China Announces Visa-Free Travel For Six European Countries
North and Central America
On 6 March, at around 15:00 Hours (local time), a mass shooting occurred at a SEPTA bus stop at Rising Sun and Cottman Avenues, where three masked gunmen fired more than 30 shots at high school students trying to board a bus. Eight teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17 were shot, with two hospitalized in critical condition, including a 17-year-old boy who was shot nine times. The attackers, along with a fourth suspect who remained in the car, remain at large. The investigation is ongoing.
The Salvadoran Legislative Assembly extended the state of emergency until at least 10 April, citing the need to continue the fight against criminal organizations and ensure the safety of the population. This extension, supported by 67 legislators allied with the current government, maintains the suspension of certain constitutional guarantees, including the right to defense and limits on detention without a hearing.
Despite concerns raised by human rights organizations and opposition legislators about potential abuses and violations, the Salvadoran government justifies the extension by citing a significant reduction in homicides. Initially, the measures were put in place after a gang-related attack in March 2022. Be alert and aware of your surroundings when travelling in El Salvador. Follow the advice of the local authorities.
South America
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO, the WHO Region of the Americas) has reported almost 1,000 cases of Zika fever so far this year (2024). Infected people have been reported from Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. PAHO is advising its member countries to intensify measures to control the spread of this virus. This virus is the cause of microcephaly (small brain) and other neurological abnormalities in newborn infants when the mother is infected during pregnancy.
The World Health Organization advises that pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika virus outbreaks. Travellers are reminded that sporadic infections with the Zika virus still occur. Because the transmission of this virus is far below previous epidemic levels, the risk of exposure to this virus may be low at this time. The risk of exposure for the general traveller in any particular location is difficult to estimate since so many people who may be infected have no symptoms and are not recorded officially. There may be infected people in the community. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for this infection. Travellers can minimize the risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.?
On 10 March, authorities in La Paz declared a state of emergency following heavy rains that led to overflowing rivers and widespread destruction of houses. One person was killed. The heavy rains have resulted in the isolation of neighbourhoods, cutting off water, electricity, and roads. Recovery operations are underway. Avoid the affected areas, if possible, since there may be power outages and damage to infrastructure, such as roads, transportation, and communication systems. Follow the advice of the local authorities.
On 28 July, Presidential Elections will be held in Venezuela. Rallies and demonstrations may be planned as part of campaigning. Additional security personnel may be deployed across the country to ensure law and order. Violent clashes may be possible between supporters and members of rival political parties. Operations of government offices, public transportation, and other essential and non-essential services may also be impacted.
Exercise increased caution if travelling in areas where polling is underway. Plan alternate routes to minimize safety risks and inconvenience in case of travel restrictions. Avoid areas of large public gatherings or protests as they may escalate unexpectedly and become violent. Follow any other advice from local authorities.
Europe
On 7 and 8 March, ground staff at Lufthansa affiliated with the Verdi union held a 2-day strike action at several airports in Germany to demand better pay. Airline Lufthansa announced that it expected extensive effects on the program of flights to and from German airports scheduled between 20:00 hours (local time) on 6 March and 07:10 hours on 9 March due to strike action. Several cancellations were reported. During the last strike, 80-90 percent of flights were impacted. Further strikes are possible.?
On 7 March, security staff affiliated with the Verdi union also held all-day strike action at Frankfurt and Hamburg airports to demand higher wages. Aviation security area, passenger control, personnel and goods control and service areas were affected. Hamburg Airport cancelled all 141 departures scheduled for 7 March. Frankfurt Airport also cancelled all departing passenger flights and only carried those already in transit. Disruption was reported at the other airports as well.
Austrian Airlines cancelled at least 150 flights across the country on 7 and 8 March. The airlines' flying staff unions announced a warning strike on 7 March to demand inflation compensation. A workers meeting, initially planned for 8 March was postponed. It is undetermined when the meet will be held. Flights may continue to be cancelled until further notice. Failed negotiations may lead to an indefinite strike. Unless the strike is averted by negotiations, expect and prepare for sudden cancellations or severe delays at airports.
Contact the airline (https://www.austrian.com/fr/en/flight-status-and-timetable#/) to stay informed about the status of your flights, potential disruptions, or changes in schedule. Consider alternate airlines or reschedule plans to minimise inconvenience. If affected by cancellations, know your compensation rights.
Over the upcoming summer months, Sun D'or International Airlines from Israel will adjust its flight schedules for several European destinations due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. These destinations include Naples in Italy, Porto in Portugal, Zagreb in Croatia, Ljubljana in Slovenia, and Belgrade in Serbia.
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Contact the airline/travel agent to stay informed about the status of your flights, potential disruptions, or changes in schedule. Use alternate airlines or reschedule plans to minimise inconvenience. If affected by cancellations, know your compensation rights.?
Middle East and Asia Pacific
On 6 March, the Indian Supreme Court banned Tiger Safaris in the core zones of the Jim Corbett National Park. Safaris may be conditionally permitted in the peripheral and buffer zones, including the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bijrani Range, Jhirna Zone in the Sona Nadi Range, Dhela Safari Zone, Dhikala Zone, Durga Devi Zone and Sitabani Wildlife Reserve.
It is currently undetermined when the ban will be lifted. Consider exploring alternative activities or areas within the park until the ban is lifted. Additionally, check with local authorities or tour operators for the latest information and guidelines before planning your visit.
Warnings were issued for thunderstorms, flooding, hail, strong winds, and dust storms across the UAE for 8-10 March. Dubai Airports and Metro issued an advisory to travellers, warning of possible delays and cancellations due to the adverse weather. In Sharjah, all public parks will remain closed until further notice. All roads leading to valleys and mountains were to be closed throughout the country. Travellers were advised to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel.
If travelling in these areas, be cautious and consult local meteorological reports wherever available. Flooding can be predicted. It is advised to refrain from marine activities. Essential services, including transportation, may be disrupted. Expect and prepare for sudden visibility changes. If driving, it is advised to slow down, increase the following distance, and use low-beam headlights. Contact your airline to stay informed about the status of your flight and potential disruptions. If you are affected by cancellations, know your compensation rights.?
On 7 March, the US Embassy in Moscow issued an alert for potential terrorist activity in the city. US citizens were advised to avoid large public gatherings, including concerts, until at least 9 March. Be vigilant and alert in your surroundings.
Stay informed about the latest security situation by monitoring local media. Minimize safety risks by avoiding all public and political gatherings. Avoid public spaces that could be targets for extremists, including embassies, airports, hotels, concerts, and other densely populated areas.
On 12 March, the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force will hold military exercises and drills with live weapons, missiles, warplanes and other defence equipment at the Pokhran Range. The Prime Minister, other high-profile politicians and defence officers are expected to present at the venue. Due to the heavy VVIP movement, security may be heightened across the city. Traffic restrictions and extensive security checking are possible.
Nearby airspaces may be temporarily closed. Avoid travelling in the area until the military drills conclude. Expect and prepare for additional security at transportation hubs and tourist spots. Plan your outings accordingly. Use alternate routes to minimize inconvenience. Follow any other advice from local authorities. Check with your airline/airports to stay updated about any potential schedule changes.
China has expanded its 15-day visa-free entry to six additional European countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, allowing citizens from specified nations to enjoy visa-free entry from 14 March to 30 November, for various purposes like business, tourism, visiting family and friends, and transit. In January, China signed reciprocal agreements with Thailand and Singapore for a permanent waiver of tourist visa requirements.
Additionally, in November last year, China unveiled a trial program granting visitors from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia visa-free access for 15 days, effective December 1, 2023. China has also eased restrictions for travellers from the United States, removing requirements for proof of round-trip flight booking, hotel reservation, organized itinerary, or invitation letter, as announced by the Chinese embassy in Washington on 29 December 2023. For additional information, travelers are advised to contact their travel agents or the respective embassy, prior to airline and accommodation bookings. Plan ahead to avoid inconveniences. Check with the airline for additional information regarding bookings.
Africa
The Deputy Upper West Regional Director of Public Health has reported the deaths of 4 people due to meningitis. There have been 18 additional cases since January 2024. The deceased persons resided in 5 of the 11 municipal/districts in the Upper West region.
The general traveller's exposure risk will vary from place to place, but it may be high in some localities. Travellers to African countries in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, e.g., Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, C?te d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Togo and Uganda during the dry season (December to June) can reduce the risk of exposure to meningitis by obtaining vaccination against meningitis before travelling in these countries.
On 7 March, gunmen abducted more than 100 students from the LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga town. This is considered the largest mass school abduction in the country since 2014. The whereabouts of the students remain unknown.? A search and rescue operation is underway by the Nigerian military.? Increased security measures, including patrols, have been implemented in the area. Due to the ongoing security concerns in Kaduna State, many countries advise their citizens to exercise extreme caution or avoid non-essential travel to the region.
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1 年Always timely info Sitata !!
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1 年Much needed information.