More Than 100 Killed in Moscow Concert Attack
North and Central America
The US government has been facilitating non-commercial flights for the evacuation of U.S. citizens in Haiti due to ongoing violence. Only U.S. citizens possessing valid identification documents will be permitted to board these flights. Those requiring assistance must fill out the "Crisis Response Form" to notify the U.S. Embassy of their evacuation request, accessible via the link: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake. For more information, click here.
On 21 March, tensions at the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez border escalated into a violent clash between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and National Guard troops, along with a large group of migrants attempting to reach the border wall. Security measures have been tightened in the El Paso sector, with a potential increase in National Guard presence.? Local officials are urging for calm and urging migrants to follow established procedures for asylum claims.
South America??
Continuous heavy rains and strong winds caused major disruptions in Florida. On 19 March, adverse weather conditions caused the overflow of the Santa Lucía Chico River, forcing the closure of the Piedra Alta bridge. Trees were uprooted, and roads were blocked. Residents were evacuated as houses were flooded. More than 1,900 people remain displaced. Around 95,000 houses were affected by power outages. 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.
JetBlue will suspend flights to Lima, Quito, and Bogota as a cost-cutting measure. In addition to these destinations, multiple route cuts will be implemented due to unprofitability. Click here for more information. Check with your travel agent or the airline to determine if your travel plans are affected. If impacted by cancellations, know your compensation rights. Reschedule your travel plans or use alternate airlines or modes of transport to minimize inconvenience.
Through mid-March 2024, active transmission of yellow fever in humans has been reported in Colombia (3 fatal cases), Peru (2 cases with 1 death), and Guyana (2 cases). In Colombia, yellow fever transmission occurred in the departments of Putumayo, Bolivar, and Sucre. In Peru, transmission occurred in San Martin and Madre de Dios. In Guiana, transmission occurred in Siparuni. 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.
Flight operations will be suspended at the Mariscal Sucre airport, Quito on the following dates due to runway maintenance works:
From 02:00 to 12:00 hours (local time)
From 02:00 to 14:00 hours (local time)
Check with your travel agent or the airline to determine if your travel plans are affected. If impacted by cancellations, know your compensation rights. Reschedule your travel plans or use alternate airlines/modes of transport to minimize inconvenience.
Europe
On 21 March, the French education ministry announced that over the past week, at least 30 schools in the Paris region had received threatening messages accompanied by footage of beheadings. The messages came through the ENT digital platform or the Pronote software used by the education ministry. At least five high schools in the department of Yvelines received bomb threats between 20 and 21 March. In Seine-et-Marne, a secondary school received a message saying that explosives had been hidden throughout the establishment. No bombs have been found. Increased security is likely.
Other similar incidents and threats are possible over the coming days. If travelling in France, exercise increased caution and avoid public places that might be targets for extremists. Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. Follow the advice of the local authorities. Prepare for delays due to extensive security checks. Be vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to the concerned authorities.
On 24 March, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal raised the Vigipirate level to its maximum level of "emergency attack" across France, after an attack in Moscow left over 137 dead and many others injured. The attack has been claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State. Exceptional security measures may be in place at public places like train stations, airports and religious sites. The level will be in place for a limited time. Be alert and vigilant of your surroundings. Exercise caution and avoid public places that might be targeted by extremists. Follow the instructions of local authorities at all times to avoid attracting undue suspicion.
On 21 and 22 March, missile attacks were reported in several cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv and Kharkiv. On 21 March, at least 17 people reported injuries in Kyiv and the surrounding regions. The strikes damaged schools, residential buildings, and industrial facilities in Kyiv. Ukraine's military said it had destroyed all inbound missiles launched by Russia, but damage was caused by falling debris. Air raid sirens were sounded for nearly three hours. On 22 March, over 15 blasts were reported in the Kharkiv region.
Strikes targeting the power supply caused partial blackouts and stopped some water pumps. No casualties were reported. According to Ukrainian officials, several Russian missiles were still moving towards targets in Ukraine. Further strikes are likely. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Ukraine at this time due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. If in Ukraine, avoid travelling to the war-affected areas, as there may be water shortages, power outages, a lack of hospitals and emergency services, and damage to infrastructure such as roads, transportation, and communication systems. Follow the advice of the local authorities.
领英推荐
Middle East and Asia Pacific
During the Holy Week, several railway operators, including Light Rail Transit Line (LRT-1), LRT-2, and Metro Rail Transit-3, have announced a temporary suspension of their operations due to scheduled annual maintenance activities. All railway services are set to resume on 1 April. Specific disruptions include LRT-1 operations from Baclaran Station to Fernando Poe Jr. Station being halted from 27 March to 31 March, LRT-2 operations from Antipolo Station to Recto Station suspended from 28 March to 31 March, and LRT-3 operations from North Avenue Station to Taft Ave. Station being halted from 28 March to 31 March. To stay informed about disruption status, contact the rail operator and make alternate transportation plans to minimize inconvenience, while adhering to the advice of local authorities.
On 22 March, the National Security Bureau (NSB) cautioned Taiwanese citizens against travelling to Hong Kong, citing concerns stemming from the recent enactment of the national security law by the Hong Kong Legislative Council, known as Article 23. This legislation, endorsed by China, grants the government expanded powers to suppress dissent.
Taiwanese travellers are urged by NSB authorities to exercise discretion regarding their social media activity and refrain from criticising China's political or economic policies. The government remains vigilant regarding the risks faced by Taiwanese citizens in Hong Kong. For further information, travellers are advised to consult their travel agents or embassy officials before making travel arrangements. Advance planning is recommended to minimize inconveniences, and adherence to local laws is essential.
On 22 March, around 20:00 hours (local time), at least 137 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in a shooting by armed men at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow promptly issued a security alert advising American citizens to steer clear of the Crocus City Hall vicinity in Krasnogorsk due to the ongoing terrorist incident. The alert further informed that due to limitations on embassy personnel and the suspension of operations at U.S. consulates in Russia, routine or emergency services for U.S. citizens are severely constrained, especially in regions distant from the U.S. embassy in Moscow.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Initially, five suspects were identified, of whom four have been arrested. Security measures have been increased at all airports, railway stations, subways, and bus terminals in Moscow. All mass gatherings, theatres, and museums were closed for the weekend. Be vigilant and alert to your surroundings. Stay informed about the latest security situation by monitoring the local media. Minimize safety risks by avoiding all public gatherings. Avoid public spaces that could be targets for extremists, including embassies, airports, hotels, concerts, and other densely populated areas. Many countries currently advise against all travel to Russia.
On 24 March, around 06:20 hours (local time), a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck about 88 km from Wewak, East Sepik province. At least 5 people were killed and 1000 houses were destroyed across the province. The death toll is expected to rise. A state of emergency was declared as the province has already been affected by flooding since early March. Recovery operations are underway. Aftershocks are possible after a major earthquake. Follow the advice of local authorities. If planning to travel to the affected area, be prepared for damaged infrastructure, and disrupted transportation and communication systems.
From 22 March to 26 May, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket matches will be played at stadiums in 12 Indian cities. International and national players will participate in the tournament. The cities include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mohali, Mullanpur, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam. A travel rush can be expected near stadiums in these cities. Traffic restrictions may also be introduced. Increased security can be expected at airports due to the VIP movement. The schedule is available at https://www.iplt20.com/matches/fixtures.
Be prepared for extra police presence, crowds around the stadiums, and road closures before/after the match. To minimize safety risks, avoid the area of high-profile sporting events. In the event of stampedes, 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. Minimize safety risks by being vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
There are reports of an increasing number of patients diagnosed with Hepatitis B infections in the Makkah and Jeddah areas. The Saudi Ministry of Health attributes the increases to unsafe practices of dental care, beauty salons, and the use of drugs. Travellers should be aware that hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination. When there is a risk of exposure to hepatitis B virus, travellers can reduce this risk by exercising caution and avoiding contact with body fluids, unscreened blood transfusions and unsterilized needles and syringes.
Turkish Airlines announced heightened entry and security protocols for travellers to Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba and Brazil. Travellers will be subjected to these additional checkings at airports in Turkey, before boarding their flights to the 5 Latin American countries. These controls were introduced to prevent potential entry refusals upon arrival. Click here to learn the entry requirements in detail. Arrive at the airport well in advance. Expect and prepare for extensive security checks and baggage screening. Long queues and increased wait times are likely at the airports. Ensure all appropriate documentation is in order to avoid further delays. Follow any other advice from airport authorities.
Africa?
Since 18 March, the Ugandan security forces have been on high alert following reports that militants of the Allied Democratic Forces, a rebel group linked to the Islamic State, entered Uganda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Terrorist attacks are anticipated in major cities, particularly at places of worship, schools, and public events. The military presence may have been heightened in high-risk areas. Be vigilant and alert to your surroundings. Stay informed about the latest security situation by monitoring the 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, tourist spots, and other densely populated areas. Report any suspicious activity to the local authorities. Avoid touching any unclaimed objects in public places.
On 18 March, Tunisian authorities announced the closure of the Ras Ajdir border crossing with Libya due to security reasons amid armed clashes on the Libyan side. Travellers should contact the respective authorities to understand the regulations and restrictions of their destination country. Be vigilant and monitor political developments regularly before travelling to stay informed about any potential conflict. Cooperate with the authorities at all times. Avoid travelling near military and border outposts.
The African Centre for Disease Control has recorded almost 6,800 suspected and confirmed cases of dengue fever in five countries, specifically Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe, and Senegal. The lowest number of cases was reported in Sao Tome and Principe (9 cases) and the highest in Mauritius (2433 cases). Four deaths occurred due to this infectious disease. 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 trip and activities during travel. Severe dengue and death are relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently in those visiting friends and relatives. 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, since it is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus.
Disclaimer: This newsletter and all of the information it contains are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The newsletter is a summary of travel and health-risk events in the world on a given date and is provided as a service to our customers or readers. Sitata Inc. and its affiliates and/or subsidiaries are not responsible for the accuracy of the reporting. The use of this information is at your own risk. ?