071619 – 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

• Saudi Arabia – GOVT.NZ – Avoid nonessential travel within 100 kilometres of the border with Yemen, including central Jizan and Abha International Airport, due to the potential for crossborder missile and drone attacks.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Venezuela – GOVT.NZ – We continue to advise to travellers: do not travel to Venezuela due to ongoing high levels of violent crime, the potential for violent civil unrest, political uncertainty and shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies.

Law and Culture

• North Korea – U.S. Department of State – Do not travel to North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and long term detention of U.S. nationals.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Colombia – GOV.AU – There is an ongoing risk of terrorism. Attacks could occur anywhere, at any time.
• Pakistan – GOV.UK – There’s a high threat of terrorism and sectarian violence throughout the country. Further attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Read the entire advisory to learn more advice on vigilance when in locations that may be targeted in attacks.
• Somalia – UN News– On July 12, in northern Somalia, a suicide bomber drove a car containing explosives into the Asasey hotel. Gunmen then stormed the building.  The attack is believed to have led to the deaths of at least 26 people.
• Somalia – GOV.UK – There has been an attack on the Asasey hotel in the city of Kismaayo, southern Somalia. It has been reported that at least 26 people have been killed and over 50 injured. Al Shabaab have claimed responsibility.
• Sudan – GOV.AU – Terrorists could attempt to take advantage of the ongoing civil unrest and poor security situation in Sudan to conduct attacks against Westerners at hotels, tourist sites, and public spaces in the major population centres. Attacks could occur anywhere and at any time, with little or no warning.
• Tunisia – GC.CA – On June 27, 2019, two suicide bombings occurred in downtown Tunis, killing two persons and injuring several others. Other parts of the country are also at risk of terrorist attacks. 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 centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners; sports events; cultural festivals. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Countries with the Highest Murder Rates – UN Dispatch – Armed conflicts are becoming deadlier as violence intensifies, but a new United Nations (UN) report reveals that actually, intentional homicide kills far more people.
• Ecuador – GOV.UK – There have been reports of robberies on interstate transport and at bus stations, especially Quito, Baños, Cuenca, Tena, Riobamba, Mindo and Loja tourist towns. Most incidents took place at night.
• Jamaica – GC.CA – Due to a significant increase in violent crime since the beginning of the year, the Jamaican government has also declared a state of emergency effective until July 21, 2019 for St Andrew parish, which includes areas of Kingston. 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, and monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Demonstrations

• Burundi – GC.CA – Presidential elections are due to take place on May 20, 2020. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Monitor local and international media for the latest information. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Hong Kong – GOV.UK – In recent weeks several large scale political demonstrations have taken place in the Admiralty and Wan Chai areas on Hong Kong Island, and at the High Speed Rail Terminus in Kowloon, resulting in road closures and disruption to public transport. Violent clashes have also taken place between police and protesters. Further demonstrations remain likely. These may take place throughout Hong Kong, including the New Territories and Kowloon with little or no notice. Sections of the city may be closed off and public transport affected. The situation remains unpredictable, so you should remain vigilant and keep up to date with developments. If you’re in and around areas where demonstrations are taking place, you should follow the advice of local authorities and move away quickly to a safe place if there are signs of disorder.
• 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 by the Malawi Election Commission on 27 May. The legitimacy of these results is being challenged in the High Court by two political parties. Protests took place in central Lilongwe on 4 and 5 July and at times turned violent, with some reports of looting and damage to property. Civil Society Groups plan to hold further demonstrations throughout Malawi during the month of July with the possibility of more unrest. If you’re in Malawi, avoid large crowds or demonstrations, monitor this travel advice and local media for updates and keep any local travel plans under review. You may also wish to stock up on petrol, food and essentials, including any medication, in case normal service provision are disrupted in the short term.
• Nicaragua – GC.CA – In 2018, major protests broke out throughout the country following the announcement of cuts to pension and social security programs. These protests led to violent clashes, which caused hundreds of casualties. Although the situation has since returned to a relative calm, it remains unpredictable. Political demonstrations, civil unrest and outbreaks of violence may occur at any time.
• Ukraine – GC.CA – Parliamentary elections are due to take place on July 21, 2019.‎ Political gatherings, demonstrations and protests could occur before, during and after the elections. Acts of violence could take place during such events. Increased security measures may be in place. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Algeria – GC.CA – Algeria’s border with Morocco is closed. Don’t attempt to cross into Morocco by land.

Health

• Ethiopia – GOV.UK – UK health authorities have classified Ethiopia as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
• Europe – ECDC – The number of syphilis cases has consistently risen across Europe since 2010. Overall, more than 260 000 confirmed syphilis cases were reported from 30 EU/EEA countries from 2007 to 2017, mostly affecting men who have sex with men living in urban areas. Notification rates increased by 70% in EU/EEA countries from 2010 to 2017 and annual notifications continuously rose to more than 33 000 cases in 2017.
• Peru – ECDC – From 27 June to July 2019, Peruvian authorities reported 42 additional Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) cases.
• Saudi Arabia – ECDC – Since the previous CDTR published on 7 June 2019, Saudi Arabia is the only country that has notified new cases of MERS CoV. As of 10 July 2019, Saudi Arabia has reported an increase of 11 cases and nine deaths. So far, 11 of 13 regions in Saudi Arabia have reported 158 cases in 2019, of which two, Najran and Riyadh, have reported cases in the last seven days.

Kidnapping

• Venezuela – GOVT.NZ – There is a risk of kidnapping due to drug traffickers and illegal armed groups operating within 80 kilometres of the border with Colombia, particularly in the States of Zulia, Tachira and Apure

Law and Culture

• Ecuador – GOV.UK – In June 2019, the Constitutional Court legalised same sex marriage. As of 9 July 2019, the Ecuadorean Civil Registry Offices is offering this service. The Quito Gay Pride parade in June 2019 passed off without incident and showed a greater turnout and higher level of support than in previous years. However, there is still some level of discrimination. Public displays of affection may be less tolerated than in the UK and may attract negative attention, especially in small towns. This may be the case for transgender people in particular.
• Iran – UN News – UN experts voice ‘deep concern’ over Iran’s ‘consistent pattern’ of denying life saving medical treatment to detainees.
• South Korea – GOV.AU – The blood alcohol limit for drivers in South Korea is 0.03%. Heavy penalties apply for exceeding the limit.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Greece – GC.CA – On July 11, 2019, excessive rainfall and violent winds caused damages in parts of Halkidiki. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency for this region. Some services may be disrupted.  If you’re travelling to affected areas: exercise caution; monitor local news and weather reports; follow the instructions of local authorities; contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans.
• Italy – GOV.UK – Due to Mount Etna’s recent volcanic eruption, a series of earthquakes and earth tremors are affecting the Catania area and the eastern part of the island of Sicily. For more details, see the National Centre for Earthquakes website (in Italian). This seismic activity is expected to continue until the volcanic activity subsides. Local authorities are monitoring the situation and providing updates via their website (in Italian). If you intend to travel to affected areas, you should follow their advice. You should also check the Catania Airport website for flight updates before travel.
• Nepal – GOV.UK – Travel during the monsoon season (June through September) can be hazardous. Monsoon rains cause flooding and landslides that can cut off some towns and villages for days at a time. Take care and check access routes before setting off. Make sure any vehicle you travel in is equipped to deal with the risk of landslides (eg winches, ropes). The Government of Nepal Meteorological Forecasting Division provides weather updates (in English) and flood forecasts during the monsoon. The Department of Hydrology and Metrology also provides daily updates.
• Papua New Guinea – GOV.UK – Mount Ulawun volcano in West New Britain province last erupted on 26 June 2019. Villages closest to the volcano were evacuated and parts of the New Britain Highway cut off by lava flow. If you’re planning travel in affected areas, check with your travel provider or airline before travelling.
• United States – GC.CA – Tropical storm Barry made landfall near Intracoastal City, Louisiana, on July 13, 2019. The following essential services may be disrupted in affected areas: transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. If you are currently in the affected areas: exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• United States – GOV.UK – A state of emergency was declared in Louisiana and there is a local flooding risk across several states following impact of Tropical Storm Barry on 12 to 14 July; if you’re in an affected area, you should continue to monitor local weather updates from the National Weather Service and follow the advice of local authorities.

Ebola News

• Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Zambia– GC.CA  – Due to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease you may be subject to a quick thermal scanner screening and/or a health questionnaire at the airports upon boarding or disembarking a plane.
• Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo – GOV.UK – On 14 July 2019, there was a confirmed case of Ebola in Goma, close to the DRC and Rwanda border.
• Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) – GC.CA – Attacks against medical staff and Ebola treatment centers have occurred in the past and resulted in casualties. Attacks could occur in the future.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – CDC – There is an outbreak of Ebola in the North Kivu (Kivu Nord) and Ituri provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO – The outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, Democratic Republic of the Congo continues this past week with a similar transmission intensity to the previous week. While the number of new cases continues to ease in former hotspots, such as Butembo, Katwa and Mandima health zones, there has been an increase in cases in Beni, and a high incidence of cases continues in parts of Mabalako Health Zone. In addition to these reemerging hotspots, there are a large number of people with confirmed and probable infections moving to other health zones, with the greatest number coming from Beni Health Zone. The movement of cases causes the outbreak to spread to new health zones and reemerge in health zones with previously controlled infections. The last assessment concluded that the national and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC – Since the previous CDTR and as of 10 July 2019, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 69 additional confirmed cases of Ebola. During the same period, 41 deaths were reported. Among the new reported cases in the past week, three are healthcare workers. On 9 July 2019, Mambasa Health Zone reported a confirmed case of Ebola virus disease, the only confirmed case for the health zone so far.

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.