102919 – 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

• Afghanistan – U.S. Department of State , GOV.UK – Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe because of critical levels of kidnappings, hostage taking, suicide bombings, widespread military combat operations, landmines, and terrorist and insurgent attacks, including attacks using vehicle borne, magnetic, or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide vests, and grenades. Terrorist and insurgent groups continue planning and executing attacks in Afghanistan. These attacks occur with little or no warning, and have targeted official Afghan and U.S. government convoys and facilities, local government buildings, foreign embassies, military installations, commercial entities, non-governmental organization (NGO) offices, hospitals, residential compounds, tourist locations, transportation hubs, public gatherings, markets and shopping areas, places of worship, restaurants, hotels, universities, airports, schools, gymnasiums, and other locations frequented by U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals.
• Lebanon – U.S. Department of State – Reconsider travel Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict and civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to the border with Syria due to terrorism and armed conflict, the border with Israel due to the potential for armed conflict, refugee settlements due to the potential for armed conflict.

Kidnapping

• Colombia – GC.CA , GOV.UK – Avoid all travel to the following areas due to the risk of kidnapping and violent crime posed by the presence of illegal armed groups and other criminal organizations the area within 20 km of the border with Venezuela, the area within 20 km of the border with Panama, the area within 20 km of the border with Ecuador, the ports of Buenaventura and Tumaco.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Jordan – GOV.UK – Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Jordan. There have been a number of incidents since 2016, some serious. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners, particularly hotels, shopping malls and tourist sites. You should take extra care, and in the event of an incident, follow the advice of the Jordanian authorities.
• Norway – GOV.UK – Terrorist attacks in Norway can’t be ruled out. On 10 August 2019, police arrested a man after shots were fired in an incident at the Al Noor Mosque in Baerum, a suburb west of Oslo. Police are investigating this an attempted act of terror.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Ethiopia – GC.CA – Heightened security measures are in place in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region. Federal security forces are currently ensuring security in the area. Exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities if you are in the area.
• Ethiopia – GOV.UK – Tensions are raised in the Somali Regional State and on the border between the Somali and Oromia Regions following clashes in a number of locations, including in the East and West Harerge zones and in the areas surrounding the town of Moyale on the border with Kenya. These clashes have led to a number of deaths. Although there are no reports of foreign nationals being targeted, you should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities. Road travel in the area including on the route between Dire Dawa airport and Harar City may be disrupted.
• Somalia – U.S. Department of State – Violent crime, such as kidnapping and murder, is common throughout Somalia, including Puntland and Somaliland.  Illegal roadblocks are also widespread.  A number of schools acting as “cultural rehabilitation” facilities are operating throughout Somalia with unknown licensing and oversight.  Reports of physical abuse and people being held against their will in these facilities are common.

Demonstrations

• Bangladesh – GOV.UK – Political rallies with the potential for disorder or clashes between groups and with law enforcement agencies may take place. Following clashes between protesters and police on 20 October 2019 in which four protestors died, there is an increased law enforcement presence in the Bhola district of Barisal Division and a ban against all public gatherings there. Across Bangladesh you are advised to avoid large gatherings, including those for religious gatherings, festivals and political rallies.
• Bolivia – U.S. Department of State , GC.CA , GOV.UK – There are recurring demonstrations, strikes, roadblocks, and marches in major cities in Bolivia.  Demonstrations and marches are centered on city plazas, vote counting centers, and electoral tribunals.  Roadblocks and strikes cut off traffic on major thoroughfares, highways between cities, and airport access.  There are reports of sporadic violence, and local authorities have used crowd control measures to discourage protests. Domestic and international flights may be delayed or cancelled, and road travel around and between cities may be impeded.
• Chile – UN Dispatch , GC.CA , GOV.UK , GOV.AU – What began as a protest against a fare hike in for the Santiago, Chile metro system has morphed into a broad social movement against increasing economic inequality in the country. So far, at least 18 people have been killed. Further large demonstrations are expected in Santiago and other cities. You should follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities, remain vigilant, monitor local media for updates and avoid protests and demonstrations. On October 27, the government lifted the state of emergency. The situation has improved since then. Some businesses, schools and banks have resumed their operations. Public transportation is partially operational but delays may still occur. Read more about Contingency measures in airports, transport, security, facing the emergency situation in the country – Government of Chile.
• Ecuador – GC.CA – On October 3, 2019, a strike called by transportation unions to protest against economic measures led to nationwide protests and civil unrest. The situation has returned to normal, but protests could re occur on short notice. If you are in Ecuador remain vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Iraq – GC.CA , GOV.UK – Since October 1, 2019, protests have been taking place in Baghdad and in other cities in Iraq. Clashes between protestors and security forces have caused multiple casualties. Security forces have used tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Security restrictions, such as curfews, can be imposed in some regions across the country and can change on short notice. Some constraints on movement, such as checkpoints, are still in place around Baghdad. Internet and/or social media access may be suspended in some areas.
• Lebanon – GC.CA , GOV.UK – Demonstrations are ongoing in Beirut and across the country and are expected to continue. Violent incidents have caused deaths and injuries. Roadblocks are restricting access to many roads in Greater Beirut as well as main highways across the country.
• Mozambique – GC.CA – General elections took take place on October 15, 2019. Demonstrations and civil unrest linked to elections results could occur.
• Nicaragua – GOV.UK – Many areas of the country have experienced a period of political unrest since April 2018, resulting in hundreds of deaths and detentions according to UN reports. Protests have led to violent clashes and use of tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition. The situation is now quieter but remains unpredictable. You should stay well away from all demonstrations and gatherings, even if apparently peaceful, as these could result in outbreaks of violence.
• Pakistan – GOV.UK – Political protests around Pakistan are expected on Sunday 27 October 2019. They will mark the start of a march which is expected to arrive in Islamabad from around the country on Thursday 31 October 2019. Large gatherings of people and political protests are expected around Pakistan. You should exercise caution in travelling during this time, and follow advice from the local authorities.
• Uruguay – GC.CA – General elections took place on October 27, 2019. ‎ A second round is scheduled to take place on November 24. Be cautious during the campaign period.
• Zimbabwe – GOV.UK – There is a planned anti sanctions march in Harare on 25 October. The government has declared the day a public holiday and large crowds are expected around the Central Business District and National Sports Stadium. You should avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations. These can be unpredictable, can turn violent without notice and the response from the security forces may be disproportionate. You should exercise a high degree of caution and monitor local media and this travel advice for updates.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Argentina –  GOV.UK , GOV.AU – The land border between Mendoza and Chile is currently being closed overnight. If you plan to use this border, check with the authorities for exact closure times prior to travel.
• Ecuador – GOV.UK , GOV.AU – The “Rumichaca” border crossing with Colombia, on the Pan American Highway in Carchi province, and “San Miguel” in Sucumbios province was closed all of Saturday 24 October to 4pm Sunday 27 October.
• Madagascar – GOV.UK – You can buy a 30, 60 or 90 day tourist visa on arrival at the airport in cash using US dollars, Euros, or Malagasy Ariary. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa on the official Malagasy e-visa website before you travel.

Health

• Greece, Hungary, Romania – ECDC – West Nile Virus. Between 18 and 24 October 2019, EU Member States reported six human cases: Greece (2), Hungary (2) and Romania (2). No cases were reported from EU neighbouring countries. All human cases were reported from previously affected areas. This week, one death was reported by Romania.
• France – ECDC – Dengue. According to regional health authorities, a second autochthonous dengue case was detected in Caluire et Cuire, a suburban area of Lyon, in the Rhône department. This case was identified after a door to door survey was conducted to identify additional cases following the confirmation of the first indigenous case.
• Japan – ECDC – Mass gathering.  ECDC is monitoring the Rugby World Cup 2019 taking place in Japan from 20 September to 2 November 2019 to detect threats to public health that could affect EU/EEA visitors. Typhoon Hagibis hit Japan on 12 October 2019, resulting in 74 deaths as of 17 October 2019. Two autochthonous cases of dengue were reported in Tokyo; both have a travel history to Nara and Kyoto in Japan. Cases of rubella and measles continue to be reported. According to Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Disease, an increase of 12 rubella cases and 12 measles cases has been reported since the previous CDTR and as of 9 October 2019.
• Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Yemen – ECDC – Cholera. Several countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia have reported cholera outbreaks. Major ongoing outbreaks are reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti and Yemen. Since the last update on 27 September 2019, several new cholera cases have been reported worldwide.
• Tonga – GOV.AU – There is an outbreak of measles in Tonga. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you go.
• Philippines – WHO – On 27 September 2019 , a circulating vaccine derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) has been confirmed in environmental samples in Philippines. The virus has been isolated from ten environmental samples, all genetically related, which were collected from one sewage collection site and its tributary pumping stations in Manila, between 1 July and 23 September 2019. This sewage collection site in the city of Manila has a catchment area of over 600,000 people.
• France – ECDC – Zika. In October 2019, French authorities reported two autochthonous Zika virus disease cases in Hyères city in the Var department in southern France. On 21 October, French authorities reported a second autochthonous case of Zika virus disease in Hyères city, Var department, France with no travel history to any Zika endemic country.

Law and Culture

• Jamaica – GOV.UK – There are currently States of Emergency (SOEs) in place in the parishes of St James (which includes Montego Bay), Hanover, Westmoreland, Clarendon, St Catherine and part of the Parish of St Andrew, which includes areas of Kingston.
• United Kingdom – GOV.AU – The United Kingdom (UK) is scheduled to leave the European Union (EU) on 31 October, 2019. The UK and the EU agreed on a revised Brexit deal on 17 October 2019. The deal requires UK and EU parliamentary approval. The UK will leave the EU on 31 October without a deal, unless an extension to the Brexit date is agreed or the revised deal receives parliamentary approval. The UK and the EU are providing updated guidance on the negotiations and the implications for issues such as travel, residency, education and employment.  You can check for the latest information through the UK’s Department for Exiting the European Union and the European Commission’s Preparedness Notices. To check what you need to do to get ready for Brexit go to the UK Government Get Ready for Brexit Survey.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Australia – GDACS – The drought has lasted for 9 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• France – GOV.UK – Severe rain and thunderstorms with the potential for flash flooding are forecast for parts of south western France (especially in the Hérault, Aude, Pyrénées Orientales, Gard, Aveyron and Tarn Departments) from Tuesday 22 October. There could be damage to property, infrastructure and travel disruption. You should follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Spain – GOV.UK – Severe rain and thunderstorms with the potential for flash flooding are forecast across Spain (especially in Catalonia, The Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias). There could be damage to property, infrastructure and travel disruption. Please follow the advice of the local authorities.
• United States – GOV.UK – A number of wildfires are currently burning across California. Critical and extreme threats are likely to persist in north central and southern California through midweek. A statewide state of emergency was declared on Sunday 27 October and a number of evacuation orders have been issued, particularly in Sonoma County. Local power companies have cut power across various locations in the state in an attempt to prevent wildfires.

Other

• Italy – GOV.UK – Manchester City FC face Atalanta BC in the Champions League on Wednesday 6 November at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. Fans travelling to Italy for the match should check the dedicated GOV.UK advice page. Also, Celtic take on SS Lazio in the Europa League on 7 November 2019. If you’re travelling to Rome for the match, you should check the dedicated GOV.UK advice page.
• Qatar – GOV.UK – The FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 will take place in Qatar from 11 December to 21 December, with Liverpool Football Club, this year’s UEFA Champions League winners, taking part. Check the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 guidance page to make sure you are familiar with local laws and tips before travelling to Qatar.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of Congo –  ECDC – Since the previous CDTR and as of 23 October 2019, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 25 additional confirmed cases; three additional probable cases were reported. During the same period, 16 deaths among confirmed cases were reported. Among the new cases one was a healthcare worker. Over the last few weeks, a low number of cases was reported which are concentrated in a smaller geographical area. The current hotspots are still Mandima and Mambasa, with the majority of the cases in the past week reported from, or having links to, Biakato Health Area in Mandima Health Zone. Five cases were exposed to the disease in this area, but detected outside of the area, bringing some operational challenges to response activities. There are continuing issues with access and security in parts of Mandima Health Zone, but the response activities improved in the last week. This is reflected in an increase in the proportion of confirmed cases listed as contacts and in the proportion of confirmed cases with a known epidemiological link to a case, compared to last week. In the Katwa Health Zone, which was a previous hotspot, there have been no new cases reported for more than 21 days.

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.