060419 – 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 – U.S. Department of State – Reconsider travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.   The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the listed regions in the advisory because U.S. government personnel travel to these areas is restricted. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Eritrea – GOV.UK, GC.CA – All border crossings between Eritrea and Ethiopia are currently closed. Avoid driving off main and paved roads as there remain unmarked landmines.  Avoid all travel within 25km of Eritrea’s border with Ethiopia, with the exception of the town of Senafe, the border crossings at Debay Sima; Burre, Serha; Zalambessa and Kesadika (Adi Kuala); and Rama, plus the main paved roads leading to those crossings. Travellers should check local advice before proceeding to the border. A further crossing at Omhager ER, Humera ETH was opened on 7 January, but is now also closed.
• Oman – GOV.AU – Armed conflict is ongoing in neighbouring Yemen. Reconsider your need to travel areas of Oman bordering Yemen.
• Syria – UN News – A marked escalation in fighting has put tens of thousands in northwest Syria at “imminent risk of injury, death and displacement”, the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) chief warned on Thursday.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Honduras – GOVT.NZ – Do not travel to the Department of Gracias a Dios, Chamelecón, Choloma and Cofradía in the department of Cortés due to high levels of violent crime.  Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Honduras due to violent crime and the potential for civil unrest.
• Kuwait – GC.CA – Avoid nonessential travel to Jaleeb AlShuyoukh due to high crime rates.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Australia – GOVT.NZ – Exercise increased caution in Australia due to the threat of terrorism. Australia remains a target of terrorist interest, both from international terror groups and from domestic based extremists. Credible intelligence, assessed by Australian authorities indicates that individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct terrorist attacks in Australia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, and occur anywhere at any time.
• Benin – GC.CA – Armed groups operate along the borders with Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria, including in national parks, in the departments of Atacora, Alibori and Borgou, as well as the area north of National Highway 7. Attacks and kidnappings take place. Exercise a high degree of caution in regions bordering Nigeria in the departments of Collines, Plateau and Ouémé because of potential incursions by Nigerian militants.
• Kosovo – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution in Kosovo due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Reconsider travel to North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan due to civil unrest. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Niger – GOV.UK – Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Niger, including in Niamey, in retaliation to Niger’s participation in the French led intervention in Mali and the country’s involvement in the regional fight to counter Boko Haram. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be especially vigilant in places frequented by Westerners such as hotels, restaurants, places of worship, and businesses with Western interests. Foreign or local government facilities and large crowds may also be a target. You should monitor developments, be alert to announcements and remain vigilant at all times. You should take particular care during religious holiday periods.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Guyana – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution in Guyana due to crime. Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Italy – GOV.AU – Tourists have been robbed and assaulted after consuming spiked food or drinks in cities and towns, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples. Some victims have been sexually assaulted or required hospitalisation. In Rome, many of these attacks have taken place around Termini station, tourist areas such as the Colosseum and in bars and cafes near Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona. In Milan, attacks can happen in bars, nightclubs and other late night entertainment venues. In Florence and Naples, attacks occur mainly in the vicinity of train stations and in bars and cafes in the city centres. Wherever you travel: Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave food or drinks unattended; and stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs.
• Mexico – GOV.UK – There have been reports of increased security incidents in the states of Tabasco and Veracruz. There has been a recent increase in violence in the State of Veracruz, including the city of Veracruz. Illegal roadblocks have also been reported more frequently. You should take extreme care.

Demonstrations

• Albania – GOV.UK – A major demonstration has been announced for the evening of Saturday 8 June 2019; you should check local media for the latest information, remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations.
• Algeria – GOV.AU – Presidential elections will take place on 4 July 2019. Demonstrations are continuing across the country. Avoid large public gatherings and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) – GC.CA – The security situation in the DRC is unpredictable and could deteriorate suddenly. Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent suddenly. 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.
• Honduras – GC.CA, GOV.UK – Teachers and health professionals called for a nationwide strike beginning on Thursday 30th May 2019 lasting for 48 hours. The strike was been accompanied by violent protests in major cities in Honduras and at Toncontin Airport.  Clashes between protesters and law enforcement have occurred. These protests are causing considerable disruption to transport, including flights leaving Toncontin airport.  If you are currently in Honduras: avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place; avoid intercity travel; follow the instructions of local authorities; monitor local media for information on the current situation; contact your transportation carrier or tour operator to determine if the situation could affect your travel plans.
• Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip – GC.CA – Legislative elections are due to take place in Israel on September 17, 2019. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.
• Malawi – GC.CA – General elections were held on May 21, 2019. Official results were announced on May 27, 2019. Demonstrations could occur in reaction to the announcement of the results. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Sierra Leone – GOV.UK – Following a recent increase in political tensions, you should take care to avoid large crowds and all political demonstrations.
• Sudan – Sudan – Demonstrations and civil unrest have been ongoing in many parts of the country, notably in Khartoum, Omdurman, Gedarif, Atbara, Dammer, Wad Madani and Port Sudan, due to political and economic tensions.  On June 3, 2019, acts of violence against civilian protesters were reported at the sit in site outside of the Sudanese Armed Forces headquarters and throughout the streets of Khartoum, including in some residential areas, resulting in fatalities and a large number of injuries. Minimize your movements and avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.

Health

• Mexico – GOV.UK – High levels of air pollution can occur in Mexico City and may aggravate heart, lung or respiratory conditions. Children, the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions may be especially affected. You can check the pollution index levels for many cities in real time.

Kidnapping

• Philippines – GOV.UK – Kidnapping could occur anywhere. There’s been an increase in kidnapping of foreign nationals since late 2015, with a number of new cases involving terrorist groups. Some hostages, including foreign nationals, have been murdered (a Dutch national was killed on 31 May 2019). It’s likely that terrorist groups continue to plan kidnap operations against western nationals in the region.

Law and Culture

• Botswana – GOV.AU – The following activities are illegal in Botswana: Homosexual acts, for both men and women, penalties include fines and imprisonment of up to seven years; possession of pornographic material; photography of military or government installations; export of elephant hair, ivory and rhinoceros horn products; export of animal souvenirs or ‘trophies’ without a government permit or receipt from a licensed store; observing wildlife at a distance below the legal minimum distance.
• Niue – GOVT.NZ – Visitors to Niue need to prebook their accommodation for the duration of their stay prior to arrival. This information will be needed to complete entry requirements upon landing.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Red. The drought has lasted for 7 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 3 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Burundi, Congo, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Red. The drought has lasted for 3 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• China – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange for Yunnan Sichuan. The drought has lasted for 6 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• India, Sri Lanka – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 5 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Mali – GC.CA – There are 3 main seasons in Mali: the dry and cool season, from November to February; the dry and hot season, from March to June, where temperatures can reach 45°C; the rainy season, from June to October. During the rainy season, seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Dust and sand storms are frequent.
• Philippines – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 2 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• United States – GOV.UK – There is currently a high risk of tornados, severe storms and flooding across a number of eastern, central and southern states. You can check forecasts and weather warnings on the US National Weather Service website and learn more about what you should do during and after a tornado.

Other

• Saudi Arabia – CDC – The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings. In 2019, Hajj will take place August 9–14. Because of the crowds, mass gatherings such as Hajj are associated with unique health risks. Before you go, visit a travel health specialist for advice, make sure you are up to date on all routine and travel related vaccines, and learn about other health and safety issues that could affect you during your trip.
• Venezuela – GC.CA – The Embassy of Canada to Venezuela in Caracas has temporarily suspended its operations. Canadian citizens can obtain consular assistance and information from the Embassy of Canada to Colombia, in Bogotá.
• Zimbabwe – GOV.UK – Zimbabwe is currently experiencing severe electricity shortages resulting in extended periods without power. During blackouts, you should exercise a high degree of caution as traffic lights may not be operational. Water rationing is being experienced in certain parts of the country.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Cong – UN News – Although the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to make headway thanks to the determination of health workers on the ground, insecurity is still hampering the response, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO – A decline in the number of confirmed Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases has been reported this week (22 to 28 May).  This should be interpreted with caution given the complex operating environment and fragility of the security situation. The last assessment concluded that the national and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low.

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.