012919 – 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

• Burkina Faso – GOV.AU. Due to high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping, do not travel to the eastern regions of Burkina Faso. Reconsider your need to travel to Burkina Faso overall. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country.
• Mali – GOV.AU. Due to high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping, do not travel to within 100km of the borders with Burkina Faso. Reconsider your need to travel to parts of southern Mali and do not travel to any other areas, including Bamako. GOV.UK. There is a heightened risk of terrorist attack in Bamako. You should be aware that hotels and restaurants that are used by westerners may be targeted. You should remain vigilant when travelling to Bamako and while in your hotel or visiting restaurants. UN. Two peacekeepers from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were killed on Friday following an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack against a convoy near Douentza, in the Mopti region, central Mali.
• Nigeria – GOV.UK. The terrorist threat in Damasak and across Borno State is high, with a history of recent attacks. We continue to advise against all travel to Borno State.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Updated! Venezuela – U.S. Department of State.  Level 4: Do not travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens. On January 24, 2019, the Department ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members due to ongoing political instability. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. Read the entire travel advisory.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Brazil – GOV.UK. On 25 January a dam ruptured in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais near the city of Belo Horizonte.
• Vanuatu – GOV.AU. Recent volcanic activity on Ambae and Ambrym islands has led to the evacuation of their residents. Local authorities have advised people to stay away from Ambae and are relocating people on Ambrym to safety. We now recommend you reconsider your need to travel to Ambrym island and do not travel to Ambae island.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Argentina – GOV.UK. Terrorist attacks in Argentina can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Since 2004 there have been a number of small explosions in Buenos Aires and the surrounding provinces which are believed to have been the work of local anti-globalisation groups. The targets have mostly been banks. There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.
• Kenya – GC.CA. There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks have occurred in Nairobi; in the coast region, including in Mombasa; and in the country’s northeast, near the border with Somalia. Foreigners have been targeted in some attacks. 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. On January 15, 2019, a terrorist attack causing many casualties took place at the Dusit Hotel complex in the Westland district of Nairobi. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, but keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.
• Philippines – GOV.UK. On 27 January 2019, at least 27 people were killed and many more injured as a result of bomb attacks at a Roman Catholic cathedral on Jolo Island in Sulu Province.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Colombia – GC.CA. Peace talks between the Colombian government and the ELN broke down after a car bomb attack took place on January 17, 2019, resulting in many casualties.
• Ghana – GOV.UK. There remains a risk of localised civil unrest in Yendi, Tamale and surrounding areas after the conclusion of Chieftaincy funerals. The government has imposed a 6pm to 6am curfew in Yendi Township to maintain peace and security. If you’re in these areas, you should remain vigilant, exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities, given the risk of localised civil unrest. The government has imposed a 6pm to 6am curfew in Yendi to maintain peace and security.
• Nigeria – UN. Since November, more than 80,000 Nigerians have been forcibly displaced due to ongoing violence in the north-east, adding to two million people already displaced by violence, or forced across the country’s borders as refugees, the UN humanitarian coordination office (OCHA) said on Tuesday.
• Sudan – GC.CA. Civil unrest has been occurring in many parts of the country, notably in Khartoum, Atbara, Dammer, Barbar and Port Sudan since December 19, 2018, due to the latest economic tensions. States of emergency and curfews are in effect in some areas.

Demonstrations 

• Democratic Republic of Congo – GC.CA. Presidential and legislative elections took place on December 30, 2018. The new President was inaugurated on January 24, 2019. Demonstrations, civil unrest and general strikes could still occur at any time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent suddenly. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. During large-scale demonstrations, the only road to N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa can be blocked and flight schedules can be disrupted. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Don’t attempt to cross road blockades, even if they appear unattended. Plan to have adequate water and food supplies in the event that main supply points are temporarily inaccessible. Monitor local media for the latest information.
• Greece – GOV.AU, GC.CA. Demonstrations and civil unrest occur regularly in central Athens sometimes at short notice. They can cause disruption to public transport and roads. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations, as they can turn violent without warning. Monitor the news and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Zimbabwe – GOV.AU, GC.CA, GOV.UK. There have been widespread disruptions, street blockades and violent protests in parts of the country including in Harare and Bulawayo since January 13, 2019. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces have resulted in injuries. Internet access, particularly social media and messaging services, may be blocked countrywide with little notice. Access to food and fuel is limited. There’s an increased security presence in some urban areas. Don’t attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended. Taking photographs of members of police and armed forces personnel and of demonstrations and protests is not permitted. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Always carry photo identification such as your passport with you. Avoid demonstrations and monitor media for planned or possible unrest.
• Guatemala – GC.CA. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may be detained, deported and denied future entry into Guatemala. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Hungary – GC.CA. Since December 12, 2018, demonstrations against new controversial laws have been held in Budapest, mainly in the Parliament area. Acts of vandalism as well as confrontations between demonstrators and security forces have occurred. Expect further demonstrations, which may disrupt traffic. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for the latest information
• Senegal – GOV.UK. There are likely to be political rallies and demonstrations in Dakar, with a risk of potential unrest; you should avoid any protests, demonstrations and areas where large public gatherings are likely.
• Thailand – GOV.UK,  GC.CA. Thailand’s Electoral Commission has announced that General Elections will be held on 24 March. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. The political situation in Thailand is unpredictable and sometimes volatile. Over recent years there have been instances of civil and political unrest resulting in large demonstrations and in some cases violence. You should avoid any protests, political gatherings, demonstrations or marches, as people have faced criminal charges for participating in these activities. The Royal Palace has announced that HM The King’s coronation will be held between 4 and 6 May 2019.
• Venezuela – GOV.AU. Large political demonstrations are expected in all major cities of Venezuela on 23 January 2019. This could lead to unexpected road closures and travel disruption. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as they may become violent. Monitor local media and follow the advice of authorities.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Bangladesh – GC.CA. You should obtain a visa before travelling to Bangladesh. While you can apply for single-entry tourist and business visas upon arrival at the airport in Bangladesh, there is a risk of being denied entry into the country. Tourist visa: required (for stays up to 30 days), Business visa: required (for stays up to 30 days), Student visa: Required
• Russia – GC.CA. Contact your cruise company to find out if you need to apply for a Russian visa before your cruise starts. International cruise passengers may enter Russia at specific port cities without a visa for up to 72 hours. Your cruise ship tour guide must have all the authorizations required for your entry by the Russian authorities. While in Russia, make sure that you’re able to contact your cruise ship tour guide at any time, in case of emergency or any issue with local authorities. Some Russian international airports have transit areas that allow for visa-free travel through Russia. If you plan to transit through Russia, check with your transportation carrier to see if transit visa exceptions apply to you.

Law and Culture

• China – GC.CA. Penalties for possession, use, production or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict and include the death penalty. These laws are strictly enforced and apply to persons 14 years and older. Penalties can be assigned arbitrarily.
• China – GOV.UK. If you’re suspected of a crime, the Chinese authorities have the power to prevent you from leaving China (by withholding your passport or applying a travel ban) or to detain you for up to 37 days without charge. Travel bans may also be imposed on individuals involved in commercial or private disputes. If you’re detained on grounds of national security, you may be detained for up to 6 months before formal arrest and may be denied legal representation before charges are brought.

Health

• Argentina – GOV.AU, WHO. There’s a Hantavirus outbreak in Epuyen and Chubut in Southern Argentina. Avoid contact with live or dead rodents and dust from sweeping and vacuuming their droppings. Between 28 October 2018 – 20 January of 2019, a total of 29 laboratory-confirmed cases of HPS, including 11 deaths have been reported in Epuyén, Chubut Province.
• Europe – ECDC. Influenza. During week 3 in 2019, influenza activity continued to increase in the European region. Samples collected from individuals presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) to sentinel primary health care sites yielded an influenza positivity rate of 48.8%.
• Montserrat – GOV.UK. There have been recent cases of dengue fever on some islands neighboring Montserrat.
• Mozambique – WHO. On 17 January 2019, two genetically-linked circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) isolates were reported from Molumbo district, Zambezia province, Mozambique. The first one, was from an acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) case with onset of paralysis on 21 October 2018, a six-year old girl with no history of vaccination, and the second isolate was from a community contact of the first case, a child aged one-year old.
• Multistate (World) – ECDC. Chikungunya. The virus is largely spread in the Americas region, with several countries reporting cases in 2018. Since the previous CDTR update on 23 November 2018, Brazil, India Sudan and Thailand have reported the majority of new cases. No outbreaks have been identified in Europe and Australia and the Pacific region since the previous report. No cases have been reported in continental Europe so far in 2019.
• Multistate (World) – ECDC. Dengue. No cases have been reported in continental Europe so far in 2019. In the rest of the world, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Paraguay, the Philippines, Senegal, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand have observed an increasing trend in the number of cases compared with 2017. Additionally, a new outbreak has been reported in Oman.
• Panama – GOV.AU. There are currently a high number of hantavirus cases in the Los Santos Province (see Health).

Other

• Tonga – GOV.AU – Normal internet services have been disrupted across Tonga since 20 January due to undersea cable damage. EFTPOS, mobile data and internet services are limited or unavailable. Local mobile, international telephone services and ATMs are functioning normally. Local ISPs are offering limited free wifi in some locations in central Nuku’alofa. Officials have advised that repairs may take three weeks to complete.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC. Ebola. Since the previous CDTR, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 47 additional cases. As of 23 January 2019, according to the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there have been 715 Ebola virus disease cases (666 confirmed, 49 probable), including 443 deaths (394 in confirmed and 49 in probable cases), since the beginning of the outbreak.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO. WHO reviewed its risk assessment for the outbreak and the risk remains very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low. This outbreak of EVD is affecting north-eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo bordering Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. There is a potential risk for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons as well as due to insecurity. The country is concurrently experiencing other epidemics (e.g. cholera, vaccine-derived poliomyelitis, malaria), and a long-term humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the security situation in North Kivu and Ituri at times limits the implementation of response activities.

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.