Current Travel Warnings: Provided by International SoS
Bangladesh: Urban centres: Avoid protests on 23 October due to risk of localised disruption, unrest Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:39:17 EDT
Members in urban centres on 23 October should avoid protests led by the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) over various issues, including a rise in sexual assault cases. Protest flashpoints include JeI party offices and mosques. The gatherings are likely to be well-attended and cause localised traffic disruption. Isolated scuffles may occur between protesters and the police, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Belarus: Urban centres: Continue to exercise caution, avoid protests as post-election unrest persists Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:36:45 EDT
Members should continue to exercise caution and monitor developments as protesters continue to hold regular rallies demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko, fresh elections and the release of political prisoners. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who considers herself to be the winner of the disputed 9 August presidential election, issued an ultimatum on 13 October for Lukashenko to resign by 25 October. She has warned of a nationwide strike and sustained protests if this demand is not met. All gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. The security forces are likely to continue to disperse demonstrators forcibly. Indiscriminate arrests remain possible.
Bermuda (UK): Continue to defer travel due to passage of Hurricane Epsilon (Revised) Thu, 22 Oct 2020 07:01:38 EDT
Members should defer travel to Bermuda (UK) due to the passage of Hurricane Epsilon. The weather system has weakened and is currently a Category 2 (second lowest on a five-tier scale) storm. On its current trajectory, Epsilon is not expected to make landfall, though tropical storm conditions are expected intermittently until the evening of 22 October. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a tropical storm warning for Bermuda, meaning tropical storm conditions are expected in the area within 36 hours. Members in affected areas should expect disruption and follow all official directives.
Bolivia: Anticipate residual flight disruption following lifting of nationwide air traffic controllers’ strike Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:51:01 EDT
A nationwide strike by air traffic controllers over wages has been lifted following successful negotiations with the government. The industrial action, which began earlier on 21 October, has caused flight cancellations and delays. Members should expect residual disruption and reconfirm the status of flights before setting out.
Bolivia: El Alto, Santa Cruz: Anticipate disruption as ongoing strike by air traffic controllers prompts flight cancellations; reconfirm itineraries Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:20:59 EDT
Members using El Alto International (LPB, La Paz department) and Viru Viru International (VVI, Santa Cruz city (Santa Cruz department)) airports over the next 48 hours should anticipate disruption due to an ongoing strike by air traffic controllers. The industrial action, which will likely last until 23 October, has prompted flight cancellations. Operations for aircraft for emergency, cargo, medical evacuation reasons will be allowed during the strike, which is being observed over the payment of salary arrears.
Bolivia: SPECIAL ADVISORY: COVID-19 outbreak impacting health care Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:55:15 EDT
Latest update: This information is still current. Defer all travel due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health care situation in the country. Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, access to medical care is not assured. Hospitals are at or near capacity in some areas, and there are reports that oxygen may be in short supply. International SOS is monitoring the situation closely.
Canada: Fredericton (New Brunswick province): Avoid vicinity of ongoing security operation at University of New Brunswick Thu, 22 Oct 2020 08:12:36 EDT
Members in Fredericton (New Brunswick province) in the coming hours should avoid the vicinity of an ongoing security operation at the University of New Brunswick. The police have asked students and faculty to shelter-in-place while they respond to a person barricaded in a residence at the intersection of Montgomery Street and College Hill Road. Nearby St Thomas University and Ecole de Battiseurs, Ecoloe Ste-Anne, Montgomery Street and Priestman Street schools are also on lockdown.
Canada: Toronto: Plan journeys bypassing protests against COVID-19 restrictions on 24, 31 October Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:21:30 EDT
Members in Toronto (Ontario province) on 24 and 31 October should plan journeys bypassing protests at12.00 (local time) at Yonge-Dundas Square. ‘The Line’ activist group will hold the demonstrations against restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rallies are expected to pass off peacefully but are likely to cause localised traffic disruption.
Chad: COVID-19: Continue to adhere to local nightly curfews in several regions Thu, 22 Oct 2020 04:45:33 EDT
Members should continue to defer all travel to Chad amid stringent COVID-19-related measures, including nightly curfews lasting until at least 3 November. A nightly curfew is in place from 21.00 to 05.00 (all times local) in the capital Ndjamena, Guitte (Hadjer-Lamis region), Logone-Gana and Mandelia (both Chari-Baguirmi region) and in the regions of Guera, Kanem, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental and Mayo-Kebbi Est. A nightly curfew from 19.00 to 05.00 is in place in Mayo-Kebbi-Ouest and Moyen-Chari regions. Reconfirm region- and city-specific measures and refer to the COVID-19 information within the Pandemic Information Site for full details of travel restrictions.
China: Hainan province: Anticipate disruption during passage of Typhoon Saudel Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:19:15 EDT
Members in Hainan province in the coming days should plan journeys accounting for possible disruption during the passage of Typhoon Saudel. The storm is forecast to pass south of Hainan island on 24 October without making landfall. Saudel will bring heavy rain and strong winds to central and eastern Hainan, including Sansha City, from 23-25 October. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) has issued a ‘blue’ typhoon warning (lowest on a four-tier scale). Short-notice flight disruption is possible at Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX, Hainan).
Congo (DRC): Ituri, North Kivu provinces: Recurrent rebel attacks highlight need to avoid all travel to rural areas (Revised) Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:49:35 EDT
Frequent attacks by armed groups highlight the need to avoid all travel to rural areas of Ituri and North Kivu provinces. On 20 October, members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militant group attacked the Kangbayi central prison in Beni (North Kivu), freeing over 1,300 detainees. Earlier, one soldier was killed and two others injured on 9 October when a bomb exploded near Mapobu village (North Kivu). Two days earlier, at least eight people were killed in an attack by unidentified assailants in Kasoko village (Ituri) on 7 October. These incidents follow a series of similar deadly attacks, as well as clashes involving militant groups and the Congolese Army (FARDC), that occurred in both provinces in recent weeks.
Czech Republic: COVID-19: Defer all travel following announcement of lockdown measures until 3 November Wed, 21 Oct 2020 16:27:18 EDT
Members should continue to defer all travel to the Czech Republic after the authorities announced COVID-19-related restrictions to come into effect from 22 October. The restrictions involve the closure of restaurants and pubs, as well as a ban non-essential movement, and will be enforced until at least 3 November. Refer to the COVID-19 information within the Pandemicwebsitefor full details of travel restrictions.
Côte d'Ivoire: Bonoua, Dabou: Exercise caution, avoid further protests in coming days; abide by curfew in Dabou Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:50:40 EDT
Members in Bonoua (Comoe district) and Dabou (Lagunes district)in the coming daysshould exercise caution and avoid further protests related to the31 Octoberpresidential election. According to unconfirmed reports, at least seven people have been killed in communal clashes and confrontations with the security forces in Dabou since 19 October. At least one person was also killed on 19 October after demonstrators in Bonua erected roadblocks on theA100 motorway as part of a civil disobedience campaign called by the opposition (see separate alert). In response to the recent unrest, the authorities have imposed a curfew from 19.00 to 06.00 (local time) in Dabou.
Côte d'Ivoire: Exercise heightened vigilance, avoid protests related to 31 October presidential election (Revised) Thu, 22 Oct 2020 07:44:23 EDT
Members should anticipate and avoid protests related to the 31 October presidential election. The official ban on all gatherings has been extended until 1 November amid a civil disobedience campaign called by the opposition. This is unlikely to deter protesters as main opposition leaders announced an official boycott of the electoral campaign which began on 15 October. Several protests have since taken place in many urban centres such as Abidjan (Abidjan district), Bonoua (Comoe district), Dabou (Lagunes district) and Bongouanou (Lacs district), which escalated into fatal unrest. Further rallies could escalate into clashes involving participants, the security forces and counter-demonstrators, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
France: Lyon: Avoid vicinity of Part-Dieu train station due to ongoing police operation; anticipate disruption Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:18:52 EDT
Members in Lyon (Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region) in the coming hours should avoid the vicinity of the Part-Dieu train station amid an ongoing investigation into a bomb threat. The police have evacuated the building while they investigate, and all trains have been halted.
France: Paris: Anticipate disruption during protest on 22 October outside Guinean embassy Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:51:31 EDT
Members in the capital Paris on 22 October should plan journeys accounting for possible disruption during a demonstration outside the Guinean embassy. Participants will gather at 13.00 (local time) to denounce the provisional results of the presidential election in Guinea (see related alert). The rally is likely to pass off peacefully.
Guinea: Conakry: Avoid further opposition gatherings, travel to northern districts due to credible risk of unrest (Revised) Thu, 22 Oct 2020 06:17:33 EDT
Members in the capital Conakry in the coming days should avoid further opposition gatherings. They should also avoid travel to the capital’s northern districts due to the credible risk of unrest. At least nine people have been killed during recent demonstrations denouncing the provisional results of the presidential election (see related alert). The security forces used heavy-handed measures to disperse protesters who had erected roadblocks in the Sonfonia and Wanindara neighbourhoods (see map below). The gradual release of the provisional results in the coming days is likely to fuel further demonstrations.
India: Telangana state: Continue to minimise non-essential movement until at least 23 October in areas worst affected by heavy rain, flooding Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:44:20 EDT
Members in areas of Telangana state worst affected by heavy rain and flooding, especially its capitalHyderabad, should continue to minimise non-essential movementuntil at least 23 October. Flooded roads have caused substantial disruption in southern Hyderabad, as well as inRangareddyandMedchal-Malkajgiridistricts (both Telangana). Further rain is forecastuntil at least 22 October. Members undertaking essential movement should ensure their vehicles are in good condition and proposed routes are feasible before setting out.
Indonesia: Urban centres: Continue to avoid protests over controversial legislation in coming days (Revised) Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:31:48 EDT
Members in urban centres should continue to avoid all demonstrations in the coming days over the controversial ‘Omnibus Law' (see separate alert), due to the risk of unrest. Daily protests remain possible until at least 23 October, with organisers likely to focus on Negara Palace (the State Palace) and Merdeka Palace in the capital Jakarta, as well as the Grahadi State Building in Surabaya (East Java province). Fresh protests are called for28 October, though no further details have been released. There remains a risk of scuffles between demonstrators and the police at related events. The police may also forcibly disperse unruly crowds, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Indonesia: Urban centres: Continue to avoid protests over controversial legislation in coming weeks (Revised) Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:04:02 EDT
Members in the capital Jakarta and other urban centres should continue to avoid all demonstrations over the controversial ‘Omnibus Law' due to the risk of unrest. Opponents of the legislation claim it degrades labour rights and environmental protection. Intermittent protests are likely to continue in urban centres in the coming weeks, including on days surrounding any potential Constitutional Court hearings on the issue. The police are liable to forcibly disperse demonstrations and implement traffic diversions near protest venues.
Iran: North-western provinces: Stray cross-border rocket fire highlights risk of potential spillover violence Thu, 22 Oct 2020 08:52:26 EDT
Members in north-western provinces over the coming weeks should monitor developments and exercise caution amid a string of stray cross-border rockets stemming from ongoing clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan (see our separate reports). According to international media reports on 19 October, at least ten stray rockets have landed in Khoda Afarin district (East Azerbaijan province). At least one person has been reportedly injured and some buildings damaged. The incidents underscore the potential for spillover violence in the immediate vicinity of the border area.
Iraq: Baghdad, southern governorates: Avoid fresh anti-government protests on 25 October due to risk of unrest Thu, 22 Oct 2020 04:45:48 EDT
Members in the capital Baghdad and in the southern governorates should avoid fresh anti-government protests on 25 October due to the risk of unrest. While no specific details have been announced, protests in Baghdad will likely focus on Tahrir Square and the nearby bridges leading towards the International Zone (IZ). In the southern governorates, protesters are likely to congregate in major urban centres at public squares and government buildings. There is a risk of unrest during the events, including clashes between protesters, the security forces and hardline supporters of the influential Shia Muslim cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
Italy: COVID-19: Essential travel can continue subject to assessment, entry restrictions (Revised) Thu, 22 Oct 2020 01:22:02 EDT
Essential travel to Italy can continue subject to a strict assessment of the COVID-19 situation and entry restrictions, including the potential for sudden changes.Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on 7 October signed a new decree extending an ongoing State of Emergency until at least 31 January 2021. Internally, strict social distancing, testing processes and hygiene guidance remain in effect. Overnight curfews are in place in Lombardy region and will be implemented in Campania and Lazio regions from23 October. Refer to the COVID-19 information within thePandemic Information Sitefor full details of travel restrictions.
Italy: Plan itineraries accounting for travel disruption on 22-23 October during nationwide transport strike Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:04:59 EDT
Members in Italy on 22-23 October should plan itineraries accounting for disruption during a nationwide 24-hour strike called by the CUB union confederation. The work stoppage, which is backed by the Atac and Cotral transport unions, will mostly begin at 21.00 (local time) on 22 October. It can be expected to affect aviation, sea and rail transport, as well as bus, tram and metro services in cities. Guaranteed services will be available during rush-hour periods (between 06.00 and 09.00 and 18.00 and 21.00). However, members should anticipate residual disruption during these time slots. The strike has been called to demand better working conditions for transport sector employees.
Nigeria: Abuja: Avoid further protests against police violence due to risk of unrest Thu, 22 Oct 2020 05:50:20 EDT
Members in the capital Abuja in the coming days should avoid all protests against police violence due to the credible risk of unrest (see separate alert). Protesters clashed with unidentified thugs on 20 October after they erected roadblocks on Airport Road. Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) remains operational, though some flight disruptions have been reported. Further rallies could escalate into unrest between protesters, the security forces and counter-demonstrators, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Nigeria: Continue to exercise heightened caution in coming days following fresh unrest; abide by curfew in several states Wed, 21 Oct 2020 18:59:16 EDT
Members in Nigeriain the coming daysshould continue to exercise heightened caution and abide by 24-hour (round-the-clock) curfews imposed in several states in response to the growing level of unrest amid anti-police brutality protests. On 21 October, widespread protests and sporadic acts of vandalism continued as demonstrators defied the curfews. Multiway clashes between the security forces, protesters and unidentified thugs, often involving the use of live ammunition, were reported in several cities. Affected cities included the commercial capital Lagos (Lagos state), Port Harcourt (Rivers state), Enugu (Enugu state), Akure, Ondo (both Ondo state) and Benin (Edo state). Tensions remain high and fresh outbreaks of unrest are likely (see separate alert).
Nigeria: Ibadan: Avoid Iwo Road due to ongoing unrest, exercise caution elsewhere Thu, 22 Oct 2020 07:54:18 EDT
Members in Ibadan (Oyo state) in the coming hours should avoid the vicinity of Iwo Road. The security forces have used tear gas against protesters during on ongoing demonstration over police violence. Furthermore, two members of the security forces have reportedly been killed by protesters.
Nigeria: Kaduna, Zamfara states: Recent attacks underscore banditry risks, need to avoid non-essential travel Thu, 22 Oct 2020 06:45:48 EDT
Recent incidents in Kaduna and Zamfara states highlight the need for members on essential travel to north-western and central states to maintain stringent security precautions against the risks of banditry. At least 20 people were killed, and several others injured in an attack by unidentified gunmen on 21 October in Talata-Mafara Local Government Area (LGA, Zamfara state). In response, the authorities deployed additional security force personnel. These incidents demonstrate the persistent risk of bandit attacks, which recently have been increasing in the region.
Nigeria: Lagos: Continue to avoid protests against police violence due to risk of unrest; abide by ongoing 24-hour curfew (Revised) Thu, 22 Oct 2020 04:02:57 EDT
Members in the commercial capital Lagos (Lagos state) should avoid all anti-police brutality protests due to the credible risk of unrest (see separate alert). Overnight on 20-21 October, the security forces fired live ammunition at protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, reportedly killing at least eight people. Further protests, gunshots and vandalism were reported throughout 21 October, despite an ongoing 24-hour curfew. Lagos’ MurtalaMuhammedInternational Airport(LOS) remains operational, though many airlines have cancelled flights.
Nigeria: SPECIAL ADVISORY: Lagos: Stand fast in Ikoyi; account for staff due to gunshots, reported jailbreak at Ikoyi Prison Thu, 22 Oct 2020 08:30:24 EDT
Members in the Ikoyi neighbourhood of the commercial capital Lagos in the coming hours should stand fast. Assailants have reportedly attacked the Ikoyi Prison. There are further reports of gunshots and smoke, indicating a possible jailbreak. Managers should account for staff.
Panama: Panama City: Plan journeys bypassing protest by trade unions on 22 October Thu, 22 Oct 2020 00:10:46 EDT
Members in the capital Panama City on22 Octobershould plan journeys accounting for possible disruption during a protest over a controversial bill. Participants will gather at 16.00 (local time) atParque Porras.
Puerto Rico (US): Anticipate disruption following closure of emergency service call centres Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:31:18 EDT
The authorities on 21 October said that the 911 emergency service number had been suspended following COVID-19 cases at related call centres. They have directed those in need of emergency to call either the police at +1 787 3432020 or the State Agency for Emergency and Disaster Management at +1 787 7240124. Both numbers will be functional 24 hours a day. The authorities have not announced when the 911 services will resume. Members should utilise the aforementioned numbers and anticipate some impact on response times.
Saudi Arabia: Asir province: Reconfirm status of routes, follow official directives amid ongoing wildfire near Tanomah Thu, 22 Oct 2020 08:28:37 EDT
Members in Asir province over the coming days should reconfirm the status of routes and follow official directives amid an ongoing wildfire near Tanomah (Asir). The fire broke out on 21 October between Tanomah and al-Namas (Asir). The authorities announced on 22 October that around 70% of the fire has been contained and there is presently no threat to residential communities in the area.
Spain: COVID-19: Defer travel to Madrid, Navarre autonomous communities; essential travel to rest of country can proceed Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:04:05 EDT
Members should defer travel to Madrid and Navarre autonomous communities amid tightened COVID-19-related restrictions. Essential travel to the rest of Spain can proceed after undertaking a strict assessment of the COVID-19 situation. This includes the potential for sudden changes in entry restrictions and containment measures. Several autonomous communities continue to impose localised internal restrictions, and further such initiatives are likely to be implemented at short notice in the coming weeks. Reconfirm region- and city-specific measures and refer to the COVID-19 information within the Pandemic Information Site for full details of travel restrictions.
Sudan: Khartoum: Anticipate, avoid further anti-government protests due to risk of localised disruption, unrest Wed, 21 Oct 2020 21:51:15 EDT
Members in the capital Khartoum should anticipate and avoid further demonstrations over the deteriorating socio-economic situation in the country. Protests on 21 October led to clashes between participants and the security forces. The latter reportedly used tear gas on participants, who had set tyres alight. At least one person was killed and dozens were injured. The authorities had blocked bridges leading to Khartoum and key roads near government buildings ahead of the demonstrations. Further protests and associated unrest are possible, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Thailand: Monitor developments, avoid ongoing anti-government demonstrations in coming days Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:49:22 EDT
Members in urban centres in the coming days should monitor developments closely and avoid further anti-government gatherings. Despite the government’s decision to repeal an emergency decree, protests of varying sizes are likely to continue. This is due to a three-day ultimatum given on 21 October for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha to resign, one of three demands made by protesters. Simultaneous gatherings are liable to be mobilised at short notice in various locations. They may also cause disruption to public transport and traffic. The security forces are liable to disperse gatherings forcibly and arrest demonstrators, especially in the capital Bangkok.
United States: COVID-19 outbreak Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:56:15 EDT
Latest update: Surge in cases. Midwest and West hardest hit. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Severe disease is possible. Health authorities have implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing and managing people who may have been exposed to the virus. To prevent infection, pay attention to hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid touching your face, avoid close contact with other people (keep a distance of 2 metres / 6 feet). Do not travel if you are sick.
United States: California state: Reconfirm status of routes, follow official directives amid ongoing wildfires in several counties (Revised) Thu, 22 Oct 2020 00:20:03 EDT
Members in California statein the coming daysshould reconfirm the status of routes and follow official directives due to multiple ongoing wildfires. These have prompted a state of emergency and the closure of several major routes. Mandatory evacuation orders have also been issued for multiple counties. At least 31 people have so far been killed and around 250,000 others evacuated.
United States: Colorado, Wyoming states: Plan journeys accounting for disruption amid ongoing wildfires in several counties (Revised) Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:19:54 EDT
Members in Colorado and Wyoming statesin the coming daysshould plan journeys accounting for disruption due to multiple ongoing wildfires. These have prompted the closure of several major roads, as well as mandatory evacuation orders and pre-evacuation notices for multiple counties. Members in affected areas should reconfirm the status of routes and follow all official directives.
Uzbekistan: Qashqadaryo region: Anticipate further protests, disruption linked to strike at liquid gas facility Thu, 22 Oct 2020 04:08:55 EDT
Members in Qashqadaryo region in the coming days should monitor developments and anticipate further disruptive protests. This is due to a demonstration which turned violent on 21 October at a liquid fuel plant in Guzar. Local reports indicate that several thousand employees broke into the facility and destroyed property over a salary dispute. The security forces were deployed to the plant and used tear gas to disperse the crowds. Members should liaise with local contacts to remain apprised of related developments and anticipate a heightened security force presence in the area.
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