040919 – 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

Crime and Social Unrest

• Nicaragua – U.S. Department of State. Reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to civil unrest, crime, limited healthcare availability, and arbitrary enforcement of laws.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• 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.
• South Korea – GC.CA. Since April 4, 2019, a wildire has been burning in the province of Gangwon, including in Goseong and Inje counties and the cities of Sokcho, Gangneung and Donghae. A state of emergency has been declared for affected areas. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. The provision of essential services could also be disrupted in affected areas. Stay away from affected areas, comply with evacuation orders, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local news and contact your travel agent or tour operator to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel arrangements.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• France – U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting 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. Demonstrations in Paris and other major cities continue in France and are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
• Morocco – U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in Morocco due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Morocco. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.
• Saudi Arabia – GOV.UK. On 7 April 2019, media sources reported that two suspected terrorists were killed by security forces when they attacked a checkpoint in Abu Hadriya in Eastern Province using small arms and explosives; two further suspects were arrested.
• Tunisia – GC.CA. 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.
• Uganda – GOV.UK, GC.CA. On April 2, 2019, gunmen ambushed a group of foreign tourists in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and kidnapped an American citizen and an Ugandan national.  The hostages were released on 7 April 2019.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Trinidad and Tobago – GC.CA. Violent crime, including armed robberies, assaults and sexual assault, occur on the island of Tobago. Incidents against foreigners, including Canadians, have occurred. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, also occurs. Tourists have been targeted. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid unpatrolled beaches and isolated areas, especially after dark. Ensure that your personal belongings, passport and other travel documents are secure at all times.
• Sri Lanka – GOV.UK. There have been reports of thefts from hotels and guesthouses and of some street crime targeting tourists; you should take precautions to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money.
• Sudan – GOV.UK. There have been reported incidents, including of foreign nationals being threatened and mugged, in the Al Sunat Forest area of Khartoum.

Demonstrations

As a general rule: Avoid any protests, demonstrations and political rallies.  These may turn violent without warning.   Read safety and security recommendations for UT Dallas travelers to mitigate risk before and during a demonstration abroad.

• Algeria – GC.CA. Following the report of the presidential elections scheduled for April 2019 and recent developments, the Algerian president resigned on April 2, 2019. Politically-motivated demonstrations and strikes may continue throughout the country.
• Cameroon – GOV.UK. Armed separatists have announced an extended general strike in the Anglophone regions.
• Colombia – GC.CA, GOV.AU. Since March 10, 2019, indigenous communities have been protesting against government policies in southwestern Colombia, resulting in several road blocks on the Pan-American highway. The most-affected departments are Valle, Cauca and Huila. The situation could last for several weeks. If you are currently in Colombia  avoid overland travel on the Pan-American highway in the affected departments, stay away from large crowds and areas where protests are taking place. Limit road travel in this area. Consider flying between Colombia and Ecuador to avoid violence and delays. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.
• Comoros – GC.CA. The Comoros Supreme Court has validated the results of the March 24, 2019 Presidential elections. Demonstrations could occur in reaction to the announcement of the results. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, don’t attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
• France – GOV.AU. Demonstrations linked to the Yellow Vest movement may continue across France for some time, including in tourist areas. Protests mostly happen on Saturdays. Avoid all demonstrations, as they can turn violent. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Indonesia – GC.CA, GOV.UK. Presidential and general elections are due to take place in most of the country on April 17, 2019. Elections will likely occur the following week in East Flores, in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Avoid any protests, demonstrations and political rallies. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip – GC.CA. Legislative elections are due to take place in Israel on April 9, 2019. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.
• Mali – GC.CA. The High Islamic Council is organizing a demonstration on April 5, 2019, starting at 2 p.m. in Bamako, at Independence Square.
• Moldova – GOV.UK. A second round on Presidential elections will take place on Sunday 21 April 2019; during this time there’s an increased likelihood of large public rallies and demonstrations including in the Odessa Oblast, which borders Transnistria.
• Sudan – GC.CA. Civil unrest continues in many parts of the country, notably in Khartoum, Omdurman, Gedarif, Atbara, Dammer, Wad Madani and Port Sudan, due to political and economic tensions. On February 22, 2019, the Sudanese President announced the imposition of a countrywide state of emergency, which is to last for a period of 6 months. This announcement bans unlicensed public gatherings and gives Security forces increased powers to search any building, restrict movement of people and public transport, arrest individuals suspected of a crime related to the state of emergency, and seize assets or property during investigations.
• Ukraine – GC.CA. Presidential elections took place on March 31, 2019.‎ A second round is scheduled to take place on April 21. Political gatherings, demonstrations and protests are likely during the electoral period. Heightened security measures may be in place. Be cautious during the campaign period‎. Avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings‎. Monitor local media to stay informed of the current situation‎ and follow the advice of local authorities‎.
• Venezuela – GC.CA. Demonstrations were scheduled to take place across the country on April 6, 2019. Large-scale and violent demonstrations frequently occur in Caracas and many other areas across the country. They have resulted in many arrests, including of foreign reporters, injuries and deaths in the past.

Health

• China – ECDC. Influenza A(H9N2). On 3 April 2019, an additional case of human infection with H9N2 avian influenza was confirmed in Jiangsu Province, China. The patient is a 9-year-old male who developed symptoms on 15 March 2019 and was admitted to hospital on 16 March 2019 in severe condition with pneumonia. After receiving antiviral treatment, the case recovered and was discharged on 28 March 2019. The case had a history of visiting a live poultry market before the illness onset. No further cases were detected among the cases family members.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Mozambique, and Yemen – ECDC. Cholera. Since the last update on 1 March 2019, new cholera cases have been reported worldwide and countries such as Mozambique have reported new cholera outbreaks. The countries reporting the majority of new cases since the previous update are Yemen (89 012 cases, 233 deaths), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2 343 cases, 52 deaths) and Mozambique (1 428 cases, 1 death).
• Europe – ECDC. Influenza. Among 45 countries reporting on geographic spread, 11 in the northern, southern and western areas of the European Region reported widespread activity. Among 45 countries reporting on influenza activity, 42 reported baseline or low intensity levels. No country reported high intensity levels. Pooled data from 22 Member States and areas reporting to the EuroMOMO project indicated that the all-cause excess mortality observed in previous weeks has returned to normal levels.
• Saudi Arabia – ECDC. MERS-CoV. As of 4 April 2019, Saudi Arabia has reported an increase of 14 cases and 3 deaths since the previous CDTR published on 20 March 2019. So far, 10 of 13 regions in Saudi Arabia have reported 117 cases in 2019 and of these, three regions (Eastern Province, Makkah and Jizan) reported cases in the last 7 days.
• Mozambique – ECDC. Cholera. Since the previous CDTR, Mozambique has reported more than 2 000 new cholera cases. A vaccination campaign for cholera has started in the affected areas of Mozambique.

Law and Culture

• Brunei – GC.CA. On April 3, 2019, the Sharia (Syariah) penal code was fully implemented in Brunei. The Sharia penal code applies regardless of a person’s religion or nationality. Penalties for certain offences can be severe, and can include physical punishment and the death penalty. Penalties may be applied for certain offences that would not be considered criminal in Canada. Brunei’s existing civil penal code and civil courts will continue to function in parallel with the Sharia penal code and Sharia Court.
• Libya – GC.CA, GOV.UK. Since April 3, 2019, military hostilities increased among opposing Libyan forces in the west of the country. Sporadic armed clashes have taken place to the south and west of Tripoli. Forces opposed to the recognized government have reportedly gained control over a number of towns. On April 4, the Prime Minister announced a state of emergency and authorized the mobilization of military and security units loyal to the Government of National Accord.
• Tunisia – GOV.UK. State of emergency in Tunisia was extended by one month on 6 April.

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.
• Ecuador – GC.CA. On March 26, 2019, the Sangay volcano began a new eruptive phase. Local authorities are asking all visitors not to approach the immediate surroundings of the volcano and not to attempt climbing it. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation order. Monitor local media to stay informed of the current situation.
• Ecuador – GOV.UK. The Ministry of Tourism has issued an official statement asking all visitors not to approach the immediate surroundings of the volcano  at Sangay volcano in the Amazon region and not to attempt climbing it.

Other

• Greece – GOV.UK. As of 7 April 2019, the Hellenic Police will begin implementing systematic passport control checks for all European citizens travelling to/from destinations outside the Schengen area (including the UK). This is in line with the 2017 Schengen Borders Code regulation EU 2017/458, which will eventually be applied by all Schengen member states according to the individual timescales. Waiting times at passport control may be affected on departure from and arrival into Greece. You should ensure you arrive at the airport in good time.
• Italy – GOV.UK. Milan Linate airport will be closed from 27 July to 27 October 2019 for improvement work; the most convenient airports for Milan and the surrounding areas during this time will be Milan Malpensa and Bergamo Orio al Serio.
• Turkey – GC.CA. All commercial passenger flight operations were scheduled to be transferred from Ataturk airport to Istanbul New Airport between April 5 and 7, 2019. Flight disruptions may occur during, and in the days following the transfer. Confirm the status of your flight and arrive at the airport well in advance. Sabiha Gokcen Airport, on the Asian side of the city, remains operational.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC. Ebola. Since the previous CDTR, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 63 additional cases, including 43 additional deaths, among confirmed cases. Among the new reported cases in the past week, two are healthcare workers.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO. This past week saw a marked increase in the number of Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 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.

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.