050719 – 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

• Burkina Faso – GOV.UK – There have been regular attacks on police, military personnel and civilians, particularly close to the borders with Mali, Niger and Cote d’Ivoire and in the Eastern Region. On 28 April 2019, a terrorist attack took place on a church in the town of Silgadji, near Djibo, Soum Province, killing at least 6 people. On 26 April 2019, an attack in the village of CominYanga, Koulpélogo Province, killed 5 teachers.
• Indonesia – GOV.AU – We now advise you to ‘Exercise a high degree of caution’ in Central Sulawesi and in Indonesia overall, including Bali. ’Reconsider your need to travel’ to Poso Regency in Central Sulawesi and Papua Province.  This change is due to 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.
• Libya – UN – Since fighting broke out on the edge of Libya’s capital, Tripoli, earlier this month, over 42,000 people have been displaced and thousands are believed trapped in the city’s southern outskirts.
• South Sudan – GOV.UK – Tensions may increase as we approach the scheduled formation of a new government on 12 May 2019. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to South Sudan. If you’re in South Sudan, you should leave if it’s safe to do so.
• Sri Lanka – GC.CA, GOV.UK – On April 21, 2019, several explosions occurred at different locations in the greater Colombo area and Batticaloa, including hotels and churches. These attacks have resulted in more than 250 deaths and 500 injured. The Sri Lankan authorities have made a number of arrests in relation to the attacks, and security operations are ongoing, including controlled explosions of suspicious packages and vehicles, and temporary evacuations of buildings. The situation remains volatile. Others attacks could occur throughout the country. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency and curfew could be imposed at any time. The authorities have also announced emergency regulations that, until further notice, ban the wearing of clothing or objects that conceal the face in such a way that prevents the wearer’s identification .If you are in Sri Lanka: allow extra time for increased security measures at airports, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation.
• Syria – UN – The UN has said it is “gravely concerned” over reports of a worsening humanitarian situation facing civilians across northwest Syria, with rising casualties, and “waves of displacement” due to intensifying conflict.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Bolivia – GC.CA – On April 30, 2019, a major landslide occurred in La Paz, in the Sopocachi area (Inmaculada Concepcion, San Jorge Kantutani, Bajo Llojeta), due to heavy rains received over the recent months. The landslide destroyed several homes. Some roads are impassable, including Kantutani Avenue. If you are in La Paz: stay away from the affected area, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation.
• Comoros – GC.CA – Tropical cyclone Kenneth passed through the Comoros on April 25, 2019. The cyclone brought violent winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread power outages and infrastructural damages. The following essential services may be disrupted: transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. Avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected areas. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• India – GDACS – As of May 06 2019 at least 33 people have been reported dead in India and another 17 in Bangladesh following the passage of Tropical Cyclone FANI.  Odisha state has been the most heavily affected, with electricity and infrastructure damaged. According to the authorities, all families in Puri and Khurda districts have been “extremely severely affected” and the response is underway across 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas in north eastern India.
• Mozambique – GOV.UK – Cyclone Kenneth made landfall on Thursday 25 April; Cabo Delgado and Nampula continue to experience rain and flash flooding; travel to and through the affected region is likely to be extremely difficult for some time; you should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Vanuatu – GOV.AU – Volcanic activity on Ambae island led to the evacuation of residents. We recommend you ‘reconsider your need to travel’ to Ambae island as services are limited and there are ongoing risks from seismic activity.
• Zimbabwe – GC.CA – Eastern Zimbabwe has recently experienced severe flooding due to tropical cyclone Idai. Dams located in this region may have weakened and some areas may be inaccessible due to washed out roads. There could be disruptions to the following essential services: Transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Crime and Social Unrest

• Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip – GC.CA – Since May 3, 2019, there has been increased military activity surrounding the Gaza Strip. Approximately 650 rockets were fired from Gaza toward southern Israel between May 3 and 5. Warning sirens have sounded over a wide area of southern Israeli communities including as far as Rehovot, Beersheva and Beit Shemesh (20 km from Jerusalem). Israel’s Home Front Command instructed residents in southern Israel to avoid large public gatherings and commercial centres. It also put a ban on agricultural work. The security situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly.
• Maldives – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism. Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Jamaica – GC.CA, GOV.UK – Due to a significant increase in violent crime since the beginning of the year, the Jamaican government declared a 14 day state of emergency effective April 30, 2019, for: St James parish, which includes Montego Bay, Hanover parish, Westmoreland parish, which includes Negril. During this period, security forces have been given increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest. Curfews may also be imposed without notice. If you’re travelling in the affected areas: always cooperate with military and police officers, carry valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints, avoid outings outside the resort after dark, allow extra time to reach your destination, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.
• Panama – U.S. Department of State – Exercise normal precautions in Panama. Some areas have increased risk. Do not travel to: Parts of the Mosquito Gulf due to crime, parts of the Darién Region due to crime. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Paraguay – GOV.UK – Street crime is a problem, from bag snatching and pick pocketing on public transport to muggings and robberies (occasionally armed). Take sensible precautions to safeguard your possessions.  Leave your valuables like your passport in a safe place and keep essential items like mobile phones or wallets out of sight. Keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking in downtown Asunción, Ciudad del Este and Pedro Juan Caballero alone during night time. In recent years a small number of high profile kidnappings have occurred. Although foreigners are not routinely targeted, you should remain vigilant.

Demonstrations

• Argentina – GC.CA -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. Never attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.
• Benin – GC.CA, GOV.UK – Violent protests following elections which took place on Sunday 28 April. Demonstrations have been taking place in Cadjehoun, in Cotonou, since May 1, 2019. Acts of violence occurred. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. The situation remains volatile. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• France – GC.CA – Demonstrations are scheduled to take place at Paris airports (Charles de Gaulle and Orly) on May 4 and 5, 2019. Expect delays while travelling to and from these airports and plan accordingly. Disruptions to public services and closures of various sites usually open to the public (businesses, museums, tourist attractions) have taken place. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for the latest information.
• Guatemala – GC.CA – General elections are due to take place on June 16, 2019. 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. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may be detained, deported and denied future entry into Guatemala. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Madagascar – GC.CA – A constitutional referendum is due to take place on May 27, 2019. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the referendum. 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.
• South Africa – GOV.UK – South Africa will hold national and provincial elections on 8 May 2019; protest marches and demonstrations can occur anywhere in South Africa and sometimes at short notice; you should avoid areas where demonstrations and marches are taking place.
• Venezuela – GC.CA, GOVT.NZ, GOV.UK, UN – On Tuesday 30 April 2019, violent clashes erupted in Caracas. On Wednesday, both pro and antigovernment supporters held demonstrations in Caracas that were initially peaceful but there were reports of gunfire and violence. the UN human rights office (OHCHR) said on Wednesday it was “extremely worried by reports of the excessive use of force” by security forces. 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. Demonstrations can take many forms, including: large scale gatherings, marches, national strikes, and roadblocks, including on major highways. Demonstrations can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Don’t attempt to cross road blockades, even if they appear unattended. Don’t participate in political discussions or activities in public, or appear to take sides on any local issue related to the current political situation. Don’t photograph sensitive installations, including the presidential palace, military sites, government buildings and airports. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.

Health

• Congo – WHO – On 9 February 2019, the government of Congo officially declared an outbreak of chikungunya virus disease.  Based on available information, the risk of continued transmission and spread of chikungunya to unaffected areas cannot be ruled out. The overall risk is considered moderate at both the national and regional levels.
• Europe – WHO – In the first two months of 2019, 34 300 measles cases have been reported in 42 countries of the WHO European Region, including 13 measles related deaths in three countries (Albania, Romania and Ukraine). The majority of cases are reported in Ukraine, with more than 25 000 cases (>70%)1.
• France – ECDC – On 30 March 2019, French authorities reported an outbreak of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) O26 with paediatric haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) cases and linked to the consumption of raw cow’s milk cheeses (Saint Félicien and Saint Marcellin).
• France (Reunion) – ECDC – From 15 to 21 April 2019, Réunion reported 1116 confirmed and approximately 3000 suspected cases of dengue.
• Hungary – ECDC – In April 2019, the Hungarian authorities have reported two outbreaks of anthrax in two bordering counties of Bács Kiskun and Békés. As of 26 April 2019, four cases of cutaneous anthrax (of which one was confirmed) and 30 exposed individuals who received antiobiotic treatment were reported.
• Saudi Arabia – ECDC – As of 29 April 2019, Saudi Arabia has reported an increase of 16 cases and 7 deaths due to MERS since the previous CDTR published on 5 April 2019. So far, 11 of 13 regions in Saudi Arabia have reported 133 cases in 2019 and of these, two regions (Mecca and Medina) reported cases in the last 7 days.
• Thailand – ECDC – Human cases of rabies have been reported in Thailand, with about 10 cases per year reported in the past decade. In recent years, an increase of rabies cases among animals has been reported. Travelers are advised to avoid contact with wild and domestic animals. If bitten or scratched, the person should immediately seek medical help.
• Yemen, Mozambique, and Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC – Since the last update on 5 April 2019, new cholera cases have been reported worldwide. The countries reporting the majority of new cases since the previous update are Yemen with 114 568 cases and 238 deaths, Mozambique with 5 168 cases and 7 deaths and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 2 728 cases and 68 deaths.

Law and Culture

• Bahrain – GOV.UK – Respect local laws and customs during the holy month of Ramadan.
• Cayman Islands – GOV.UK – Same sex partnerships, legally binding or otherwise, aren’t generally recognised in Cayman law although there is now some recognition of partnerships for immigration purposes. A recent judicial ruling legalised marriage between same sex couples but the Cayman Islands Government has appealed the decision. Until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgement, same sex marriages cannot be celebrated. Hotels and resorts are generally welcoming, regardless of sexual orientation. Local attitudes can be conservative and some people may not approve of public displays of affection between same sex couples.
• Ramadan – GOVT.NZ – Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, will be observed from approximately 5 May to 4 June 2019. The exact timing depends on sightings of the moon which will vary from country to country.  Respect the religious and social traditions of the country you are in to avoid offending local sensitivities, and seek local advice on appropriate behavior during this time.
• Tunisia – GC.CA – In cases where one or more family members hold Tunisian citizenship, parents should consider the risks before their children travel to Tunisia, including: At the request of family members, Tunisian authorities can prevent children from leaving Tunisia (a procedure known as a “stop order”). Children who are identified as Tunisian citizens will be treated as Tunisian nationals.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Angola, Botswana, Congo, DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Red.
• Australia – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange.
• Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange.
• Burundi, Congo, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Red.
• India – GC.CA – Cyclone Fani should make landfall in the state of Odisha around May 3, 2019. The states of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal are also forecast to be affected. The cyclone is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services: transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care.
• Solomon Island – GOV.UK – On 5 February 2019, a bulk carrier vessel ran aground in Kangava Bay on Rennell Island. The surrounding bay was affected by the resulting fuel leakage, and though the spill has now been contained, clean up activity continues. You should take local advice on precautions if visiting affected coastal areas.
• Tanzania – GOV.UK – Tropical Storm Kenneth made landfall as an intense tropical cyclone in Northern Mozambique on Thursday 25 April 2019 and parts of Southern Tanzania have been affected; if travelling to affected regions, you should take extra care and follow any advice given by the local authorities.

Other

• North Macedonia – GOV.UK  – His Holiness Pope Francis will visit the Republic of North Macedonia on 7 May 2019. During the visit, the Pope will visit a number of locations in Skopje, and conduct a Holy Mass in the central Square Macedonia. Traffic restrictions are expected from 6am until 7pm. Local authorities advise that public transport will be free of charge in Skopje, and encourage those travelling to Skopje from other towns in North Macedonia to use the railway. Enhanced security restrictions will be in place. It’s advisable that you carry ID with you at all times. For further information, please follow local media or consult the website of the City of Skopje and the official website for the visit.
• Russia – GOV.UK – Possible disruption to flights to and from Moscow following an incident at Sheremyetevo airport.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO – The last assessment on the risk of Ebola concluded that the national and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low. Weekly increases in the number of new cases has been ongoing since late February 2019. A general deterioration of the security situation, and 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.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – UN – Ebola situation worsening in DR Congo, amidst growing ‘funding gap’ UN health agency warns.

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.