052819 – 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

• Mozambique – GOV.UK  – The FCO now advise against all but essential travel to Meluco in Cabo Delgado province; advice against all but essential travel to the districts of Nangade, Quissanga, Ibo, Macomia, Mocimboa da Praia and Palma remains unchanged.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – UN News  – The town of Kitchanga, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), hosts the highest concentration of internally displaced people in the country, and has been one of the regions most affected by clashes between local communities, made up of Tutsis and Hutus, especially in terms of accessing land.
• Egypt – GC.CA  – On May 19, 2019 and December 28, 2018, attacks on buses carrying tourists took place near the pyramids of Giza. The explosions resulted in multiple casualties. There is an increased risk of incidents and attacks on and around dates of national significance, including: January 25, the anniversary of the 2011 Egyptian revolution; The week of Orthodox Easter; June 30 to July 3, the anniversary of the removal of former president Mohamed Morsi in 2013; August 14, the anniversary of clearing protesters from Rabaa and al Nahda squares in 2013; and Other religious observances and holidays. Exercise increased caution during these periods.
• France – GOV.UK  – There was an explosion on 24 May 2019 in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon city centre in the vicinity of Rue Victor Hugo. Follow the instructions of the local authorities.
• Indonesia – GC.CA  – The results of the recent presidential and legislative elections were announced on May 21, 2019. There is a heightened risk of terrorism in reaction to the announcement of the results. Expect an increased presence of security forces in Jakarta. Violent demonstrations have taken place in the capital, leading to a number of casualties.
• Indonesia – GC.CA  – The results of the recent presidential and legislative elections were announced on May 21, 2019. There is a heightened risk of terrorism in reaction to the announcement of the results. Expect an increased presence of security forces in Jakarta. Violent demonstrations have taken place in the capital, leading to a number of casualties.
• Libya – UN News  – The damage done to Libya will already take “years to mend” but unless fighting around the capital Tripoli stops, the country risks “descending into a civil war which could lead to the permanent division of the country”. That was the blunt assessment of UN Special Representative to Libya and UNSMIL chief, Ghassan Salamé, briefing the Security Council on Tuesday.
• Nepal – GC.CA , GOV.UK , GOV.AU – On May 26, 2019, three separate explosions occurred in Kathmandu, resulting in casualties. If you are currently in Kathmandu: Remain extremely vigilant at all times. Monitor local media to stay on top of the evolving situation. Avoid crowded areas and remain vigilant. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Brazil – GOV.AU  – The Venezuelan Government has reopened its land border with Brazil. There’s an increased risk of violent protest and unrest occurring in this border region.
• Indonesia – GOV.AU  – Following the Electoral Commission’s (KPU) announcement of the results of the Indonesian presidential and legislative elections on 21 May 2019, violent clashes between protesters and security forces continued into the evening and overnight 22 to 23 May, in central Jakarta in the Tanah Abang, Jalan Wahid Hasyim and Slipi areas. Six deaths have been reported since 21 May. Indonesian authorities advised there remains an increased risk of violence, including possible acts of terrorism.
• Peru – GOV.AU  – Violent crime, including sexual assault, armed robbery, muggings and carjackings, occurs frequently, particularly in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Pick pocketing, bag snatching and other petty theft is common, including in public areas, hotels, conference centres, internet cafes and restaurants. Perpetrators are often well dressed.  Travellers using unlicensed taxi operators have become victims of serious crimes, including robbery, assault and rape. Criminals also target travellers walking alone after dark, especially when leaving bars or nightclubs.

Demonstrations

• Algeria – GOV.AU  – Presidential elections will take place on 4 July 2019. Demonstrations are continuing across the country. Avoid large public gatherings and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Argentina – GC.CA  – Trade unions plan to go on strike on May 29, 2019. The situation may affect transportation services including domestic and international flights and public services. Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation could affect your travel plans. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the advice of local authorities
• Indonesia – GOV.UK  – Following the official announcement of the general election results on 21 May there have been demonstrations in central Jakarta; demonstrations may also take place in other cities on the islands of Java and Sumatra; you should avoid all protests, demonstrations and political rallies.
• Liberia – GC.CA  – Demonstrations are scheduled to take place in Monrovia and other main cities on June 7, 2019. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Liberia – GOV.UK  – Opposition groups are planning a large scale protest in Monrovia and other main cities on 7 June 2019; you should remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Malawi – GOV.UK  – Malawi held Tripartite Elections (Presidential, Parliamentary and local council) on 21 May 2019. The official result of the Presidential Election was announced on the evening of 27 May. There is a possibility of unrest in the coming days. Avoid large crowds or demonstrations, and review travel plans. You should monitor local news as well as this travel advice for the latest developments.
• Nigeria – GC.CA, GOV.UK – The inauguration of the President will take place in Abuja on May 29, 2019. Further celebrations will be held on June 12 (Democracy Day). Significant traffic and airline disruption on both days are likely, particularly in Abuja. Demonstrations could occur without notice.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• United Kingdom – GOV.UK  – From June, eligible passengers from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA will be able to use the ePassport gates at UK airports and Brussels and Paris Eurostar terminals. All passengers arriving at UK ports and airports will continue to be subject to full identity and security checks.

Health

• Belgium – ECDC  – In May 2019, Belgium reported an outbreak of legionellosis in Evergem, Flanders, Belgium.
• China – ECDC  – In May 2019, Hong Kong reported three cases of rat hepatitis E virus (rat HEV), including one death, in Kowloon City and Southern Districts and Tuen Mun. Kowloon City borders Wong Tai Sin, where previous cases of hepatitis E virus were reported in Hong Kong in 2018.
• Europe – ECDC  – For week 20 of 2019, all countries reporting influenza like illness or acute respiratory infection thresholds reported activity at or below baseline levels, indicating a return to interseason levels.
• France (Reunion) – ECDC  – During week 20, Réunion reported approximately 1 000 confirmed cases of dengue.
• Greece – ECDC  – On 15 May 2019, ECDC was informed by the Greek National Public Health Organization about one case of P. vivax malaria diagnosed in the previous week.
• Iran – WHO  – Wild poliovirus type 1. On 9 May 2019, the Global Polio Laboratory Network (GPLN) notified WHO of the detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) from an environmental sewage sample collected on 20 April 2019 in Konarak district, Sistan Baluchistan province, Islamic Republic of Iran. The virus was detected in an environmental sample only, and to date, no associated cases of paralysis have been detected.
• Nigeria – CDC  – There is an ongoing outbreak of monkeypox in Nigeria. Monkeypox spreads to humans through contact with people or animals (alive or dead) infected with monkeypox virus. The virus can also spread through droplets when people infected with the virus cough, sneeze, or talk. Material contaminated by the virus is another potential source of infection. Travelers to Nigeria should protect themselves from monkeypox by washing hands often with soap and water, and avoiding contact with animals or people that may be sick.
• World – UN News  – What You Need to Know About Air Pollution Around the World. Air pollution results in the premature death of 7 million people around the world each year. It is a major global killer harming people in nearly every corner of the globe.

Kidnapping

• Kenya – GOV.UK  – There is a risk of kidnapping in Kenya.  Aid workers in Kenya should be satisfied that they have sufficient security arrangements in place.

Law and Culture

• Pakistan – GOV.UK  – In 2019 the holy month of Ramazan (Ramadan) is expected to finish on 4 June. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours during Ramazan (Ramadan). There may also be a higher risk of terrorist incidents during this month. Avoid large gatherings and exercise caution and remain vigilant at hotels, airports, markets, shopping malls and restaurants.
• Russia – GOV.AU  – Routine police checks are common in public places. Carry your passport, visa and migration card with you at all times. Photocopies aren’t acceptable. If you fail to provide travel documentation on request, you can be detained and face substantial fines.
• Tanzania – GC.CA,  GOV.UK  – Plastic bags have been banned in Tanzania for environmental reasons. The use, manufacture or importation of plastic bags will be illegal as of June 1, 2019. Convicted offenders, including tourists, can face very heavy fines, imprisonment for up to 7 days, or both.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Red. The drought has lasted for 7 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico – GDACS   -The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 3 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Brazil – GC.CA  – Local authorities are monitoring various dams in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, which have weakened and threaten to collapse. Communities surrounding the city of Ouro Preto and Nova Lima have been evacuated. Other communities close to dams in the area may be similarly affected. On January 25, 2019, a mining dam broke near Brumadinho, resulting in hundreds of casualties. If you are in Brazil: Avoid affected areas, follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation order, and monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation.
• Burundi, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda – GDACS  – The Drought alert level is Red. The drought has lasted for 3 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• China – GDACS  – The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 6 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Comoros – GC.CA  – Tropical cyclone Kenneth passed through the Comoros on April 25, 2019. Violent winds and heavy rainfall have caused infrastructural damages. The following essential services may still be disrupted: power distribution, water and food supply, and medical care. If you are in the affected areas where reconstruction efforts are underway: exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• India, Sri Lanka – GDACS  – The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 5 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Iran – GC.CA  – During the rainy season, flooding, including flash flooding, can occur. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable, due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings and infrastructure may be damaged. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts. Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions. Stay away from areas that are prone to flooding. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Mozambique – GC.CA  – In March and April 2019, severe flooding occurred in parts of Mozambique, mainly affecting the provinces of Sofala, Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa. Excessive rainfall and violent winds caused flooding, landslides, infrastructural damage, and disruptions to the following essential services: transportation, power distribution, and medical care services. If you are in the affected areas where reconstruction efforts are underway: exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Peru – GDACS, GC.CA – On May 26, 2019, a 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Loreto region of northern Peru. If you are in or around the affected areas: Monitor local media to stay on top of the evolving situation. Follow the instructions of local authorities.  GDCAS noted it as a red earthquake alert (Magnitude 8M, Depth: 109.88km), possibly impacting 150000 people within 100km due to the magnitude, the affected population and their vulnerability.
• Philippines – GDACS  – The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 2 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• United States – GOV.UK  – There is currently a high risk of tornados, severe storms and flooding across the states of Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma; you’re advised to check weather forecasts and warnings from the US National Weather Service.

Other

• Azerbaijan – GOV.UK  – Chelsea FC take on Arsenal FC in the UEFA Europa League Final in Baku on Wednesday 29 May 2019; if you’re travelling to Azerbaijan for the match, check the GOV.UK dedicated information and advice page.
• Belarus – GOV.UK  – Northern Ireland take on Belarus in a Euro 2020 qualifying match in Borisov on Tuesday 11 June 2019; if you’re travelling to Belarus for the match, check the GOV.UK dedicated information and advice page.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – GOV.UK  – The body of former opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi is to be returned to Kinshasa on 30 May; large scale events and crowds are expected to take place through to 1 June, when a funeral will take place in Kinshasa; you should exercise vigilance and be aware that there will likely be significant disruption to journeys in and around Kinshasa, as well as to and from N’Djili airport.
• France – GC.CA  –  France will host the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup from June 7 to July 7, 2019. Games will take place in nine cities across the country. Crimes such as thefts typically increase around major sporting events. Tourists are often targets. Postgame celebrations may take place during the World Cup. They may turn violent with little or no notice. If you are planning to travel to France during this time: Make your travel arrangements (accommodation, transportation and purchase of sporting event tickets) well in advance using genuine and reliable sources. Exercise caution and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Use only ATMs in well lit public areas or inside banks. Avoid demonstrations. Monitor local media to stay on top of the current situation. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Venezuela – GC.CA  – There are severe shortages of basic food items and necessities, including medicine, medical supplies and personal care products. This has led to difficulties in the health care sector. Shortages have led to long line ups at grocery stores and pharmacies.
• Venezuela – GOV.UK  – There is a suspension of all direct air services between Venezuela and the USA until further notice.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC  – Since the previous CDTR and as of 22 May 2019, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 117 additional confirmed cases of Ebola, including 87 deaths. Among the new reported cases in the past week, three are healthcare workers.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – UN News  – With the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s worst ever Ebola outbreak now in its tenth month, the United Nations on Thursday announced measures to strengthen its response, with the Organization’s newly appointed Emergency Coordinator (EERC) declaring there is “no time to lose”.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO  – Although this past week continues to bear witness to a steady rise in the number of Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the overall security situation has allowed for the resumption of most response activities.  During the past three weeks, reports indicate that transmission remains most intense in seven main hotspot areas: Beni, Butembo, Kalunguta, Katwa, Mabalako, Mandima, and Musienene.  As of 21 May, a total of 1866 confirmed and probable EVD cases have been reported, of which 1241 died (case fatality ratio 67%). The last assessment concluded that the national and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low.

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.