121118 – 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

• Israel, West Bank, Gaza Strip – GOV.UK. Israeli Defence Forces announced on 4 December that they are carrying out a number of operations against “Hizbollah underground tunnels”, which they claim have crossed the Blue Line from Lebanon into Israel. They stated that initial operations are in the areas of Metula and Misgav Am, and that overall operations could last for several weeks. The IDF have closed the areas near the ongoing military operations to the public. If travelling near military operational areas, adhere to all Israeli official instructions.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Venezuela – GOV.UK. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to within 80 km (50 miles) of the Colombian border and within 40 km (25 miles) of the Brazilian border.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Spain – U.S. Department of State. Level 2: Exercise increased caution in Spain due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Tunisia – GC.CA. There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks have occurred throughout Tunisia. Since 2015, tourist resorts and attractions, as well as Tunisian military and state institutions have been targeted, and further attacks cannot be ruled out. 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, and cultural festivals. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Sierra Leone – U.S. Department of State. Level 2: Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime. Violent crime, such as armed robbery, and assault, is common. Local police lack the resources, capacity, and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Freetown at night as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital after dark. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Togo – U.S. Department of State. Level 2: Exercise increased caution in Togo due to elections, crime, and civil unrest.  Parliamentary elections in Togo are scheduled for December 20. In the past, political demonstrations intended to be peaceful escalated into violence. Togolese authorities may respond with force during violent demonstrations. Security forces have at times used excessive force to disperse crowds. Authorities have interrupted internet and cellular data services during past protests, making communication difficult and unpredictable. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Ukraine – U.S. Department of State. Exercise increased caution in Ukraine due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Crime targeting foreigners and property is common. Demonstrations, which have turned violent at times, regularly occur throughout Ukraine, including in Kyiv. Politically targeted assassinations and bombings have also occurred. There are reports of violence by extreme nationalist groups. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Cameroon – GOV.UK. Kidnaps have been reported in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. A Tunisian road technician was killed in a rescue operation in March 2018 in the South West. Recently, there have been an increased number of kidnappings, particularly of school children, in the North West region. A large number of school children and their teachers were kidnapped by armed separatists in Bamenda on 5 November 2018. They were released on 7 November. You should remain vigilant and monitor developments in these regions through local media.

Demonstrations

• Bangladesh – GC.CA, GOV.UK Parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place on December 30, 2018,  with formal campaigning due to begin on 10 December.  Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
• Bolivia – GC.CA, GOV.UK. A national civic strike was held on December 10, 2018. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Protesters have used dynamite during previous protests. Expect disruptions to traffic. Access to the airports in La Paz and Santa Cruz may be restricted. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t try to cross roadblocks. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations. Contact your airline or travel agent before travelling to check your flight’s schedule and availability.
• France – GC.CA, GOV.UK, GOV.AU. Protests against fuel prices linked to the yellow vest (gilets jaunes) movement continue across France since November 17, 2018. Large gatherings, which can turn violent, mainly take place on Saturdays. Recent demonstrations in Paris have led to violence and extensive damage to property. Traffic disruptions occur due to calls to block major transport routes (roads, train stations and airports). Disruptions to public services and closures of various sites usually open to the public (businesses, museums, tourist attractions) have also taken place. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
• Haiti – GC.CA, GOV.AU. Violent protests have been taking place in Port-au-Prince and other cities across the country since November 17, 2018. The violence has resulted in deaths and injuries and sporadic gunshots are heard. Although tensions have eased somewhat, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable. Demonstrations and strikes could continue in the foreseeable future and disrupt the movement of goods and people within, into and out of the country. Main roads are often blocked. Limit your movements as much as possible, but consider stocking up on essential supplies if it’s safe for you to do so.

Law and culture

• Jamaica – GOV.UK. As part of security enhancement measures, the Government of Jamaica is taking in areas of concern and has issued States of Emergency in the Parish of St James, including Montego Bay, which has been extended until 31 January 2019, St Catherine North State (focused on Spanish Town, Linstead and Bog Walk), which has been extended until 2 January 2019, Specified boundaries in parts of Kingston Central, Kingston Western and St Andrew South Police Divisions, as of 7 January 2019. The Jamaican government has also extended Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) in certain neighbourhoods in Kingston (Denham town and other areas in West Kingston).

Health

• Bolivia – GC.CA. Tap water in Bolivia is unsafe.
• Paraguay – GC.CA. Tap water in Paraguay is unsafe.

Natural Disaster

• Guatemala – GC.CA. The Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito volcanoes are consistently moderately active, which is considered to be within normal parameters. The Fuego volcano erupted on November 19, 2018 and continues to be active. Travel on roads adjacent to Fuego may be restricted as well as hiking around and into the volcano. Monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media and change travel arrangements accordingly. Hiking on volcanoes should be done only with a reputable tour company that tracks volcanic activity. Should volcanic activity increase follow any evacuation orders and the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local news and contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation could affect your travel plans.
• United States – GOV.UK. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred outside Anchorage, Alaska on 30 November 2018 and has been followed by a series of aftershocks, including a 5.8 magnitude earthquake. Some damage to local infrastructure has been reported, prompting road closures in some areas. If you’re in an affected area, you should follow the advice of the local authorities.

Ebola News

Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO.  During the reporting period (28 November – 4 December 2018), 35 new cases were reported from nine health zones in North Kivu and Ituri provinces: Beni (8), Komanda (eight), Katwa (eight), Vuhovi (three), Kalunguta (two), Butembo (two), Mabalako (two), Masereka (one), and Mutwanga (one). Recent cases in Komanda and Mabalako health zones follow an extended period (exceeding two incubation periods) without detection of new cases; highlighting the risk of reintroduction of the virus, and the need to maintain enhanced surveillance.   WHO’s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low. WHO continues to advice against any restriction of travel to, and trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on currently available information.

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.