Deadly Clashes Erupt in Syria as Violence Escalates
Americas
So far this year (2025), 15,331 people have been reported to be infected with the chikungunya fever virus. Of these, at least 16 people have died from their infections. While the risk of exposure for travellers may vary from place to place, it may be high in some localities. All travellers to areas where the chikungunya fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure to this virus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with chikungunya fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. This may account for the low numbers of reported cases in many countries. There may be many more cases in the community that are not reported. Chikungunya virus infections may have long-lasting health consequences, with joint pains lasting almost 2 years after the initial infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a vaccine (Ixchiq) for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to the chikungunya virus. Travellers are reminded that the mosquito that transmits chikungunya fever may also transmit dengue fever and the Zika virus.
On 09 March, a devastating storm struck Bahía Blanca, unleashing over 400mm of rain in just eight hours. Catastrophic flooding claimed 13 lives, left two children missing, and forced over 1,300 evacuations. Roads, homes, and hospitals were inundated, causing widespread destruction and power outages. Rescue operations continue as displaced residents seek shelter, while frustration grows over the city’s infrastructure and preparedness. The government has allocated 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) for emergency relief. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall also impacted Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires, though with lesser damage. Recovery efforts are ongoing.
Europe
On 4 March, Serbian opposition lawmakers threw smoke grenades and used pepper spray during the legislative session at the parliament to protest against the government and to support ongoing student-led demonstrations. One person suffered a stroke and three others reported injuries. Hundreds of protestors also gathered outside the building. Further unrest and disruptions are possible.?
From 5 March, the Polderbaan runway at Schiphol Airport will be closed for landings between 10:00 and 12:00 hours (local time) on sunny days. This is due to a glare caused by a nearby solar park between the Rotterpolderplein junction and Zwanenburg. The measure will apply until 23 March or earlier if another solution is found. Contact your airline and stay informed about the status of the disruptions at the airport. In case of cancellations, know your compensation rights. Expect and prepare for residual delays.
On 3 March, at around 12:15 hours (local time), at least two people were killed after a vehicle drove into a pedestrian area along Planken shopping street in Mannheim. Eleven others reported injuries. The suspect shot and injured himself and was later arrested. Heightened security measures remain in place across Germany amid outdoor carnivals linked to Easter celebrations.
Middle East and Asia Pacific
As of 9 March, at least 1000 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s Latakia and Tartous regions. Authorities have closed all roads leading to the coastal regions, and a curfew remains in effect. Fighters linked to Assad have ambushed military forces and seized positions in Latakia’s mountains and Jableh. Security forces are conducting operations to regain control. Reports indicate executions and attacks on civilians, with fears of sectarian violence rising. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa accused former regime elements and foreign actors of inciting unrest. A government committee has been formed to investigate the violence. Further clashes are possible. Many countries advise against all travel to Syria due to the dangerous safety and security situation.
The World Health Organization has provided recent statistics on the increase in reported cases of dengue fever in the southeastern provinces of Yemen. Through January (2025), almost 1,500 cases have been registered. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities where dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes are found. The risk of acquiring dengue during travel depends on the destination, season, duration of the trip, and activities during travel. Severe dengue and death are relatively rare in general travellers but more frequent in those visiting friends and relatives. All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate. Travellers should also be aware that where the dengue fever virus is active, there is a possibility in some locations that the chikungunya virus may be present also since it is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus.
On 5 March, at least one civilian was injured as clashes between Pakistani and Taliban forces continued at the Torkham border crossing. Several houses in the border area were also damaged. Heavy weapons were used by both sides, primarily targeting checkpoints and military installations. The crossing has remained closed since 22 February due to a dispute over a Taliban security outpost. Further clashes are possible. Be vigilant and alert in your surroundings. Avoid travel to the affected area at this time.
On 9 March, Russian forces claimed to have recaptured the villages of Malaya Lokhnya, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Kositsa, north of Sudzha, in the Kursk region. Russian officials stated that operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining Ukrainian forces in the area. Reports suggest Russian special forces infiltrated Ukrainian positions via a gas pipeline near Sudzha. The Ukrainian military stated that the attempt was detected and repelled using artillery, rockets, and drones. Many countries advise against all travel to Russia at this time due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
From 3 March, the Thai Department of Disease Control has tightened disease control measures at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The measures are aimed at curbing the outbreak of an unknown illness in Congo. There will be temperature checks and passengers arriving from the African nation will be required to provide the addresses and contact details in Thailand. Those travelling from Congo within the last 21 days should also complete a health reporting form upon arrival. Follow any advice from local authorities (or local emergency personnel). Those returning to Thailand are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell and inform healthcare providers about their travel history. Check with your travel agent or travel provider to determine if your travel plans were affected. The initial symptoms of the mysterious illness include fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, fatigue, or exhaustion. Reach the airport well in advance and prepare for delays due to extensive security checks. Exercise increased caution and be vigilant of your surroundings.
From 14 to 24 March and 28 March to 01 April, a travel rush can be expected at the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints due to the school holidays and Hari Raya Puasa festivities. During peak periods, up to three hours of waiting time for immigration clearance is possible. Authorities have reminded travellers to ensure that their passports have a remaining validity of at least six months before embarking on their journey. Allow extra time for road travel due to the possible traffic congestion. Motorists are urged to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints. Queue-cutting will not be allowed. Those travelling via four-wheelers are encouraged to use QR codes in lieu of passports for faster and more convenient immigration clearance. Visit the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for traffic updates.
Africa
On 4 March, the US Embassy in Somalia issued a security alert regarding the potential for attacks in multiple locations across the country, including Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. Attack methods may include car bombs, suicide bombers, individual assailants, and mortar fire. All movements of US Embassy personnel were cancelled until further notice. In response to the warnings, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have suspended flights to Mogadishu until at least 12 March. The US Department of State has maintained its level-four travel advisory (“Do not travel”) for Somalia due to risks such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health concerns, kidnapping, and piracy. Travellers are advised to contact their airline for updates, rebooking, or refund options. If you are currently in Mogadishu, enroll in your embassy’s travel registration program for emergency updates and assistance. Avoid public spaces that could be targets for extremists, including embassies, airports, hotels, tourist spots, and other densely populated areas. Report any suspicious activity to local authorities. Avoid touching any unclaimed objects at public places.
So far this year (2025), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control & Prevention has reported 221 suspected cases of yellow fever. The infected people were reported by 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In areas where the yellow fever virus is active, the risk for an unvaccinated traveller may be high. For the vaccinated traveller, the risk is essentially zero. Travellers to areas where there is a risk of exposure to yellow fever can reduce that risk by obtaining a yellow fever vaccination 10 days before travelling. In addition, travellers should take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Travellers are reminded that many other countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival for all travellers equal to or greater than 9-12 months of age arriving from a country where there is a risk of yellow fever.?
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