From: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Subject: Y2K Worldwide Notice - Public Announcement, 1/29/99 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 03:22:06 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Reply-To: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:2079 Path: world!bzs Sender: US Dept of State Travel Advisories Message-ID: <199902100323.VAA42286@piglet.cc.uic.edu> Approved: usenet@world.std.com Distribution: wstd Comments: To: DOSTRAVEL Lines: 50 Y2K Worldwide Notice - Public Announcement January 29, 1999 On January 1, 2000, some computer-based systems throughout the world may be unable to process information correctly, causing unpredictable results, including system malfunctions. Many businesses and governments are actively engaged in addressing potential Y2K problems and may experience little or no noticeable disruption in essential services. However, others with more limited resources or expertise, or who are not paying appropriate attention to the problem, may experience significant difficulties. In countries that are not prepared, the Y2K problem could affect financial services, utilities, telecommunications, transportation and other vital services. It is difficult to forecast where the Y2K problem will surface, and some problems could even appear before January 1, 2000. Areas of particular concern are: -- Some transportation systems abroad could be affected by computer problems. Although the major airlines have been in the forefront of preparing for potential Y2K problems, U.S. citizens should be aware of the potential for disruption of transportation services and factor that into their overall travel plans. -- Financial institutions outside the United States may experience difficulties. U.S. citizens abroad should not assume that credit cards, ATM machines, international banking transactions, etc. will operate normally in all locations throughout the world. -- U.S. citizens abroad with special medical requirements should not assume that all medical facilities and services will be available. Electrical, water and sanitation systems involving computers may experience malfunctions from the Y2K problem. -- U.S. citizens abroad may wish to consult their insurance companies to ascertain if policies cover Y2K-related problems. All U.S. citizens planning to be abroad in late 1999 or early 2000 should be aware of the potential for problems and stay informed about Y2K preparedness in the location where they will be traveling. The Department of State will provide more specific information periodically as it becomes available. By October 1, 1999 our Consular Information Sheets on individual countries will contain specific information, as available, on the Y2K preparations in each country. These can be accessed through the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. Monitor our home page for additional information about Y2K issues and links to Y2K web sites for foreign governments, U.S. Government agencies and international organizations. This Public Announcement expires March 1, 2000.