Bomb Blast in Bengaluru - India; More Than 40 Killed in Dhaka Fire - Bangladesh
North and Central America
On 3 March, Haiti's government declared a state of emergency in response to a surge in violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Violent clashes erupted, leading to the storming of two major prisons by armed gangs. Hundreds of inmates reportedly escaped during the attacks. A curfew is in effect from 18:00 hours to 05:00 hours (local time) between 4 and 6 March across the West territory, including Port-au-Prince.
Be alert and vigilant of your surroundings if travelling in Haiti. Minimize safety risks by avoiding all areas of unrest. Increased security checks are likely.
Canadian authorities have announced the reintroduction of visa requirements for Mexican nationals entering Canada. Mexicans seeking entry must now obtain an electronic travel authorization, utilizing either a valid U.S. visa or a Canadian visa that expired within the last 10 years. Individuals lacking both visas must apply for a Canadian visa. This measure aims to mitigate the influx of asylum seekers. Mexico reserves the right of reciprocity in response to this decision.
South America
Effective immediately, Avianca Airline suspended direct flight services between San José (Costa Rica) and Caracas (Venezuela). The flights are now being marketed with a stopover in Bogotá, Colombia. Flights between Bogotá and Caracas operate four times a week. Check with the airlines to determine the status of disruptions. Expect and prepare for long queues at these airports. In case of cancellations, know your compensation rights.
On 27 February, the Ombudsman's Office issued an alert for possible territorial clashes between Clan del Golfo and the Tren de Aragua in Bogotá. The armed groups have been fighting for control in nine towns in the city: Los Mártires, Santa Fe, Puente Aranda, La Candelaria, Antonio Nari?o, Tunjuelito, Chapinero, Teusaquillo, and Barrios Unidos. Be vigilant and monitor political developments regularly to stay informed about any potential conflict. Avoid travelling to these affected regions until the security situation improves.
As of 27 February, at least 12,000 people were displaced as heavy rains and floods hit the state of Acre, causing the overflow of the Acre River. A state of emergency was declared in the following municipalities: Assis Brasil, Brasiléia, Capixaba, Cruzeiro do Sul, Epitaciolandia, Feijó, Jord?o, Mancio Lima, Marechal Thaumaturgo, Plácido de Castro, Porto Acre, Porto Walter, Rio Branco, Santa Rosa do Purus, Sena Madureira, Tarauacá, and Xapuri. Recovery operations are underway. Avoid non-essential travel to the affected areas since there may be power outages and damage to infrastructure, such as roads, transportation, and communication systems.
Several roadways in the area are not accessible. Avoid contact with flood water due to the possible risk of contamination. Be cautious and consult local meteorological reports wherever available through local media (TV, radio, and local alerts). Follow any other advice from local authorities.
Europe
On 1 March, Lithuanian authorities closed two of Lithuania's six border crossings with Belarus indefinitely due to national security concerns, smuggling activities, and violations of international sanctions. The Lavori?k?s and Raigardas border crossing stations have been shut down. The ?umskas and Tvere?ius crossings were closed in August 2023. Only the Medininkai and ?al?ininkai checkpoints will remain operational.
The movement of pedestrians and cyclists across all border checkpoints has been halted. Additionally, a ban will be imposed on the pick-up and drop-off of passengers at the Kena and Kybartai railway border checkpoints, except in exceptional cases approved by the State Border Guard Service. Follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor the local media for updates on local restrictions that may impact your travel plans.
Due to security concerns, Latvian authorities have extended the current restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens until 4 March, 2025. However, certain categories of travellers may be exempt, including holders of a residence permit of Latvia, a member state of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation; holders of a long-stay visa of a Schengen Agreement member state; holders of a short-stay visa of a Schengen Agreement member state who are family members of nationals of Latvia, the EU, an EEA member state, or Switzerland; persons with entry related to humanitarian considerations; and employees of freight and passenger transport service providers, among others. For additional details, individuals are advised to consult with the Latvian or Russian embassy.
Middle East and Asia Pacific?
On 1 March, a low-intensity bomb exploded at Rameshwaram Cafe in Brookefield around 13:00 hours (local time). CCTV footage captured a suspect placing a bag inside the cafe, prompting ongoing investigations. Nine people sustained injuries. Authorities are likely to maintain heightened security measures in the area.
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On 28 February, due to heavy rains and flooding in parts of Balochistan, a State of Emergency was declared in Gwadar, Kech district and other areas. Highways connecting Gwadar and Karachi have been damaged. Rescue and relief operations got underway in the affected areas. Rain and snowfall were expected to continue until 2 March.
Due to the ongoing flood situation in the province, the Civil Aviation Authority announced the suspension of flight operations at Gwadar Airport until at least 5 March. Many roads leading to the airport remain inundated. Severe infrastructural damages were reported due to heavy rains and flooding. If travelling, be cautious and consult local meteorological and emergency reports.
On 29 February, around 21:50 hours (local time), a massive fire broke out at Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall on Bailey Road in Dhaka. At least 44 people died, and 22 others were injured. The fire was contained after two hours. The mall was cordoned off for relief operations.
Access to the building may be restricted until investigations and safety evaluations conclude. By 1 March, the death toll had further increased to at least 46. It was reported that many died due to the inhalation of smoke.
From 8-10 March, the ‘India by the Creek’ festival will be organized at Al Seef Park in Dubai. A travel rush and a VIP movement are expected in the area. There may be traffic restrictions and increased security in the vicinity. Allow extra time for road travel due to possible traffic congestion and road closures. Plan your outings to avoid inconvenience.
Minimize safety risks by being vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Familiarize yourself with exits and exit routes through crowds, and avoid the middle of large crowds. Be ready to react very quickly to any sign of an emergency.
On 1 March, heavy rains caused flash floods in Sta. Maria, leading 71 families to evacuate their homes. Several barangays, including Buca, Pongpong, San Isidro, San Roque, and Basiawan, were affected as river waters overflowed into residential areas. Flood victims received food assistance from local authorities. State weather authorities predict continued rains in various parts of Mindanao, posing risks of flooding and landslides in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN.
Avoid non-essential travel during adverse weather. If travelling in these areas be cautious and consult local meteorological reports wherever available. Expect and prepare for rapidly deteriorating travel conditions.
On 28 February, Mount Semeru erupted during the morning hours. There was a column of thick volcanic ash that was observed to be heading in the westward direction. Over 28 eruption earthquakes, one avalanche earthquake, six gust earthquakes, and three harmonic earthquakes have been recorded. Authorities have imposed a prohibition zone approximately five kilometres from Semeru. There is a high potential for hot clouds, lava, and volcanic mudflow from the peak of the mountain into Besuk Kobokan and its tributaries.
Semeru is currently identified as being in an 'abnormal' condition by the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation authorities. The mountain is constantly being monitored from two observation posts in the sub-districts of Candipuro and Ampelgading. Visitors and locals are advised to refrain from carrying out activities in the mountain's southeast sector (around 13 kilometres from the eruption centre) along Besuk Kobokan. Avoid the restricted zones around the active volcano and follow the advice of local emergency authorities. Check with your travel provider to determine whether your personal travel plans are affected. Wear facemasks or other respiratory protective equipment to avoid inhaling the toxic gas present in the area.
Africa
On 2 March, Air C?te d’Ivoire resumed flights to and from Niger. The flights were suspended in August 2023 due to sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).
The airline will operate flights on the Abidjan-Niamey-Ouagadougou-Abidjan route, the Abidjan-Ouagadougou-Niamey-Abidjan route and the Abidjan-Niamey-Abidjan route on different days of the week. Check with your travel agent or the airline to determine if your travel plans are affected.
The risk of acquiring cholera is ubiquitous in many African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Kinshasa, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Comoros, Malawi, Uganda, Burundi, Cameroon, Zambia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Since the beginning of this year [2024], the African Centre for Disease Control has reported a cumulative total of 40,485 confirmed cases, 34,175 suspected cases and 890 deaths. Most infected individuals, approximately 75%, do not show any symptoms.
However, in those who do exhibit symptoms, only a small proportion develop a severe form of the disease. All travellers can minimize the risk of exposure to this disease. Strictly observe all food and water precautions in any area where there is cholera. If gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea) develop while visiting the affected area, travellers should seek medical care at once.?
On 28 February, Ghana's Parliament passed legislation imposing a prison sentence of up to five years for the "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities''. Gay sex was already punishable by up to three years in prison. Following the vote, the bill will be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has seven days to assent or refuse. If he assents, the bill becomes law. Related protests are possible across the country.
Travellers should prepare well and research their destination's local laws and social attitudes towards same-sex relationships and gender expression. Same-sex relations and behaviours may be prohibited and can be punishable. All travellers should avoid public displays of affection. Refrain from engaging in pride marches or other promotional activities, as it can increase your chances of detainment, arrest, or imprisonment under the country's laws. Follow the advice of the local authorities.
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