111318 – 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

Natural Disaster

• United States – GOV.UK. There are large wildfires in Butte County in North California and near Malibu, Los Angeles County in South California. Evacuation orders are in effect. There are other smaller wildfires currently active throughout California

Crime and Social Unrest

• South Sudan – GOV.UK. South Sudan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for aid workers; over 100 have been killed since the conflict began in 2013, and there have been other violent incidents including arbitrary detentions and kidnappings, although these have mostly affected South Sudanese or regional nationals. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to South Sudan.
• South Sudan – GOV.AU. Armed conflict, including attacks on civilians could break out with little warning (see Safety and security). Do not to travel to South Sudan.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and 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 centers, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners, sports events, and cultural festivals. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
• Tunisia – GOV.UK. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia and there have been a number of attacks in recent years. A state of emergency – in effect since a suicide attack on a police bus on 24 November 2015 – has been extended several times, most recently on 5 November 2018 by one month. You should be vigilant at all times and follow the advice of local security officials, including in and around religious sites. In more remote areas of the country, including tourist sites in southern Tunisia, security forces’ response times to an incident may vary.
• Australia – GOV.UK. Victoria Police have confirmed that they are treating an attack in Bourke Street, Melbourne, on 9 November as a terrorist incident; they are not aware of any ongoing threat, but you should stay vigilant and follow advice from Victoria Police.
• Argentina – GOV.UK. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Argentina. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Since 2004 there have been a number of small explosions in Buenos Aires and the surrounding provinces which are believed to have been the work of local anti-globalization groups. The targets have mostly been banks.

Demonstrations

• Madagascar – Government of Canada. The political environment in Madagascar is fragile. The first round of the presidential elections was held on November 7, 2018. The second round, if one is needed, is scheduled for December 19. A recent change in laws pertaining to the forthcoming election has caused political instability and led to demonstrations and civil unrest, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries in April 2018. Further unrest, demonstrations and violence may occur until the final results are announced.
• Poland – Government of Canada. As part of the centennial celebrations of Poland’s Independence Day, several marches and demonstrations are scheduled to take place in Warsaw on November 11, 2018. Be cautious if you are in the area.
• Togo – Government of Canada. A constitutional referendum and local and legislative elections are due to take place on December 16 and 20, 2018. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after these events. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. There are tensions throughout the country over the political situation, particularly in Lomé and Sokodé. Opposition parties are calling for increased demonstrations throughout the country. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
• Togo – GOV.UK. There have been sporadic marches and protests in Lomé and around the country since August 2017, over demands to restore the 1992 constitution. The government has banned protests, but it is possible that opposition groups may schedule further protests. This possibility is likely to increase ahead of local and legislative elections scheduled for 16 and 20 December 2018 respectively. You should remain vigilant during these times, avoid crowds and demonstrations, monitor local media and follow advice of local authorities.
• Bahrain – GOV.UK. There are calls for unauthorized protests on Friday 9 November 2018 in unspecified locations across Bahrain. You should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. Follow the advice of the local authorities and if you encounter a demonstration, protest or any civil disturbances, leave the area immediately.
• Argentina – GOV.UK. Political demonstrations and picketing are more common in Argentina than in the UK. Some demonstrations attract large numbers of people and there have been cases of demonstrations turning violent. On 24 October 2018, a protest against the 2019 budget in front of the Congressional Palace in Buenos Aires was dispersed by riot police using tear gas. Nine police were injured and at least 27 protestors were arrested. Further large gatherings, protests, demonstrations or and marches are planned in the near future, including in the run up to the G20 Meeting on 30 November – 1 December 2018. You should exercise normal caution at any large gathering, and be aware of your surroundings. You should avoid all protests, demonstrations and marches and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Venezuela – GOV.UK. Criminality and security incident rates rise sharply during December; you should increase your vigilance and remain alert at all times.
• Cameroon – GOV.UK.  There have been reports of a large number of school children and their teachers who have been kidnapped by armed separatists in Bamenda, North West of Cameroon on 5 November. The authorities are investigating this. There is likely to be an increased security presence in this area.

Natural Disasters

• Indonesia – Government of Canada. On September 28, 2018, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the central region of the island of Sulawesi, affecting the capital city of Palu and fishing village of Donggala. Aftershocks may occur. The earthquake caused many casualties, as well as widespread damage to infrastructure and roads throughout the region. Disruptions to essential services continue. Monitor local media for the latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Indonesia – Government of Canada. Indonesia has 129 active volcanoes and periodically experiences major volcanic events. The Indonesian Directorate of Volcanology monitors active volcanoes to ensure that residents are provided with an early warning should unusual activity occur. Alert levels can be raised and evacuations ordered on short notice. Volcanic events can be dangerous, even life-threatening. Ash clouds can disrupt air travel, including on the island of Bali, and cause or worsen respiratory problems. Keep up to date with any developments if you are travelling close to active volcanoes and follow the instructions of local authorities. Take official warnings seriously and respect exclusion zones. Consult the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and National Disaster Management Authority for a list of volcanoes with elevated risk levels.

Health

• Senegal – CDC. There is an outbreak of dengue in Senegal. Travelers to Senegal should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.
• Botswana – GOV.UK. A rabies outbreak was reported in Ngamiland, in the Delta area of north west Botswana on 8 November. Further information on rabies can be found on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website.
• Indonesia – GOV.AU. Japanese encephalitis is an ongoing risk in Indonesia, including Bali. But the risk of infection remains low. Avoid mosquito bites. Talk to your doctor about vaccinations before you go.

Law and Culture

• Kenya – Government of Canada. You must have a valid work permit to work or volunteer in Kenya. It is illegal to work or volunteer in Kenya with any other type of visa. As a foreign worker in Kenya, you must carry the necessary work permits and documentation with you at all times, even when volunteering. Strict actions will be taken if you don’t comply, including deportation.
• The Gambia – GOV.UK. The death penalty applies for a number of crimes including arson, murder and treason. The Gambia resumed executions in 2012. In February 2018, President Barrow announced a moratorium on the death penalty.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Turkey – Government of Canada. The Istanbul New Airport opened 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.

Other

• Croatia – Government of Canada. Exercise caution when driving on highways and respect speed limits. Drivers do not always follow safe driving practices. Travel on small roads can be hazardous. Many roads are poorly maintained. In particular, roads in Istria and along the Adriatic coast can be congested, narrow and slippery when wet, and many lack guard rails. Accidents involving cyclists have occurred. Highways cover main cities.
• The Gambia – GOV.UK. In 2019, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 5 May and finish on 4 June.
• The Gambia – GOV.UK. The Gambia remains primarily a cash-based economy. Not all hotels will accept travelers cheques. Check with your tour operator or hotel before travelling. An increasing number of hotels and restaurants will accept Visa debit cards but very few will accept credit cards. Mastercard is generally not accepted. There are several ATMs in the tourist area of Senegambia and in other locations, but ATMs can be unreliable.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO. This outbreak of EVD is affecting north-eastern provinces of the country, which border Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. Potential risk factors for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels include: transportation links between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries; the internal displacement of populations; and the displacement of Congolese refugees to neighbouring countries. The country is concurrently experiencing other epidemics (e.g. cholera, vaccine-derived poliomyelitis, malaria), and a long-term humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the security situation in North Kivu and Ituri at times limits the implementation of response activities. WHO’s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low. WHO continues to advise against any restriction of travel to, and trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on currently available information.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – UN. The World Health Organization (WHO), and Ugandan Ministry of Health, have begun vaccinating frontline health workers in the country against Ebola, in a bid to stop an outbreak in the neighboring Democratic of Congo (DRC) from crossing the border.

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.