WORLDWIDE
Novel
Coronavirus Outbreak
Limited human-to-human transmission, as well as imported cases of coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19), have been confirmed. This new coronavirus can cause
symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Travelers in affected
locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct
contact with people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which
include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Authorities in several countries have introduced travel restrictions and health
screening measures at various airports amid the global COVID-19 outbreak. While
measures initially applied primarily to travelers arriving either directly or
indirectly from China, some countries have now extended restrictions to
travelers from Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.
Some airlines have temporarily suspended flight operations. Travelers should
anticipate related disruption at airports and reconfirm their itineraries, as
well as the overall feasibility of their journeys, given the increased
restrictions.
AMERICAS
Regional
The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Argentina, Chile, the
Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of
fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Travelers in affected locations are
advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with
people who are obviously sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include
high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Several countries have introduced travel restrictions to contain the spread of
the COVID-19 outbreak. Health screening measures are in place at various ports
of entry across the Americas. While initially applying primarily to travelers
arriving directly or indirectly from China, some countries have extended
restrictions to travelers from other affected countries, including Iran, Italy,
Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Some airlines have also suspended or reduced
flights to and from affected countries. Travelers should maintain flexible
itineraries accounting for disruption at airports. Passengers traveling from
China or other countries affected by the outbreak should anticipate more
stringent scrutiny and ascertain overall feasibility of travel prior to
departure.
United
States
Authorities advise that “for most people, the immediate risk of being
exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. This virus is
not currently widespread in the United States.” Cases of the novel strain
of coronavirus has been confirmed in people in the United States. Cases have
been detected in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut,
Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Health authorities have implemented protocols
for isolation, quarantine, testing, and managing people who may have been
exposed to the virus. To prevent infection, travelers should pay attention to
hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid touching their face, and avoid close
contact with other people.
Travelers arriving to the US from or through China and Iran should expect
heightened screening measures for COVID-19 and related disruption. All flights
from China are being re-routed through 11 airports (JFK, ORD, SFO, SEA, HNL,
LAX, ATL, IAD, EWR, DFW & DTW), while additional entry restrictions for
travelers from China will also be implemented. Foreign nationals who have
visited Iran in the past 14 days have also been barred from re-entering the US.
The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) warning for
mainland China. The State Department advises US citizens not to travel to China
due to the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. The World Health
Organization has determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public
Health Emergency of International Concern. Travelers should be prepared for
travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. US
citizens currently in China should consider departing using commercial means.
The Department of State has requested that all non-essential US. government
personnel defer travel to China in light of the novel coronavirus. To help
contain the novel coronavirus, Chinese authorities have suspended air, road,
and rail travel in the area around Wuhan and placed restrictions on travel and
other activities throughout the country. On January 23, 2020, the Department of
State ordered the departure of all non-emergency US. personnel and their family
members from Wuhan. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency
services to US citizens in Hubei Province.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that travelers who are residents
of New York state will no longer be able to enroll in Global Entry and other
Trusted Traveler Programs due to aspects of the state’s “Green Light Law” which
protect undocumented immigrants. Existing members of Global Entry and other
Trusted Traveler Programs will still be able use these services. Only new
enrollments or re-enrollments will be curtailed for New York residents. Other
programs that will no longer accept applications from New York residents
include the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI);
NEXUS, which allows for expedited border crossing between the US and Canada;
and the Free And Secure Trade (FAST) program, which allows faster clearance for
commercial shipments between the US border, Canada, and Mexico. The TSA
PreCheck program is not part of this new restriction.
Canada
Cases of the novel coronavirus, currently causing an outbreak in mainland China
have been confirmed. All individuals had a recent travel history to Wuhan.
Travelers to affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene
and avoid direct contact with people who are obviously sick. Anyone with symptoms
of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, who is or has
been in an affected location should seek medical attention.
Travelers should expect additional screening measures at airports following an
increase in reported 2019-Novel Coronavirus cases in China. The Canadian Border
Services Agency has announced that passengers arriving from international
flights at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR)
international airports will be asked a screening question as part of the
regular arrival process. Passengers identified to be at an increased risk may
be required to undergo further screening. Travelers should anticipate related
disruption and follow all official directives.
Peru
Today and tomorrow, travelers in the Puno region should anticipate disruption
related to a 48-hour strike by students and parents of the Andean University
Nestor Caceres Velasquez (UANCV). Students will be joined by community groups
in protest of the decision of the national education body to revoke the license
of UANCV. Demonstrations are expected in Juliaca; however, specific details
have not yet been announced.
Venezuela
Today, Venezuela’s National Assembly-recognized interim President, Juan Guaido,
has called for a countrywide mobilization against President Nicholas Maduro.
Travelers in Caracas should avoid the vicinity of the National Assembly
building due to the credible risk of demonstrations and unrest in the vicinity.
Security forces and pro-government militias, known as “colectivos,” regularly
use tear gas, rubber bullets and, occasionally, live ammunition to disperse
anti-government protesters. Security forces have also been known to deploy
armored vehicles in protest areas during demonstrations in Caracas. Other
flashpoints include government buildings and main squares in urban centers.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Regional
Countries across the region continue to impose health screening measures at
airports along with some travel restrictions linked to COVID-19. These have
applied primarily to travelers arriving from China, though some countries and
airlines are also implementing measures for those traveling to and from France,
Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, and Spain. As of yesterday, Cameroon,
Nigeria, Togo, Senegal, and South Africa have confirmed cases. Travelers should
anticipate related disruption at affected airports and reconfirm their
itineraries.
Non-essential travel to Israel should be deferred through March 23, and
non-essential travel to the West Bank should be deferred through April 6 due to
entry restrictions and flight cancellations amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Israeli
officials have announced that travelers arriving from all foreign countries
will be denied entry beginning March 12 unless they are able to self-quarantine
for 14 days. The Palestinian Authority imposed a 30-day State of Emergency
beginning March 6, limiting movement within the West Bank and banning all
public gatherings. Bethlehem was put on lockdown on March 5 due to a spike in
COVID-19 cases.
Burkina
Faso
The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Burkina Faso. This new
coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Although transmission from human-to-human has occurred in other countries,
there is no suggestion at this stage of any further spread in Burkina Faso.
Travelers to affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene
and avoid direct contact with people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms of
pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek
medical attention.
Iran
An outbreak of COVID-19 is underway in Iran. In response, several countries
have closed their land borders with Iran and suspended flights. COVID-19 can
cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Travelers are advised
to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who
are sick. Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness who may have been exposed
to COVID-19 should seek medical attention according to the local procedure. US
authorities advise all non-essential travel to Iran be deferred due to an
outbreak of COVID-19.
Liberia
On Thursday, March 12, travelers in Monrovia should anticipate disruption
during a protest by journalists and plan journeys accordingly. Members of the
Press Union of Liberia will gather at its headquarters on Clay Street at 8:00
AM local time to denounce security forces’ alleged mistreatment of journalists
covering a previous protest.
Saudi
Arabia
Travelers
should reconfirm their itineraries following new entry restrictions related to
the COVID-19 outbreak. Yesterday, authorities temporarily suspended air and sea
traffic between the Kingdom and 13 countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, France,
Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, South Korea, Syria, Turkey and the
United Arab Emirates. In addition, all foreign nationals who have been in these
countries in the 14 days prior to arrival will be denied entry into Saudi
Arabia. Land crossings remain restricted to commercial trucks only.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Regional
Countries continue to introduce more travel restrictions and health screening
measures at transportation hubs, including airports, seaports and border
crossings, to contain the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. While stringent
restrictions initially applied to passengers arriving from mainland China, many
countries have expanded these measures to other locations with confirmed
COVID-19 cases, including Iran, Italy, and South Korea. Travelers should
maintain flexible itineraries and be prepared for short-notice changes to entry
restrictions. Travelers arriving from countries with confirmed cases of
COVID-19 or who have been to or transited through mainland China within 14 days
of arrival at their destination or place of transit should reconfirm the
feasibility of travel.
Travelers in Hong Kong should anticipate and avoid gatherings linked to the
ongoing protest movement, which has broadened to include criticisms over the
government’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. Related grievances have sparked
local protests around medical facilities and quarantine centers. Key dates also
remain triggers for unrest. Clashes occurred between protesters and police
along Nathan Road, near the Prince Edward Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station,
on February 29; police used tear gas to disperse the unruly crowds. Travelers
should continue to exercise heightened vigilance around key dates and
anticipate potentially disruptive short-notice gatherings around flashpoint
areas.
Yesterday, North Korea fired three short-range missiles from South Hamgyong
Province into the Sea of Japan. This followed two similar missile firings on
March 2 from Kangwon Province. These were the first such tests since the
expiration of the December 2019 deadline set by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un
for denuclearization talks with the US to resume. Further missile tests are
possible in coming months, especially around military training exercises and
key anniversaries. While an overall deterioration in the travel security
environment across the Korean Peninsula and wider region remains unlikely,
travelers should continue to monitor related developments.
Australia
On March 13, travelers in urban centers should plan journeys bypassing protests
on climate change by university students to minimize local delays. The
demonstrations, organized by the University Students for Climate Justice
movement, are being held to demand more effective government action on climate
change issues. Demonstrators will call on lawmakers to shut down the fossil
fuel industry, take concrete measures against climate change, make corporations
pay for bushfirerelated damages, and increase support for renewable energy. The
demonstrations, which will be held in major cities, are likely to be well
attended and a heightened police presence is likely around the protests.
Brunei
The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Brunei. This new coronavirus
can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Although
transmission from human-to-human has occurred in other countries, there is no
suggestion at this stage of any further spread in Brunei. Travelers in affected
locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct
contact with people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which
include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
China
Non-essential travel to mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan,
should be deferred due to strict quarantine measures in response to the
COVID-19 outbreak. All travel to Hubei Province should continue to be deferred
amid ongoing stringent travel restrictions. In-country restrictions vary,
depending on the county-level three-tier (lowmedium-high) COVID-19 risk rating
announced in February and local authorities’ policies. Officials in Beijing and
various other cities have imposed additional measures, such as a quarantine
requirement, on travelers from countries with high numbers of confirmed
COVID-19 cases.
French
Polynesia
Today through March 31, all passengers, including airline crew, traveling to or
transiting through French Polynesia must present a medical certificate or
doctor’s certificate, dated within 5 days of departure and certifying the
travelers’ state of health is free of any clinical sign of detectable
infection.
Indonesia
Today, a magnitude 5.2 onshore earthquake struck at around 5:18 PM local time
approximately seven miles northwest of Cicurug and 55 miles south of Jakarta. A
Tsunami Alert was not issued for the region following the earthquake, which
occurred at a depth of around 16 miles. Travelers should exercise caution and
avoid low-lying coastal areas.
Kyrgyzstan
Today, travelers in Bishkek should avoid a rally in support of those detained
during a Women’s Day gathering on March 8. Participants will gather at 12:00 PM
local time at the Monument to Urkuya Salieva. At least 50 demonstrators were
arrested by police on March 8 when clashes broke out between demonstrators and
a group of masked men. While organizers of today’s rally have said it will be
peaceful, there is an underlying risk of confrontations with security forces as
rallies are temporarily restricted in Bishkek.
Maldives
Travelers should reconfirm itineraries and the overall feasibility of travel to
the country prior to departure due to restrictions imposed to contain the
COVID-19 outbreak. The Health Protection Agency has placed the Kuredu Island
Resort and Bathala Island on lockdown until results of pending COVID-19 tests
are received. Authorities have also banned the entry of travelers with recent
travel history to Italy, Iran, South Korea, and mainland China.
Mongolia
The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Mongolia. This new coronavirus
can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Although
transmission from human-to-human has occurred in other countries, there is no
suggestion at this stage of any further spread in Mongolia. Travelers in
affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid
direct contact with people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia,
which include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical
attention.
Northern
Mariana Islands
Today, travelers should avoid the Afetna and San Antonio areas of Saipan Island
due to an ongoing stand-off between a gunman and police. The man has reportedly
barricaded himself inside a house in San Antonio and is holding a woman,
believed to be his girlfriend, hostage. The incident comes after the suspect
was served an arrest warrant in Afetna earlier in the afternoon; he shot
several rounds of ammunition and fled the scene. Authorities cordoned off roads
in Afetna and later closed off the major routes into San Antonio as a
precautionary measure while the police operation continues.
EUROPE
Regional
Imported cases of COVID-19 (formerly 2019-novel coronavirus disease) have been confirmed in multiple countries. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Although transmission from human-tohuman has occurred in other countries, there is no suggestion at this stage of any further spread in these locations. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are obviously sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Several countries in the region have implemented travel restrictions to limit the potential importation of COVID-19. Screening measures should be expected in most airports across the region. These have applied primarily to travelers arriving from China, though some countries and airlines are also implementing measures for those traveling to and from Iran, South Korea, and Italy. Travelers should be prepared for flight cancellations and disruption at airports during the outbreak.
Several countries in the region have implemented travel restrictions to limit the potential importation of COVID-19. Screening measures should be expected in most airports across the region. These have applied primarily to travelers arriving from China, though some countries and airlines are also implementing measures for those traveling to and from Iran, South Korea, and Italy. Travelers should be prepared for flight cancellations and disruption at airports during the outbreak.
Cyprus
The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Cyprus. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Although transmission from human-to-human has occurred in other countries, there is no suggestion at this stage of any further spread in Cyprus. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Travelers in Nicosia should avoid the vicinity of the Ledra Street crossing checkpoint due to the credible risk of unrest. On February 28, Cypriot authorities announced the temporary closure of the checkpoint, along with four others on the island, over health concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. In recent days, protesters have gathered at the checkpoint and have demanded for it to be reopened. Early on March 7, some of them attempted to break through a police barricade and began throwing stones at officers, who responded by firing tear gas into the crowd. There is currently a heavy police presence at the checkpoint.
France
On March 13-14, travelers in urban centers should plan journeys accounting for disruption during protests against climate change. In Paris, demonstrators will gather at 2:00 PM local time on March 14 at Place de la Bastille and head towards Place de la Republique via Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville. Protesters in Paris will also demonstrate against the planned expansion of Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
Germany
The number of COVID-19 cases in Germany is growing, and cases have been exported to other countries. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Health authorities have implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing, and managing people who may have been exposed to the virus. To prevent infection, travelers should pay attention to hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid touching their face, avoid close contact with other people.
Italy
Yesterday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte imposed a quarantine on the entire country, restricting movement and banning public gatherings. The restrictions will take effect today, and include a ban on any public gatherings, sporting events, and movement throughout Italy. Residents are advised to stay home unless essential work is necessary or should an emergency arise. Despite the restrictions, public transportation will continue to function. School and universities across Italy will remain closed through April 3.
Malta
The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Malta. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Although transmission from human-to-human has occurred in other countries, there is no suggestion at this stage of any further spread in Malta. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Serbia
The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Serbia. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Although transmission from human-to-human has occurred in other countries, there is no suggestion at this stage of any further spread in Serbia. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
