On March 11, the World Health Organization officially classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, indicating that every location is likely to be affected, though the exact timing and impact cannot be predicted. Non-essential international and domestic travel should be deferred due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global logistical environment, healthcare systems in all locations, the global economy, the potential for second-order security issues in the short, medium and longer term, as well as the risk of infection with COVID-19. A new virus, SARS-CoV-2, is the cause of COVID-19 disease. The WHO is still learning about the virus and the illness it causes. The disease is spreading from person to person, through contact with infected respiratory droplets. The disease is a mild illness for most; however, it can be severe or fatal to high risk groups.
For more information on confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, refer to the latest Situation Report on the World Health Organization (WHO) website by clicking here. For more general information on the outbreak and WHO’s response, click here.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IMPLEMENTED WORLDWIDE
A number of countries have relaxed some restrictions that aimed to contain the spread of COVID-19. This includes the relaxation of restrictions on internal movement, reopening of businesses and a resumption of some domestic and international travel. Nevertheless, strict measures remain in place, or are being reimposed, in some locations where there is increasing case activity. In some locations all travel should continue to be deferred, while for others essential travel can resume after undertaking an individual risk assessment of the COVID-19 situation and entry restrictions, including the potential for sudden changes.
Countries around the world are implementing entry restrictions in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. For the most upto-date information on current entry restrictions, please visit IATA’s “Government Measures Related to Coronavirus (COVID19)” website by clicking here.
FROSCH TRAVEL RESOURCES
AMERICAS
UNITED STATES
Travelers should monitor developments and follow all official directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most states have begun to lift restrictions on mobility and non-essential businesses, though some have halted reopening plans due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases within at least 40 of the 50 states. The varied impact of the outbreak and local pressure by constituents has led state governors to reopen businesses and lift stay-at-home orders; however, some have issued mandates on wearing masks in public places and quarantining when returning from certain states with high case numbers. More than 3.8 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the United States, with increased activity in the South and West.
CALIFORNIA
Travelers in California should reconfirm the status of routes and follow official directives linked to an ongoing wildfire. The Bond Fire in Orange County remains uncontained. It has spread to an area of nearly 11 square miles and is expected to advance further over the weekend. Mandatory Evacuation Orders are in place for communities in the affected area, and thousands of residents are currently without power. The Willow Fire in San Diego County has been contained. All Evacuation Orders have been lifted and all roads have been reopened.
COLORADO
Travelers in Colorado should continue to plan journeys accounting for disruption due to ongoing wildfires. The two remaining fires, the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires, have become the first and second largest in the state’s history. They have also prompted the closure of several major roadways in Larimer and Grand counties. Travelers in affected areas should reconfirm the status of routes and follow all official directives.
NEVADA
Travelers in Washoe County, NV should plan journeys accounting for disruption due to an ongoing wildfire. The Pinehaven Fire began on November 17 in the county seat Reno, near Pinehaven Road and Sierra Pine Drive, and has prompted mandatory evacuations for Washoe residents, particularly west of Reno. Parts of South McCarran Boulevard are closed. The Mayor of Reno has signed an emergency declaration and urged people to avoid affected areas. Power in multiple neighborhoods in affected areas has been cut as a precaution.
WYOMING
Travelers in Wyoming should continue to plan journeys accounting for disruption due to multiple ongoing wildfires which have prompted the closure of several major roads, as well as mandatory Evacuation Orders and PreEvacuation Notices for multiple counties. Travelers in affected areas should reconfirm the status of routes and follow all official directives.
BRAZIL
Travelers in the southern states of Parana, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Sao Paulo in the coming days should anticipate disruption due to forecast severe storms. Travelers should plan journeys accordingly. The southern region has experienced significant rainfall over the past few days. Brazil’s weather agency, MetSul, has issued an alert for these southern areas in anticipation of flooding and potential mudslides. A cyclonic storm has been positioned off the coast of southern Brazil since last weekend, causing heavy rains and strong winds.
CHILE
Travelers in urban centers on December 10 should avoid anti-government protests due to the risk of unrest. Various activist groups are demanding the release of demonstrators arrested during the October 2019 protests over subway fare hikes. Protesters will gather at 11:00 AM local time at the Plaza de la Constitucion in Santiago; related rallies are expected to take place in other urban centers. Anti-government protests frequently turn violent, often involving the use of tough crowd-control measures and clashes between protesters and security forces.
COLOMBIA
Authorities said that a Spanish national was kidnapped on December 5 in Toribio municipality. The incident occurred while the victim was driving to the city of Neiva. He was intercepted at an illegal checkpoint by a group of unknown gunmen. The victim, who had been living in Colombia since March, regularly traveled to the remote Amazon region. Authorities have said that efforts are underway to secure his release. Travel to areas of high guerrilla, criminal, and paramilitary activity should be for essential business purposes only.
ECUADOR
Throughout December, travelers in Guayaquil should anticipate heightened security amid an ongoing police operation to combat a recent increase in violent crime. 500 police officers have been deployed to the city to focus on crimes associated with drug trafficking and territory control. Authorities are also considering deploying the National Guard. Travelers should monitor developments and abide by all official directives. Police operations can develop into confrontations with criminal groups, which would pose incidental risks to bystanders.
HAITI
Throughout December, travelers in Haiti, particularly Port-au-Prince, should anticipate disruption and avoid demonstrations associated with upcoming Presidential, Legislative, and Local Elections to be held in January. While President Jovenel Moise confirmed that elections will take place in January, a specific date has not been announced. Opposition elements in the country have denounced the notion of holding elections while Moise remains in power. The protracted political crisis has caused many unruly demonstrations, which are likely to continue in the lead-up to and in the aftermath of the elections.
HONDURAS
Travelers due to travel via Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP), which serves San Pedro Sula, should reconfirm flights and make alternative transport arrangements. Flooding and damage linked to the recent passage of weather systems, including tropical storms Eta and Iota, has prompted the closure of the airport until at least December 31. Local reports suggest the closure may persist into January-February 2021. All scheduled flights are being rerouted to other Honduran airports.
MEXICO
Travelers in Morelos, Puebla and Tlaxcala states, as well as Mexico City, should monitor developments and follow official directives linked to increased activity at Popocatepetl Volcano. According to the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED), volcanic gas and ash emissions reaching 20,000 feet above sea level were recorded on November 29-30. While no Evacuation Orders have been issued, a “Yellow Phase 2” Alert remains in force (second highest on a three-tier scale, ‘prepare for possible evacuation’). A seven-mile exclusion zone is also in place around the volcano.
PARAGUAY
Travelers in Asuncion on December 10 should plan journeys bypassing a demonstration at the Plaza de los Desaparecidos to minimize travel delays. Participants will gather at 5:00 PM local time to commemorate Human Rights Day, as well as to demand reparations for human rights violations committed under the regime of former President Alfredo Stroessner Matiauda (in office 1954-89). While the event is expected to pass off peacefully, it will likely result in local traffic disruption.
VENEZUELA
Throughout December, travelers should avoid demonstrations linked to the upcoming National Assembly Elections due to the risk of unrest. The elections, to be held on December 6, have been denounced by domestic opposition, various foreign governments, and the Organization of American States as fraudulent. Opposition leaders have declared their intent to boycott the vote and have likewise organized various demonstrations, including a national day of protest on December 12. Associated demonstrations carry significant risk of unrest, including potential clashes between participants and security forces or pro-government paramilitaries. Travelers in country should exercise caution and minimize movement during related events.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Travelers in the Middle East should closely monitor developments following the high-profile killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, an Iranian scientist credited as a key player in that country’s nuclear program, on November 27. The incident will further heighten regional tensions between Iran and the US and its allies, as Iranian leaders have suggested foreign involvement and have vowed to respond. A direct military conflict between Iran and the US remains unlikely in the short-to-medium term, though Iran is likely to respond to the killing over the coming weeks through cyberattacks against Israeli interests.
Travelers should monitor developments around a new wave of desert locust infestation across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania. The swarms’ destruction of crops is likely to displace thousands of people and aggravate food insecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This, in turn, could exacerbate existing communal tensions, potentially resulting in an increase in unrest.
CAMEROON
Travelers in Yaounde and Douala should continue to exercise caution following the December 6 regional elections. A series of small explosions occurred in the run-up to the vote, including a bombing in the Bonaberi neighborhood of Douala that injured two people overnight on November 18-19. In the Nsam district of Yaounde, a similar explosion on November 1 injured nine people. Further such incidents are possible ahead of the release of election results.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
On December 3, the Constitutional Court disclosed the final list of candidates in the December 27 Presidential Election. The exclusion of former President Francois Bozize (in office 2003-13) is likely to trigger protests by his supporters in Bangui and Bozize’s home town of Bassangoa, where looting has also been reported. The Presidential Guard has pre-emptively cordoned off northern areas of Bangui’s PK11 and PK12 districts, and deployed around Bozize’s residence. Travelers should exercise caution and closely monitor developments ahead of the December 27 General Election. Those in Bangui should minimize movement as a precaution.
Travelers should continue to avoid all travel outside Bangui and restrict their movement to the city center. Clashes between government forces and rebel fighters from the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC) were reported on the evening of December 7. These took place on the outskirts of Bambari. These clashes underscore the extreme travel risk associated with rural areas, where armed groups, lawlessness and communal violence pose significant risks to travelers.
CHAD
Throughout December, travelers in Kabbia Department should abide by a local curfew following recent communal violence. Dozens were killed on November 23-25 in fighting between farmers and semi-nomadic cattle herders. Although a reconciliation ceremony took place on December 1, local authorities have extended the 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM local time curfew through December 15.
CONGO (DRC)
Further protests are likely in the coming days following President Tshisekedi’s decision to end the coalition between his Heading for Change (Cap pour le Changement, CACH) coalition and the Common Front for Congo (FCC) alliance. Scuffles between rival activists were reported on December 7 near the Palais du Peuple (the seat of the National Assembly and Senate) in Kinshasa. Further demonstrations by supporters of the FCC, the CACH and the opposition Lamuka coalition are likely and should be avoided due to the risk of local unrest. Besides Kinshasa, gatherings are likely in Haut-Katanga province, including its capital Lubumbashi, and in Kasai and Kasai-Central provinces.
CÔTE D’IVOIRE
From December 10, travelers in Cote d’Ivoire should plan journeys accounting for protests associated with a nationwide strike in the education sector. Travelers of the Union of Christian Confessional Schools of Cote d’Ivoire, supported by the Centrale Syndicale Humanisme union, have called for a 48-hour walkout over poor financial benefits and wages. While details of associated gatherings are unknown at present, flashpoint locations include the Ministry of Employment, Ministry of National Education, and Ministry of Finance buildings in Abidjan. Strike-related rallies are likely until December 12.
GHANA
Travelers in main cities should continue to avoid all gatherings linked to the December 7 General Election, as a precaution and to minimize inconvenience. Twelve candidates are contesting the presidential poll, most notably incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo, of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and his predecessor John Dramani Mahama (in office 2012-17), of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The Electoral Commission is due to announce the results before December 11. While the electoral period should pass off without major incident, in-country travelers should remain apprised of developments due to the possibility of spontaneous demonstrations and low-level security incidents.
GUINEA
Travelers scheduled to fly via Conakry Gbessia International Airport (CKY) in the coming days should anticipate disruption and reconfirm flight schedules due to an indefinite strike by airport staff. The industrial action, which commenced on December 7, is being observed over a staffing decision by the Ministry of Transport. The strike is affecting both inbound and outbound flights.
IRAQ
Travelers in Suleimaniyah governorate in the coming days should avoid further protests by teachers and other civil servants over unpaid wages due to the risk of local unrest. On December 7, protesters set fire to several political party offices in Said Sadiq, located approximately 37 miles southeast of Suleimaniyah City. At least one person was killed, and two others were reportedly injured, in clashes with security force personnel during a related demonstration in Chamchamal. Disruption to internet connectivity has been reported within Suleimaniyah governorate.
LEBANON
Travelers in Beirut over the coming hours should plan journeys avoiding the Ring Bridge and the Economy Ministry, where disruptive protests are reportedly ongoing. Demonstrators have gathered to denounce the removal of subsidies on certain basic goods such as wheat. Security forces are liable to use tough measures to disperse crowds. Any unrest would pose incidental risk to bystanders.
LIBERIA
Travelers in Liberia should closely monitor developments and avoid gatherings linked to the December 8 Senatorial Election and Constitutional Referendum as a precaution. Major political opposition parties have formed the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) alliance to boost their chances of securing a majority against the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). Political tensions are liable to rise closer to polling day and trigger further antigovernment demonstrations, including by the Council of Patriots (CoP) activist movement.
MALI
At least three people were killed, and two others injured, on December 5 when suspected militants attacked GoaCoura village. Previously, six people were killed, and three others injured, on November 26 by suspected Islamist militants in Dogofry village. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, though militant and jihadist activity contribute to Segou’s high travel risks and underline the need to avoid all non-essential travel to the region.
NIGER
Travelers in Niger should monitor developments and avoid all gatherings linked to the election campaign beginning December 5. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities intend to go ahead with the Legislative and Presidential Elections on December 27. A total of 30 candidates will compete in the first round of the Presidential vote. The threat of militant attacks during the election campaign and around the time of the vote will be heightened. Travelers should avoid all political gatherings as a precaution.
NIGERIA
Travelers in Lagos should expect significant travel disruption during repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge that began on November 21, and plan journeys accordingly. Until February 22, the Adekunle to Adeniji Adele end section of the island inbound lane of the bridge will be partially closed, during which traffic will be diverted.
A yellow fever outbreak affecting over 220 people in Enugu, Delta, Bauchi Benue and Ebonye states has been reported. Yellow fever is a potentially severe viral illness spread via mosquito bites. It can be prevented through vaccination and by avoiding mosquito bites. There is a risk of yellow fever throughout Nigeria. Vaccination is recommended for everyone over 9 months of age. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry for anyone over 9 months of age.
Travelers are reminded of the need for stringent security precautions during essential travel to Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states following a reported increase in bandit attacks. In Zamfara, suspected bandits killed at least four people on December 5 in the Talata Mafara local government area (LGA). In Kaduna, at least eight people were killed, and seven others injured, overnight on November 28-29 in a bandit attack on the village of Ungwan Bido in the Jemaa LGA. Most recently in Katsina, bandits attacked multiple villages in the Sabuwa LGA on November 28-29, killing at least seven people.
SAUDI ARABIA
Authorities on December 7 announced the interception of an armed drone launched by the Yemen-based Houthi rebel group. While no specific location was given, the projectile was reportedly targeting civilian areas in southern provinces. The Saudi Air Defense System remains capable of intercepting most projectiles launched by the Houthis. Nevertheless, the latest interception highlights the persistent risk of cross-border attacks. Travelers should exercise caution around potential targets, including government and military interests, energy infrastructure and airports.
SOMALIA
Travelers in Somalia should monitor developments following an announcement on December 3 by President Donald Trump that US troops would withdraw from Somalia by January 15, 2021. The 700 US military personnel stationed in Somalia will be redeployed to neighboring countries. The announcement comes ahead of Somalia’s upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections tentatively set for December 2020 and February 2021 respectively. In-country travelers should exercise caution amid the possibility of an uptick in attacks by the Islamist extremist movement al-Shabab, particularly around election-related events.
SOUTH AFRICA
Throughout December, travelers should exercise caution amid a wave of nationwide attacks on freight truck drivers by unknown groups. This has come amid calls by the National Truck Drivers Founders and All Truck Drivers Foundation (ATDF) for foreign drivers to vacate their jobs. Related protests have intensified since the ATDF’s ultimatum expired on December 1. Further such gatherings accompanied by bouts of unrest can be expected along major freeways. Further attacks on drivers are also likely.
SOUTH SUDAN
Travelers in Juba should anticipate a heightened security force presence and exercise increased caution following a grenade attack on the evening of December 6. Eight people were injured when an unidentified motorcyclist targeted a restaurant on Tombura Street. The incident is a reminder of the high travel risks associated with the city and the need for enhanced precautions when undertaking essential journeys there.
TUNISIA
Travelers in Sfax governorate in the coming days should anticipate and avoid further protests over gas cylinder shortages as a precaution and to minimize travel delays. On December 6, demonstrators temporarily blocked the P14 Motorway, near the town of Agareb, with burning tires. Further related protests are likely to occur and may similarly disrupt traffic along major routes.
UGANDA
Travelers across Uganda, particularly Central and Western regions, in the coming weeks should continue to avoid all electoral campaign rallies due to the risk of unrest. President Yoweri Museveni began his presidential campaign in the Western region on December 7, starting from the city of Mbarara. The rallies were well attended, and a heightened security forces presence was reported in surrounding areas. Travelers should continue to monitor developments and avoid related gatherings due to the credible risk of unrest.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
AFGHANISTAN
A bomb was discovered in Kabul’s Cinema Pamir area and defused by police on December 7. The intended target was a crowded civilian area. On the same day, at least 33 people were injured in a car bombing targeting a police headquarters in Damam district. The incidents highlight Afghanistan’s extreme travel risks and the need for dedicated security support when undertaking any movement.
AUSTRALIA
Throughout December, travelers should account for Fire Danger Warnings related to ongoing bushfires and follow all official directives. On December 1, bushfires continued to affect most parts of the Fraser Islands. A complete Fire Ban is currently in effect across seven regions in Queensland and New South Wales. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries and be prepared to defer or change plans at short notice.
Travelers in Australia until at least the end of February should continue to plan travel accounting for fire danger warnings related to ongoing bushfires and follow all official directives. As of December 7, bushfires continue to affect most parts of Fraser Island. Meanwhile, a complete fire ban remains in effect in parts of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia states. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries and be prepared to defer or change travel plans at short notice.
CHINA
Travelers in China should continue to defer non-essential travel to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR)’s Hulunbuir region and areas of Shanghai where COVID-19-related restrictions remain stringent. Two more areas in IMAR have been rated as ‘medium risk’ (middle level on a three-tier scale). While Shanghai’s Zhoupu town will be downgraded to ‘low risk’ starting December 5, Zhangjiang and Zhuqiao towns remain ‘medium risk’ areas. Normal movement can resume to Tianjin, where all areas have been re-classified as ‘low risk.’ Travelers should continue to monitor developments and reconfirm related restrictions before departure.
Travelers in China should defer non-essential travel to areas of Chengdu where COVID-19-related restrictions have been tightened, and continue to defer such travel to the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR)’s Hulunbuir region. In-country travelers can resume normal travel to Shanghai, where areas previously rated ‘medium risk’ (middle level on a three-tier scale) by authorities have been downgraded to ‘low risk’ from December 8. Travelers should also continue to confirm any remaining requirements at their original location and destination when planning travel to and from areas of Shanghai.
INDIA
Travelers in urban centers in the coming days should continue to expect significant disruption during ongoing farmers’ protests over new agriculture laws. Multiple border crossings between New Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh states have been closed due to ongoing protests. A nationwide bandh has been called for December 8, during which protesters plan to block the remaining roads to and related protests will be held by unions and opposition parties in urban centers nationwide. Meanwhile, around 10,000 farmers are expected to participate in a related protest in Bangalore from December 7-15.
Authorities are investigating an unknown illness that caused hundreds of people to fall sick in Eluru City. Tests have not determined the cause yet, although preliminary reports suggest presence of heavy metals in blood samples. Investigations are ongoing. Tests were negative for COVID-19, as well as other viral and bacterial infections. To minimize the risk of exposure, in-country travelers are advised to be vigilant of any unusual odors and pay attention to usual hygiene precautions (wash hands often, select safe food and water).
Since early October, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) intermittently recorded “Poor” to “Very Poor” levels on the Indian pollution measurement scale. Since then, air quality has been dipping frequently to “Severe” levels in some areas. Polluted air can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes and nose. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with underlying heart and lung disease (high-risk groups) are particularly vulnerable. To lessen the risk of potential health problems, travelers are advised to reduce exposure by decreasing time and physical activity outdoors.
INDONESIA
Throughout December, travelers in Indonesia should plan journeys accounting for disruption caused by heavy rains and flooding. Heavy rains are forecast to affect various parts of the country throughout December, including Jakarta. Adverse weather conditions may cause flooding and landslides. More recently, flooding and landslides have occurred in several areas, including North Sumatra and Central Java provinces. Travelers should reconfirm the feasibility of journeys before setting out.
Travelers in Lembata regency should monitor developments and follow official directives in the coming days amid continued volcanic activity at Mount Ile Lewotolok. Although the intensity of the activity has decreased since November 29, eruptions continue to affect nearby communities. Alert Level 3 (the second-highest on a four-tier scale) and a 2.5 mile exclusion zone remain in place around Lewotolok. Travelers should anticipate short-notice transport disruption, including at Wonopito Airport (LWE), in the event of an increase in this volcanic activity.
Travelers in Jakarta should monitor developments and avoid any protests over ongoing investigations into the leader of the hardline Front Pembela Islam (Islamic Defenders Front, FPI) Muhammad Rizieq Shihab (also known as Habib Rizieq). Tensions between authorities and Rizieq’s supporters are likely to increase following fatal clashes between both groups overnight on December 6-7. Further protests in light of these developments and ongoing investigations are likely in the coming days.
KAZAKHSTAN
Travelers in Kazakhstan should anticipate travel disruption due to adverse weather conditions until at least December 10. Fog, snowstorms, and severe frost have been forecast for most parts of the country. The national weather service (Kazhydromet) has issued storm alerts for Nur-Sultan, Akmola, Karaganda, Mangistau, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and Turkistan provinces. Adverse weather conditions are liable to prompt short-notice road closures and disruption to public utility and emergency response services. Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes prior to setting out.
NEPAL
Travelers in Nepal on December 14 should avoid nationwide protests by the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) party, due to the risk of unrest. The demonstrations are linked to the recent arrest of several NC officials for allegedly breaching prohibitory orders. Reports indicate related gatherings will take place in all 77 districts. While specific details are unclear, potential venues in Kathmandu include the Prime Minister’s residence in the Baluwatararea and Singha Durbar (Parliament). Demonstrators are liable to block roads, and police may use tough measures to disperse crowds. Any unrest would pose incidental risks to bystanders.
NEW CALEDONIA
Travelers in urban centers in the coming days should continue to anticipate protests over the planned sale of a large nickel plant in Goro, after a potential buyer pulled out of negotiations on December 8. According to local reports, demonstrators on December 7 burned tires and vehicles and set up roadblocks in Noumea and parts of South province. Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Additional short-notice protests by groups opposed to the sale are probable and should be avoided as a precaution, due to the risk of local unrest.
PAKISTAN
Travelers in urban centers in the coming weeks should continue to avoid opposition protests. Opposition parties plan to hold a series of rallies in Lahore from December 7, leading up to a large-scale demonstration on December 13 at Greater Iqbal Park to mark the end of the first phase of opposition protests. The December 13 gathering is expected to proceed despite a ban by authorities. Traffic disruption and heightened security measures can be expected around protest venues. While most of the protests are expected to be peaceful, scuffles between protesters and police remain possible.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Throughout December, travelers in Papua New Guinea, especially Port Moresby, should continue to expect heightened political tensions and avoid gatherings related to the ongoing political crisis. On November 30, the Supreme Court postponed the substantive hearing on the government’s and opposition’s competing claims over the recent Parliamentary suspensions until December 3. While no protests have yet been announced, additional police officers have been deployed and roadblocks have been established around the court and Parliament House as a precaution. Other flashpoints include Morauta House and Government House.
TAIWAN
Travelers in northern Taiwan until at least December 13 should anticipate disruption to rail services due to ongoing restoration on the lines connecting Taipei and the east coast, including Yilan. The Taiwan Railways Administration has suspended the Shen’ao Line, which runs through Ruifang in New Taipei and Zhongzheng in Keelung, due to an earlier landslide between Ruifang and Houtong train stations in New Taipei. Train delays were also reported on the Pingxi line in New Taipei. Meanwhile, replacement bus services are in operation.
VIETNAM
Throughout December, travelers in central and southern provinces should plan journeys accounting for disruption in areas affected by heavy rains and flooding. Persistent heavy rains since November 28 have flooded several areas in Khanh Hoa province. Authorities in Nha Trang evacuated around 2,400 people from residential zones due to flooding in low-lying areas. Disruption to road and rail services was also reported in Nha Trang and adjoining regions. The Khanh Le Pass and Nha Trang Railway Station remain blocked due to flooding. There have been four confirmed deaths in the province’s Van Ninh district.
Under a bilateral agreement, business travelers from South Korea visiting for less than 14 days from January 1, 2021 can enter Vietnam without undertaking the mandatory 14-day quarantine. Such travelers must show proof that they have tested negative for COVID-19 in the last five days, will undergo further tests, and have their health status monitored throughout their stay
EUROPE
ARMENIA
Throughout December, travelers in urban centers should continue to avoid further gatherings linked to the signing of a peace deal with Azerbaijan, due to the risk of unrest. Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace deal on November 10 to end a conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Protesters have since been gathering at Freedom Square in Yerevan. They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan over his perceived capitulation in the conflict. Security forces have occasionally used heavy-handed tactics to disperse and detain protesters. Travelers should abide by ongoing martial law provisions.
Throughout December, travelers should continue to monitor developments and follow all official directives following an amendment of the current martial law. The government announced the easing of several restrictions beginning December 3 and until further notice, which includes lifting the ban on protests, removing a special regime around entering and exiting the country, and easing restrictions on local media publications. Martial law was imposed in the country on September 27 following an escalation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and remains in effect despite the announcement.
There are unruly protests going on in the vicinity of Amiryan Street in Yerevan. Protesters have reportedly blocked the street. Security forces are on the scene. Travel disruption is also expected.
BELARUS
Travelers should continue to exercise caution and avoid all protests calling for fresh elections, the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko, and the release of political prisoners. On November 13, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announced the formation of a so-called ‘People’s Tribunal’ and encouraged security force personnel to defect and provide evidence of crimes against civilians. She also said that the largest demonstration yet will be held on December 20. Large protests continue each Sunday in Minsk and other urban centers, while smaller daily gatherings also take place. Security forces are likely to disperse such events and may make indiscriminate arrests.
BELGIUM
On December 10, the FGTB labor union will stage demonstrations in defense of the right to strike. The event, which will coincide with International Human Rights Day, is in response to a recent court ruling against FGTB members for “malicious obstruction of traffic” during a general strike in 2015. The times and locations of demonstrations have yet to be released, though the union said gatherings in at least five symbolic locations are planned. All such gatherings should be avoided due to the risk of local clashes between participants and police, which would pose risks to bystanders.
Travelers in Brussels on December 10 should plan routes bypassing a protest against the US embargo on Cuba to minimize inconvenience. The Cuban community in Belgium has called on participants to gather in front of the central train station from 4:30 PM local time. The event is expected to be well-policed and peaceful, but may result in local transport disruption.
FRANCE
Travelers in France over the coming days should anticipate and avoid further protests over controversial national security legislation, due to the risk of local unrest. More than 90 demonstrations were reportedly held across the country on December 5. Disturbances were reported during well-attended demonstrations in Paris and other urban centers on the day. The National Assembly (lower house of Parliament) has voted in favor of adopting the draft legislation and it will go to the Senate (upper house) for a debate in January 2021. Recent incidents of perceived police brutality are likely to increase turnouts at related gatherings.
GERMANY
Through December 28, travelers in Saxony should abide by official directives following the imposition of new restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten out of 13 counties in the state so far have recorded more than 200 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants per week. In these counties, residents are only allowed to leave their accommodation for essential purposes.
Travelers in urban centers in the coming days should plan journeys bypassing a protest over COVID-19-related restrictions organized by activists of the Querdenken (Lateral Thinking) movement. On December 12, a march will start and end outside the central station in Frankfurt. Several counter-demonstrations have been planned. Previous gatherings organized by the Querdenken have resulted in violence and breaking of COVID-19 restrictions. Travelers in the area should avoid all protests as a precaution.
ITALY
Travelers in Italy until December 8-9 should anticipate travel disruption caused by adverse weather conditions. For December 8, the Civil Protection agency has issued a red alert (highest on a four-tier scale) for the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, parts of Veneto, southern Lazio and western Abruzzo regions due to risk of snow, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. An orange alert (second highest) has been issued for the Autonomous Province of Trento, parts of Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, Lazio, Campania, Molise and Basilicata regions. On December 9, adverse weather conditions are expected in southwestern regions of Sardinia, Lazio, Campania, Basilicata and Calabria.
PORTUGAL
Travelers in Lisbon on December 10 should plan journeys bypassing a protest against COVID-19-related measures to minimize delays. Protesters from the hospitality and catering sectors will gather at 11:00 AM local time outside the Ministry of Labor to denounce restrictions on business operating hours. The demonstration is expected to pass off peacefully, but is liable to cause local traffic disruption.
UNITED KINGDOM
On December 14, 17 and 18, passengers transiting London Heathrow Airport (LHR) should anticipate disruption and reconfirm flight schedules during a planned strike by airport employees. Ground staff will observe a 24-hour walkout on each strike day over proposed pay cuts. Airport authorities have announced that the airport will remain open and operational on strike days.
From December 24 through January 3, travelers planning rail travel to or from London should account for disruption at Kings Cross Station due to maintenance work. No trains will run via the station on December 25-30, though replacement bus services will be available. Services will also operate on reduced schedules on December 24, as well as December 31 through January 3.
Travelers in London on December 10 should plan journeys bypassing a protest outside the High Commission of India. The rally has been called by members of the Sikhs for Justice group in solidarity with ongoing farmers’ protests in India. Details of the event have yet to be announced, but the rally is expected to be well attended and to cause traffic disruption in its vicinity.
Travelers in the UK should monitor developments and abide by all government guidelines related to the country’s withdrawal from the EU. Following the end of the transition period on December 31, new entry and exit restrictions will come into effect from January 1, 2021. These changes are expected to increase border-crossing delays due to stricter document-checking procedures and will impact the requirements of EU citizens relocating in the UK. Travelers in the EU should remain apprised of wider policy adjustments, including changes to mobile phone services and travel insurance policies, as well as access to the National Health Service (NHS).
