International Education > Archive > Category: World Status Report

030218 – World Status Report

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Government of Canada

Ecuador. Avoid all travel to rural isolated areas in the southern provinces bordering Peru (Zamora-Chinchipe, Morona-Santiago and El Oro) due to the presence of landmines and unmarked minefields in the Cordillera del Cóndor, near the Peruvian border. De-mining efforts are under way to remove landmines; the goal is to have all landmines removed by December 31, 2022.

GOV.UK

Burma. Summary – the FCO now advise against all but essential travel to the town of Lashio (including its airport) in Shan State; Safety and security section – on 21 February 2018 a bomb exploded in a bank in Lashio, killing 2 people and severely injuring 22 more.

U.S. Department of State

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Reconsider travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Kenya. Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Government of Canada

Mexico. Some travelers have reported getting sick or even blacking out after drinking alcohol in some resort locations, as alcohol served may be unregulated. While Mexican authorities have put mechanisms in place in an attempt to control unregulated alcohol, counterfeit alcohol could still be served in bars, restaurants and resorts. Be cautious if you choose to drink alcohol and seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.
Bolivia. Petty theft, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in large cities. Foreigners are frequently targeted by thieves.
South Africa. There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Individuals who may be inspired by terrorist groups may carry out “lone actor” attacks targeting public places, including where foreigners gather. South African authorities have successfully disrupted planned attacks and have made arrests related to terrorism offences. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

GOV.UK

Nicaragua. Safety and security section (Road travel) – right-hand drive vehicles may not be driven in or imported into Nicaragua; Local laws and customs section – addition of information about restrictions in Nicaragua on the import and use of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles.
Nigeria. Terrorism section; Terrorist kidnaps – exercise vigilance when travelling. Safety and security section (Crime) and summary – there have been reports that criminal gangs are intending to target foreign exchange bureaux attached to international hotels in and around Abuja’s central business district; you should be extra vigilant in these areas, satisfy yourself that your hotel’s visible security measures are robust and minimise your movements in and around foreign exchange bureaux in these areas
Fiji. Health section – there has been a recent outbreak of dengue fever in Nadi & Ba. The outbreak in Labasa as announced in early January is ongoing.
Brazil. Summary – on 16 February 2018, President Temer signed a decree putting the army in charge of security in Rio de Janeiro city and state. The police and army now both fall under the command of an army general. The army has previously been involved in security for the 2016 Olympics and since August 2017 in operations around some favelas; you’re likely to see a police and military presence on the streets