120319 – World Status Report
December 3, 2019
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
- Venezuela – U.S. Department of State – Do not travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens. Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, is common. Political rallies and demonstrations occur, often with little notice. Demonstrations typically elicit a strong police and security force response that includes the use of tear gas, pepper spray, water cannons, and rubber bullets against participants and occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism. There are shortages of food, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies throughout much of Venezuela.
Take Enhanced Precautions
Conflict and Terrorism
- Germany – GOV.UK – Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Germany. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places visited by foreigners such as restaurants, places of worship and markets (shopping centres).
- Israel, West Bank, Gaza – GOV.AU – On 12 November, a large number of rockets were fired into Israel from Gaza. Further exchanges of fire are expected. Monitor developments and follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Mali – UN News -Security in Mali has become critical, with unprecedented incidents of communal violence and increasingly more deadly terror attacks, reported a UN human rights expert on Monday, following a 10 day visit to the country.
- Nepal – GOV.AU – On 30 November, several byelections will take place throughout Nepal. In the last few days, there have been a number of small-scale explosions in Pokhara. Avoid protests, political and other gatherings before, during and after the elections. Vehicle movements in affected areas may be restricted, except for those with approval from local authorities. Monitor the media and other sources about emerging security risks.
- Tanzania – GOV.UK – Take particular care near the border with Mozambique. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to some districts in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique, due to an increase in attacks by groups with links to Islamic extremism. As a result, there is a risk of cross border tensions and instability, including a risk of violence.
Crime
- Bangladesh – GOV.UK – Crime has been regularly reported on trains with offences ranging from theft to sexual assaults.
- Cameroon – GOV.UK – On 1 December 2019, a local commercial air carrier (Camair Co) was hit by gunshots while flying into Bamenda Airport in the North West region. You should follow the advice of the local security authorities and/or your tour operator if you are thinking about using Camair Co.
Demonstrations and Social Unrest
- Bolivia – GC.CA, GOV.UK – The political and security situation remains uncertain across Bolivia following an extended period of widescale political demonstrations and civil unrest since disputed elections in October 2019, and the resignation of the President and senior public officials on 10 November. An interim government is now in place ahead of fresh elections. Protests are still occurring in the city of Cochabamba and further demonstrations are likely to take place elsewhere in Bolivia at short notice. These could turn violent without warning. Many previous demonstrations in La Paz city centre and other major towns and cities have resulted in violence, including in some cases the deaths of protesters. You should continue to avoid large crowds and public demonstrations, don’t attempt to cross blockades, and pay close attention to developments via local media. If you’re intending to travel within Bolivia, you should plan your travel carefully, regularly check the viability of your plans and be prepared to change them at short notice.
- Chile – GOV.UK – Since 18 October there have been large demonstrations across Chile. Protests have resulted in incidents of violence and travel disruption in cities and towns. Large demonstrations are expected in Santiago and other cities on a daily basis and there is a risk of violence associated with them. At present, the Chilean Government recommends tourists avoid Plaza Baquedano/Plaza Italia. The Chilean Government also recommends tourists avoid the centre of Valparaiso city. You should follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities, remain vigilant, monitor local media for updates and avoid protests and demonstrations. At this time, consular support may be limited in parts of Chile.
- Colombia – GOV.AU – Demonstrations continue across the country. Avoid protests and large gatherings, as they can turn violent. Expect traffic and transport disruptions in major cities. Contact your airline or tour operator. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans. Monitor local media and follow advice from local authorities.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – GOV.UK – There have been recent protests beginning on 20 November 2019 in Beni and Butembo in Eastern DRC. These have targeted UN and Government vehicles and premises due to a rise in anti-government and anti UN sentiment. Further demonstrations elsewhere are likely, including Goma and Kinshasa. These may involve ‘Ville Morte’ resulting in closure of shops and public services accompanied by restrictions on movement in a specific area.
- France – GC.CA – A large-scale general strike is planned to begin throughout the country on December 5, 2019. Demonstrations and significant service disruptions are expected, including to transportation.
- Haiti – GC.CA – Violent protests and widespread civil unrest have been taking place in Haiti since September 2, 2019 due to ongoing political instability. In addition to this volatile situation, the country is also experiencing water, food and fuel shortages. Roadblocks are still disrupting transportation in some parts of the country. Access to the airport may be blocked without notice. Clashes between protestors and security forces have occurred. Additional protests could happen. They could suddenly turn violent. Avoid all unnecessary travel to Haiti. If you are in the country: avoid crossing road blockades, even if they appear unattended; plan to have adequate water, food and fuel supplies; allow extra time to reach your destination.
- Iran – GC.CA – In mid-November 2019, violent demonstrations took place throughout Iran. The Internet was shutdown nationwide for several days. Security forces used excessive force, including live ammunition, against demonstrators to put an end to the demonstrations. Political, social or economic events could trigger further unrest in the future and demonstrators could likely be met with a similar response by the Iranian authorities.
- Iraq – UN News -UN chief António Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of the continued use of live ammunition against demonstrators in Iraq. A spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that United Nations staff in Iraq had confirmed that at least 24 people had been killed and more than 210 were injured in Nasiriyah.
- Lebanon – GC.CA – Demonstrations are ongoing in Beirut and across the country and are expected to continue. Violent incidents have caused deaths and injuries. Roadblocks are restricting access to many roads in Greater Beirut as well as main highways across the country. There is a shortage of US Dollars in Lebanon. Foreign debit/credit cards have been blocked from withdrawing US Dollars from ATMs. Most ATMs have been stocked with Lebanese Pounds. Credit cards continue to be accepted in many shops and restaurants, but they are increasingly asking for cash payments. If you plan to bring US Dollars with you to Lebanon, respect CBSA regulations on declaring foreign currency. Be extremely vigilant. Limit your movements if you’re in an affected area. Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Netherlands – GOV.UK – From Thursday 5 December to Sunday 8 December (inclusive), Eurostar services are expected to be affected by industrial action by railway workers in France. Cancellations and delays are expected. You should check services before travelling.
- Nigeria – GOV.UK – Since January 2018, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has protested regularly in central Abuja and other cities. These protests, particularly in Abuja, have the potential to turn violent. It has been reported that on 27 November 2019, while dispersing IMN protesters, police accidentally shot a school girl and arrested a number of journalists who were subsequently released. Tensions remain heightened. You should monitor local media, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow any instructions from local police and security forces.
- Togo – GOV.UK – There have been sporadic marches and protests in Lomé and around the country since August 2017, over demands to restore the 1992 constitution. Tensions remain heightened and further marches and protests, by supporters of the government and opposition are possible, particularly ahead of presidential elections in February 2020. You should remain vigilant, avoid crowds and demonstrations, monitor local media and follow advice of local authorities.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- Laos – GC.CA – Electronic tourist visas can be obtained in advance by travellers planning to enter Laos through the Wattay International Airport or the Lao Thai Friendship Bridge I. Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and some “international” (that is, open to all foreign nationals) border crossings. Contact the nearest Laotian embassy or consulate to confirm whether you will need a tourist visa and where you can get it.
- Tanzania – GOV.UK -Tanzania has introduced an ‘evisas’ system through which applications can be submitted and approved online in advance of travel.
Health
- Chad, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia – WHO – Polio. Outbreaks of circulating vaccine derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) have been reported in several countries in West Africa, central Africa and Horn of Africa (for more information, please see the disease outbreak news published on 31 July 2019). This report provides a situational update on current cVDPV2 outbreaks in newly affected countries in Africa. Given crossborder population movements, suboptimal immunity and surveillance gaps, and waning mucosal immunity to type 2 poliovirus, the risk of further spread or emergence of cVDPV2 in Africa remains high.
- European Region – ECDC – Influenza. There are early signs of increased influenza B activity in some countries across the European Region. Overall, both influenza types A and B viruses were detected in sentinel and non-sentinel source specimens, with a higher number of detections for influenza A viruses
- Montserrat – GOV.UK – Cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in Montserrat. Take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
- Netherlands – ECDC, WHO – Lassa Fever. On 20 November 2019, WHO was informed by The Netherlands’ International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point of one imported case of Lassa fever from Sierra Leone. The patient was a male doctor, a Dutch national who worked in a rural Masanga hospital in Tonkolili district, Northern province in Sierra Leone. The patient died on the night of 23 November 2019. On 22 November 2019, WHO was informed of a second laboratory confirmed case of Lassa fever in another Dutch health care worker, who also worked in the Masanga hospital. The date of onset of symptoms of the second case was 11 November and was subsequently medically evacuated in high containment isolation to the Netherlands and is currently under treatment. Isolation precautions have been implemented. The Masanga hospital in Sierra Leone, where the Dutch doctor worked is supported by several non-governmental organizations, with international health care workers including staff from countries including Denmark, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, alongside national health care workers. Contact tracing and monitoring activities have been initiated in these countries as required.
- Pakistan – WHO – Polio. Through national disease surveillance, an outbreak of circulating vaccine derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) has been confirmed in Pakistan in 2019. Between 7 July and 3 November 2019, 11 children have been paralysed from cVDPV2 in Pakistan – four in Diamir district, Gilgit Baltistan province, three in Kohistan, two in Torghar and one in Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, and one in Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad. The median age for these cases was 22 months ranging from 8 to 66 months. WHO’s assessment is that the risk of spread of cVDPV2 within the country as high due to the high population movement, strong connectivity across the country, and low population immunity against type 2 poliovirus.
- Philippines – ECDC – Polio. Since the previous CDTR on 22 November 2019, the Philippines Department of Health has reported one new human case of presumed vaccine derived polio and additional 10 environmental samples positive for VDPV1 and VDPV2. The human case was reported on 25 November 2019, on the island of Basilan in a nine-year-old unvaccinated girl. Sequencing and genetic analysis results from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan are pending.
- Polio advisory – GC.CA – On October 3, 2019, the WHO released an updated report on the international spread of poliovirus. The Committee agreed that poliovirus remains a PHEIC, and recommended the extension of the temporary recommendations for another three months. Polio remains consistently present (endemic) in three countries: Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan. Outbreaks of polio are also currently occurring in: Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niger, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Somalia, Togo, Zambia. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative provides an interactive map of countries with confirmed cases of polio.
- Samoa – GOV.AU – Measles. There’s a measles epidemic in Samoa. All government offices will be closed on 5 and 6 December to assist with mass measles vaccinations. This won’t affect the airport, seaports or other essential services operations. Some tourist services may be limited. If you’re visiting Samoa make sure your vaccinations are up to date and your travel insurance covers medical evacuations. We haven’t changed our level of advice: Exercise normal safety precautions in Samoa.
- Sierra Leone – GOV.UK – Rabies, Lassa fever, waterborne diseases, malaria and other tropical diseases are common to Sierra Leone. In November 2019, an outbreak of Lassa fever has been reported in Tonkolili region of Sierra Leone.
- Spain – WHO – Dengue. On 6 November 2019, the Spanish authorities reported a likely sexual transmission of dengue between two men who have sex with men (MSM) in the municipality of Madrid in central Spain. In the absence of data supporting vector transmission or other known routes of transmission, the second case, with no travel history, is considered an autochthonous case who was most likely infected through sexual transmission.
- Turkey, Spain – ECDC – West Nile Virus. Between 22 and 28 November 2019, one human case of West Nile virus infection has been reported by Turkey. The case had a disease onset from week 35 and was reported from an area that has been affected previously. No deaths were reported this week. In the same time period, Spain reported one outbreak among equids to the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS). The most recent onset date is from week 43 (21 to 27 October). As no new human cases with disease onset in the previous four weeks have been reported, this is the final weekly update for the 2019 transmission season.
- World – WHO – Measles. Many countries around the world are experiencing measles outbreaks. As of 5 November 2019, there have been 413,308 confirmed cases reported to WHO through official monthly reporting by 187 Member States in 2019. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease which affects susceptible individuals of all ages and remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite the availability of safe and effective measles containing vaccines.
- Zambia, Yemen, Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC – Cholera. Since the last update on 25 October 2019, new cholera cases have been reported worldwide. Since then, the cholera events in Benin and Uganda are considered closed and a new outbreak has been reported in Zambia. Countries reporting the majority of new cases since the previous update are: Yemen with 54503 cases and 33 deaths, DR Congo with 4228 cases and 71 deaths and Cameroon with 1335 cases and 76 deaths.
Kidnapping
- Philippines – GOV.UK – There is a high threat of kidnap in the Philippines. Foreign nationals have been targeted by both criminal and terrorist groups. This threat extends throughout the Philippines, and foreigners have been targeted in rural, urban and coastal areas, on private boats, marinas and resorts. The threat of kidnapping isn’t confined to terrorist strongholds and kidnaps may be opportunistic. The threat is particularly acute in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago and offshore areas in the nearby waters of the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea. A British national and a dual Filipino British national were kidnapped on 4 October 2019 from a resort in Zamboanga, Western Mindanao. They were rescued on 25 November 2019 by the Philippines Armed Forces. Some hostages, including foreign nationals, have been murdered. A Dutch national was killed on 31 May 2019 after being held for seven years. It’s likely that terrorist groups continue to plan kidnap operations against western nationals. Kidnap groups have sought to expand their reach including by working with affiliates to abduct foreign nationals from one area of the Philippines before transporting the victims to another.
Natural Disasters and Climate
- Albania – GC.CA , GOV.UK – A series of earthquakes occurred in western Albania in the early hours of 26 November. The largest quake, registering 6.4 on the Richter scale, was centred north of the port city of Durres (approximately 20 miles from the capital, Tirana,) and caused extensive damage. There are reports of a high number of casualties and some fatalities. Further aftershocks can occur. Travellers to Albania should exercise caution at this time, monitor local media for the latest developments, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
- Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua; Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe; China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam; Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Paraguay; Argentina, Chile; Australia; Indonesia, Malaysia – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
- Djibouti – GOV.UK, GC.CA – Since November 21, 2019 Djibouti has experienced heavy rains which triggered flash floods across the country. The Government of Djibouti has declared a state of emergency. Avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected areas. If you are in the affected areas: exercise caution; monitor local news and weather reports; follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Mozambique – GOV.UK – A moderate tropical storm, which could turn severe, is forecast to make landfall in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces in northern Mozambique on 4 December. Monitor local reports and check your routes before travelling.
- Philippines – GOV.UK, GOVT.NZ, GC.CA – Typhoon Kammuri (or Tisoy) made landfall in Sorsogon, in Bicol Region, on December 2, 2019. It should continue to sweep westward through the Philippines. The following regions are forecast to be the most affected: Bicol, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Eastern Visayas. The typhoon 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, including flights in and out of Manila; power distribution; water and food supply; telecommunications networks; emergency services; medical care. If you are in an affected area: exercise caution; monitor local news and weather reports; follow the instructions of local authorities; contact your transportation carrier or tour operator to determine if the situation could affect your travel plans.
- United States – GOV.UK – Heavy snow is disrupting travel across the centre of the United States, this caused significant travel disruption over the Thanksgiving holiday period, including a number of cancelled flights. If you’re due to travel to or within the US in the coming days, you should check with your airline before travelling.
Other
- Bangladesh – GOV.UK – The rail network is extensive but old and generally considered slow. There are frequent derailments and other incidents, which result in injuries and loss of life. Fifteen people were killed and many more injured on 12 November 2019 when two intercity trains collided at Mandabhag rail station on the Dhaka Chattogram route. The local press has highlighted a high number of bridges and culverts that are in a dangerous condition following flooding.
Ebola News
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC – Ebola. Since the previous CDTR and as of 27 November 2019, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 11 additional confirmed cases. During the same period, four deaths were reported among confirmed cases. In the past week, several security incidents occurred in eastern DRC, including violence, widespread civil unrest, and targeted attacks. During targeted attacks on the night of 27 November, several Ebola responders have been injured or killed. Since 20 November 2019, the security incidents have limited response activities in Mandima, Beni and Oicha and staff have been evacuated. Daily alerts and contact followup have dropped significantly, particularly in Oicha where only 15% of contacts were under surveillance as of 26 November 2019.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO – Ebola. Six new confirmed cases were reported between 20 to 26 November in the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Half of the confirmed cases in this week came from Mabalako Health Zone (50%, n=3), and one case each came from Mandima, Oicha, and Beni Health Zones. In the past week, violence, widespread civil unrest, and targeted attacks have severely disrupted the Ebola response and restricted access to affected communities in multiple locations. 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 – UN News -Deadly night time attacks by armed groups have once again claimed the lives of frontline healthworkers helping to confront the deadly Ebola virus in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. The violence killed four workers responding to the Ebola outbreak and injured five others, at a camp in Biakato Mines, and an Ebola response coordination office, WHO said in a statement.
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.