040219 – 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

• Israel, Gaza, and West Bank – GOV.AU. In March 2019 several long-range rockets were fired into central Israel. Similar incidents and Israeli military responses may occur (See Safety and Security). Do not travel to the Gaza Strip. It is dangerous. Border crossings from Egypt and Israel into the Gaza Strip can close at short notice and without warning.
• Mali – GC.CA. Northern Mali remains a safe haven for terrorist groups. They are carrying out attacks targeting mainly the Malian police and members of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The threat has also spread to central Mali, where these groups have fueled inter-community tensions. Ethnic groups clash regularly. On March 23, 2019, more than 150 people were killed in a Peul village. Bamako and the southern part of Mali are also exposed to these threats but to a lesser extent. Terrorist groups in the region are intent on increasing their attacks and kidnappings targeting foreigners. 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 and always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Central African Republic – U.S. Department of State. Do not travel to Central African Republic (CAR) due to crime and civil unrest. Violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated battery, and homicide, is common. Large areas of the country are controlled by armed groups who regularly kidnap, injure, and/or kill civilians. In the event of unrest, airport, land border, and road closures may occur with little or no notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic; U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside the Embassy compound.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Iran – GC.CA. In late March 2019, heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in several parts of the country, resulting in many casualties. Some roads and bridges are impassable. The situation could severely disrupt essential services. The most-affected provinces are Golestan, Mazandaran, Khuzestan, Ilam and Fars (including Shiraz) If you are in Iran stay away from flooded areas, follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders and monitor local media, weather reports and social media to stay up-to-date on the current situation.
• Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe – CDC. Parts of Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe have been severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai. US residents should avoid nonessential travel to Beira City and the surrounding area in Mozambique. Travelers to other affected parts of Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe should take steps to prevent illness and injury.
• Mozambique – GC.CA, GDACS. Large parts of Mozambique have been experiencing severe flooding due to tropical cyclone Idai. On March 03, 2019, a flood started in Mozambique, lasting until March 29, 2019 (last update). The flood caused 202 killed and 17100 displaced. The Government of Mozambique declared a national state of emergency on March 20, 2019. Western Mozambique could experience more flooding due to the weakening or overflowing of dams located in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. If you are currently in this area follow the instructions of local authorities, avoid downstream areas and move to higher grounds, monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation. The provinces most affected by flooding in Mozambique are Sofala and Zambezia as well as the districts of Cuamba and Madimba in the province of Niassa. The provinces of Manica, Inhambane and Tete are also impacted. Some areas where critical infrastructure has been severely impacted are inaccessible. There could be disruptions to the essential services like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care. Be cautious and avoid the flooded areas.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Kenya – GOV.AU, U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.  Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police are willing but often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited.  Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings. Credible information indicates that Westerners may be targeted by extremists in Nairobi, coastal areas of Kenya, Naivasha and Nanyuki.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Burma (Myanmar) – U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in Burma due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk.
• Cameroon – U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in Cameroon due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, is common throughout Cameroon. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North, Far North, Northwest, Southwest, and Parts of Adamawa and East Regions of Cameroon due to current official travel restrictions.
• Mexico – GOV.UK. There has been a recent increase in violence in the State of Veracruz, including the city of Veracruz. Illegal roadblocks have been reported more frequently.

Demonstrations

• Colombia – GOV.UK. Protests and road blocks in the departments of Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Huila and Caqueta, affecting the PanAmerican Highway in southern Colombia.
• Comoros – U.S. Department of State,  GC.CA,  GOV.UK. Reconsider travel to The Union of the Comoros due to civil unrest. Presidential elections were held on March 24, 2019. Comoros is experiencing civil and political unrest, including armed conflict, roadblocks, and protests following a contested election. Comorian officials have responded to demonstrations with force. Travel services into, out of, and within the Comoros may be disrupted without notice. U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission authority have been temporarily relocated off Comoros. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Union of the Comoros. U.S. citizens in the Comoros must contact the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo for consular assistance. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable. Avoid crowds and demonstrations throughout Comoros and to obey local security instructions.
• Moldova – GOV.UK. Presidential elections will take place on Sunday 31 March in Ukraine, with a possible second round on Sunday 21 April. There’s an increased likelihood of large public rallies and demonstrations including in the Odessa Oblast, which border Transnistria. Avoid crowds and demonstrations and follow local security instructions.
• Nigeria – GOV.UK. Tensions will continue to run high across Nigeria on account of recent elections. You should continue to avoid rallies, public gatherings and demonstrations and monitor local media.
• Turkey – GC.CA. Municipal elections are due to take place on March 31, 2019. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. You should continue to avoid rallies, public gatherings and demonstrations and monitor local media.
• Ukraine – GOV.AU. Presidential elections were held on 31 March 2019, with a likely second round on 21 April. Large protests and demonstrations may happen during this period, involving increased security presence and road closures. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Monitor the media and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Health

• Europe – ECDC. Influenza. Of 45 countries reporting on geographic spread, only 11 in the northern, southern and western areas of the European Region reported widespread activity.
• Mozambique – GOV.UK. Following Tropical Cyclone Idai there’s an increased risk of typhoid fever and cholera in a number of areas of the country. You should familiarize yourself with the symptoms and follow the advice of the National Travel Health Network and Centre.
• Saudi Arabia – WHO. From 1 through 28 February 2019, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 68 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 10 deaths. Of the 68 MERS cases reported in February, 19 cases occurred in cities other than Wadi Aldwasir. This Disease Outbreak News update describes the 19 cases. Among these cases, fifteen were sporadic, and four were reported as part of two unrelated clusters. Cluster 1 involved two cases in Buridah city; and Cluster 2 involved two cases in Riyadh city.

Law and Culture

• Brunei – GOV.AU. From 3 April 2019 the full sharia panel code (law) takes effect in Brunei. It applies to Muslims, non-Muslim and foreigners even when on Brunei registered aircraft and vessels. Under this code some offences can attract physical punishment while others attract executions. Offences that attract the death penalty include blasphemy, sodomy, adultery, rape and murder.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Angola, Botswana, Congo, DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe – GDACS. The drought has lasted for 5 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Australia – GDACS. The drought has lasted for 3 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama – GDACS. The drought has lasted for 6 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Dominican Republic, Haiti – GDACS. The drought has lasted for 4 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Mauritius – GC.CA, GDACS, GOV.UK.  Tropical cyclone Joaninha passed just east of Rodrigues Island on March 26, 2019. The tropical cyclone brought excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the essential services like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care. If you reside in the affected areas, exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Conditions are still poor, with strong winds and high waves and much of the island remains without power. You should continue to monitor and follow the advice of the Mauritius Meteorological Services.
• South Africa – GC.CA. The Western Cape, including Cape Town, is experiencing a prolonged drought. Water restrictions are in place until further notice. Comply with these restrictions.

Other

• France – GOV.UK. Industrial action by French customs officials is causing delays to passengers travelling from France to the UK via Eurostar and, to a lesser extent, via Eurotunnel, as well as at Calais and Dunkirk ports. We recommend that you check with your service provider before travelling.
• Iceland – GC.CA, GOV.UK WOW Air ceased operations on March 28, 2019. All flights have been cancelled. If your flight has been cancelled, contact your credit card company to check if a refund of the ticket cost will be issued. Check available flights with other airlines. Travel alert – WOW Air. Passenger rights – Icelandic Transport Authority.
• Kenya – GC.CA. Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.
• Turkey – GOV.UK. All commercial passenger flights operating to and from Istanbul Ataturk Airport are due to be transferred to the new Istanbul Airport between 5-7 April 2019. During the transition period there will be a short period of time where no flights will operate from either airport, and thereafter restrictions of the frequency airlines can operate at, until the transfer is completed. Passengers may be affected by delays and cancellations during the transition period and for a limited period after the transfer, and should contact their airline for further information. If you’re travelling from Istanbul Airport, we recommend that you plan to arrive well in advance of your flight’s scheduled departure time, in case of possible delays reaching the airport. Once the transfer is completed, the IATA airport code IST will apply to Istanbul Airport and Istanbul Ataturk will acquire IATA airport code ISL.
• Venezuela – GOV.UK. A prolonged and widespread power cut affected Caracas and much of the rest of Venezuela on 25-27 March. Power has returned to many parts of Caracas, though supply remains fragile. Caracas International Airport has also been affected, and you should check with your airline whether it has changed its schedule. Mobile signals and internet are intermittent in areas without power.
• Ramadan – GOV.AU. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on 5 May and end on 4 June 2019. If you’re travelling during this period to a country with a significant Muslim community, take the time to learn about Ramadan and ensure you respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs.

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). 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. CDC has provided recommendations to ensure workers with potential occupational exposure to Ebola are healthy when they return to the United States.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC. Ebola. Since the previous CDTR, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 53 additional cases, including 38 additional deaths, among confirmed cases. Among the new reported cases in the past week, two are healthcare workers.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO. WHO continuously monitors changes to the epidemiological situation and context of the outbreak to ensure that support to the response is adapted to the evolving circumstances. The last assessment concluded that the national and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low. Attacks on ETCs in Katwa and Butembo represented the first large-scale and organized attacks targeted directly at the Ebola response, and were of a different order of magnitude to episodes of mistrust in communities or dangers of being caught in crossfire between fighting parties. In addition, the persistence of pockets of community mistrust, exacerbated by political tensions and insecurity, have resulted in recurrent temporary suspension and delays of case investigation and response activities in affected areas; reducing the overall effectiveness of interventions. The high proportion of community deaths reported among confirmed cases, persistent delays in detection and isolation in ETCs, challenges in the timely reporting and response to probable cases, collectively increase the likelihood of further chains of transmission in affected communities and increased risk of geographical spread within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to neighbouring countries. As do the risk of increased population movement anticipated during periods of heightened insecurity.

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.