110519 – 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

• Nigeria – U.S. Department of State – Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to  crime,   terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime, which includes kidnappings, hijackings, boardings, theft, etc. Some areas have increased risk. Do Not Travel to: Borno and Yobe States and Northern Adamawa State due to  terrorism Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Yobe states due to kidnapping Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, and Rivers states. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Mozambique – GOV.UK – Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Mozambique. There has an been an increasing intensity of attacks in Cabo Delgado since January 2019, with attacks reported in the districts of Palma, Mocimboa da Praia, Macomia, Nangade, Quissanga, Muidumbe, Meluco and Ibo. Militants have used explosives, machetes and firearms to conduct lethal attacks, as well as burning vehicles and homes. There are reports of an increased security presence in the province, including road blocks, and there are regular clashes between militants, armed vigilante groups and Mozambican security forces.

Crime

• Jamaica – GC.CA – Due to a significant increase in violent crime since the beginning of 2019, the Jamaican government has declared states of emergency for various parishes, including Clarendon parish, Hanover parish, St Andrew parish, which includes areas of Kingston, St Catherine parish, St James parish, which includes Montego Bay, Westmoreland parish, which includes Negril. During this period, security forces have been given increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest. Curfews may also be imposed without notice.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Bolivia – U.S. Department of State , GOV.UK , GOV.AU – There are recurring demonstrations, strikes, roadblocks, and marches in major cities in Bolivia. Demonstrations and marches are centered on city plazas and major thoroughfares. Roadblocks and strikes cut off traffic on main avenues, highways between cities, and airport access. Further demonstrations and strikes are planned and there is a risk that these will turn violent without warning. Large and potentially violent demonstrations are expected to take place in all main cities tonight, 4 November 2019. You should avoid large crowds or public demonstrations and don’t attempt to cross blockades. There are reports of sporadic violence, and local authorities have used crowd control measures to discourage protests.
• Chile – GOV.AU, GOV.UK – Due to civil unrest, expect an increased security and military presence across Chile. Road check points may apply in some cities. 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. Avoid protests and follow advice from local authorities. Exercise a high degree of caution in Chile.
• Haiti – GC.CA – Violent protests and widespread civil unrest have been taking place in Haiti since September 2, 2019 due to ongoing political instability. Large demonstrations are scheduled to take place in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy from November 4 to 6. In addition to this volatile situation, the country is also experiencing water, food and fuel shortages. Many businesses and banks are closed, making it difficult to access cash and commodities of all kinds. Burning barricades are disrupting traffic in the main streets of Port au Prince. Roadblocks are also severely disrupting transportation nationwide. There have been reports of armed protesters who throw rocks or shoot at vehicles that get close or kidnap people for ransom money. Access to the airport may be blocked without notice. Clashes between protestors and security forces have occurred. Police have used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Additional protests are expected. Acts of violence could happen without notice.
• Malawi – GOV.AU – Political protests have been occurring in Lilongwe and Blantyre since the elections in May 2019. Some protests have turned violent. Avoid demonstrations.  See Safety and security. We haven’t changed our level of advice Exercise normal safety precautions in Malawi. Higher levels apply in in the Mulanje district.
• Pakistan – GC.CA, GOV.UK – The Azadi march, organized by the opposition party, has arrived in Islamabad. Large scale demonstrations are underway in the city (sector H 09). Police and military forces have been deployed throughout Islamabad. There are significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation, making movements difficult. Access to the Red Zone, where the High Commission of Canada is located, is restricted. Several roads around the city are blocked and alternative routes are in use, including to and from the International Airport. It is unclear how long the protest will last for. You should exercise caution in travelling during this time, and follow advice from the local authorities.
• Spain – GC.CA, GOV.AU – Demonstrations are ongoing in Catalonia, especially in Barcelona, since the sentencing of Catalan separatist leaders on October 14, 2019. Violent clashes between demonstrators and police have caused multiples injuries. Demonstrations may cause significant disruptions to transportation, including access to roads, airports, and the railway and metro systems. Flight delays or cancellations, as well as disruptions at ports, are also possible. Contact your airline or tour operator to find out if the situation will disrupt your travel plans. Avoid demonstrations, monitor media and follow the advice of 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.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• South Africa – GOV.UK – South African authorities have advised that Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) should have a minimum of 6 months validity. If you’re planning to enter the country on an ETD, you must check requirements with the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate before confirming your travel plans.

Health

• Bangladesh, Cook Islands, Guam, Marshall Islands, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka – CDC – Dengue is an ongoing risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands (map). Travelers to areas of risk should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. In addition, the countries listed below are reporting higher than usual numbers of dengue cases, and travelers visiting these countries may be at increased risk.
• France – ECDC , WHO – Zika Virus. On 30 October, French authorities reported a third autochthonous case of Zika virus disease in Hyères city, Var department, France; the case had no travel history to Zika endemic countries. The case was identified through active case finding activities and lives in close vicinity to the first two cases. These three cases had onset of symptoms in early/mid August 2019, and all have recovered. French health authorities have reinforced their epidemiological surveillance to identify other possible cases. Entomological investigations were carried out in and around the affected neighbourhood, and vector control activities were implemented.
• Italy, Romania, Germany, Hungary, Bulgaria – ECDC – West Nile Virus. Between 25 and 30 October 2019, EU Member States reported a total of nine human cases: four in Italy, two in Romania, and one each in Germany, Hungary and Bulgaria. Two cases were reported from an EU neighbouring countries, Turkey. A human case was reported for the first time from an area in Germany. This week, one death was reported by Bulgaria.
• 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.  According to news media (as of 30 October 2019), 11 people died and two are missing in Japan due to torrential rains on 25 to 26 October 2019, causing floods and landslides. The most affected areas are Chiba (10 deaths) and Fukushima (1 death).
• Samoa – GOV.UK – Samoa is currently suffering a measles outbreak. You should monitor the NaTHNaC website for the latest updates and advice. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii is likely to be the only option for treatment. You may find it hard to get some specialised prescription medicines in Samoa. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
• Saudi Arabia – ECDC – Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Since the previous CDTR published on 4 October 2019 and as of 30 September 2019, Saudi Arabia has reported an increase of 11 cases and four deaths.
• Tonga – GOV.UK – Tonga is currently suffering a measles outbreak. You should monitor the NaTHNaC website for the latest updates and advice.
• United Arab Emirates – WHO – On 7 October 2019, the National IHR Focal Point of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) notified WHO of one laboratory confirmed case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV) infection. The patient is a 44 year old male non-national farmer from Al Ain city, Abu Dhabi region, UAE. He developed fever, runny nose, headache, vomiting, productive cough and shortness of breath on 25 September 2019, and was admitted to hospital on 29 September. The patient has a history of close contact with dromedary camels and sheep at nearby farms during the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms. He has no history of recent travel and has not been involved in the slaughtering of animals. As of 14 October, the patient is in stable condition and is currently in an intensive care unit.

Law and Culture

• Mexico – GOV.AU – Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison sentences in local jails. Controlled medications can be illegal drugs if they are not purchased with a legal prescription.
• Thailand – GC.CA – All hosts, including hotel staff and home owners, must notify local authorities that they are housing foreign citizens within 24 hours of the arrival of these foreigners.
• United Kingdom – GOV.AU – The United Kingdom (UK) is scheduled to leave the European Union (EU) on or before 31 January, 2020. 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 January, 2020 without a deal, unless an extension to the Brexit date is agreed or the revised deal receives parliamentary approval.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, 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.
• Central African Republic – GC.CA – Floods have caused extensive material damage and road closures in several parts of the country. Avoid the affected areas and keep informed of regional weather forecasts. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Switzerland – GOV.UK – There’s a danger of flooding in lower regions. Many ski areas and hiking routes have been temporarily closed. For further information, you should contact the relevant train companies, local authorities and your tour operator. Before travelling, check the latest local weather forecast and check for information on any possible dangerous weather conditions. You can find the latest information on road conditions and rail travel on the websites of Touring Club (only available in German, French and Italian) and Swiss Federal Railways (search by route).
• United States – GC.CA , GOV.UK , GOV.NZ – Severe wildfires are affecting various areas of California. Air quality is affected and this may have an impact on people suffering from respiratory ailments. If you’re travelling to affected areas follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders, monitor local news and weather reports, contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans.

Other

• Azerbaijan – GOV.UK – Wales take on Azerbaijan in Baku for a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier match on Saturday 16 November 2019. If you’re travelling to Azerbaijan for the match, you should check the GOV.UK dedicated advice page.
• Kenya – GOV.UK – In response to 2 recent incidents involving Silverstone Air Services, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is conducting an audit inspection of the airline to determine the level of compliance with civil aviation regulations.
• Portugal – GOV.UK – Arsenal take on Vitória SC in the Europa League at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimarães on Wednesday 6 November 2019. If you’re travelling to Portugal for the match, check out the GOV.UK dedicated advice page.
• Thailand – GOV.UK – Bangkok hosts the 2019 ASEAN Leaders’ Summit from 31 October to 4 November. There will be an increased police and security presence in Bangkok during this time, and there may be disruption to local traffic routes.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of Congo – CDC – An outbreak of Ebola is occurring in the South Kivu (Kivu Sud), North Kivu (Kivu Nord), and Ituri provinces of the DRC. The DRC Ministry of Health declared this current outbreak on August 1, 2018. The DRC Ministry of Health, WHO, and partners are responding to this outbreak and working to enhance illness surveillance and reporting, monitor contacts, conduct cross border surveillance in neighboring countries, expand laboratory capacity, and vaccinate front line health workers and contacts of people with Ebola.
• Democratic Republic of Congo – ECDC – Ebola. Since the previous CDTR and as of 29 October 2019, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) has reported 13 additional confirmed cases. During the same period, five deaths among confirmed cases were reported. Over the last few weeks, a low number of cases has been reported, concentrated in a smaller geographical area. The current hotspots are Mandima and Mabalako. The majority of newly confirmed cases this past week continue to be reported from, or linked to, Biakato Mine Health Area in Mandima Health Zone; this includes four cases reported outside of Mandima in people who recently travelled to Biakato.
• Tanzania – GOV.UK – Visitors to the region should be aware that on 1 August 2018 an outbreak of Ebola was confirmed in eastern DRC in North Kivu Province, originating in Béni territory. A person died in Tanzania in September 2019. It appears probable that this was an Ebola related death. As of 31 October 2019, there is no evidence of ongoing active transmission of Ebola in Tanzania.

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.