011420 – 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

• Iraq, Iran * U.S., Canada, UK, New Zealand * The recent incident has led to increased tensions in Iran and Iraq. The security situation is unpredictable and may become increasingly volatile. There is an increased threat of  terrorist attacks. Violent demonstrations could occur. The security situation could worsen with little warning. Some airlines have cancelled flights to Iran. If tensions escalate, options to leave Iran may be limited.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Democratic Republic of the Congo * UN News * The targeting of the Hema community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with violence, including killings and rape, may amount to crimes against humanity, said the UN on Friday.
• Kenya * GOV.UK * On 8 January Al Shabaab released a public statement ‘Kenya Must Take Heed’; this states Al Shabaab intent to attack tourists, including those on safari trips. It also references government institutions and military installations as potential attack targets.  On 5 January 2020 Al Shabaab conducted an attack on a military airstrip in Lamu County, killing 3 US personnel. Travellers to Lamu Island and Manda Island should be particularly vigilant given the close proximity of these islands to the Lamu County mainland. Due to the threat of terrorism, if you travel to Lamu Island or Manda Island you should do so by air to Lamu Airport (a civilian airport on Manda Island), and not by road. The only commercial option for air travel to or from Lamu Island and Manda Island is through Lamu Airport.
• Sudan * UN News * Around 40,000 have been displaced in Sudan’s West Darfur State in recent days, following intercommunal clashes, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday, citing Sudanese Government data.
• Syria * UN News * Following a sharp escalation of hostilities in southern Idlib, “at least 300,000 civilians have fled their homes” since mid-December, the UN Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria crisis said on Tuesday, voicing concern for their well-being.
• Venezuela * UN News * The latest twist in Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis “make urgently needed dialogue even more difficult to achieve”, the UN Secretary-General has said. The political situation coupled with economic meltdown has forced more than 4.6 million Venezuelans to leave the country.
• West Africa, Sahel region * UN News * The top UN official in West Africa and the Sahel updated the Security Council on Wednesday, describing an “unprecedented” rise in terrorist violence across the region.

Crime

• Costa Rica * U.S. Department of State * Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime . Country Summary: While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Comoros * GC.CA * Legislative elections are due to take place on January 19, 2020. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.
• Malawi * GOV.UK * The results of Malawi’s May 2019 elections are being challenged in the High Court by two political parties. The High Court ruling on the electoral challenge is expected in late January or early February 2020. The ruling could provoke violent protests.
• Nigeria * GOV.UK * Following the the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US strike in Baghdad on 3 January, the Nigerian Inspector-General of Police has placed his forces across the country on high alert because of an increased risk of public disturbance.
• Togo * GC.CA * A presidential election is due to take place on February 22, 2020. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the election.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• United States * GC.CA * As part of a 90-day pilot program starting on January 6, 2020, U.S. border agents will collect DNA samples from certain individuals in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody: within the Detroit Sector; at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry in southwestern Texas. US laws authorize federal authorities to collect DNA samples from individuals between 14 and 79: who are arrested, face charges or are convicted; who are detained under the authority of the United States as a non-United States person.

Law and Culture

• Oman * GOV.UK * If you are involved in a minor road accident, it may not be necessary to call the police, but you must follow the procedures set out on the ROP website. You must keep a Minor Road Traffic Accident form in your car. You can get one from your insurance company. Car rental companies are responsible for keeping forms in their cars.
• Oman * GOV.UK * On 11 January the Omani government announced the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. A three-day official mourning period from 12-14 January is being observed in both the public and private sectors. All ministries and most shops will be closed. You should follow police instructions and show sensitivity and respect during the period of mourning.
• Oman * GOV.AU * On 11 January the Omani government announced the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and the start of a three-day official mourning period. There are reports of road closures and an increased police presence. Follow police instructions and respect local customs during this period of mourning. The security situation in the Middle East region is unpredictable and likely to become volatile. Remain vigilant, and monitor developments via the media and travel advice and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Peru * GC.CA * The length of stay—up to a maximum of 90 days—is determined by immigration officers. If needed, you can request an extension up to 90 additional days at the National Superintendent of Immigration. Overstaying is a criminal offence. Peruvian offenders will be fined 4.05 Peruvian soles for each day of overstay. This fee must be paid upon exiting the country.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Australia * U.S., Canada, New Zealand * Australia is currently fighting several devastating bushfires that are sweeping through the country. The ‘catastrophic’ alert level, the highest of the Fire Danger Rating system in Australia, has been issued in some areas. As a result, local authorities have issued many evacuation orders and states of emergency. Residents in the affected areas in many states have been issued a ‘leave immediately’ or ‘prepare to leave’ order. These fires have resulted in several casualties. Air quality is affected in various regions throughout the country. This may have an impact on people suffering from respiratory ailments.  Severe bushfires are likely to continue to occur throughout Australia during the summer period.

• Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua; Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe; China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam; Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay; Chile; Australia * GDACS * The Drought alert level is Orange. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Philippines * GC.CA * The Taal Volcano, located in the province of Batangas, on Luzon Island, erupted on January 12, 2020. Ongoing volcanic and seismic activity may continue. Ashes are affecting surrounding areas, including Manila. Ninoy Aquino International Airport, in Manila, has temporarily suspended flights. Flight disruptions in other areas may also occur. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation. Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans
• Philippines * GOV.UK * The lake Taal volcano 60km south of Manila is experiencing a level four eruption; Philippines’ authorities are currently recommending evacuation of an area within 14km radius of the Taal main crater; flights in and out of Manila international airport are subject to disruption; you should consult your carrier.
• Puerto Rico * GC.CA * On January 7, 2020, a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck off shore near Ponce, southern Puerto Rico. There are reports of some damage and power outages. Aftershocks could occur. If you are in or around the affected areas: monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• United States* GOV.UK * On 7 January a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck around 10 kilometres off the coast of Puerto Rico, following a series of smaller earthquakes in the region throughout the past several weeks. There has been structural damage in the south-west of the island, close to the epicentre, and power has been switched off as a precaution. Aftershocks are also expected. You should monitor developments on the US Geological Survey website and follow the advice of the local authorities.
• United States * GOV.AU * On 7 January 2020, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Puerto Rico. There is structural damage and power outages in the south-west of the island. Aftershocks may happen. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

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.