073118 – World Status Report

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Conflict and Terrorism

• Bangladesh. Government of Canada. Exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh due to the threat of terrorism, as well as political demonstrations, nationwide hartals (enforced strikes) and violent clashes, which can occur at any time. Avoid non-essential travel to Dhaka due to the threat of terrorism, crime and political demonstrations.
• Chad.  Government of Canada. There is a threat of terrorism. Attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
• Eritrea. GOV.UK. There has been a recent improvement in relations between Eritrea and Ethopia, which has led to an official end to the state of war between the two countries; however, the border remains closed and heavily mined; the FCO advise against all travel to within 25km of Eritrea’s land borders, with the exception of the towns of Senafe and Tessenei.
• Mozambique.  Government of Canada. There is a threat of terrorism, particularly in Cabo Delgado province. Attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.
• Rwanda.  Government of Canada. Attacks in the area bordering Burundi have occurred recently. Be vigilant as the security situation can deteriorate suddenly.
• Syria. UN. More than 7,000 children have lost their lives or been maimed as a result of the brutal conflict in Syria. UN. More than 180,000 people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in south-west Syria after weeks of escalating hostilities that have restricted aid access to the area.

Natural Disaster

• Greece. Government of Canada, GOV.UK.  Forest fires are affecting multiple areas in the greater Athens region. There could be significant disruptions in the affected areas  to the essential services like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, and emergency services. If you’re travelling to affected areas, contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans. Exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
• Laos. Government of Canada, GOV.UK, Government of Canada.  A hydroelectric dam broke and released extremely large volumes of water in the Xe Pian River in southern Laos PDR on July 23, 2018. Areas along the Xe Pian River in Attapeu Province could be affected. Flooding is also expected in Pakse in the coming days due to cresting of the Mekong River. In the affected areas, there could be significant disruptions to the essential services like transportation services and networks, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, and emergency services. Avoid flooded areas, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation order and monitor the news.
• Latvia. GOV.UK. Forest fires are affecting the Valdgale parish in the municipality of Talsi; you are advised not to go near the fires or nearby forests; you should follow local advice when travelling in this region.
• Sweden. Government of Canada. Forest fires are blazing in several areas across Sweden. Evacuation orders are in effect in some of these areas. There could be disruptions to the essential service like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, and emergency services. If you’re travelling to affected areas, contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans. Exercise caution and monitor local news and weather reports. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Crime and Social Unrest

• Jamaica. GOV.UK. A state of emergency in the Parish of St James, which includes Montego Bay, has been extended until 31 October 2018; an additional state of emergency in St Catherine north state (Spanish Town, Linstead and Bog Walk) has also been extended until 2 October 2018; the Jamaican government has also extended Zones of Special Operations in certain neighbourhoods in Kingston (Denham town and other areas in West Kingston).These measures allow the military to support the police in joint security operations in response to recent violence and shooting incidents.
• Peru. GOV.UK. A state of emergency for security reasons, due to violence and demonstrations associated with an ongoing teachers strike, is in force in over forty areas in Peru. A state of emergency gives the armed forces responsibility for law and order alongside the police. Some civil rights are suspended. If you do decide to visit any area under a state of emergency you should follow instructions given to you by military, police or other officials.

Demonstrations

• Cameroon. Government of Canada. Federal elections are due to take place on October 7, 2018. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
• Comoros.  Government of Canada. A referendum is due to take place on July 30, 2018. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the referendum. Limit your movements and avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, especially in Anjouan. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo.  UN, GOV.UK. In the upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there continue to be concerns of violations of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and peaceful demonstrations suppression. The MLC political party has announced that their leader will return to Kinshasa on 1 August. Large crowds are possible and travel disruption is expected throughout Kinshasa.  Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media and minimize time spent in places frequented by foreigners.
• Iraq. Government of Canada. Since July 6, 2018, street protests have been occurring throughout Southern Iraq. Clashes between protestors and security forces have caused injuries and deaths. Protestors have also broken into and looted government buildings. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.
• Malawi.  GOV.UK. In the period since 24 July there have been reports of possible incidents of unrest and violence in rural areas of Mulanje, linked to rumors of bloodsuckers; you should exercise caution if travelling in these areas, especially after dark, avoid any demonstrations or large groups of people and follow local security advice.
• Mali. UN, Government of Canada.   The first round of presidential elections took place on July 29, 2018. Violent demonstrations could occur after the elections. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Avoid areas frequented by foreigners and avoid areas that lack a security presence. Follow the instructions of local authorities and Monitor local media for the latest information
• Pakistan. UN, Government of Canada, GOV.UK. The United Nations Secretary-General has congratulated the people of Pakistan for “exercising their constitutional right to vote” on July 25. The potential for violence and impromptu rallies and protests remains, as preliminary are contested and the government is being formed. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media and minimize time spent in places frequented by foreigners.
• Zimbabwe. GOV.UK. Elections have been announced for 30 July 2018; during the election period you should expect increased political activity, including political rallies and demonstrations, in all parts of Zimbabwe; you’re advised to avoid any rallies or demonstrations.

Natural Disaster

• Cambodia. GOV.UK.  Summary – addition of information on flood alerts in southern Laos; you should be aware of a heightened risk of flooding in Stueng Traeng province in north-eastern Cambodia. The Cambodian Ministry of Water Resources has issued a warning to residents of Stueng Traeng province to prepare to evacuate. You should follow all guidance issued by the local authorities.
• Indonesia. GDACS, Government of Canada, GOV.UK.  On July 29, 2018 a 6.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in Indonesia potentially affecting 3670000 people within 100k.  The earthquake struck the North East area of the island of Lombok and was followed by several aftershocks. If you’re in or around the affected areas, monitor local media for the latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Japan.  Government of Canada. Tropical Storm Jongdari should make landfall in Central Honshu as a Category 1 typhoon on July 29, 2018. It is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the essential services like transportation, power distribution, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care. If you expect to be in the affected areas, exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Other

• Burma. U.S. Department of State. Exercise normal precautions in Burma. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Somalia.  CDC. An outbreak of polio has been reported in Mogadishu and the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions of Somalia.
• Nigeria. GOV.UK. The Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos state will be closed for repairs from 24 to 26 August; you should allow plenty of time for travel and monitor local media.
• Egypt. GOV.UK. Publicising strongly negative opinions about Egypt or making political comments, including about the President or security forces, can cause trouble with the authorities. In some cases, derogatory comments on social media have led to custodial sentences.
• West Nile Virus.  ECDC.  Between 20 and 26 July 2018, 37 cases of human West Nile fever were reported in the EU by Italy (20), Greece (10), Hungary (4) and Romania (3). In EU neighbouring countries, 12 cases were reported by Serbia, including three deaths.
• Dengue. ECDC. Since the beginning of 2018, the island of Réunion, a French department in the Indian Ocean, has seen a significant increase in dengue cases.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo.  WHO, ECDC. As 42 days (two incubation periods) have passed since the last possible exposure to a confirmed Ebola virus disease case, on 24 July 2018, the Minister of Health, Dr Oly Ilunga announced the end of the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

When traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, set up your institutional safety net and prepare for an emergency as a standard step of all your travels.  Find more information in the Traveler Best Practices webpage.

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.