Taiwan Advises Against Travel to Cuba Amid Passport Entry Concerns
North and Central America
So far this year, almost 1,100 people infected with dengue fever have been reported in Costa Rica. In Panama, almost 1,500 cases, including two deaths, 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 the trip. Severe dengue and death are relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently 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 people 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, since it is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus.
United Airlines is expected to resume flights between New York/Newark (EWR) and Tel Aviv (TLV). Initially suspended in October due to safety concerns related to the Israeli-Hamas conflict, flights are expected to restart on 2 and 4 March, with a layover in Munich (MUC). United aims to reestablish direct, non-stop flights to Tel Aviv starting on 6 March.
South America ?
As of 20 February, close to 350 soldiers were deployed in Segovia, El Bagre and Zaragoza due to recent clashes between the army and the Clan del Golfo. Five soldiers were killed and others were injured. Food, medicine, and fuel shortages were reported.
Be vigilant and monitor political developments regularly before travel to stay informed about any potential conflict. Check with your travel agent or the embassy to know if your travel plans have been impacted. Avoid travel near military and border outposts.
As of 20 February, at least 33 people were killed as floods hit Bolivia after continuous heavy rains. On 17 February, three people were killed and multiple others were injured in Achocalla due to a landslide. Houses and vehicles were buried. Close to 63 municipalities were affected in the departments of La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Tarija, Beni, Chuquisaca, Potosí, and Oruro.
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 local authorities.
Effective 1 April, LATAM airline will suspend direct flight services between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires for operational reasons. Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, Jetsmart and Gol will operate services on this route. 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.
Europe
On 22 February, at around 17:30 hours (local time), a fire broke out on the fourth floor of a residential building at the intersection of General Avilés and Maestro Rodrigo streets. Aided by strong winds, the fire spread to the rest of the building within half an hour. At least four people were killed, and fifteen others reported injuries. At least fourteen others remain missing. Burning segments fell to the pavement, and several small explosions were reported. Authorities declared three days of mourning and suspended the start of the month-long annual Valencia Fallas festival. If travelling in the area, plan alternate routes in case of road closures.
On 22 February, the Eiffel Tower remained closed to visitors due to renewable strike action by workers affiliated with the CGT and FO unions. The strike is in protest over the way the monument is managed financially. The strike began on 19 February. The tower's operator, SETE, has warned of further disruption and a possible extension of the closure. Follow any advice from local authorities (or local emergency personnel). Check the website before you go or postpone your visit. Visitors with e-tickets should check their mailbox.
Middle East and Asia Pacific
UAE's Rayna Tours is set to host tourism roadshows,(UAE Leisure Roadshow), for promotional purposes across three cities. The events will take place at The Westin Chennai Velachery in Chennai on February 26th, the Marriott Hotel Kochi in Edapally on February 28th, and The Leela Palace in Bengaluru on March 1st.
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With potentially hundreds of spectators expected at these gatherings, attendees are urged to minimize safety risks by avoiding large crowds to prevent stampedes and to anticipate delays due to traffic congestion. It is recommended to plan your outings accordingly, utilize alternate routes to mitigate inconvenience, and adhere to any additional advice provided by local authorities.
On 20 February, authorities introduced restrictions on electricity consumption of up to 400 MW during peak hours throughout Uzbekistan. This is due to the deficit in the energy system due to low temperatures. The restrictions will be in place until weather conditions improve. Authorities also closed all methane gas filling stations across the country following the shutdown of several gas processing plants after strong winds led to power line damage in the Bukhara region.
Power outages are possible nationwide in the coming days. Expect and prepare for a limited power supply. Keep your cellphone batteries charged, and surge-protect your appliances. Switch off all non-essential electrical appliances to avoid power surges when the power resumes. Monitor the local media for updates on restrictions that may impact your travel plans. Follow the advice of the local authorities.
On 20 February, the Foreign Ministry issued a recommendation that Taiwanese travellers should avoid visiting Cuba. The advisory came in as reports revealed that travellers with Taiwanese passports were denied entry to Cuba in December 2023. The authorities at Taiwan's Latin America and Caribbean Ministry have stated that it is still unclear if Taiwanese passports are being accepted by Cuban customs.
For this reason, travellers should postpone their visit to Cuba until the information is verified. Information of Cuban government websites regarding the matter is inconsistent, as per Foreign Ministry officials in Taipei. For additional information, travellers are advised to contact their travel agents or the embassy officials, prior to airline and accommodation bookings. Plan ahead to avoid inconveniences. Follow local laws.
?
On 21 February, the local authorities of Kota Kinabalu decided to boost security in and around Gaya Street. The security arrangements are being strengthened to ensure the safety of locals and tourists visiting the street during the weekends. Several incidents of muggings have been reported in the area, especially after the evening hours (local time). Many of these were isolated cases and not organized crimes, as per the police officials.
It is undetermined when the police activity will end. Exercise increased caution if travelling in the area. Plan alternate routes to minimize inconvenience. Be alert and vigilant about your surroundings. Report any suspicious activity to the police. Follow any advice from local authorities..
Africa?
The outbreak of diphtheria that caused 3,445 cases in 2023 has expanded. During the first 5 weeks of this year (2024), almost 1,200 cases and 5 deaths have been registered. On average, there are 237 suspected cases reported every week. About 1 out of 10 adults and as many as 1 out of 5 children younger than 5 years who get diphtheria die. Travellers are reminded that outbreaks of the highly contagious diphtheria bacteria can occur anywhere in the world at any time. Travellers should also be aware that the international commercial production of diphtheria antitoxin used to treat this disease is extremely limited. The success of vaccination campaigns has greatly reduced demand for this biological product.
Travellers can reduce their risk of this infection by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations, including diphtheria, are up-to-date before travelling. By avoiding becoming infected, travellers do not run the risk of finding that there are no treatments available.
On 27 and 28 February, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will hold a nationwide mass protest to denounce economic hardships, including the recent removal of fuel subsidies. Many other essential and non-essential services may be suspended. Demonstrations may be staged at common protest sites in major cities. There is a high risk of violent clashes between protesters and local security personnel. Airport operations may also be impacted. Stay informed about potential protests and large gatherings in the area.
Minimize safety risks by avoiding all demonstrations since they may become violent unexpectedly. Expect and prepare for delays due to traffic congestion. Plan alternate routes to avoid inconveniences. There may be an increased number of police or security personnel. Public and private transportation may be affected.
Between 21 and 23 February, Storm ELEANOR caused heavy rains, damaging winds, and rough seas across Mauritius and Réunion Island. A cyclone warning was issued. Due to the anticipated poor weather, Air Mauritius cancelled/rescheduled several flights. The SSR International Airport in Port Louis was closed. Maximum wind gusts were estimated between 95-130 km/h. It is always advisable to consult the latest official weather reports from local meteorological agencies before travelling to a region that may have recently experienced extreme weather events.
The storm could lead to flooding and landslides, and high winds may cause severe damage and dangerous sea conditions. Contact the airline/airport and stay informed about the status of the disruptions to plan accordingly. If affected by flight cancellations, know your compensation rights.
Health authorities in Ituri have reported an outbreak of bubonic plague. Approximately 50 infected people have been reported. Five patients have died from their infections. The two major forms of plague are bubonic plague (most common; acquired through flea bites) and pneumonic plague (most severe due to infection of the lungs). While the risk of exposure for the general traveller is usually very low, the risk can be higher for campers and hikers who may come into contact with wildlife that carries the fleas that are infected with the plague. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure to the plague by taking all necessary measures to avoid flea bites in areas where the plague commonly occurs.
When an outbreak of plague involves a significant number of pneumonic cases, the risk for travellers may be high if there is close contact (within 2 meters) with ill patients who are coughing. People close by may inhale the bacteria from the coughing patient. While the risk for most travellers is low, travellers should minimize the risk by avoiding close contact (within 2 meters) with ill patients who are coughing.
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.?