082719 – 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

• Afghanistan – GOV.UK – The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to: the Enhanced Security Zone in Kabul, Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Panjshir province, the city of Bamian in Bamian province. Presidential elections are scheduled for 28 September 2019. Political events, rallies and polling stations have been the target of violent attacks during previous elections. You should avoid all political demonstrations and public gatherings. Keep up to date with developments in the security situation, including through monitoring local media.
• Burma – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution in Burma due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict. Do not travel to: Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, Minbya, Mrauk U, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung townships in Rakhine State due to civil unrest and armed conflict, Paletwa township in Chin State due to civil unrest and armed conflict, Hpakan, Momauk, Sumprabum, Tanai, and Waingmaw townships in Kachin State due to civil unrest and armed conflict, Hpapun township in Kayin State due to civil unrest, Hseni, Hsipaw, Konkyan, Kutkai, Kyaukme, Laukkaing, Matman, Mongmao, Muse, Namphan, Namtu, Pangsang, and Pangwaun townships in Shan State due to civil unrest and armed conflict.
• Cote d’Ivoire – U.S. Department of State – Reconsider Travel To: Northern border region due to terrorism. Violent crime, such as carjacking, robbery, and home invasion, is common. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting areas frequented by foreigners, such as beaches.
• Israel – GC.CA, GOV.AU – Avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip, due to: continuing conflict between Israel and Gaza Strip based terrorists, such as Hamas, The possible resumption of armed hostilities. Avoid non essential travel to the West Bank, excluding Ramallah, Jericho and Bethlehem, due to the unpredictable security situation. Avoid non essential travel to the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip, due to the risk of rocket and mortar fire, gunfire and military activity. Avoid all travel to the parts of the Golan Heights that border Syria, that is, east of Highway 98, due to increased militant and Israel Defense Forces activity. This risk level excludes of the urban communities of Buq’ata, Majdal Shams and Mas’ada, where you should exercise a high degree of caution. Avoid all travel to areas within 5 km of the border between Israel and Egypt, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly. This includes Highway 10 and portions of Highway 12 near the border. This risk level excludes the town of Eilat, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.
• Kenya – GOV.AU – Exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya due to the high threat of terrorist attack and high level of crime. Monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. Do not travel to border regions with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia due to the threat of attacks by armed groups, kidnapping, armed banditry, and violent tribal and clan disputes.
• Mali – GC.CA – Avoid all travel to Mali (including the capital, Bamako), due to the threat of terrorism and banditry. If the security situation in Mali deteriorates, the ability of the Embassy of Canada to Mali in Bamako to provide consular services may be limited.
• Myanmar – GOV.AU – Do not travel to areas bordering with Bangladesh, Rakhine State townships of Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Mrauk U, Minbya, Myebon and Ann or Paletwa township in southern Chin State due to armed conflict. Do not travel to northern Shan State due to increased fighting between ethnic groups and military forces.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Cameroon – GOV.UK – Armed separatists have announced that they will impose a general strike in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon from Monday 2 to Friday 6 September and Monday 9 September to Friday 13 September. You should monitor local media to check for the latest information about the shutdown. Armed separatists also imposed an extended general strike in February 2019, with reports of violence and loss of life. Urban transport in towns and cities was affected and vehicular traffic in and out of the region was restricted. Incidents of sporadic gunfire also occurred, including shooting in Bamenda, Buea and the outskirts of Limbe.
• Iran – GOV.AU – Tensions in the region have increased with the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Syria and rising hostility between Iran and Israel. Iranian authorities closely monitor and are active in areas bordering Iraq. The security situation within 10 kilometres of the Iran Iraq border is extremely dangerous. There have been recent military tensions between Iran, the US and other countries in the Middle East. Do not visit military sites (which are not always marked clearly), follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media.
• Libya – UNNews – Intensifying clashes in the southern Libyan town of Murzuq involving air and drone strikes in recent days have left at least 90 people dead and displaced thousands of “terrified” civilians, the UN said on Tuesday.
• Myanmar – GOV.UK – On 15 August there were a series of coordinated attacks at a number of locations in Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Region, around 65km by road from Mandalay City, and Naung Cho (also spelled Nawnghkio) in northern Shan State. Local reports indicate a number of casualties, including civilians. A major bridge in Naung Cho was struck during the attacks, and the military have now closed roads and railways in the area. There is potential for further incidents in these areas with little or no warning.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Bangladesh – GOV.UK – There have been reports of insecurity, protests and some violence in the areas of Ukhia and Teknaf in the southern part of Cox’s Bazar district, and specifically in the camps in the Teknaf area since 23 August 2019. One should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities
• Bosnia and Herzegovina – GC.CA – Exercise a high degree of caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to crime and the risk of unmarked landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural and isolated mountainous areas.
• Indonesia – GOV.UK – Protests have taken place in Manokwari, West Papua Province and Jayapura, Papua Province, most recently on 18 August 2019; you should monitor local media; avoid all protests, demonstrations and political rallies in these and other areas as they could become violent with little notice.
• Malawi – GOV.UK – The results of Malawi’s May 2019 elections are being challenged in the High Court by two political parties. Protests have taken place in central Lilongwe and elsewhere in Malawi and have at times turned violent, with some reports of looting and damage to property. Civil society groups plan to hold further demonstrations throughout Malawi, including at all entry ports (including Kamazu International Airport in Lilongwe) between 26 – 30 August, with the possibility of more disruption and unrest. If you’re in Malawi, avoid large crowds or demonstrations, monitor this travel advice and local media for updates and keep any local and international travel plans under review. You may also wish to stock up on petrol, food and essentials, including any medication, in case normal service provision is disrupted in the short term. Passengers arriving at Malawi’s airports and borders may face disruption and should follow the advice of their airline or airport/border officials.

Demonstrations

• China – GOV.UK – In light of ongoing protests and demonstrations in Hong Kong, there are reports of greater scrutiny from mainland authorities at border crossings between the mainland and Hong Kong. This includes reports that traveller’s electronic devices have been checked at border crossings. You should be aware that the thresholds for detention and prosecution in China differ from those in Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong – GOV.UK, GOV.AU– Protests in Hong Kong continue and are less predictable. Violent confrontations have taken place between police and protesters across Hong Kong, including at the Mass Transit Rail (MTR) stations and International Airport. As crowd control measures, police have used tear gas, including in enclosed areas, rubber bullets and pepper spray. Several people have been injured. Temporary enhanced airport access controls continue to be enforced. Further disruption to airport and other transport links is possible. Allow more time to check in. There are media reports of enhanced screening procedures by mainland border authorities of travellers to and from Hong Kong. Be alert. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. If there are signs of disorder, move away quickly to a safe place.
• Malawi – U.S. Department of State – Scheduled political demonstrations have recently occurred in several cities and towns in Malawi. On occasion, acts of vandalism and looting have accompanied these demonstrations, and police have responded by deploying tear gas. If you decide to travel to Malawi: Avoid demonstrations and crowds, Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans, Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Zimbabwe – GOV.UK – There are a series of planned demonstrations in the urban areas across Zimbabwe. You are advised to avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations. These can be unpredictable and may turn violent without notice and the response from the security forces may be disproportionate; you should exercise a high degree of caution and monitor local media and this travel advice for updates.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Benin – GC.CA – The land border crossing linking Sèmè Kpodji to Seme Border in Nigeria is closed until further notice. Follow the instructions of local authorities and Monitor local media for up to date information on the situation.
• Nigeria – GOV.UK – The Nigeria Benin international border is temporarily closed at Seme in Lagos State, with no confirmation of when it will reopen. This has caused some disruption and other crossing points may be affected. Anyone seeking to make a land crossing from Nigeria to Benin should contact the local authorities before travelling.
• Spain – GOV.UK – Spanish Directorate General for Traffic is warning drivers to expect significant delays at the main border crossings between France and Spain from Friday 23rd to Monday 26th August. This will be due to the G7 Summit in Biarritz coinciding with a peak flow of holiday traffic in both directions. Spanish authorities are advising drivers where possible to use alternative travel routes or dates.

Natural Disaster and Climate

• Greece – GOV.UK – A wildfire has been reported on Samos, in Mesokampos village, which is close to Pythagorean. Two hotels have been evacuated. If you’re in the area, you should follow the advice of Greek authorities and monitor the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
• Philippines, China, Viet Nam, Laos, Thailand – GDACS – Tropical Cyclone THIRTEEN 19 can have a medium humanitarian impact based on the maximum sustained wind speed, exposed population and vulnerability.
• Taiwan – GC.CA – The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to June. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides. Typhoons usually occur between May and November. These storms can result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and can hamper the provision of essential services. You should monitor alerts for the latest on potential storms.
• Taiwan – GOV.UK – Tropical storm Bailu is forecast to affect the South of Taiwan from Saturday 24th August onwards, though may not make landfall. Forecasts and conditions may change. You should exercise due caution and monitor local news and weather reports.
• Tropical storm Dorian Advisory – GC.CA – Tropical storm Dorian should sweep through Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominican Republic, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Nigeria on or around August 27, 2019. The tropical storm 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. If you reside in the affected areas, you should: exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Tropical storm Dorian Advisory  – GOV.UK – Tropical Storm Dorian is forecast to affect the eastern Caribbean which includes St Martin and St Barthélemy, St Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Dominica, British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla from Tuesday 27 August. You should exercise due caution and monitor local news and weather reports.
• Wildfires in Amazon – GC.CA – Severe wildfires are affecting the Amazon rainforest. Air quality is affected throughout the area, including in Anguilla, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil. This may have an impact on people suffering from respiratory ailments. If you’re travelling to affected areas: 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.

Health

• Burundi – CDC – A malaria epidemic is ongoing in Burundi. Since January 1, 2019, the Ministry of Health has reported nearly 6 million cases (out of a total population of approximately 12 million), with more than 1,800 deaths.
• Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Hungary, Austria – ECDC – From 16 to 22 August 2019, EU Member States reported 49 human cases of West Nile Wirus in Greece (40), Cyprus (4), Romania (3), Hungary (1) and Austria (1). An additional nine cases were reported in the EU neighbouring countries Turkey (7) and Serbia (2). All human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, four deaths were reported in Greece (2), Cyprus (1) and Serbia (1).
• Mexico – GOV.AU – Malaria is a risk, particularly in the State of Chiapas, in rural areas of Nayarit, Oaxaca and Sinaloa, and in some parts of Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora. Dengue fever and other insect borne diseases (including chikungunya, Chagas’ disease and leishmaniasis) are also a risk. There’s widespread transmission of Zika virus in Mexico. If pregnant, the Australian Department of Health advises discussing travel plans with a doctor and deferring non essential travel to affected areas. The Department of Health’s Zika virus bulletin includes other advice for male and female travellers on how to minimise Zika virus risks. There is no vaccination available for Zika virus.
• South Korea – GOV.AU – There’s an outbreak of Hepatitis A in South Korea. Boil tap water before drinking or cooking.
• Saudi Arabia – WHO – From 1 through 31 July 2019, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 9 additional laboratory confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS CoV) infection and 4 associated deaths. The cases were reported from Riyadh (5 cases), Najran (3 cases), Al Qassim (1 case) regions. There were no clusters of cases reported during this time period.
• Germany, Poland, Russia, Lithuania – ECDC – As of 22 August 2019, the environmental suitability for Vibrio growth in the Baltic Sea was identified as medium to high in Szczecin Lagoon (Germany and Poland), Vistula Lagoon (Poland) and on the coast bordering Kaliningrad (Russia) and Klaipeda (Lithuania). About a dozen Vibrio species can cause human illness, known as vibriosis. Most people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Certain Vibrio species can also cause a skin infection when an open wound is exposed to salt water or brackish water. For the next five days, the environmental suitability for Vibrio growth is considered to be medium in Szczecin Lagoon (Germany and Poland) and Gdansk (Poland).
• Polio Advisory – CDC – There is a polio outbreak in Ethiopia, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Burma, Central African Republic. CDC recommends that all travelers to these countries be vaccinated fully against polio.

Kidnapping

• Iraq – GOV.UK – There’s a high threat of kidnapping throughout Iraq from both Daesh and other terrorist and militant groups. Kidnappings can be for purely ideological reasons as well as financial or political gain, and can be motivated by criminality or terrorism. British nationals have previously been targeted. Individuals have been kidnapped from homes, workplaces and while travelling. Some hostages have been killed.
• Philippines – GOV.AU – There is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern Philippines, especially at coastal resorts and isolated coastal locations. Business or criminal related kidnapping can occur anywhere in the Philippines. The threat is highest along the Zamboanga peninsula and in the Sulu Archipelago. Groups based in the Sulu Archipelago have taken hostages at locations around Mindanao and in eastern Malaysia. Recent attacks show these groups have the ability to target locations frequented by tourists in southern Palawan, Bohol, southern Negros, southern Cebu and Siquijor. Numerous locals and foreigners have been kidnapped in central and western Mindanao, which includes the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago. Westerners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in recent years. Kidnap victims are sometimes held in captivity for long periods of time before being released. Others have been killed by their captors.

Other

• Jamaica – GOV.UK – The States of Emergency in the parishes of St James (which includes Montego Bay), Hanover and Westmoreland have been extended to 28 October 2019. A State of Emergency is also in place until 5 October 2019 in part of the Parish of St Andrew, which includes areas of Kingston: detailed boundaries are set out by the Government of Jamaica.
• Sri Lanka – GOV.AU – On 23 August the State of Emergency in Sri Lanka lapsed but security forces can be called upon to maintain public order across the country.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of Congo – ECDC – As of 21 August 2019, WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported 71 additional Ebola confirmed cases and 11 additional probable cases. During the same period, 41 confirmed deaths were reported. Among the new reported cases in the past week, at least three were healthcare workers. Two new health zones have been affected in the past week: Mwenga in the previously non affected province of South Kivu and Pinga in North Kivu.
• Democratic Republic of Congo – WHO – The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continued this week with similar transmission intensity to recent weeks, with an average of 81 cases per week (range 68 to 91 cases per week) in the past six weeks. There are currently no confirmed cases of EVD outside of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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.