092419 – 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.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Kosovo – GOV.UK – Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kosovo. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners, large public gatherings and cultural events. Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches.
• Kosovo – GOV.UK – There is still some danger from residual mines and other unexploded ordnance left over from the 1999 conflict. The main areas of risk are on the border with Albania, in the Dulje Pass area (in central Kosovo), in the west of the country in the mountainous region between Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro.Take care when travelling in all these areas, and keep to the main roads. Most of the remaining dangerous areas are in high mountainous regions covered with dense vegetation. If you see anything suspicious, don’t touch it, but report it immediately to the police or the nearest KFOR patrol.
• Saudi Arabia – GC.CA, GOV.AU – Missiles and drones have been launched from Yemen into Saudi Arabia, most of which have been intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defence systems. The majority of these events occur close to the Yemen border, however some have occurred in cities such as Riyadh, Abha, Yanbu as well as in parts of the Eastern Province. Urban areas, military, oil and public facilities, such as airports, may be targeted by these missiles and drones. These events are expected to continue to occur and the situation remains unpredictable. Given the significant range of recent strikes Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf are at risk.
• Yemen – UN News – Attacks against oil facilities in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, claimed by rebel fighters in Yemen, are a sign that the war torn country could be drawn into even greater conflict, the top United Nations official there told the Security Council on Monday.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Myanmar – GC.CA – On August 15, 2019, several coordinated attacks took place in the town of Pyin Oo Lwin, in Mandalay Division, as well as in the township of Naung Cho (Nawnghkio) in northern Shan State. Clashes between the military and armed groups are ongoing in northern Shan State and are causing disruptions to road and rail connections in the area. The security situation could deteriorate suddenly and unexpectedly. Be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Demonstrations

• Algeria – GC.CA, GOV.AU – Presidential elections are due to take place on December 12, 2019. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.
• Bolivia – GC.CA – Presidential elections will take place on October 20, 2019. On the election day, no vehicles will be allowed to travel on the roads unless they have been issued a special permit to do so beforehand. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Be cautious, avoid any demonstrations during the campaign period, avoid traveling on election day.
• Bolivia – GOV.UK – Social conflict is common in Bolivia and blockades may occur along the main roads. Groups often use road blockades as a form of protest, without warning. Public transport can be disrupted at very short notice and strikes may result in widespread road blockades, including on roads to and from airports. The Bolivian road authority website gives up-to-date information on which roads are blocked. You should avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and do not attempt to cross blockades. There were blockades around Uyuni in August and September 2019, and trips to the salt flats were affected. There is a possibility of renewed protests or blockades. You should contact your tour operator before travelling.
• Botswana – GOV.UK – On 23 October, Botswana will hold parliamentary elections. Political rallies and demonstrations may take place and you should follow local security advice.
• Georgia – GOV.UK – The political situation in Georgia is generally calm, but small-scale demonstrations and opposition rallies are likely, particularly outside Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. These could escalate without warning. You should check local media, stay away from any large gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities. You should check local media, stay away from any large gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Guyana – GOV.UK – In December 2018 the government lost a vote of confidence which should have triggered elections within three months. These have still not taken place. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have suggested they would be ready to conduct elections in February 2020. Visitors may see an increase in protests over the coming months leading to elections. You should avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
• Hong Kong – GC.CA – Since June 9, 2019, several large scale political demonstrations have taken place on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon, in various suburbs in the New Territories, and at the Hong Kong International Airport. Demonstrations are expected to continue. Although many protest sites are made public in advance, authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists. Expect road closures and disruptions to traffic and transportation in affected areas. During recent protests, bus routes, MTR stations, the Hong Kong Macao Ferry Terminal, the Airport Express and Hong Kong International Airport have temporarily suspended operations, sometimes without warning. Businesses may also close suddenly. Hong Kong International Airport has implemented restrictions on access to its terminal buildings. Only passengers with valid air tickets or boarding passes are allowed to enter the terminal buildings. Arriving passengers are greeted at designated points outside of the main terminal. The security situation around large gatherings could change quickly. Acts of violence occur, especially at night. Some have resulted in serious injuries. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators, as well as between opposing groups of demonstrators, have taken place. Local authorities have used tear gas and other crowd control measures. Police have often reacted more swiftly and severely to unauthorized protests.

Health

• Brazil, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam – ECDC – Dengue. Compared with the same time period in 2018, data for dengue infections so far in 2019 shows substantial increases. Brazil, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam are particularly affected this year. On 17 September 2019, Spain reported its first autochthonous case of dengue this year.
• Ethiopia – GOV.UK – An outbreak of Chikungunya fever has been reported in Dire Dewa by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health as of September 2019. Travellers to this area should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. For the latest updates and advice, visit the NaTHNaC website.
• Ethiopia, Brazil, Thailand, and Honduras – ECDC – Chikungunya. The virus is largely spread in the Americas region, with several countries reporting cases in 2019. Chikungunya virus disease cases have also been reported in Asia and Africa during this period. Since the previous update, Ethiopia, Brazil, Thailand, and Honduras have reported the majority of new cases. At the end of July both Suriname and Argentina reported their first case of chikungunya for 2019.
• Greece, Romania, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Serbia – ECDC – West Nile virus. Between 13 and 19 September 2019, EU Member States reported 49 human cases in Greece (23), Romania (18), Italy (4), Hungary (3) and Austria (1). EU neighbouring countries reported two cases in Serbia. All human cases were reported from areas that have been affected previously. This week, seven deaths were reported by Greece (6) and Romania (1). In the same week, 9 outbreaks among equids were reported to the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS) by Germany (4), France (2), Italy (2) and Hungary (1).
• Serbia – GOV.UK – Health section – some private clinics in Serbia offer treatment for addiction; you should seek advice from your local GP or health provider before undertaking such treatment.

Kidnapping

• Nigeria – GOV.UK – There’s a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria. Kidnaps can be motivated by criminality or terrorism, and could be carried out for financial or political gain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the risk of kidnap increases after dark.

Law and Culture

• Guatemala – GOV.AU – There is a state of emergency in the departments of Alta Verapaz, El Progreso, Izabal, Peten and Zacapa until at least 5 October 2019. Follow instructions issued by local authorities, carry your personal identification with you and approach checkpoints cautiously.
• Indonesia – GOV.AU – The Indonesian parliament is in the process of passing a revised Criminal Code. The Code will not enter into force until two years after it has been passed. A large number of laws may change and these will also apply to foreign residents and visitors, including tourists. Among others, these may prohibit: adultery or sex outside of marriage, encompassing all same-sex sexual relations, with charges only proceeding following a complaint by a spouse, child or parent; cohabitation outside of marriage, with charges only proceeding following a complaint by a spouse, child or parent; ‘indecent acts’ carried out in public, by force or published; insulting the President, Vice President, religion, state institutions and symbols (such as, the flag, and national anthem); subverting the national ideology Pancasila. The death penalty will be retained for a range of crimes.
• United Arab Emirates – GOV.UK – Some skincare products and E cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in the UAE such as CBD oil; you should check the UAE Ministry of Health website; tourists in Dubai are able to obtain a temporary liquor licence for the duration of a month from the two official liquor distributors.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Bermuda – GOV.UK – Tropical Storm Jerry is forecast to pass close to Bermuda early this week. While this may change, people intending to travel on those days should check with their travel company, exercise due caution and monitor local news and weather reports.
• Drought advisory – GDACS – The drought alert is orange for the following countries.  Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa, Zimbabwe; China, India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam; Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Argentina, Chile, and Australia.
• Iceland – GOV.UK – There is a small glacial flood on the Skaftá river. The Icelandic Meteorological Office advises people not to stay close to the source of the river for long because of potential gas pollution. You should follow The Icelandic Meteorological Office for updates.
• India – GC.CA – Heavy rains have caused flooding in parts of the state of Karnataka. Landslides have occurred in some areas. Disruptions to essential services, especially transportation and power distribution, may take place in affected areas. Monitor local news and weather reports and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Laos – U.S. Department of State – The government of Laos has declared an emergency and requested international assistance in response to severe flooding in the south of Laos. The following provinces are affected: Khammouan, Savannakhet, Saravan, Champassak, Xekong and Attapeu. The flooding has displaced more than 100,000 people and has made many roads inaccessible impeding the government’s ability to deliver aid and medical support. We advise U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to the affected areas until further notice.
• Malaysia – GOV.UK – Ongoing forest fires in Indonesia are causing serious air pollution in Malaysia and have led to a large number of school closures. British nationals in Malaysia should monitor the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) updates and health advisories issued by the Malaysian Department of Environment.
• Paraguay – GOV.UK – Forest fires are currently affecting the regions of the Chaco area and Northeast regions. If you plan to visit those areas, monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities. Also, transnational criminal organisations involved in drug trafficking and arms smuggling operate along Paraguay’s eastern border with Brazil, especially from Pedro Juan Caballero south to Ciudad del Este, including the Tri Border Area of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. Their presence has increased violent crime in these areas. They have also carried out isolated violent criminal attacks in Asunción targeting the Paraguayan security forces and people associated with rival organisations. While tourists have not been the target of such incidents, anyone in the vicinity of an incident could be affected and you should exercise due caution.
• South Korea – GC.CA – Tropical storm Tapah is expected to sweep through the Korea Strait as a typhoon around September 21, 2019. The storm is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care.
• Spain – GOV.UK – The extreme weather alert issued by Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) has now been lifted. Damage caused by flash flooding continues to affect some areas in the south of the Alicante and Murcia regions, causing some disruption to local transport and secondary road closures. If you are in these areas you should follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Tropical Storm Karen Advisory – GOV.UK – There are Storm Warnings in place for Tropical Storm Karen; tropical storm effects are expected in the regions of British Virgin Islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada.
• United States – GOV.UK – The National Hurricane Center have advised that Tropical Storm Karen is forecast to approach Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands on Tuesday 24 September. Tropical storm force winds, heavy rainfall and flash flooding are possible on these islands. If you are in these areas you should monitor the progress of any approaching storms on the National Hurricane Center website and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Other

• Germany – GOV.NZ – Munich’s annual Oktoberfest beer festival is scheduled to take place this year between 21 September and 6 October 2019 in Bavaria, Germany. There is some risk to your security in Germany due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. Travelers are advised to be vigilant and keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising a heightened degree of vigilance in public places.
• Japan – GC.CA, GOV.UK , ECDC– Japan will host the Rugby World Cup 2019 from September 20 to November 2, 2019. Games will take place in twelve cities across the country. Crimes such as thefts typically increase around major sporting events. Tourists are often targets. Post game celebrations may take place during the World Cup. They may turn violent with little or no notice. Japanese police officers may request to see your ID at any time. A refusal to cooperate could lead to your arrest or detention. If you are planning to travel to Japan during this time make your travel arrangements (accommodation, transportation and purchase of sporting event tickets) well in advance using genuine and reliable sources, make sure you have your original passport or Japanese residence card (zairyu kaado) with you at all times. Local authorities do not accept photocopies, exercise caution and remain aware of your surroundings at all times, use only ATMs in well lit public areas or inside banks, avoid demonstrations, monitor local media to stay on top of the current situation, follow the advice of local authorities. Also, Tropical storm Tapah is expected to sweep through the Korea Strait as a typhoon around September 21, 2019. The storm is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care.
• Peru – GOV.UK – On 19 September, the government declared a 60 day state of emergency due to the risk of collapse of part of the Costa Verde cliff in Lima. The affected areas lie in the districts of San Miguel, Magdalena del Mar, San Isidro, Miraflores, Barranco and Chorrillos. Authorities are taking action to reduce the risk but you should follow their advice in the area.
• United Kingdom – GOV.UK – Thomas Cook has confirmed that all the UK companies in its group have ceased trading, including Thomas Cook Airlines.  If you’re travelling and have been affected by the announcement that Thomas Cook has ceased trading, you should visit thomascook.caa.co.uk for the latest updates. Those overseas can call the CAA helpline on +44(0)1753 330 330 and for those in the UK the Freephone number is 0300 303 2800.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC –  Ebola. Since the previous CDTR and as of 18 September 2019, the WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported 51 additional confirmed cases. During the same period, 31 deaths among confirmed cases were reported. Among these new cases were at least two healthcare workers. Throughout the past week, localised, minor security incidents impacted the response activities in Mambasa and Komanda. In addition, from 14 to 17 September 2019, a major security incident happened in Lwemba, within Mandima Health Zone. All EVD related activities have been suspended in this area until further notice. Since Mandima is one of the current hotspots for the outbreak, a possible rise in cases can be expected in the coming weeks due to the disruption of response activities.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO – Ebola. The intensity of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased slightly from last week, with 57 new confirmed cases reported in North Kivu and Ituri provinces from 11 to 17 September 2019, versus 40 in the previous week.
• Tanzania – WHO – Undiagnosed Febrile Illness. On 10 September 2019, through its regular event-based surveillance process, WHO was made aware of unofficial reports regarding the death of a person with suspected Ebola Virus disease (EVD) case in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.  The limited available official information from Tanzanian authorities represents a challenge for assessing the risk posed by this event. Read through a description of the current situation in the United Republic of Tanzania regarding unofficial reports of a number of cases of illness and a summary of WHO efforts to obtain information about this situation.
• Tanzania – ECDC – Ebola.  On 14 September 2019, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health reported that there is no Ebola in Tanzania. This was in response to a death from an unknown illness that the WHO was investigating. According to media quoting health authorities, the presumptive Ebola case, as well as another suspected case, laboratory tested negative for Ebola Virus Disease.

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.