121520 – World Status Report

This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of international risks, and other issues as reported by the linked official sources from the U.S. and other countries.

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

• Ethiopia *  GOV.UK *  The FCDO now advise against all travel to West Wollega zone, Nekemte town in East Wollega, in the Oromia region and the Pawe, Guba, Dangur, Dibati, Bulen ‘woredas’ (sub-districts) in the Metekel zone of Benishangul Gumuz region.
• Tanzania * GOV.AU * In October 2020, a violent attack occurred in Kitaya village, in Mtwara, close to the border with Mozambique. We now advise, do not travel to within 20kms of the border with Mozambique, in the Mtwara region, due to the threat of militant attacks, terrorism and kidnappings.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Côte d’Ivoire *  GOV.UK *  The main threat in Côte d’Ivoire comes from Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) and its associated groups. These groups remain intent on demonstrating capability and increasing influence across the region. AQ-M mainly operates in the Sahel. The Sahel region includes Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, but the threat may extend to other neighbouring countries in the region, including Côte d’Ivoire, due to the porous nature of the borders. There is an increased risk in the northern border areas of Côte d’Ivoire, including the Comoé national park area in the north-east. On 11 June 2020, 11 soldiers and one gendarme were killed in an attack on a military post near Kafolo, near the border with Burkina Faso. On 11 June 2020, a second attack happened at Gbeya, in Kaniasso department: unidentified individuals opened fire on a security post. Read more about the threat from terrorism in the Sahel region.
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) * GOV.AU * The US Government has warned of credible terrorist threats against facilities and commercial venues frequented by Westerners in and around Abidjan during the holiday season. Pay attention to your personal safety. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Niger *  GOV.UK *  Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be especially vigilant in places frequented by Westerners such as hotels, restaurants, airports and other transport hubs, places of worship (particularly churches), national parks and nature reserves, 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. Take particular care during religious and public holiday periods.
• Nigeria *  GOV.UK *  Humanitarian staff and assets have been targeted during attacks in the north east, including in garrison towns and on roads. Humanitarian sites have also been targeted. There is a continued threat from extremist groups operating in the region. The al Qaeda-linked terrorist group Jamaat al Ansar al Muslimeen fi Bilad al Sudan, better known as Ansaru, has previously carried out attacks and kidnappings, including that of westerners, across northern Nigeria. The most recent attack was in mid-January 2020 when Ansaru claimed to have killed at least six people, kidnapped dozens, and destroyed several vehicles during an ambush along the Kaduna-Zaira highway in Kaduna State. Details remain unclear and fatality figures may rise.
• Pakistan *  GOV.UK *  On 13 December, there was an explosion in Rawalpindi near Ganj Mandi police station. There are reports of at least 25 injured. Pakistani authorities are still investigating the incident. You should remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Saudi Arabia * GOV.AU *Recent missile and drone attacks from the military conflict in Yemen have targeted civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh. Most attacks have been intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defence systems.

Crime

• Mexico *  GOV.UK * If you’re the victim of a crime and wish to report the incident, you should do so immediately to the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (Agencia del Ministerio Público). No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico. The emergency number in Mexico is 911. You can also download the 911 CDMX app (for Mexico City) or the Guest Assist App (for Quintana Roo). To contact Mexico City’s Tourist Police, you can either call them on (0052) 55 5207 4155 or you can whatsapp them on (0052) 55 4891 1166.
• Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) , Angola * GC.CA * Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.  Live piracy report – International Maritime Bureau

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

•  Albania *  GOV.UK *  There were small protests in central Tirana and other cities during the evenings of 9 and 10 December. The protests in Tirana turned violent and water cannon and tear gas were deployed by the police in response. Further protests are likely. You should avoid all demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) * GC.CA * The situation remains volatile in Côte d’Ivoire following the presidential elections held on October 31, 2020. Demonstrations could occur despite the ban put in place by local authorities until December 15, 2020. If you’re in Côte d’Ivoire: avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for the latest information.
• Indonesia *  GOV.UK *  Early on Monday 7 December, an incident occurred between the police and supporters of Habib Rizieq Shihab, leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), on the Cikampek motorway just outside of Jakarta, in which six FPI supporters were shot dead. In recent weeks, since Rizieq’s return to Indonesia, there have been confrontations between large crowds of his supporters and the police in the vicinity of Rizieq’s home in the Petamburan area of Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.
• Kyrgyzstan * GC.CA * Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Clashes between protesters and security forces have occurred, resulting in injuries. Police have used tear gas, water cannon and stun grenades to disperse crowds. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations. More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
• Liberia * GC.CA * Legislative elections took place on December 8, 2020. Demonstrations could occur pending the elections results.
• Liberia *  GOV.UK *  Liberia held Senatorial elections, Representative by-elections and a National Constitutional Referendum on 8 December 2020. Election results will be announced gradually from 10 to 15 December. Referendum results are expected by 23 December. Protests or violence are possible if results are disputed. You should remain vigilant, avoid any large public gatherings and demonstrations, monitor local media for up-to-date information, and follow the advice of local authorities.
• New Caledonia * GOV.AU * Protests and demonstrations have occurred across New Caledonia. Transport has been disrupted and road blockages are in place, especially in the Greater Noumea area. Access to supermarkets and petrol stations may also be affected. Avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and roadblocks due to the ongoing potential for violence. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for updates (see ‘Safety’).

Kidnapping

• Haiti * GOV.AU * There’s been an increase in kidnapping for ransom cases in Port-au-Prince. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain vigilance wherever you are in Haiti. Think carefully about the security where you’re staying and ensure your safety while traveling around. Consider organising tailored security arrangements and have contingency plans prepared. The general security situation remains volatile.

Law and Culture

• Slovakia *  GOV.UK * You can drive in Slovakia on your UK driving licence. Driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020. It is a requirement under Slovak law to have at least valid third-party motor insurance cover for your car. If you’re living in Slovakia, you may need to exchange your UK licence for a Slovak one. Check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Australia *  GOV.UK *  Be aware of the risk of bushfires, especially at the height of the Australian summer (November to February). Bushfires can start and change direction with little or no notice. If you’re travelling in a high risk bushfire area, follow local authorities’ advice. Australia regularly battles devastating bushfires across a number of regions during the summer season. The 2019-2020 summer fires resulted in the loss of lives and property with many residents advised to evacuate their homes.
• Colombia * ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020 * Landslide (IDEAM, media) A landslide occurred in San Luis Municipality (Antioquia Department, northern Colombia) on 12 December, resulting in damage and casualties. According to media reports, 2 people died, 3 have been injured and 30 evacuated. In addition, 6 houses have been destroyed and the road between Bogota and Medellin (National Route 62) has been blocked due to the landslide event. For the next 24 hours, moderate rain is forecast over the affected area.
• Fiji *  GOV.UK *  The tropical cyclone season in Fiji normally runs from November to April, but cyclones can occur throughout the year. During this period there is a greater risk of strong winds, heavy rains, flooding, landslides and road closures. Severe weather may result in flooding, landslides, and disruption to essential services and infrastructure. Monitor approaching storms and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Weather updates can also be found in local newspapers and on Radio Fiji GOLD on 100.4 FM. See our Tropical Cyclones page for further advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.
• France * ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS) Warning level 2/3 for Adour moyen, Adour maritime, Midouze and confluence Garonne-Dordogne.
• Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020 * Floods and landslides (BMKG, AHA Centre, BNPB) Heavy rainfall continues to affect parts of Indonesia, particularly Java Island, since the past few days, causing floods, triggering landslides and resulting in casualties and damage. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management, one person has died and 4,131 people from 6 villages have been affected in Bangkalan Regency (East Java Province). The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), reports more than 13,000 affected people across Indramayu Regency (West Java Province) and Pasuruan Regency (East Java Province). For the next 24 hours, moderate rain with thunderstorms are forecast across affected Provinces.
• Thailand * ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020 * Floods in southern provinces (DG ECHO, government, media) Four out of 11 southern provinces, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla remain flooded in Thailand. At least 691,659 people (or 32,684 families) have been affected and 3,710 displaced people have returned home. From 25 November until 14 December, 4,220 villages in 11 provinces were flooded and 8,489,547 livestock were affected.
• Tonga *  GOV.UK *  The tropical cyclone season in Tonga normally runs from November to April but cyclones can occur throughout the year. During this period there is a greater risk of strong winds and heavy rains with associated flooding, landslides and road closures. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), from the Tonga Meteorological Service, in local newspapers and on Radio Tonga 1 and 2 on 1017 AM and 90 FM, and follow the advice of the local authorities including any evacuation orders. See our Tropical cyclones page for further advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm. Essential services such as power and water can be disrupted. We strongly advise that extra care is taken around damaged buildings and fallen power lines.
• Tonga, Niue * ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020 * Tropical Cyclone ZAZU (Radio New Zealand, MET Tonga, MET Fiji, JTWC, GDACS, WMO) A new tropical cyclone ZAZU (formerly known as SIX) formed on 13 December over the South Pacific Ocean and is moving south, towards Tonga islands. On 14 December at 0.00 UTC, its center was located about 25 km north-east of the inhabited Fonualei Island (Tonga), and 75 km north of Vava’u group (Tonga), with maximum sustained wind of 74 km/h. ZAZU is forecast to strengthen, while moving southwards and reaching the central Vava’u in the evening of 14 December, with maximum sustained wind up to 90 km/h. After that, ZAZU will move south-east over the South Pacific Ocean. Warnings for strong wind, high waves, and heavy rainfall have been issued for most of Tonga and strong wind warnings remain in force for Niue. On 14-15 December, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong wind are forecast over most of Tonga, from Vava’u to ‘Eua group and for Niue. 
• United Kingdom * ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS) Warning level 2/3 for River Seven at Marton and for 16 locations in Scotland.
• Vanuatu, Fiji * ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020 * Tropical Cyclone YASA (Fiji NEws, Radio New Zealand, NZ Herald, VMGD, MET Fiji, JTWC, GDACS) The newly formed Tropical Cyclone YASA is moving in the South Pacific Ocean, between Vanuatu and Fiji Islands. On 14 December at 0.00, its center was located approximately 400 km east of Pentecost island (Vanuatu), and 550 km north-west of Yasawa Islands (Fiji), with maximum sustained wind of 110 km/h. On 14-16 December, YASA is forecast to strengthen, as it moves clockwise between Vanuatu and Fiji islands. Then it is expected to move south-east, reaching Viti Levu island (Fiji) on 18 December, with maximum sustained wind between 170-200 km/h. A strong wind warning has been issued for Rotuma island (northern Fiji), and for the central and southern coastal Vanuatu. A flash flood warning is in effect for northern Vanua Levu (Fiji). Heavy rainfall, strong wind and high waves are forecast throughout Vanuatu on 14-15 December. Moderate to locally heavy rainfall is forecast over most of Fiji from 15 December. 

Other

• Central America * ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020 * Migrant caravan (DG ECHO partners, media) On 9 December, around 400 Hondurans – fleeing violence, hunger and devastation caused by two recent hurricanes (ETA and IOTA) and combined by the coronavirus pandemic – tried to start a new caravan to reach the U.S. border, but were stopped by Honduran security personnel before they even reached the border with neighbouring Guatemala. DG ECHO’s partners have been monitoring the situation and DG ECHO – supported organisation Casa Migrante is preparing for their arrival. Hurricanes ETA and IOTA hit within weeks in November, causing widespread flooding in Honduras. This weather-climate related migration comes on top of the continuous forced displacement linked to the violence. A second caravan is expected to leave in mid-January 2021. The USA recently extended its Temporary Protected Status migration program (TPS) to citizens of Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador until October 2021. The TPS program enables some citizens of countries hit by a natural disaster, armed conflict or other extraordinary events to remain in the USA and apply for work permits.
• Lebanon * ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020 * Refugees and Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) According to the UN, the estimated number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon is 1.5 million. They currently make up more than 20% of Lebanon’s population, representing the highest refugees-to-population ratio in the world. Since 2011, the European Union has provided more than  EUR 666 million in humanitarian funding to respond to urgent needs. This funding has mostly helped vulnerable Syrian refugees in the form of multi-purpose cash assistance, addressing emergencies, protection and education needs. In 2020, this has continued to be a priority given increasing reports of violence, abuse and exploitation of minors. Following the port explosions, the EU released EUR 30 million to help vulnerable Lebanese and Syrians impacted by the blasts, bringing the total EU humanitarian aid to EUR 83.2 million in 2020. The additional aid goes to the rehabilitation of homes, cash to help pay for rent and other essentials, protective support such as legal assistance and help with documentation. https://ec.europa.eu/echo/where/middle-east/lebanon_en
• Norway *  GOV.UK *  The UK has left the European Union. The rules for travel to EU countries will stay the same until 31 December 2020. This page will be updated with country-specific information for travellers to Norway as things change. Sign up for email alerts and view the latest updates for UK nationals travelling to and living in Europe.
• Qatar * GC.CA * Canadians have been denied entry into Qatar because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel.
• St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha *  GOV.UK *  St Helena: If you need emergency assistance, contact the local police (telephone 22626). If you need an emergency passport, contact the St Helena Immigration Service at the police station. Ascension: The Ascension Island Police Detachment is able to provide emergency assistance. There is no facility for issuing replacement UK passports or UK entry visas. You can however obtain an emergency passport from the Ascension Island Police (telephone 66412). Tristan da Cunha: If you need emergency assistance, contact the local police (telephone 2010). If you need a replacement or emergency passport, contact the Administrator’s office at the Government offices in the Settlement.

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.