102318 – World Status Report

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.

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Conflict and Terrorism

• Iraq – U.S. Department of State.  Level 4: Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism and armed conflict.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Niger – U.S. Department of State.  Level 3: Reconsider travel to Niger due to crime and terrorism. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Burkina Faso – U.S. Department of State. Level 3:  Reconsider travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Burkina Faso – Government of Canada. Avoid all travel to the areas within 40 km of the border with Niger, within 40 km of the province of Komondjari, within 40 km of the province of Gourma, within 40 km of the province of Kompienga, within 40 km of the province of Tapoadue to the threat of terrorism. Avoid all travel to 40 km within borders of Benin and Togo due to the threat of banditry and terrorism.
• Netherlands – Government of Canada. Exercise a high degree of caution in Netherlands due to the current elevated threat of terrorism.
• Tunisia – Government of Canada. There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks have occurred throughout Tunisia. Since 2015, tourist resorts and attractions, as well as Tunisian military and state institutions have been targeted, and further attacks cannot be ruled out. Targets could include government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners, sports events, and cultural festivals.
• Uganda – Government of Canada. Uganda Police released a public security warning of possible terrorist attacks on Independence Day, October 9, 2018 and possibly after that date.

Natural Disaster

• Indonesia – CDC. Level 3: Because of the recent earthquake and tsunami that struck Indonesia on September 28, travelers to the province of Central Sulawesi may experience serious health and safety risks, and medical care may not be available. CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the province of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. If you must travel to the area, protect yourself by following CDC’s recommendations.
• Mexico – Government of Canada, GOV.UK. Avoid all travel to the southwestern coast of Mexico, between San Blas and Mazatlan, due to Hurricane Willa. Hurricane Willa is expected to make landfall on the Pacific Coast of Mexico (Western Mexico), between San Blas and Mazatlan, late on Tuesday 23 October; a tropical storm watch is also in place between Playa Perula and San Blas; monitor the progress of the approaching storm and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
• United States – Government of Canada. On October 10, 2018, tropical storm Michael swept the Florida Panhandle, as a category 4 hurricane, before passing through Georgia and the Carolinas. The storm brought excessive rainfall and violent winds. It caused flash flooding and landslides and is severely disrupting essential services such as transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, and medical care. Avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected areas. If you reside in the affected areas, you should follow evacuation orders, exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Contact your travel agent or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel arrangements.
• Laos – Government of Canada. On July 23, 2018, a hydroelectric dam broke and released extremely large volumes of water in the Xe Pian River in southern Laos PDR. Sanamxay District in Attapeu province remains affected and post-disaster relief and reconstruction efforts are ongoing. There could be significant disruptions to the essential services in the affected areas like transportation services and networks, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, and emergency services. Avoid travel to or through the flooded areas. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation order.
• Trinindad and Tobago – GOV.UK. Heavy rain has caused flooding in some areas of Trinidad. The local authorities are advising people in affected areas to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay at home.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Ecuador – Government of Canada. Avoid non-essential travel to the province of Esmeraldas (except within 20 km of the border with Colombia where we advise against all travel).

Law and Culture

• Iran – U.S. Department of State. Level 4: Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Nigeria – GOV.UK. Following violence over the weekend, a curfew was imposed in Kaduna on Sunday 21 October. The curfew was due to last 24 hours, but may be extended. If you’re in the area, you should respect curfews and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Other

• Eritrea – GOV.UK. The border between Eritrea and Ethiopia has been reopened, however the border remains heavily mined; the FCO continue to advise against all travel to within 25km of Eritrea’s land borders, with the exception of the towns of Senafe and Tessenei.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Demonstrations

• Haiti – Government of Canada. Demonstrations occur regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• Togo – Government of Canada. Legislative and local elections are expected to take place in December 2018. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for the latest information.
• Afghanistan – Government of Canada. Parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place on October 20, 2018. There is a heightened risk of demonstrations and attacks before, during and after the elections. Traffic disruptions are likely due to the increased presence of security forces, especially around polling stations. Remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) – Government of Canada. Demonstrations could still occur in reaction to the results of the October 13, 2018 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.
• Brazil – Government of Canada. The second round of presidential elections is scheduled to take place on October 28, 2018. Be cautious and avoid any demonstrations during the campaign period.
• Fiji – GOV.UK. The 2018 general election in Fiji is scheduled for 14 November; you should monitor local developments and avoid political rallies and public gatherings.

Crime and Social Unrest

• South Africa – U.S. Department of State. Level 2:  Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, civil unrest, and drought. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Comoros – Government of Canada. There is civil unrest on the island of Anjouan. A curfew is in effect in Mutsamudu, the island’s capital, from 8pm to 6 am until further notice due to clashes between protesters and security forces. Follow curfew orders, limit your movements around Anjouan, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and monitor local media for the latest information.

Natural Disaster

• South Africa – Government of Canada. The Western Cape, including Cape Town, is experiencing a drought. The city of Cape Town has implemented water restrictions until further notice. Comply with these restrictions and take all necessary precautions.
• Qatar – Government of Canada. Heavy rain throughout the country has caused severe flooding in Doha on October 20, 2018. Consequently, several streets and tunnels are impassable and most schools will be closed on October 21, 2018. The rain may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt essential services. If you reside in or are travelling to the affected areas monitor local news and weather reports, follow the instructions of local authorities and contact your travel agent or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt travel arrangements.
• Nicaragua – Government of Canada. Heavy rain is expected throughout the country until October 21, 2018. Consequently, the Government of Nicaragua issued a red alert for several regions including Boaco, Chinandega, Granada, Jinotega, León, Managua, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, North Caribbean autonomous regions, South Caribbean autonomous regions, and Triangulo Minero. The rain may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt essential services. If you reside in or are travelling to the affected areas monitor local news and weather reports, follow the instructions of local authorities and contact your travel agent or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt travel arrangements.
• Ireland – Government of Canada. Ireland is subject to wind storms that can cause severe damage to infrastructure. Heavy flooding, fog, rain and snow can have widespread impacts, including the disturbance of essential services such as transportation, power distribution, telecommunication networks and emergency services.
• Spain – GOV.UK. Severe rainfall is expected over the weekend of 19 to 21 October in the regions of Valencia, Catalonia, Aragon and Andalusia, causing some disruption to local rail services and road closures. You should follow the advice of local authorities if in any affected areas.
• France – GOV.UK. Following flash flooding in the south of France, there may be some disruption to local rail services and some local road closures; further thunderstorms are possible over the weekend of 20 to 21 October and early the following week and you should follow the advice of local authorities if in any affected areas.
• Italy – GOV.UK. There has been torrential rain on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia and a weather warning is in place. You should follow the advice of local authorities.

Health

• Nigeria – CDC. An outbreak of monkeypox has been ongoing since September 2017 in Nigeria. Monkeypox is spread through contact with an infected person or animal (alive or dead), or with material contaminated with the virus. It can also be spread through droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. Travelers to Nigeria should protect themselves from monkeypox by washing hands often with soap and water, and avoiding contact with animals or people that may be sick.
• Sudan – WHO. On 31 May 2018, the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) of the Red Sea State in Sudan reported four suspected cases of chikungunya fever from Swakin locality, in Red Sea State. Among the signs and symptoms were sudden onset of fever, headache, joint pain and swelling, muscle pain and/or inability to walk.
• West Nile virus – ECDC. Between 5 and 11 October 2018, EU Member States reported 85 human West Nile virus (WNV) infections in Italy (41), Romania (12), Greece (11), France (6), Hungary (6), Bulgaria (5), Austria (3) and the Czech Republic (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 48 cases in Israel (29) and Serbia (19).
• Measles – ECDC. Since the previous Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) published on 14 September 2018, updates are provided for 22 EU/EFTA countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom (UK). In 2018 and as of 5 October, most of the cases in the EU were reported from Romania (5 088), France (2 702), Greece (2 289), and Italy (2 248). Thirty-three deaths have been reported in 2018 from Romania (22), Italy (6), France (3) and Greece (2), an increase of 2 since the previous report.
• Dengue – ECDC. Since the previous CDTR update on 28 September 2018, Réunion reported 42 additional cases of dengue, of which 11 were detected between 24 and 30 September 2018.

Entry and Exit requirements

• Turkey – GOV.UK. From 29 October 2018, self-service e-Visa kiosks and Wi-Fi areas where visitors can apply for an e-Visa on arrival will no longer be available in Turkish airports; you must apply for your e-Visa before you travel.

Law and Culture

• United States – Government of Canada. Previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean that you are denied entry to the U.S. If you attempt to enter the U.S. for reasons related to the cannabis industry, you may be deemed inadmissible
• United States – Government of Canada. Although the possession of cannabis is legal in some U.S. states, it remains illegal under U.S. federal laws in any form and quantity, making it illegal to bring across the Canada-U.S. border. Do not attempt to cross the Canada-U.S. border with any amount of cannabis in any form, even if you are traveling to a U.S. state that has legalized possession of cannabis. If you do so you can expect legal prosecution and fines, and possibly jail time.
• Canada – GOV.UK. As of 17 October 2018, recreational cannabis is legally available throughout Canada. Local laws can vary depending on the province or territory you are visiting. Cannabis remains a Class B prohibited substance in the UK and it is illegal to carry any form of cannabis into the UK without a valid license issued by the Home Office. This includes cannabis and cannabinoid oils prescribed for medicinal purposes in Canada. It is also illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada.
• Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala – GOV.UK. Summary – There are currently large numbers of migrants moving en masse from Honduras through Guatemala to Mexico and beyond. This is having an impact on border crossings. Travellers are advised to check with local authorities and tour operators before attempting to cross land borders.

Others

• Turkey – Government of Canada. The Istanbul New Airport is scheduled to open on October 29, 2018. The transfer of regular operations from Atatürk Airport to the New Airport will take place gradually. Confirm the status of your flight, as well as the airport of departure or arrival, in advance of travel. Sabiha Gokcen Airport, on the Asian side of the city, remains operational.
• Taiwan – GOV.UK. A significant number of people were killed and injured in a train crash in Yilan County on 21 October. If you have been affected by the incident and need assistance call your home country embassy or your travel assistance provider.
• Ethiopia – GOV.UK. Driving standards and vehicle maintenance are often poor, and traffic accidents are a regular occurrence in Ethiopia, especially in Addis Ababa and on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti road. In Addis Ababa, travelers are advised to use only the metered yellow taxis as these generally have higher standards of maintenance than the blue and white taxis.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – CDC. There is an outbreak of Ebola in the North Kivu (Kivu Nord) and Ituri provinces in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The outbreak is in a part of the country identified by the U.S. State Department as a “do not travel” zone because of armed group activity and major outbreaks of violence targeting civilians. The armed conflict and violence in the outbreak area is hampering response activities including early identification of cases, and monitoring of “contacts” (people who may have been exposed to Ebola). Travelers to this area could be infected with Ebola if they come into contact with an infected person’s blood or other body fluids. Travelers should seek medical care immediately if they develop fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, or red eyes during or after travel.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO. The response to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen significant improvements over the past weeks, including strong performances by field teams conducting vaccinations, and improved community engagement and risk communication in priority areas. However, as new cases continue to emerge from Beni and appear closer to security ‘red zones’, it is clear that risks remain and that strong response measures need to be prioritized. The virus’ spread is partly due to security conditions that severely impact frontline and health workers, at times forcing the suspension of response activities and increasing the risk that the virus may spread to neighboring provinces and countries. The MoH, WHO and partners continue to rapidly adapt to these challenging circumstances, scaling up all pillars of the response: surveillance, contact tracing, community engagement, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, safe and dignified burials, vaccination, and therapeutics.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC. Over the past week, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 35 additional cases in Beni (29), Butembo (4) and Masereka (2). As of 10 October 2018, there have been 200 Ebola virus disease cases (165 confirmed, 35 probable), including 125 deaths (90 of which were confirmed cases), since the beginning of the outbreak.

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.