International Education > Archive > Category: World Status Report

112818 – World Status Report

November 28, 2018

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

  • Afghanistan – GOV.UK. On 20 November 2018, a suicide attack on a wedding hall in Kabul killed approximately 55 people and injured over 85; the majority of the victims were Islamic scholars observing Mawlid al-Nabi (translated as ‘Birth of the Prophet’).  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to several provinces and districts in Afghanistan.
  • Bangladesh – GOV.AU. Reconsider your need to travel to Bangladesh due to a high threat of terrorist attack and an uncertain security situation. In the lead up to national elections in late 2018, the Government of Bangladesh is increasing its security presence throughout the country. Avoid demonstrations and other political gatherings, as they may turn violent. Monitor the news and other sources for developments that may affect your security. Disruption to traffic and public transport in the vicinity of the Australian High Commission is possible.
  • Benin – GOV.AU. Do not travel to W National Park or the Mékrou and Djona hunting zones due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and banditry. Exercise a high degree of caution in the rest of Benin.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) – Government of Canada,  GOV.UK. On November 24, 2018, the United States embassy in Kinshasa issued a Security Alert advising American citizens that “the United States Embassy in Kinshasa has received credible and specific information of a possible terrorist threat against U.S. Government facilities in Kinshasa.” Avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Pakistan – GOV.UK. There were confirmed reports of an attack on the Chinese Consulate in the Clifton area of Karachi, on the morning of 23 November 2018; law enforcement agencies have now secured the area; you should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local security authorities.  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to several areas in Pakistan.

Demonstrations

  • Haiti – Government of Canada. Avoid non-essential travel to Haiti due to civil unrests throughout the country. Violent protests have been taking place in Port-au-Prince and other cities across the country since November 17, 2018. The violence has resulted in deaths and injuries and sporadic gunshots are heard. Demonstrations and strikes could continue in the foreseeable future and disrupt the movement of goods and people within, into and out of the country. Several businesses are closed. Main roads are often blocked and access to the Toussaint Louverture International Airport could be difficult. Limit your movements as much as possible, but consider stocking up on essential supplies if it’s safe for you to do so.

Law and Culture

  • Iran – GOV.AU. We now recommend you reconsider your need to travel to Iran due to the risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country.

Natural Disaster

  • Guatemala – Government of Canada. The Fuego volcano erupted on November 19, 2018. Evacuation orders are in effect around the base of the volcano, in areas of the provinces of Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepequez. Operations at La Aurora international airport might be disturbed. Follow all evacuation orders and the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local news and contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation could affect your travel plans.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Demonstrations

  • Argentina – U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in Argentina due to probable demonstrations and disruptions during and leading up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The 2018 G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on November 30 and December 1 in Buenos Aires.  During and leading up to the event, protests from both international and local groups may occur with little or no warning and near tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful have the potential to become violent.
  • Argentina – Government of Canada. The G20 summit will be held in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1, 2018. Expect significant traffic disruptions up to a week before the summit in areas hosting G20 events, including downtown and in Puerto Madero. Monitor local media for the latest information and avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) will be closed to the public during the summit.
  • Baharain – GOV.UK. Parliamentary elections took place on 24 November and 1 December. There is likely to be a high security presence throughout the country in advance of, and over, this period. You should follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) – Government of Canada. Presidential elections are due to take place on December 23, 2018. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. 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 the latest information.
  • France – Government of Canada, GOV.UK, GOV.AU. Demonstrations have been taking place in various parts of the country since November 17, 2018. Demonstrators have blocked roads in certain areas. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
  • Réunion – Government of Canada, GOV.UK. Demonstrations and civil unrest have been taking place in various parts of the island since November 17, 2018. Demonstrators have blocked roads in certain areas. A curfew is in effect in many areas from November 20 to 23, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
  • Sri Lanka – Government of Canada. On October 26, 2018, the president of Sri Lanka moved to dismiss the prime minister, which has led to a period of political instability. Demonstrations could occur. Exercise vigilance and avoid all demonstrations and large political gatherings. Monitor local media for the latest information.
  • Taiwan – GOV.UK. Elections took place across Taiwan on 24 November with the results released in the evening; while elections in Taiwan usually pass without incident you should be mindful around large gatherings of people at this time, such as political rallies or protests.

Health

  • Saudi Arabia – WHO. From 16 through 30 October 2018, the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) National Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported four additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including one death.

Law and Culture

  • United States – U.S. Department of State. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) closed the San Ysidro Port of Entry for several hours Sunday, November 25, in response to migrants’ attempts to cross the border illegally into the United States. Monitor local media for updates and the CBP website for border wait times.

Other

  • Argentina – GOV.UK. The G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place in Buenos Aires on 30 November and 1 December 2018. Significant traffic disruption is expected from 29 November to 2 December, particularly in areas surrounding G20 venues including in Puerto Madero, Retiro and the Obelisk area. The city airport Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), the Retiro bus and train terminals, the port and the Buquebus Terminal will remain closed. Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) will be open to the public, but you may wish to allow extra time to get to the airport.

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.