052119 – 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

• Kuwait – U.S. Department of State – Exercise normal precautions in Kuwait. Some areas have increased risk.  Do not travel to the desert region near the border with Iraq due to the prevalence of unexploded ordnance. Exercise Increased Caution at the City of Al Jahra in northwest of Kuwait City due to crime; and the Jeleeb Al Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City due to crime. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Kidnapping

• Benin – GOV.UK – The FCO now advise against all travel to the Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds; the area between the Parc du W National Park and the border with Niger; and to all other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso. There is a threat of kidnapping by groups operating in the region. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in Benin’s northern border region. On 1 May 2019, 2 French tourists and their Beninese guide were kidnapped from Pendjari National Park. Local authorities confirmed that a body found on 4 May 2019 was that of the guide. On 11 May 2019 the hostages were rescued in Burkina Faso. You should be aware of the risk of kidnapping and should ensure you have carefully considered the threat.
• Benin – GOV.AU – ‘Do not travel’ for Pendjari National Park and border areas with Burkina Faso and ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ for border areas with Niger and Nigeria in Alibori and Borgou regions.
• Togo – GOV.UK – The FCO now advise against all travel to within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso; There is a threat of kidnapping by groups operating in the region. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in Togo’s northern border region. You should be aware of the risk of kidnapping and should ensure you have carefully considered the threat.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq – U.S. Department of State – Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
• Cameroon – GOV.UK – Armed separatists have announced a general strike in the Anglophone regions on some days in May. Tensions may be particularly high around Cameroon’s National Day on 20 May. Armed separatists also imposed an extended general strike in February 2019, with reports of violence and loss of life.
• Central African Republic – GOV.AU – Tensions remain high throughout the country. Despite the security environment in the capital Bangui being relatively calm, incidents have occurred and it may deteriorate with little or no warning.
• Cote d’Ivore – GOV.UK – Violence erupted in Beoumi (400 km north of Abidjan) on 15 May between different ethnic groups and the situation is not yet contained, despite the presence of security forces. A curfew is in place from 1800 to 0600.
• Indonesia – GC.CA – The results of the recent presidential and legislative elections should be announced on May 22, 2019. There is a heightened risk of terrorism in reaction to the announcement of the results. Expect an increased presence of security forces in Jakarta. Demonstrations may also take place throughout the country.
• New Zealand – GC.CA – There is a threat of terrorism. The Government of New Zealand maintains a public alert system on terrorism. The current threat level is set to medium due to shootings that occurred in 2 mosques in Christchurch in March 2019. Further attacks can’t 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. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
• Saudi Arabia – GOV.UK – on 14 May 2019, Saudi authorities confirmed that a drone attack had targeted oil pumping stations in Dawadmi and Afif resulting in damage to the East to West pipeline.
• Solomon Islands – GOV.UK – The Solomon Islands general election took place on 3 April and a new Prime Minister was elected on 24 April; this led to some violent protests and looting in central and eastern Honiara; local police restored security; however, there is an ongoing court case which may cause further disturbances over the coming months; you should monitor local media and be vigilant around any political demonstrations and large gatherings.
• Sri Lanka – GOV.UK – There were outbreaks of violence across parts of North Western Province on 13 May, and an island wide night time curfew was imposed.
• Sudan – GOV.UK – Violence in Khartoum on 15 May as security services clashed with protesters, involving live fire, while attempting to remove barricades.
• Sudan – GOV.UK – Recent clashes between armed militia and protesters involving live fire and tear gas around the site of the protest; you should monitor developments closely and avoid any protests or sit ins.
• Syria – UN Dispatch – Syrian regime forces, backed by Russia, have scaled up their attacks in what is the last part of Syria controlled by rebel forces.
• Yemen – UN News – Airstrikes hit the Yemeni capital on Thursday, May 17, 2019.  Several people were killed, and dozens others injured.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – GOV.UK – Be alert to the risk of street crime and armed robbery at all times. Foreigners are at particular risk of street robbery in Kinshasa, especially near hotels and supermarkets in the centre of town. Robberies by gangs of street children are increasingly common and can be aggressive. Recent months have seen an increase in such criminal activity in and around the city of Lubumbashi including violent robbery.
• Ethiopia – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution when traveling in Ethiopia due to sporadic civil unrest and communications disruptions. The Government of Ethiopia has restricted or shut down internet, cellular data, and phone services during and after civil unrest. These restrictions impede the U.S. Embassy’s ability to communicate with, and provide consular services to, U.S. citizens in Ethiopia. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Addis Ababa.
• Jamaica – GOV.AU – The Jamaican government has put in place a number of measures to enhance security in the parishes of St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, Denham Town in Kingston and Mount Salem in Montego Bay. Anticipate road closures and travel delays. Other measures, including local curfews may be taken with little or no notice. Be alert in these areas, particularly if travelling at night. Monitor local media and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
• Sudan – GOV.UK – Recent increase in the number of roadblocks appearing without warning are causing severe disruption in parts of Khartoum and elsewhere.
• Zimbabwe – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution in Zimbabwe due to crime and civil unrest. Violent crime, such as assault, carjacking, and home invasion, is common. Smashing the windows of cars with the intent to steal, which can harm the driver or passengers, is also common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Demonstrations

• Albania – GC.CA – Anti government demonstrations have been taking place in Central Tirana since February 2019. Violent incidents have occurred, including the use of Molotov cocktails and other projectiles. Police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Clashes have resulted in many injuries. Demonstrations are likely to continue in Tirana and may also occur elsewhere in the country. Further confrontations between protesters and security forces are possible. Demonstrations can also involve acts of vandalism. They can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
• Georgia – GOV.UK – Friday 17 May was International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT); demonstrations are likely to take place throughout the day in central Tbilisi, particularly around Parliament; you should avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Guatemala – GOV.AU – A General Election will be held on Sunday 16 June 2019. Protests are expected in the lead up to, and during, the election campaign. These can occur anywhere but may be more likely in Guatemala City. Check media for any restrictions and special instructions. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• India – GOV.UK – Voting in India’s general elections ends on 19 May 2019, and the results will be issued on 23 May 2019; there may be heightened political activity in the run up to and after the results are announced; you should exercise caution and avoid large gatherings.
• India – GOV.AU – India’s general elections ended on 19 May. Results will be issued on 23 May 2019. Political rallies may occur during this period. Be alert and avoid large gatherings.
• Indonesia – GOV.AU – On 22 May 2019, the General Election Commission (KPU) is scheduled to announce the results of the Indonesian presidential and parliamentary elections. Indonesian authorities have publicly stated there is an increased risk of violence, and possible acts of terrorism, in the lead up to and following the announcement of the election results.  Avoid protests, demonstrations and rallies, as these can turn violent without warning.
• Malawi – GOV.UK – Malawi will hold Tripartite Elections (Presidential, Parliamentary and local council) elections on 21 May; you should exercise caution during the post election period and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Sri Lanka – GOV.UK – The Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that passengers with a passport and a valid flight ticket (including electronic ticket) can travel to the airport during curfew periods.

Health

• Belgium – ECDC – In May 2019, Belgium reported an outbreak of legionellosis in Flanders, north of Ghent, Belgium.
• Brazil, Reunion (France) – ECDC – Since the previous CDTR update on 26 April 2019, Brazil, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported the majority of new Chikungunya cases. No outbreaks have been identified in the Australia and Pacific region and Europe since the previous report.
• Europe – ECDC – For week 2019 19, all countries reporting influenza like illness or acute respiratory infection thresholds reported activity at or below baseline levels, indicating a return to inter season levels.
• France – ECDC – During the past week, Réunion reported about 800 confirmed cases of dengue.  As of 10 April, 8 new human cases of Rift Valley fever confirmed by PCR and 15 new Rift Valley fever epizootic foci have been reported in Mayotte.
• France – WHO – From November 2018 to 03 May 2019, 129 confirmed human Rift Valley Fever (RVF) cases and 109 animal foci (23 small ruminants and 86 bovine) have been reported in Mayotte Island.
• Japan – GC.CA – Japan is experiencing an outbreak of rubella. The highest number of cases have been reported in Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, and Osaka prefectures.
• Nigeria – ECDC – In 2019 and as of 28 April 2019, Nigeria has reported 18 suspected and 20 confirmed cases of Monkeypox. Cases are reported in 4 out of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
• Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia – ECDC – Since the CDTR published on 12 April 2019, 13 new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 have been reported in Pakistan (9) and Afghanistan (4). In addition, six new cases of circulating vaccine derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) have been reported in Nigeria (4), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1) and Somalia (1).
• Panama – GOV.AU – There are currently a high number of hantavirus cases in the Los Santos Province.
• Saudi Arabia – WHO – From 9 through 30 April 2019, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported nine additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV) infection, including three deaths.
• Singapore – WHO – On 9 May 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore notified WHO of one laboratory confirmed case of monkeypox. The case patient is a 38 year old Nigerian man who arrived in Singapore on 28 April 2019 and attended a workshop from 29 to 30 April. Prior to his travel to Singapore, he had worked in the Delta state in Nigeria, and had attended a wedding on 21 April 2019 in a village in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
• South Western African countries – ECDC – Multiple Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever cases have recently been reported in southwestern African countries.

Law and Culture

• Brunei – GOV.UK – In 2014, Brunei began the introduction of a Sharia Penal Code, to run in parallel with the Common Law. The final phase was introduced on 3 April 2019. It specifies severe punishments, for certain crimes, including some that are not illegal in the UK.
• China – GOV.UK – There are extremely severe penalties for drugs offences in China, including the death penalty. The Chinese authorities undertake random drug testing on foreign nationals including on entry to the country. If you test positive, the Chinese authorities can prosecute you regardless of where or when you consumed drugs. Police raids on homes also occur; if drugs are found in your property, penalties can be extremely severe.  There have been increasing incidences of police raids on nightclubs and bars. When such raids take place, patrons will be subject to on the spot drug testing and immigration checks. This may involve being kept at the location, or a secondary location, for several hours whilst hair and urine samples are taken and passport and visa checks conducted. Testing positive to drugs, or being found in breach of your visa conditions, can lead to heavy fines, detention and deportation.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe – GDACS – The drought alert level is Red for these countries.
• Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina – GDACS – On May 12, 2019, a flood started in Croatia|Bosnia and Herzegovina, lasting until 19/05/2019 (last update). The flood caused 1 killed and 15 displaced
• India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico – GDACS – The drought alert level is Orange for these countries.
• Papua New Guinea – GOVT.NZ – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 has struck 45km North East of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, the earthquake was also felt in Solomon Islands.

Other

• Iraq – GOV.AU – On 15 May 2019 the US State Department ordered the departure of non emergency US Government employees from Iraq, both at the US Embassy in Baghdad and the US Consulate in Erbil.
• Poland – GOV.UK – Gdansk Pride will take place on 25 May 2019; the march will start in central Gdansk at 2pm; large crowds are expected; recent Pride events have passed without incident, but you should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Spain – GOV.UK – Liverpool FC take on Tottenham Hotspur FC in the UEFA Champions League Final in Madrid on Saturday 1 June 2019; if you’re travelling to Spain for the match, take appropriate precautions.
• Venezuela – GC.CA – Since March 2019, power outages have been affecting most of the country, including parts of Caracas. Public water supply is directly affected by these outages. Other services may also be disrupted, such as: medical services; communications, mainly cellular telephone and Internet; banking, including purchasing goods; transportation, including flights
• Zimbabwe – GC.CA – Scheduled power rationing across the country began in May 2019. Harare is experiencing municipal water supply shortages. Food and fuel shortages occur. Keep supplies of food, water and fuel on hand in case of lengthy disruptions.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC – Since the previous CDTR and as of 15 May 2019, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 156 additional cases of Ebola, including 87 deaths. Among the 156 additional cases, 134 and confirmed and 22 are probable.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO – WHO continuously monitors changes to the epidemiological situation and context of the Ebola outbreak to ensure that support to the response is adapted to the evolving circumstances. The last assessment concluded that the national and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low. Weekly increases in the number of new cases has been ongoing since late February 2019. A general deterioration of the security situation, and the persistence of pockets of community mistrust exacerbated by political tensions and insecurity, especially over the past four weeks, have resulted in recurrent temporary suspension and delays of case investigation and response activities in affected areas, reducing the overall effectiveness of interventions.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – GOV.UK – Travel to an Ebola affected area may restrict your ability to obtain travel insurance. If you intend to travel to Ebola affected areas of DRC, you’re advised to speak to your travel insurance provider and discuss any exclusions that may arise.

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.