prepared for greater security checks and should have their U.S. passports available at all border crossing points. This Public Announcement expires on June 9, 2003. The Summit of the Group of 8 (G-8) is expected to attract as many as 300,000 anti-globalization protestors, most of who will gather outside Evian in Annemasse, France, and Geneva, Switzerland. Protests will also take place in Lausanne and other cities on the Swiss shore of Lake Geneva. Large-scale anti-globalization protests are planned beginning May 29 in Annemasse. Large rallies are planned for June 1 in Geneva and Annemasse, and other demonstrations are expected to take place in the region throughout the summit. Americans traveling in the area should avoid the demonstrations, bearing in mind that in the past, similar demonstrations have sometimes turned violent and that traffic and public transportation in the vicinity of demonstrations are likely to be affected. Additionally, to enhance security measures already in place for the Summit, the government of France will increase passport and security checks at all of its land borders. Enhanced controls will begin immediately at some borders to eventually include all land border crossings throughout the period of the Summit. Those entering or exiting France - whether by car, boat or train - may be required to produce valid travel documents. American citizens traveling in or out of France during this period should be prepared for greater security checks and should have their valid U.S. passports available at all border crossing points. American citizens can register and obtain updated information on travel and security at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, the Consulate General in Marseille, the Consulate General in Strasbourg, or the U.S. Embassy in Bern. The U.S. Consular Agency in Geneva will be closed from Monday, May 26, through Tuesday, June 4, 2003. Travelers should also consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheets for France and Switzerland and the Worldwide Caution Public announcement at travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada, and 317-472-2328 from overseas. *********************************************************** See http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for State Department Travel Warnings ************************************************************ To change your subscription, go to http://www.state.gov/www/listservs_cms.html