112018 – 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.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Crime and Social Unrest

• Mexico – U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank – GOV.AU. There is a high threat of civil unrest in Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and the security situation could deteriorate without warning. International events and political developments may prompt planned and spontaneous protests and demonstrations, which can turn violent.

Conflict and Terrorism

• Israel, Gaza – GOV.UK. On 12 November 2018, over 370 projectiles were fired from Gaza into southern Israel; Israel responded by returning projectile fire into Gaza; if travelling in southern Israel, familiarize yourself with the safety actions that you should take in the event of a warning siren, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and travel advice from official sources.
• Burma – GOV.UK. You’re advised to be vigilant in Taunggyi (Shan State) following the discovery on 16 November 2018 of an explosive device.
• Sweden – GOV.UK. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Sweden. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should be vigilant at this time.
• Turkey – GOV.AU. Exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul, because of the high threat of terrorist attack. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Monitor media for the latest information about  safety or security risks.

Demonstrations

• Cameroon – Government of Canada. Demonstrations can occur. 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. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations. Always carry with you photo identification such as your passport. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.
• Albania – GOV.UK. The two main opposition parties held major demonstrations in central Tirana on 27 January and 26 May 2018. On 13 November protests and a blockade on the main Durres-Tirana highway near Tirana city center escalated, leading to significant disruption. Further large-scale protests are possible. You should check the local media for the latest information, remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations. Tension between religious groups and expression of extremist views is very rare, and attitudes to western countries are overwhelmingly positive.

Health

• New Zealand – CDC. There is an outbreak of measles in New Zealand. Travelers to New Zealand should make sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
• Israel – CDC. There is an outbreak of measles in Israel. Travelers to Israel should make sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

Natural Disasters

• Philippines, Viet Nam, Cambodia – GDACS. Tropical Cyclone THIRTYTHRE-18 can have a medium humanitarian impact based on the maximum sustained wind speed, exposed population and vulnerability.
• Jordan – Government of Canada. There is an increased chance of rainfall between November and April. Heavy rains can cause flash floods, including in canyons (wadis) frequently visited by tourists, such as those in Petra and in areas around the Dead Sea. Floods may occur in areas that are not directly receiving rainfall. They may cause landslides and can render roads temporarily dangerous or impracticable. Take extra precautions during periods of rainfall. Seek information from local authorities and follow their instructions. If you find yourself in an affected area, immediately move to higher, stable ground and wait for the floodwaters to pass or for help to come. Do not drive through floodwaters.
• India – Government of Canada. Tropical storm Gaja passed through southern India on November 16, 2018. There could be disruptions to the essential services like transportation, power distribution, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care. 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.
• United States – Government of Canada. Wildfires have been affecting various areas of California since November 8, 2018. Obey all evacuation orders and consult the Government of the State of California for the latest information on these incidents, including evacuation orders, road closures and evacuation centers.
• 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. The air quality in Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay area is being severely affected by the ongoing wild fires

Other

• Zimbabwe – Government of Canada. Food and fuel shortages occur. Keep supplies of food, water and fuel on hand in case of lengthy disruptions.
• South Africa – GOV.UK. The Western Cape has suffered a prolonged drought, but the situation has improved. The Cape Town municipal region was most affected but water restrictions were reduced in October 2018. If you’re planning to travel to the area, you should be mindful of water consumption and comply with local restrictions. Further information can be found at the Water Western Cape website and the latest projections on water supply.

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.

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.