International Education > Archive > Category: World Status Report

090718 – World Status Report

September 7, 2018

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

  • Pakistan – Government of Canada. The security situation has significantly improved in recent years in Islamabad, however, foreigners remain exposed to risks. Be particularly cautious in or around the Centaurus and Safa Gold malls; remain aware of your surroundings and do not loiter when visiting Kohsar Market. Avoid the Lal Masjid Mosque (also known as the Red Mosque) at all times. If you decide to travel to Islamabad, you should stay in secure, guarded accommodations and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times. Ensure that you are met at the airport by a known local contact or driver arranged through your local contact or a major hotel.
  • Libya – GOV.UK. Heavy clashes between militia continue in southern Tripoli districts. On Friday 31 August, Mitiga airport was closed and incoming flights diverted to Misrata.
  • Burkina Faso – GOV.UK. On 28 August 2018, 7 members of the security forces were killed after their vehicle struck a roadside bomb. near Fada N’Gourma in the Eastern Region. On 11 August 2018, 4 gendarmes and a civilian were killed when their vehicle struck a mine about 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Fada N’Gourma. There have also been attacks close to the borders with Mali, Niger and Cote d’Ivoire. Further attacks are possible and could occur without warning. If you’re in Burkina Faso, you should be vigilant, monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Crime and Social Unrest

  • Ethiopia – Government of Canada. There has been increased insurgency-related violence across the ‎Somali region. Attacks have targeted businesses, churches, houses, cars, and Amhara and Oromo minority groups. Exercise caution and monitor local media if you are in this area.
  • Nicaragua – GOV.UK. The FCO continue to advise against all but essential travel to Nicaragua. There has been a prolonged period of political unrest and street violence in many areas in Nicaragua since mid-April 2018. This has involved the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition, resulting in many serious injuries and over 300 deaths. Some marches and demonstrations continue to occur. While most are now peaceful, the situation remains volatile and there is the potential for further violence and disorder at any time.

Natural Disaster

  • Laos – Government of Canada. On July 23, 2018, a hydroelectric dam broke and released extremely large volumes of water in the Xe Pian River in southern Laos PDR. Areas along the Xe Pian River in Attapeu province have been affected. In addition to the dam failure, tropical storm Bebinca brought seasonal heavy rains that have caused rising water levels in many areas including Luang Prabang province, Vientiane Capital, Pakxan, Thakhek, and Champasak Province, including Pakse. Local authorities have issued flood alerts and asked residents to be prepared to evacuate to higher areas. In the affected areas, there could be significant disruptions to essential services like transportation services and networks, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, and emergency services. Avoid travel to or through the flooded areas. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation order.
  • Papua New Guinea – GOV.UK. The volcano on Manam Island, off the north coast of Papua New Guinea, erupted on 25 August 2018 forcing a mass evacuation to the mainland.

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. Read the entire travel advisory.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Demonstrations

  • Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) – Government of Canada. The security situation in the DRC is unpredictable and it could deteriorate suddenly. Political tensions are on the rise as presidential, legislative and provincial elections are scheduled for December 23, 2018. Large-scale demonstrations could occur at any time and lead to violence, in Kinshasa and other large cities. During large-scale demonstrations, the only road to N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa can be blocked and flight schedules can be disrupted. Riots and demonstrations may occur sporadically along Matadi Road and cause road closures with little or no notice. Attacks on vehicles along this road are also becoming more frequent. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
  • Mali – Government of Canada. Demonstrations could still occur in reaction to the results of the August 12, 2018 presidential elections. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Avoid areas that lack a security presence. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
  • Zimbabwe – Government of Canada. Following the inauguration of the new President on August 26, 2018, the situation in the Central Business District and in other parts of Zimbabwe remains calm. However, demonstrations and post-election political rallies may be organized. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
  • Brazil – Government of Canada. The first round of presidential elections is scheduled to take place on October 7, 2018. Be cautious and avoid any demonstrations during the campaign period.

Crime and Social Unrest

  • Burundi – U.S. Department of State. Reconsider travel to Burundi due to crime and armed conflict. Read the entire travel advisory.
  • Chile – GOV.UK. There have been reports of people being robbed by bogus and unlicensed taxi drivers, including airport taxis. Use official and/or pre-booked taxis and to ask taxi drivers for proof of reservation. Pick pocketing and muggings are common in many cities throughout Chile, particularly around well-known tourist sites, bus stations and areas visited by foreigners. Pay particular attention to your belongings in popular foreign cafes and restaurants where there has been an increase in bag theft.

Natural Disaster

  • Japan – Government of Canada. Typhoon Jebi recently passed through Japan. The Kansai International Airport (KIX) has suspended operations until further notice. The closest international airport is Chubu International Airport (NGO) in Nagoya. There have been significant disruptions to the essential services like transportation and power distribution. If you’re travelling to the affected areas, contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans. Exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Japan – GOV.UK. At 3.12am local time on 6 September 2018, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake occurred in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Transportation throughout the island has been disrupted, including the airport. If you’re in Hokkaido, or are planning to travel to the area, please be careful of aftershocks, follow the advice of the local authorities, follow local news, and check with transportation companies for any changes or cancellations of schedule.
  • New Caledonia – Government of Canada. New Caledonia is located in an active seismic zone.
  • India – GOV.UK. Floodwaters in Kerala have started to recede; the airport is operational and almost all trains are running; access to Munnar, Thekkady and Wayanad has not yet been restored due to damage caused by landslides; if you’re travelling to or are already in Kerala, you’re advised to monitor travel advice, media reports and follow the advice from local authorities.

Health

  • UK and Northern Ireland – WHO. On 22 August 2018, the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) National Focal Point for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland notified WHO about a laboratory-confirmed Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. The patient is a resident of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who was visiting the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
  • Vibro growth – ECDC. As of 31 August 2018, environmental suitability for Vibrio growth in the Baltic Sea for the next five days is considered to be medium in coastal areas of Poland
  • West Nile virus – ECDC. Between 24 and 30 August 2018, EU Member States reported 300 human cases of West Nile fever: Italy (144), Romania (61), Greece (41), Hungary (38), Austria (8), France (6), Croatia (1) and Slovenia (1). EU neighbouring countries reported 55 cases: Serbia (54) and Kosovo* (1)
  • Colombia – GOV.UK. Ayahuasca, or yage, is a traditional plant used in ‘spiritual cleansing’ ceremonies by indigenous communities in Colombia, primarily in Putamayo and the Amazon region. The yage ceremony typically involves the consumption of a brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an hallucinogenic drug. Consumption of this brew is not regulated and its interaction with existing medical conditions is not well understood. People have suffered serious illnesses and in some cases death after participating in these ceremonies.

Ebola News

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO. As of 08/30/18 WHO reports that the outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is at a key juncture. Recent trends suggest that control measures are working. However, the outbreak trend must be interpreted with caution. Since the Disease Outbreak News of 24 August 2018, 13 additional confirmed and probable cases have been reported, the majority were from the city of Beni. Moreover, substantial risks remain, posed by potential undocumented chains of transmission; four of the 13 new cases were not known contacts. Likewise, sporadic instances of high-risk behaviors in some communities (such as unsafe burials, reluctance towards contact tracing, vaccination and admission to ETCs if symptoms developed), poor infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in some community health centres, and delays in patients reaching ETCs when symptoms develop, all have the potential to further propagate the outbreak.

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.