031518 – World Status Report

Take Enhanced Precautions

• Eritrea – U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in Eritrea due to travel restrictions and limited consular assistance. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Bangladesh – U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in Bangladesh due to crime and terrorism. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• France – Government of Canada. Laws and culture – Identity checks. You must carry your passport at all times.  It is illegal to cover your face in public places in France, including in international arrivals areas at airports. Failure to comply can lead to a heavy fine. There are no exemptions for tourists or for religious reasons.
• Philippines – Government of Canada: Natural disasters and climate – alert status for Mayon volcano lowered to level 3. On March 8, 2018, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) lowered the alert status for the Mayon Volcano from 4 to 3 due to a decrease in volcanic activity. Level 3 indicates that a hazardous eruption is possible within days or weeks. Avoid the extended danger zone (7 km radius from the volcano’s summit vent), due to the danger of rock fall, landslides, sudden explosions or dome collapse. Be ready to leave quickly upon recommendation from local authorities. Ash clouds could disrupt flights in the region. Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation could affect your travel plans. Latest volcanic statuses and warnings – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
• Turkmenistan – GOV.UK. Safety and security section (Political situation): Parliamentary elections will be held on 25 March 2018; you should avoid demonstrations or large gatherings of people.
• Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – GOV.UK. Safety and security section (Local travel) – The Tajik authorities have announced that the border crossing between Panjakent (Tajikistan) and Samarkand (Uzbekistan) is going to open in March 2018, there is no further information at this time.
• Sri Lanka – GOV.UK. Updated information and advice on the nationwide State of Emergency in Sri Lanka; additional security personnel have been deployed in some areas; access to a number of social media platforms is restricted; Bandaranaike International Airport is operating as normal; no reports of ongoing incidents in major tourist areas.
• Japan – GOV.UK. There has been increased volcanic activity in recent days from Mount Shinmoedake in southern Kyushu; after further eruptions on Saturday 10 March Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a warning about the danger of falling rocks around a 4km radius; if you are in the area you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.  Local laws and customs section – while attitudes towards tattoos are increasingly accepting, many public amenities do not admit anyone with tattoos and other establishments ask for tattoos to be covered up; Entry requirements section – update on bringing medication into Japan.
• South Africa – GOV.UK.  There has been an outbreak of listeriosis in South Africa; the South African Ministry of Health has advised against the purchase and consumption of ready to eat meat products.
• Madagascar – GDACS. Tropical Cyclone ELIAKIM-18 can have a medium humanitarian impact based on the Maximum sustained wind speed and the affected population and their vulnerability.

The risk information in this report is retrieved from U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other professional sources as listed in the post. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.