ETHIOPIA: Visitors will not be able to buy and use Ethio Tel SIM cards in mobile devices that have not been purchased in Ethiopia or registered with the authorities from the 26th September 2017. Road traffic will be extremely busy and many roads will be blocked from late September until early October 2017 due to religious holidays celebrations.
SOUTH KOREA: Korean Air pilots have threatened to go on strike from October the 1st to 7th 2017 in support of their pay dispute.
VIETNAM: Over the year to mid-September 2017, the number of dengue fever cases in Vietnam has increased by more than 40% to almost 125,000. This includes 29 fatalities.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS: Visitors are advised against all but essential travel to the island of Grand Turk.
UK: The British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) has announced two 24-hour strikes on September the 29th and October the 6th 2017 should an agreement over pay not be reached by those dates.
CAMEROON: Please stay vigilant as there is a potential for unrest in the north west and south west regions for the next few weeks(September 24th 2017).
CUBA: Devastation due to Hurricane Irma has affected many towns in Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Villa Clara and Matanzas provinces and the central northern coast of Cuba – including the Cayos region and the principal airport.
MALAWI: Please exercise great caution as there have been reports of two separate attacks on visitors to the Mount Mulanje area and local social tensions remain high.
INDIA: Several South Central Railway (SCR) and North Frontier Railway (NFR) trains have been cancelled because of floods. The Secunderabad-Guwahati special train, scheduled for October the 2nd 2017, has been also cancelled.
EUROPE: Pilots working for the travel group Thomas Cook will stage a strike on the 23rd of September 2017 due to a payment dispute.
COLOMBIA: The largest pilots’ union at Colombia’s flagship airline Avianca has started it’s 60-day strike over a pay and benefits dispute.
FRANCE: French unions will stage new protests on the 21st of September 2017 against an overhaul of the country’s labour code. More rallies are expected on the 23rd of September 2017, staged by hard-left political party “France Unbowed.”
SPAIN: The Catalonia referendum is scheduled for the 1st of October 2017. Tensions are high in this Spanish region ahead of more planned protests by different factions. Please stay away from protests and demonstrations.
PHILIPPINES: Protests are planned to take place on the 21st of September 2017 on the anniversary of the declaration of martial law under the Marcos regime. Please avoid large gatherings of people.
DOMINICA: Only essential travel is recommended as Hurricane Maria has caused widespread damage and disruption in the country.
INDIA: Rail, flight and bus services in Mumbai have been affected by incessant have rain on the 20th of September 2017.
BALI: The Mount Agung volcano’s status in Bali has been raised to a Level 3 Alert. Visitors are advised to stay at least 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away from the crater of the volcano.
MEXICO: An earthquake of 7.1 magnitude has hit southern Mexico, damaging several buildings in Mexico City and has left much of the capital without electricity. Aftershocks can now be expected over the next 72 hours.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: Visitors are advised against all travel to the British Virgin Islands as Hurricane Maria is expected to make landfall around the 20th of September 2017.
EUROPE: Ryanair will cancel 40 to 50 flights every day until the 31st of October 2017 due to a backlog of staff leave.
COLOMBIA: Colombia’s flagship airline Avianca will stop ticket sales for September the 20th to 22nd due to a pilot strike threat.
UK: Please expect huge disruption in London on the 5th of October 2017 as Underground train drivers are set to stage a 24-hour strike.
FRANCE: Unions at the state-controlled power utility EDF will start a 24-hour strike at 1900 GMT on the 20th of September 2017 against Macron’s new labour reforms. On September the 21st, the CGT union is calling for nationwide protests and on September the 25th truck drivers belonging to CGT and Force Ouvriere, the third largest union, will begin rolling strikes, including targeting petrol stations.
NEW ZEALAND: Some international and domestic plane passengers are experiencing long delays in Auckland due to a jet fuel shortage.
JAPAN: Those visiting some areas of Japan may find travel difficult because of the destruction caused by a powerful typhoon.
UK: A rush-hour fire aboard a subway train in London, the British capital, on the 15th of September 2017 is being investigated as suspected terrorism. At least 22 people were hospitalized. Parsons Green underground station is closed and a wide security cordon has been put in place and armed police officers are at the scene.
CUBA: Large parts of the country, including many areas of the capital Havana, are without power and running water due to Hurricane Irma. Transportation is difficult and many roads remain impassable due to fallen trees and power lines. It may take several days before roads are fully open in Havana. North central Cuba suffered severe damage and should be avoided until further notice.
JAPAN: Tensions remain high on the Korean peninsula due to a series North Korea nuclear and missile tests. There remains a risk of further missile and nuclear tests, which could affect Japan.
GUAM: This US territory now lies in the range of North Korean nuclear missiles and non essential travel to it should be avoided.
LEBANON: There is a high risk that terrorists will try to carry out attacks in Lebanon. The US Embassy in Lebanon has issued a security alert regarding ongoing threats in the country.
VIETNAM: Streets in parts of Ha Tinh province have been flooded due to Typhoon Doksuri. Dozens of flights were canceled between the capital, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Forecasters have warned of flash floods and landslides in some parts of the country’s northern and central regions.
GERMANY: Windstorm Sebastian killed at least three people in Germany on the 13th of September. Falling trees have caused train delays in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Thunderstorms and showers may occur in northwestern Germany on the 15th of September 2017.
PHILIPPINES: Heavy rains have caused flooding in some parts of the Philippine capital, Manila, and nearby provinces. At least four persons were killed, with at least 17 others missing.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: There is a curfew in effect for the Territory of the Virgin Islands, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, until further notice.
TOGO: Stay vigilant as marches and protests are planned in Lome and around the country, for the week commencing the 18th of September 2017.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Rising ethnic tensions in Central African Republic are likely to spur greater conflict. Non-essential travel should be avoided.
FRANCE: Ryanair has cancelled at least 110 flights on the 12th of September 2017 due to a strike by French air-traffic controllers, 20,000 passengers have been affected.
FRANCE: Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, and union workers went on strike across France on the 12th of September 2017 to protest government plans to overhaul the country’s labor regulations.
CHINA: Typhoon Talim is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to parts of Zhejiang province, including the cities of Ningbo and Shanghai, from Thursday the 14th of September 2017. Taipei and northern parts of Taiwan will be affected as well.
PERU: You are required by law to apply for an entry stamp before travelling to the country. If you are unable to provide evidence of an entry stamp you must apply for an exit or expulsion order at the Immigration Office in Lima, otherwise you may not be allowed to leave Peru, and you may be prevented from re-entering Peru for the next 10 years.
RUSSIA: Make sure you have signed your passport before you travel to the country if you’re travelling on a British passport issued since January 2017. Some British nationals who haven’t signed their new passports have been denied entry into Russia.
SPAIN: The CC.OO. union, Spain’s largest trade union, has called a national strike on the 29th of September 2017 from 00:00 to 23:00 across the Spanish rail network due to labour dispute. Please expect disruptions of local, regional and the high-speed AVE network.
SWITZERLAND: At least 30 people were injured in a train accident on the 11th of September 2017 at a station between Goschenen and Andermatt, and the route has been closed.
USA: Airlines at Miami International Airport are gradually resuming their schedules on the 12th September 2017.
GERMANY: Air Berlin is scrapping more long-haul flights. The routes to Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the Antilles will end from September the 25th 2017. It cancelled around 70 flights on the 12th of September 2017 after a high number of pilots called in sick.
ITALY: 6 people were killed and two are missing after heavy rain swamped a city in Tuscany on the 10th of September 2017. Many families and businesses were still without power and other facilities.
USA: Delta Airline advises travelers to avoid Atlanta connections on the 11th and 12th of September 2017 as Hurricane Irma may impact travel to/from/through several Caribbean and Florida destinations as well as other part of the south eastern United States.
UK: Pilots at leisure airline Thomas Cook have announced three more strikes if forthcoming pay talks fail. Dates have been set for the 23rd and 29th of September plus the 6th of October 2017.
MEXICO: A massive 8.1-magnitude earthquake hit off Mexico’s southern coast late Thursday, September the 7th 2017, causing dozens of deaths and setting off a tsunami warning.
FRANCE: The Air France pilots’ union SPAF will start four days strike which begins Saturday the 9th of September 2017.
TURKEY: Germany’s Foreign Ministry has warned its citizens who are traveling to Turkey that they risk arbitrary detention, even in Turkish resort areas.
USA: The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings for South Florida.
BAHAMAS: Avoid all travel to The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands due to Hurricane Irma, a category 5 storm.
YEMEN: A cholera outbreak has infected 612,703 people and killed 2,048 since it began in April 2017, and some districts are still reporting sharp rises in new cases.
USA: Orlando International Airport will cease commercial flights at 5 p.m. on Saturday September the 9th 2017 due to Hurricane Irma.
NEW ZEALAND: A mumps outbreak began in West Auckland and has now spread to south Auckland and across the region. There have been 300 cases recorded since January 2017, which is more than all the cases over the previous 16 years. Mumps is an infectious viral illness which can cause fever, soreness, severe swelling in the face and general malaise.
CAMEROON: Violent unrest broke out in northwestern Cameroon after gendarmes shot dead a teenage boy on the 4th of September 2017.
NIGERIA: At least 381 civilians have been killed in a major resurgence in Boko Haram attacks and suicide bombings in Cameroon and Nigeria since the start of April 2017, with casualties more than double the previous five months.
UGANDA: An outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been reported in the central region of the country. Eight cases, including two deaths have been reported from Nakaseke and Kiboga Districts as of August the 28th 2017.
CHILE: Access to Santiago International Airport might be blocked by taxi drivers by protesting the growth of mobile ride hailing applications.
USA: Protests have taken place in Los Angeles – and more are expected across the US – over President Trump’s plan to scrap the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration programme.
CUBA: Hurricane Irma is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to Cuba from around Thursday the 7th of September 2017.
CAMBODIA: Political tensions are high following the arrest of the opposition party leader Kem Sokha on the 3rd of September 2017.
BRAZIL: Violence has been on the rise in Rio de Janeiro. More than 90 police officers have been killed in Rio state so far this year when battling with armed gangs.
CHINA: The national weather observatory has issued a yellow alert indicating heavy rainstorms for most of southern China on the 4th of September 2017.
MONTSERRAT: Hurricane Irma is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to north-eastern parts of the Caribbean from around Wednesday the 6th of September 2017.
PAKISTAN: At least 115 people have died in Pakistan during this year’s monsoon season. Transport across Karachi has been severely disrupted and dozens of flights into and out of Jinnah international airport have been affected. There is an increased disease risk because of stagnant and contaminated water.
FRANCE: The CGT union has called for a widespread public protest across the country on September the 12th 2017 against the new labour reforms. Other protests may follow.
GERMANY: Flights to and from Frankfurt Airport may be affected due to the disabling of a WWII bomb in the city from 8am on Sunday the 3rd of September 2017.
KENYA: The 8th of August presidential election has been declared invalid by the Supreme Court and another election will begin within the next 60 days. Please stay vigilant as protests are likely in this period and could turn violent.
TURKEY: A bomb placed in a garbage container exploded in Turkey’s Izmir province on the Aegean coast on the 31st of August 2017, at least 10 people were wounded.
USA: The U.S. is closing three Russian diplomatic properties in America – the consulate general and the consul’s residence in San Francisco, a chancery annex in Washington, D.C., and a consular annex in New York City.
USA: Parts of the southern USA from Texas to Louisiana are still suffering from Tropical Storm Harvey. A curfew is in place in Houston between midnight and 5am until further notice.
MEXICO: Tropical storm warnings are in effect along much of Mexico’s Baja peninsula.
NORWAY: Due to a major international road cycling event, extra security will be in operation at Bergen Airport from mid September until the 25th September.
BURKINA FASO: The Tabaski festival period operates from the 1st to 3rd of September 2017 and for much of the following week. Please exercise particular caution due to the increased risk of violence and criminal activity.
BOLIVIA: There will be restrictions on all vehicles between 9 am and 5 pm in La Paz on the 3rd of September 2017(Pedestrian day). A small number of taxis will have permits for emergencies and airport transfers.
ISRAEL: The Allenby / King Hussein Bridge border crossing will be closed due to the Eid Al Adha holiday on Friday the 1st of September 2017. It will reopen on Saturday the 2nd of September from 8am.
INDIA: Floods caused by the record rainfall have destroyed homes and halted train and flight services in Mumbai. A heavy rainfall alert has also been issued for parts of Maharashtra’s neighbouring states of Goa and Gujarat.
MALAYSIA: Protesters have taken to the streets in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur on the 31st of August 2017, in support of Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim minority after renewed violence forced thousands to flee the country.
TAIWAN: Taoyuan International Airport’s second terminal will be closed for two years in order for renovation to take place.
BURMA/MYANMAR: Please stay vigilant as there are reports of further violence in the northern Rakhine state.
INDIA: Due to the threat of insurgency, visitors are advised against non-essential travel to Manipur and the areas of Arunachal Pradesh that border with Burma/Myanmar.
CONGO: At least 28 people have been killed in a landslide in Kolwezi, Lualaba province, south of Congo. More than 200 people were killed and several others were reported missing two weeks ago in a landslide in the northern province of Ituri.
UGANDA: Four people have reportedly been killed after a mudslide hit the mountainous district of Sironko on the 28th of August 2017. This comes a day after a landslide has destroyed three villages in Bulucheke Sub-County of Bududa District in the Mount Elgon region.
KENYA: Visitors are advised against all travel to the areas within 150 km of the Kenya–Somalia border, including all of Garissa and Lamu counties, areas within 50 km of the coast, from north of the city of Malindi to the Kenya–Somalia border, and areas within 100 km of the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, due to a risk of kidnapping, attacks and cross-border violence.
PERU: Please exercise great caution as there is a high risk of serious crime, social conflicts and violent strikes in almost all urban areas.
GUATEMALA: Visitors are advised to avoid going to Guatemala due to the deep political crisis that the country is in.
SPAIN: Hundreds of thousands of people in Barcelona have marched against violence following deadly attacks last week. As this could lead to attacks by extremists on demonstrators stay away from all public gatherings.
Romania: A severe measles outbreak is still a major problem in Romania, with more than 8,900 cases reported across the country, including 33 deaths.
CHINA: Three people have died, and a further 25 are missing, following a landslide in the city of Bijie, which is located in southwest China’s Guizhou Province.
ETHIOPIA: Those currently travelling to Ethiopia face the potential for civil unrest and arbitrary detention.
INDIA: Security forces have been put on high alert following the criminal convicted of a popular guru for a sexual offence. A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Haryana and Punjab states, while the capital Delhi has increased security measures in place.
USA: Storm Harvey continues to batter Texas with fatalities and catastrophic flooding. Houston’s Hobby airport has been closed and many major freeways are impassable.
BOLIVIA: A dispute between local communities on the Island of the Sun (Isla del Sol) on Lake Titicaca could affect foreign visitors. Travel to the area should be avoided.
TOGO: Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Lome, the capital of Togo, to protest against the country’s President on the 19th of August 2017. Two protesters were killed and 13 others wounded. Please exercise caution as further protests are likely in the country.
USA: Hurricane Harvey is expected to hit landfall inTexas as a Category 3 storm. Please stay vigilant as devastating damage is expected to occur.
FRANCE: A minority union has called on flight attendants at Air France to stage a strike for an indefinite time starting on Friday, September the 1st 2017. The second-largest union representing pilots at Air France is calling for a strike as well to take place from Friday, September the 8th, through to Tuesday, September the 12th 2017. Please expect flight delays and cancelations during the strike periods.
PANAMA: Santa Barbara Airlines (SBA Airlines) will start the temporary suspension of return flights from Caracas to Panama with effect from the first of September 2017.
CHAD: The Chad government is closing Qatar’s embassy in its capital of N’Djamena, accusing the Gulf Arab state of trying to destabilize the central African nation via its northern neighbor Libya.
THAILAND: A high level of security and checkpoints on main roads into Bangkok will cause increased congestion and traffic delays following the verdict in a case concerning former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
MACAO: Please expect severe disruptions to public transportation caused by Typhoon Hato. There is also substantial flooding in the old town and in parts of the Cotai strip.
CANADA: Ground crew at Canada’s Toronto’s Pearson airport have decided to continue a four-week-long work stoppage in support of their labour dispute.
US: The U.S. Embassy in Russia is going to suspend issuing nonimmigrant visas to Russian citizens from August the 23rd to September the 1st 2017. This is in response to the Russian decision to cap US embassy staff. It will then resume issuing visas in Moscow, but visa issuing facilities from consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok will remain suspended indefinitely.
VIETNAM: A total of 90,626 people have been infected by dengue since the beginning of 2017, of whom 76,848 have been hospitalised, and 24 have died. The capital city of Hanoi is ranked second nationwide after the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City in terms of infections. Dengue fever causes flu-like symptoms and can result in death if it develops complications.
SINGAPORE: Please make sure your passport is in a good state of repair before arriving in Singapore or you may now be refused entry to the country if you have a damaged passport or pages missing.
CHINA: Typhoon Hato is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to the southern coastal regions of China. Train services on the Guangzhou-Nanning line have been suspended. High-speed trains linking Shenzhen with the eastern provinces of Fujian and Jiangxi has been canceled as well.
GERMANY/SWITZERLAND: Deutsche Bahn has halted trains between Rastatt and Baden-Baden in southwestern Germany due to construction work. This route connecting Germany and Switzerland is expected to remain closed until October the 7th 2017.
ANGOLA: Elections are scheduled for the 23rd of August 2017. Visitors are advised to stay away from all political gatherings.
HONG KONG: Visitors should expect severe disruptions to flights in and out of Hong Kong due to Tropical Storm Hato.
USA: Please expect train disruptions at Philadelphia station following a high-speed train crash at a transportation terminal in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, located about 30 minutes west of Philadelphia on the 22rd of August 2017.
UK: Members of the Rail and Maritime Transport Workers union will go on strike between 00:01am and 23:59pm on Friday, September the 1st and from 00:01am on Sunday, September the 3rd until 23:59pm on Monday, September the 4th.
TAIWAN: Please expect heavy rainfall as Typhoon Hato is due to make landfall on Monday 21st of August 2017.
ZIMBABWE/SOUTH AFRICA: Flights between South Africa and Zimbabwe have resumed after either country’s civil aviation authority sanctioned commercial aircraft registered in the other’s jurisdiction.
LEBANON: Lebanese Army has announced on the 19th of August 2017 that it has launched an operation to remove Daesh extremists from Lebanon’s north east region. Please stay vigilant as Daesh and other extremists may attempt retaliatory attacks throughout Lebanon.
INDIA: Please expect train disruptions in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh following a train derailment.
SPAIN: Airport workers have voted for a general strike starting from September the 15th of 2017 at 25 airports across Spain.
SPAIN: There have been repeated threats in recent weeks against tourists in Barcelona. The attack on pedestrians this week left 13 dead and 100 injured. Visitors are advised to leave the city at the earliest opportunity as copycat attacks may well take place.
BELARUS: Obligatory registration of passport data for individuals wishing to purchase foreign currencies in money exchange offices has been cancelled. Visitors are therefore advised to exchange foreign currency at government-licensed booths.
LAOS: Visitors are advised against all travel to Xaisomboun Province because of the tense security situation and random shooting incidents.
UK: Due to major engineering works, Euston Station in London will be completely closed (except for the Underground railway) on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August 2017.
TURKMENISTAN: No cars will be allowed into the city of Ashgabat between 7am and 7pm on Thursday the 17th of August 2017.
CAPE VERDE: There is a danger of indigenous malaria with several reported cases this summer in the capital city Praia (Santiago Island).
PHILIPPINES: An outbreak of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in farm birds has been confirmed in San Luis, Pampanga province.
SOUTH AFRICA: Taxi drivers have embarked on protest action in Tshwane on Wednesday (August 16th) morning. Several roads in Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Soshanguve as well as the Mabopane highway have been blocked by taxis.
SIERRA LEONE: On August the 14th 2017, a mudslide in the Regent area of Freetown caused hundreds of deaths and injuries. Access to and from Lungi airport by ferry and road has been affected.
BERMUDA: Due to frequent congestion on main road arteries in and out of the island’s Capital, visitors are unable to rent cars as a matter of practicality. However, 50cc scooters are readily available for public hire and a small number of 2-person minicars are offered as an alternative to motorcycles in some locations.
SAUDI ARABIA: Visitors are advised against all travel to areas within 30 km of the Yemeni border, due to rocket, missile and mortar attacks.
U.K.: Passengers have been advised to avoid London Waterloo station all day today (Tuesday) after a train derailed outside the station.
BURKINA FASO: Gunmen attacked the Aziz Istanbul restaurant in Ouagadougou on the 13th of August 2017. At least 17 people have been killed and 8 wounded.
INDIA/NEPAL/BANGLADESH: Hundreds of people died and thousands fled their homes as monsoon floods swept through Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Train services to the Northeast India from the rest of the country have been cancelled until Wednesday the 16th of August 2017 due to flooding.
FINLAND: Please expect heavy congestion on the roads as a nationwide 30-hour-long train drivers’ strike has just begun.
SPAIN: Visitors should expect lengthy lines at Barcelona’s El Prat airport due to several industrial disputes involving airport staff.
USA: A white supremacist rally in Charlottesville turned violent on the 12th of August 2017. Virginia has declared a state of emergency.
PERU: Visitors should expect temporary transport disruption as strikes are taking place in Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Iquitos, the historic centre of Lima and other parts of the country.
ETHIOPIA: Please exercise a great degree of caution as tensions are high on the road between Harar and Babile, in the far east of Ethiopia, after ethnic clashes on the 10th of August 2017.
LIBYA: The security situation across the country remain fragile. Conflict continues in a number of areas – including Benghazi.
PORTUGAL: Planned strike action by SATA Air Açores and Air Azores cabin crew from 23rd to 26th of August 2017 may cause disruption to flights.
BAHRAIN: Unauthorized protests planned for August the 10th to 11th 2017 could lead to clashes with the police.
EGYPT: Nationals of Algeria, India, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, Syria and Tunisia must now register with the immigration authorities within seven days of entry into Egypt, regardless of their immigration status.
INDIA: The East Coast Railway has cancelled several trains between the 18th and 27th of August 2017 due to modernization work and the separation of the grid at Cuttack railway station.
FINLAND: The Finnish Locomotive Drivers’ Union has announced a walkout on Monday the 14th of August 2017 at 6pm and this action will continue until Tuesday at midnight. There will be a shutdown of all passenger and freight train services across the country.
MEXICO: There’s currently an increased police presence in Los Cabos following a shooting incident on Palmilla Beach at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula on the 6th of August 2017.
KENYA: Rallies and protests are possible after the presidential, parliamentary, county and local elections. These present a rist for foreign visitors and should be avoided.
THAILAND: Visitors should expect significant disruption to traffic in central Bangkok between the 25th and 29th of October 2017 as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s cremation ceremony will be held during this period.
PAKISTAN: Visitors are advised to avoid all large crowds and political gatherings on the 14th of August 2017 as Independence Day will be held on that day and large celebrations are expected on and around this date.
PARAGUAY: There have been a number of recent protests in downtown Asuncion. More can be expected in coming days. Disruption to road travel in the surrounding area is likely.
PHILIPPINES: The Mactan-Cebu International Airport will close its runway for 6 hours for repairs on August the 11th 2017. Please check travel itineraries as several domestic and international flights of Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) and Cebgo will be affected during this period.
INDIA (MUMBAI): Expect road closures and traffic diversions on the route between Byculla and Azad Maidan (near CSM Terminus) as the Maratha Kratni Morcha is organising a large rally in central and south Mumbai on the 9th of August 2017.
SOUTH AFRICA: Protests broke out across Gauteng on the 8th of August 2017. Bus services and other traffic in the area have been disrupted by blockades.
PORTUGAL: Visitors should expect delays on the 24th and 25th of August 2017 due to planned strike action by Portuguese immigration officers.
ITALY: The faulty service on the railway line between Fiumicino Airport and Rome Termini is expected to cause further disruption.
MEXICO: It is confirmed that the coastal zone between Punta Herrero and Xcalak will be evacuated and Chetumal International Airport will be closed due to Tropical storm Franklin.
DR CONGO: More than 50 people have been killed in clashes between ethnic groups in eastern Congo. Violence has raged across much of Congo this year.
COMOROS: Int’Air Iles has suspended all operations indefinitely.
SPAIN: Visitors should expect long queues at Barcelona Airport as security staff continued their strike.
MEXICO: Tropical Storm Franklin is strengthening over the Caribbean Sea, and threatens to strike Mexico at two points this week. There is also a hurricane watch issued for the Yucatan peninsula. On another front: please stay attentive when visiting north-west Mexico as gunmen have killed 3 people and wounded 2 others on a popular beach in the area.
BRAZIL: It’s been reported that Since July 27th the military have been deployed to Rio de Janeiro with an operational focus on combatting organised crime such as drug trafficking, illegal firearms and cargo theft.
HONGKONG: From May the 5th until August the 2nd 2017, the number of laboratory confirmed influenza cases totalled 14713 – 450 cases of severe flu and with 307 deaths. This amounts to an influenza death rate of 2.1%.
INDIA: Runway upgrading at Chandigarh International Airport from the 3rd October 2017 will affect flight operations.
JAPAN: Visitors should be aware of possible landslides, floods, heavy rain, strong winds and high waves in the southwest of the country. Typhoon Noru has already killed 2 people.
UK: Visitors travelling from Hampshire to London could experience severe disruption as planned upgrading works at Waterloo have begun. The works are set to continue until August the 28th 2017.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: There is a constant threat of civil unrest leading to possible disruption of flight schedules and transport services.
DR CONGO: Please remain particularly vigilant as general labour strikes may occur throughout the country on the 8th and 9th of August 2017.
MONTENEGRO: Please carry a valid form of ID (a driving license, passport or equivalent) with you at all times or you may be fined.
UK: British Airways cabin crew will extend their strike from August the 16th to August the 30th 2017.
BRAZIL: Brazil has become the most dangerous country outside war zones to travel around in public. Exercise a high degree of care due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related – and other – violence, particularly in urban areas.
LEBANON, YEMEN and JORDAN: Visitors are advised against non-essential travel to these countries due to the unpredictable security situation. Foreigners are particularly at great risk.
UK: There is an increasing risk of violent crime throughout England, especially in East London, the North East, Teeside, the Taunton area and Wiltshire. Visitors should be particularly careful about street attacks by those using motorcycles in urban areas, assailants using acid and those attacking pedestrians by driving vehicles onto pavements.
SPAIN: Foreign visitors to Barcelona should take great care when moving around the city because of street crime and the targeting of foreign tourists by violent gangs.
JAPAN/SOUTH KOREA: Visitors to southern Japan and South Korea should be on high alert as Typhoon Noru is expected to intensify in the western Atlantic Ocean over the weekend.
SPAIN: Please expect longs queues and delays at Barcelona airport due to industrial action. Hour-long strikes are expected to begin on Friday, August 4th at Spain’s El Prat airport.
BARBADOS/COLOMBIA: Colombian airline Avianca has suspended flights to and from Venezuela.
EU: Visitors should expect lengthy delays at European airports following tightened border checks.
PERU: Thousands of teachers are striking in the capital city of Lima to demand better working conditions and salaries. Numerous roads in Cuzco and Ayacucho have been closed off. Flights have also affected by delays and cancellations.
KASHMIR: Internet services has been suspended in south Kashmir. Train services between Baanihal town in Jammu region and Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley have also been suspended for security reasons.
INDIA: Visitors are advised to stay vigilant as there are ongoing instances of violence and arson in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, with sporadic violence in the Darjeeling foothills and in Cooch Behar district.
CROATIA: The union members representing Croatia Airlines’ pilots, cabin crew and mechanics, ORCA will go on strike next Tuesday, the 8th of August 2017.
USA: American citizens will be banned from traveling to North Korea from September the 1st 2017.
HONOLULU: From October the 25th, anyone caught crossing a street or highway whilst viewing a mobile electronic device will receive a US$15-US$35 fine for a first-time offend, second time violations within the same year will be subject to fines of US$35-US$75, and those who are caught a third time will be charged US$75-US$99.
FRANCE: An electrical fault continues to disrupt trains at Montparnasse station in Paris. Visitors should expect delays or cancellations.
AUSTRALIA: Please stay vigilant as there are enhanced security measures at all major Australian domestic and international airports after the arrest of 4 men in Sydney in a counter-terrorism operation on the 29th of July 2017.
KENYA: Kenya Airways has cancelled an unspecified number of flights due to flight crew problems.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Air Niugini has resumed flights to and from Kagamuga International airport, Mt. Hagen.
COLOMBIA/VENEZUELA: Conviasa (V0, Caracas Simón Bolivar) has terminated flights to Colombia.
THAILAND: Sakon Nakhon Airport has reopened after being closed by flooding since last week.
SRI LANKA: The country is facing an outbreak of dengue fever, which has resulted in more than 100,000 cases and claimed almost 300 lives so far this year. Hospitals in the country are stretched to capacity.
MOROCCO: For the last two weeks protests involving thousands of people have taken places in Al Hoceima, a city on the Mediterranean coast in the northern Rif region. Visitors are advised to avoid all public gatherings.
SPAIN/VENEZUELA: Iberia and Air France have announced suspension of flights to Venezuela due to political tensions in the country.
THAILAND: The Sakon Nakhon International Airport will remain closed as a result of a flooded runway.
CHINA/TAIWAN: Flights are facing disruptions or delays due to the approaching Typhoon Nesat.
CANADA: Unionized ground crew workers will continue to strike this weekend at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. This will cause cancellations and delays.
TURKEY: Visitors should expect air, metro and road disruptions in Istanbul as a severe summer storm has hit the city.
USA/VENEZUELA: Delta Airlines will be suspending its services in Venezuela from the 16th of September 2017 due to the dangerous and chaotic political situation in the country following its economic collapse.
VENEZUELA: There is a significant risk of traveling to Venezuela due to social unrest, violent crime, and pervasive food and medicine shortages.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: There is an increased chance of civil unrest around the country, particularly in the Highlands and Port Moresby.
KENYA: Since the beginning of 2017, Kenya has been experiencing an upsurge of cholera. The first cholera outbreak reported in 2017 was in Tana River County.
SPAIN: A train has crashed into a railway buffer at Barcelona’s Francia station. Visitors should expect travel delays.
JORDAN: Visitors are advised against nonessential travel to Jordan, especially within 6km of the Syrian border between Routes 15 and 35 due to the risk of small arms fire, stray mortars and friendly fire.
BELGIUM: Passchendaele battle centenary commemorative events are to be held on the 30th and 31st of July 2017 close to the French border. This will lead to some travel delays.
INDIA: Heavy rains are causing flooding across large parts of Gujarat and many people have already died. Visitors should expect rail and road transport disruptions and some national highway closures.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Visitors may find a blockade at Mount Hagen Kagamuga Airport due to political tensions in the country.
COLOMBIA: From August the 16th, Avianca – the Latin American airline, will suspend all flights to and from Venezuela.
MYANMAR: H1N1 flu has killed 3 people out of 13 confirmed cases of the infection. The symptoms are the same as normal flu. Visitors are advised to wear masks in public and wash hands frequently, cover mouths when coughing and sneezing, and avoid crowded places.
VENEZUELA: The election for the National Constituent Assembly (ANC) is scheduled for Sunday, July the 30th. Opposition leaders have planned a two-day national strike on the 26th and 27th of July 2017. Please avoid large and potentially violent protests.
PAKISTAN/SAUDI ARABIA: 29 Saudi Arabia bound flights by Pakistan International Airline (PIA) and several other airlines have been cancelled. The reasons for this have not yet been made known.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Due to local political tensions Air Niugini has suspended all flights to Kagamuga International airport, in Mt Hagen today (July 26th).
MIDDLE EAST: UAE’s Rotana Jet Aviation has resumed partial operations.
ITALY: There are potential flights delays between 13:00 and 17:00 at Italy airports on the 26th of July due to the industrial action by several unions.
SWITZERLAND: There is an ongoing manhunt in the Schaffhausen area following an attack on the public on the 24th of July 2017. Visitors are advised to follow the instructions of the local security authorities.
MALDIVES: The security forces has locked down the parliament, leading to a disturbance around the parliament building (Majlis) area. You should avoid demonstrations and political protests which might led to violence and arrests.
PAKISTAN: A suicide bomber struck near the Arfa Karim IT tower on Ferozepur road in the Model Town area of Lahore has caused multiple casualties on the 24th of July 2017.
JAPAN: Part of Akita Shinkansen high-speed line remains suspended because of flooding.
KENYA: Presidential, parliamentary, county and local elections are to be held on the 8th of August 2017. You should take appropriate security precautions and avoid large gatherings, protests and rallies.
INDIA: The total number of people losing their lives in this year’s flood-related cases stands at 76, including eight in Guwahati. Almost 60,000 people are affected in Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar and Karimganj districts.
GREECE: Two strong aftershocks have struck the Greek island of Kos within minutes of each other. The island’s main port has been damaged, ferries have been diverted to the smaller port of Kefalos on the island’s southwestern coast.
SPAIN: Barcelona Metro workers are to stage a partial strike on the 24th of July 2017.
JAPAN: Around 120,000 Akita Prefecture residents have evacuated as the risk of flooding and landslides in Tohoku due to heavy rain. The storm caused flooding along stretches of the Omono River, whilst several other rivers are at risk of overflowing their banks. Some bullet trains running to and from Akita have been suspended.
CANADA: A strike may occur at the Winnipeg Airport in Manitoba as early as Monday (July 25th), if the current labour dispute continues.
JORDAN: Visitors should consider the risks of travel to and throughout the country due to persistent terrorist threats and incidents.
SOUTH SUDAN: Visitors should avoid all travel to this country due to ongoing fighting, intercommunal violence, and violent crime.
PERU: A State of Emergency has been declared in the districts of Juliaca in Puno, the districts of Wanchaq, San Sebastián, Cusco, Machupicchu and Ollantaytambo in Cusco after 36 days of teacher strike. Flights have been suspended at Juliaca’s Inca Manco Capac Airport after protesting teachers attempt to take over the airport.
ISRAEL: Visitors are advised against all travel to the Old City of Jerusalem from the 21st of July to sunrise on 22nd of July 2017 due to political and religious tensions.
VENEZUELA: A 24-hour national strike has shut down large parts of Venezuela’s capital. Visitors should expect transportation disruptions and problems gaining hotel bookings.
GREECE: Many hotel and restaurant employees have taken informal strike action in protest against government labour reforms. Furthermore, at least 2 people have been killed and 200 injured on the Greek island of Kos after a magnitude-6.5 earthquake hit the Aegean Sea near the Turkish coast. Aftershocks can be expected in coming days.
EGYPT: Visitors should consider the risks of traveling to the country due to threats from terrorist and violent political opposition groups.
JORDAN: Visitors should expect large demonstrations, especially after Friday prayers in downtown Amman and potentially elsewhere across the country following recent tensions in Jerusalem.
MOROCCO: Please proceed with caution as demonstrations are planned for the 20th of July 2017 around the town of Al Hoceima and a heavy security presence is in place.
TIMOR-LESTE: Parliamentary elections are scheduled on the 22nd of July 2017, please avoid rallies, demonstrations and protests.
UK: Some British Airways cabin crew are to strike for a further 14 days as part of an ongoing dispute over pay. The strikes will start on the 2nd of August.
COSTA RICA: Recent activity by several volcanoes has caused national park and airport closures. Visitors should stay away from volcanic areas as a full-scale eruption could happen at any time.
UK: Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will walk out for 24 hours on Tuesday, August the 1st 2017. This will severely reduce services on national rail networks.
PORTUGAL: Lisbon subway workers are planning to go on 24-hour strike on the 1st and 3rd of August 2017.
UAE: Abu-Dhabi based Rotana Jet has suspended all flights indefinitely due to operational issues.
EGYPT: Egypt has announced an end to visas on arrival for Qatari citizens. Qatari nationals with Egyptian mothers, spouses of Egyptians, and Qataris studying in Egypt will be exempt.
ZIMBABWE: Road traffic accidents went up by over 100,000 last year, whilst the number of deaths increased by 75% – despite a heavy police presence on the country’s major roads.
PERU: A 6.4 magnitude earthquake has struck off Peru’s southern coast and a 7.8 magnitude earthquake has struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Both with no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
PHILIPPINES: Visitors are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to the city of Marawi, Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago – including the southern Sulu Sea. Please stay vigilant when traveling to other regions of Mindanao, due to terrorist threats, insurgent activities and kidnappings.
INDIA: The opposition Congress party has called a 12-hour shutdown in Tripura on the 19th of July. Visitors should expect blockages on national highways and railway route.
VIETNAM: Tropical Storm Talas has claimed at least 14 lives in the country. Visitors should expect flights disruptions and heavy flooding.
FRANCE: Visitors should expect flights disruptions as the airline Hop! pilots’ strike continues.
SPAIN: Barcelona Metro services have been disrupted again today due to partial strikes.
CHILE: A rare heavy snowfall in the Chilean capital Santiago has caused disruption and blackouts.
POLAND: Thousands of Poles have held rallies in the capital Warsaw and other cities to condemn a controversial reform of the judiciary. Visitors are advised to stay away from large crowds in urban areas.
NIGERIA: A female suicide bomber has killed 8 people and wounded 18 at a mosque in northeastern Nigeria. This is the second time in a week that such incidents have taken place and visitors should avoid the entire northern region.
NIGER: Visitors are advised against all travel to the following parts of Niger due to terrorism attacks: all areas of the country north of the city of Abalak, including the Aïr Massif region; the province of Agadez; areas of Tahoua province north of the city of Tahoua; the area of Tillabéri province north of Niamey; areas within 40km of the border with Nigeria in Diffa, Zinder and Maradi provinces.
INDIA: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has called for an indefinite shutdown of state government and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration offices following clashes with the police in Darjeeling on the 12th of June 2017. There are ongoing instances of violence and arson in Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
ZAMBIA: The President of Zambia has widened the powers of government and the police to preserve public security. Visitors are advised to comply with instructions given by police officers and the local authorities.
LEBANON: Visitors should be particularly vigilant at this time – due to special operations by the Lebanese Army.
TURKEY: The weekend of 15th and 16th of July 2017 marks the anniversary of an attempted coup in Turkey. Visitors should postpone travel to the country or, if present, avoid all political rallies, demonstrations, and any large gatherings.
SOMALIA: An ongoing internet outage is affecting southern Somalia caused by damage to an undersea fibre-optic cable.
VIETNAM: Over the year to June 2017 the number of dengue fever cases reported in Vietnam has increased by 11% to 45,074 cases. In the past 50 years, the incidence of dengue worldwide has increased 30-fold.
RWANDA: Presidential elections are due to take place on the 4th of August 2017, with the campaign period beginning on the 14th of July. Visitors are advised to take care in public places where people gather.
NIGERIA: Suicide bombers have killed more than 15 people and wounded 23 in the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri.
INDIA: Radical protests and clashes have erupted in the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir on the 12th of July 2017. Authorities have consequently imposed a curfew in downtown Srinagar.
BANGLADESH: A viral disease called Chikungunya spread by the Aedes mosquito which is also responsible for Zika virus, has hospitalized nearly 3,000 people since May 2017 in the capital Dhaka. Some of the major physical symptoms of chikungunya include fever, muscle ache, chills, rashes and nausea.
NEPAL: Local elections are scheduled for the 18th of September 2017.
KENYA: Visitors should exercise a heightened level of vigilance as since spring 2017, there have been multiple attacks in Garissa county and mainland areas of Lamu county involving improvised explosive devices, armed militia and fatal knife attacks.
NIGERIA: A flood disaster that struck Suleja, Niger State has killed at least a dozen people. Residents in parts of Nigeria’s most populous city, Lagos, have also been affected by floods.
BOLIVIA: There is a dispute between local communities on the Island of the Sun (Isla del Sol) on Lake Titicaca. Visitors are adivised to stay vigilant.
GAMBIA: Clashes occurred at Bakoteh between the communities of Bakoteh and Manjai, and members of the Police Intervention Unit recently. Visitors should avoid public protests and maintain awareness at all times.
BURUNDI: 8 people have been killed and another 50 injured in a grenade attack carried out in a bar on the Shinya Zone, Garatara Commune, in the province of Kayanza, in central Burundi. The country has been plagued by sporadic violence since April 2015.
USA: Driving in the left lane on state highways too slowly in Virginia could now result in a $100 fine.
BELGIUM/LUXEMBOURG: No trains are currently running on line 50 that runs between Arlon in Belgium and Luxembourg City due to damaged power lines.
CONGO: Robberies by people posing as taxi drivers or taxi customers are increasingly common in Kinshasa, and are often accompanied by a threat of violence. Visitors are advised to use a private pre-booked taxi if necessary.
TURKEY: Huge crowds have packed central Istanbul at a mass rally to protest against President Erdogan’s rule. Visitors are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations.
AZERBAIJAN: The armed forces of Armenia launched a military attack on Azerbaijan territory – Alkhanli village in the Fizuli region – on the American 241 years of Independence day which has killed two people and wounded one.
SPAIN: Barcelona Metro workers are to stage a 10th round of partial strikes on the 10th of July, 2017. Security gate staff at Madrid airport are also to stage a series of partial strikes from the 14th to 17th, 21st to 24th and 28th to 31st of July 2017.
UK: Workers on Southern Rail are set to walkout on Monday, July the 10th from 00:01 to 23:59.
GERMANY: Visitors are advised this week to avoid moving around within Hamburg due to the potential for violence at demonstrations, before road closures and consequent disruptions to public transportation during the forthcoming G20 event.
PHILIPPINES: Cebu Pacific has cancelled its Cebu and Ormoc flights starting July the 7th to 9th following the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that hit Jaro, Leyte, on Thursday afternoon, July the 6th.
CANADA: Visitors should expect delays on the road network and commuter train lines on Highway 116 following a major gas leak on Montreal’s South Shore.
VENEZUELA: Visitors should exercise great caution in the cities of Caracas, Barquisimeto, Valencia and Maracay due to recent incidents of violence. Major, and potentially violent, protests are likely around events on the 16th and 30th of July 2017.
HUNGARY: Budapest Pride 2017, the largest annual LGBT event, will take place on the 8th of July. Visitors should expect large crowds as the march will start in central Budapest at 3pm.
ZAMBIA: President Lungu invoked Article 31 of the Zambian constitution on the 5th of July 2017 to implement “certain emergency measures” for a period of 7 days. The operational measures are yet to be announced.
PHILIPPINES: Ninoy Aquino International Airport is currently closed for emergency repairs.
UK: British Airways (BA) cabin crew are to stage a further two weeks of strikes from the 19th of July 2017.
KENYA: On the 5th of July 2017 a police station in Pandanguo, Lamu County was attacked by an armed group. Visitors should exercise great caution in the country and comply with the curfew that is in place in Mandera County from the hours 6:30pm to 6:30am.
ITALY: Visitors should expect public transport disruptions in Rome, Milan and other major cities on the 6th of July due to the strike called by Sul, USB and Faisa Confail unions.
JAPAN: Typhoon Nanmadol made landfall in Nagasaki on the south-western main island of Kyushu. Dozens of flights have been grounded. Visitors should expect flooding and landslides in Fukuoka and Oita prefectures.
CHINA: Dozens of flights at airports serving major cities in a region embracing Chengdu, Changsha, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have been canceled or delayed due to heavy rains. Trains also have been halted, and roads have been cut off to many towns and villages in the region.
CONGO: Several towns in South Kivu province of eastern Congo, including Fizi, are being attacked by – or have come under the control of – armed groups. Visitors face a high risk travelling to these areas and are advised to make all but essential travel to the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
OMAN: SalamAir flights have been rescheduled due to operational reasons. Visitors are advised to check status before leaving for the airport.
FRANCE: A Transavia France cabin crew strike scheduled for the 3rd to 9th of July has been canceled.
SRI LANKA: The spread of deadly dengue fever has killed a record 215 people this year, over 71,000 people have been infected. Dengue is an infection caused by a virus. Symptoms include a high fever, headaches, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, and a rash.
THAILAND: Visitors to Thailand should take extra precautions against mosquitoes as there have already been 136,000 dengue fever cases registered in Chiang Mai province this year – the highest level in 20 years. There is no inoculation against dengue, visitors are advised to protect themselves by using mosquito repellents.
INDIA: Soon Foreign visitors can book train tickets on Indian railways 360 days in advance from abroad instead of the present 120 days for certain journeys and travel classes. These include first AC, second AC and executive class of mail express trains and in Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Gatimaan and Tejas trains. The facility is not available for sleeper and third class AC.
CHINA: Flooding continues in Hunan province. Trains passing Guizhou province and Yunnan province have been suspended at Changsha railway station. By contrast, in north China a heat wave is affecting Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning and Inner Mongolia. Temperatures are reaching 35 to 37 degrees Celsius and visitors should be ware of dehydration.
RUSSIA: A massive thunderstorm around Moscow has killed at least one person, injured several others and forced 40 planes to divert to other airports.
MALI: Visitors should avoid travelling to Mali due to ongoing terrorist attacks, criminal violence, and potential political instability.
SPAIN: The Madrid Metro strike action will not finish until the 2nd of July 2017. Visitors should expect busier public transport due to the WorldPride festival taking place in Madrid until the 2nd of July.
MALAYSIA: The local authorities have imposed restrictions on travel by water in some coastal districts of eastern Sabah and in the coastal waters off eastern Sabah, including a night-time curfew.
USA: Visitors should expect enhanced security screening for all commercial flights to the US.
BAHRAIN: Demonstrations are planned today (June 30th).
USA: Horizon Air is cutting hundreds of flights due to a pilot shortage.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: There have been armed robberies in the country on roads close to the border with Haiti. Visitors should exercise extra caution.
CONGO: Visitors should avoid demonstrations or large gatherings on Independence Day (June 30th) in the country.
USA: US Supreme Court has partly reintroduced temporary immigration measures for nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
GERMANY: Two trams have collided head-on in the Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin and left the M10 tram line between Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportplatz und Danziger Strasse with no service. The M2 has also been suspended.
UK: Due to an overtime ban by driver’s union Aslef, there are no off-peak Gatwick Express services between Brighton and the airport. However, a limited peak service will operate. There are also no direct services between London and both Southampton and Portsmouth – passengers will need to change trains on route. No trains will run between East Croydon and Milton Keynes via Kensington Olympia.
NORWAY: Passengers should expect long queues at Oslo Airport due to technical problems with airport operational systems.
UKRAINE: Visitors should avoid all travel to Crimea and the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk due to political tensions in the area.
SPAIN: The engineers of Metro de Madrid start a strike today (June 28th) which lasts until Sunday. Taxi drivers plan a 48-hour strike from the 29th of June.
UK: Passengers should expect flights and terminal service disruptions at Edinburgh Airport following a power cut.
USA: Subway train service has been suspended on several lines in New York City due to a derailment.
UK: British Airways has canceled several long-haul flights to and from Heathrow ahead of 16-day strike planned from the 1st of July.
UK: The RMT union plans strike action on rail services from the 8th to 10th of July.
SOUTH AFRICA: Train services remain suspended in Nancefield, Soweto, until further notice.
FRANCE: Disruptions and delays can be expected from the 28th of June at 8pm until the 3rd of July at 8am – as a national strike of French railways (SNCF )has planned.
UK: Aurigny Air Services has cancelled some flights following a weekend of travel disruptions.
VENEZUELA: Rutaca Airlines has resumed domestic operations after its suspension by the Venezuelan civil aviation authority. International services remain suspended.
BURUNDI: Visitors should exercise extreme caution throughout the country due to political tensions, criminal violence, and the potential for civil unrest.
TURKEY: An Istanbul LGBTI pride march is planned today (June 25th). Visitors should remain vigilant in crowded places and avoid all rallies and demonstrations.
INDIA: Mumbai trains on the Central railway line will have a major block of 6 long hours delay on Sunday (June 25th) due to a power blackout on all the six lines between Dombivili and Kalyan.
PORTUGAL: Portuguese airport security screeners union will be on strike at all airports in Portugal today (June 25th) , including Madeira and the Azores.
ALGERIA: Terrorist groups remain active in some parts of the country. Visitors should avoid traveling to remote areas.
SWEDEN: All rail traffic between Stockholm’s Central and Southern stations has been closed down for much of today (June 22nd), following a cable fire in a tunnel.
UK: Arriva Rail North staff will walk out for three days from the 8th of July, while Merseyrail staff will strike on the 8th, 10th and 23rd of July. Workers at Southern Rail also plan to walk out on the 10th of July.
CHINA: Torrential rains have resulted in flight cancellations in the capital city, Beijing. Its neighbouring areas will experience heavy rainstorms over the next few days, with some areas to be hit by strong winds and hail.
GERMANY: Torrential rains and hail in northern Germany have damaged the rail tracks and power lines. Trains have been cancelled between Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Kiel and Hanover. Flights from two Berlin airports have also been restricted.
USA: Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan may remain closed following a possible terror-related incident.
USA: Tropical Storm Cindy’s landfall is expected to disrupt Gulf Coast flights.
BELGIUM: The central train station in Brussels was struck by a terrorist attack on Tuesday evening (June 20th). Visitors should remain vigilant and avoid the immediate vicinity.
AMERICAS: Tropical Storm Bret has caused flooding and power outages in Trinidad and Tobago and is making its way on to South America. Meanwhile, a second disturbance currently over the southern Gulf of Mexico, could bring very heavy rain and flooding to the northern U.S. Gulf Coast.
PHILIPPINES: Hundreds of gunmen attacked troops in a southern Philippine village in Pigkawayan, a farming town about 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Marawi city, on the 21st of June. There are no confirmed casualties but 5 civilians who were used as human shields remain missing.
USA: A flash flood warning remains in operation for parts of Metro Atlanta.
USA: Excessive heat warnings have been issued for parts of California, Nevada and Arizona. Visitors should expect flights cancellations.
COLOMBIA: Visitors should be on high alert as crime-linked violence and kidnapping occur in many rural and urban areas.
PORTUGAL: Forest fires have been reported recently in the countryside – leading to loss of life. Visitors should consider the risk of traveling to the affected areas.
PERU: Visitors are required by law to obtain an entry stamp. Immigration authorities will need evidence of entry to Peru, such as air or a bus ticket and an exit stamp from the last country you visited.
UZBEKISTAN: Samarkand airport will be closed to all flights from the 1st to the 31st July 2017.
MALAYSIA: Malaysia Airlines has cancelled its direct flights to and from Darwin.
FRANCE: The area of the Champs Elysees in Paris sealed off following a recent incident. The local subway station is closed.
GERMANY: Several intercity rail tracks in Germany have been hit by arson attacks ahead of the G20 summit in July. Services in several locations – including the eastern cities of Leipzig and Dresden, as well as long-distance lines linking Berlin and Prague – have been disrupted.
PAKISTAN: Gwadar airport is to be closed from the 1st to 31st of July.
CHILE: Central and southern Chile has been affected by recent heavy rain and thunderstorms. Some principal city streets have been flooded, whilst traffic lights have failed. Some neighborhoods still have no power.
ITALY: Strikes called by many transport unions in air, train, bus and metro services cause huge disruption throughout the country.
UK: British Airways cabin crew are to stage a two-week strike from 00:01 on Saturday July the 1st to 23:59 on Sunday July the 16th.
PAKISTAN: The annual Youm e Ali (21st Day of Ramadan) celebration falls on the 17th of June 2017. Visitors should avoid large religious gatherings as this event has been targeted by terrorists in the past. The Sindh government has issued an order banning pillion riding in Hyderabad and Karachi. It is likely too that the mobile phone services will also be suspended in these cities.
KENYA: Visitors should remain vigilant as there have been several attacks on security force vehicles, using improvised explosive devices, along the Dadaab-Liboi road in eastern Garissa County.
MOROCCO: Visitors should avoid the capital city, Rabat where tens of thousands of people have been marching in support of strikes in the Rif region – particularly around around the northern city of Al-Hoceima.
BAHRAIN: Unauthorised protests in Barbar and Karranah are planned for the 16th of June.
USA: Severe storms have downed trees and power lines and soaked parts of the Chicago area. More than 500 flights at Chicago airports has been canceled. Visitors are advised to avoid driving vehicles through flooded roadways.
BELGIUM: Visitors should expect delays after a power outage at Brussels airport.
BANGLADESH: Heavy monsoon rains have triggered landslides in southeast Bangladesh killing more than 100 people. Telecommunication links and electricity have been cut off in some areas. Traffic in the capital Dhaka and Chittagong has also been disrupted by the torrential rains.
ETHIOPIA: There continue to be reports of unrest, particularly in Gondar and Bahir Dar in Amhara State. Visitors should exercise great caution due to the potential for civil unrest and arbitrary detention.
YEMEN: Around 129,000 suspected cholera cases have been detected in 20 out of Yemen’s 22 provinces since April. Out of the total reported cases, 923 deaths were reported (0.7% case fatality rate).
MALI: The US Embassy in Bamako has issued a security message warning of an increased threat of attacks in Bamako.
ITALY: A nationwide transport strike has been called for the 16th of June. The strike will affect buses, metro, regional trains, air traffic and sea travel.
INDIA: Clashes in Darjeeling between the Gorkhaland supporters and police are still going on, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) called for an indefinite shutdown of state government and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) offices as the dispute entered its second day.
MEXICO: Tropical Storm Calvin is lashing parts of southern Mexico with rains and high winds. Visitors should exercise high caution when traveling along the coast from Salina Cruz to Laguna de Chacahua, and expect flooding in all valley areas.
INDIA: Mumbai will receive heavy rains during next 24 hours due to the start of the monsoon season. Visitors should except delays and cancellations of flights at Mumbai International Airport. The monsoon has also advanced into the north interior of the country and will affect Bangladesh.
GERMANY: Several shots were fired at Unterföhring station in the city of Munich on the 13th of June, 2017, several people have been wounded.
GABON: Afric-Aviation has announced the temporary cessation of its activities.
NEPAL: Nepal Airlines Corporation has canceled its Kathmandu-Doha-Kathmandu flights due to Iran airspace restriction.
FRANCE: SNCF rail workers plan to go on strike from 7 pm on Monday, June the 12th until 8am on Wednesday, June the 14th.
LIBYA: Independent Libyan carrier Buraq airlines has announced that it is cancelling all flights to Tunis for the rest of Ramadan.
RUSSIA: Visitors should avoid public gatherings and demonstrations in towns and cities across Russia on the 12th of June 2017.
KOSOVO: Visitors should expect an enhanced security presence in the country as national elections are scheduled to take place on the 11th of June 2017.
NIGERIA: Boko Haram launched co-ordinated attacks in the south-west and eastern areas of Maiduguri, Borno State on the 7th of June, 2017 killing over a dozen and injuring many others.
INDIA: An Air India plane has overshot the runway in Jammu airport whilst landing (9th of June). All flights have been cancelled util the plane has been removed.
UZBEKISTAN: Samarkand International Airport will be closed for runway reconstruction from July the 1st to the 31st 2017. Russia’s Aeroflot will be operating flights from Moscow Sheremetyevo to Navoi International Airport between July the 4th and August the 1st.
CARIBBEAN: The LIAT pilots strike continues into second day (June 9th). Passengers should expect flight cancellations or delays in and out of Grantley Adams International Airport.
BURKINA FASO: Visitors should avoid travel to the northern part of the Sahel region and exercise caution in the rest of the country, due to continuing threats to safety and security, including terrorism.
ANGOLA: Presidential elections are scheduled on the 23rd of August 2017. Visitors should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Protests might take place at several locations in Mostar on the 8th of June, 2017, these may turn violent.
CHAD: Travelers should avoid all travel to the border regions, particularly the Lake Chad region, and exercise extreme caution elsewhere in the country due to ongoing tensions and potential terrorist activity.
INDIA: Further sporadic violence has been reported in Piplia Mandi town and police have been deployed to contain the situation. Travelers in the area should avoid large gatherings.
SOUTH AFRICA: The city of Cape Town is on high alert for current severe storm.
BRAZIL: Trade unions have issued a call for a new general strike to shut down Brazil’s largest cities on the 30th of June.
SPAIN: Main export sectors like industrial machinery and cars will be threatened in the country as more than 6,000 stevedores went on strike on Monday (June 5th), paralyzing the country’s 39 cargo ports. Strikes are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday this week. Five further days of industrial action have also been called for next week.
PORTUGAL: A strike of flight personnel at Portugália Airlines will take place on the 10th and 20th of June.
QATAR: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have all closed their airspace to Qatari aircraft with effect from June the 6th. Travelers should expect delays and cancellations at airports across these regions.
ALBANIA: National elections will be held on the 25th of June 2017. Visitors should remain vigilant as the political atmosphere is likely to remain changeable.
QATAR: Bahrain, Egypt, The Maldives, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen have cut political relations with Qatar due to concerns over terrorism and regional stability. All reciprocal air and sea points of entry between Egypt and Qatar have been closed. Saudi Arabia is also shutting its border to neighboring Qatar, locking the state out of its only over-land border crossing.
INDIA: Farmers in Maharashtra’s Nashik have continued their strike for a fifth day and called for a general protest across the state. There are reports of sporadic protests in parts of western Maharashtra. This may cause some traffic delays on state highways near Nashik and road blockages in Pune city.
UK: Train travel within the city of London has been severely affected by the attacks. London Bridge station and Borough Tube station remaining closed until the 4th of June.
VENEZUELA: United Airlines will end its daily flight service to Venezuela in July.
UK: British Airways cabin crew are set to hold a 4-day strike, starting on the 16th of June.
PHILIPPINES: Ninoy Aquino International Airport is on heightened alert due to the attack in the early hours of Friday, June 2 by a gunman who fired shots from an assault rifle.
ETHIOPIA: Internet access across Ethiopia has been cut off until at least the 8th of June to stop examination cheats. Visitors are advised to make alternative arrangements for keeping in touch with contacts inside or outside the country.
YEMEN: Conflicts over the Aden airport in Yemen started in February. Now tensions have grown. Yemenia has temporarily suspended its flights to Aden due to security issues.
SOUTH AFRICA: Train services may be disrupted near Johannesburg as two Metrorail trains have collided in Elandsfontein.
LIBERIA: All flights to and from Liberia on Sunday, June 4th, 2017 will be suspended due to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit.
PORTUGAL: Strike action by Azores Airlines and SATA Air Azores cabin crew on the 1st and 2nd of June may cause disruptions to flights.
RUSSIA: A violent thunder storm has torn through Moscow, injuring over 120 and leaving dozens of people dead.
USA: The Bogoslof Volcano, Alaska’s most active volcano, which has been active for the past six months in the Alaskan Aleutian Island, erupted again over the weekend. The volcano remains at a heightened state of unrest and in an unpredictable condition.
INDIA: UK health authorities have classified India as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. The health ministry of India has confirmed 3 cases of the mosquito-borne virus in the city of Ahmedabad in western Gujarat state. The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito which spreads vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
BANGLADESH: The country’s two main seaports in Chittagong and Mongla have suspended operations due to Cyclone Mora. The airports of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar have also been closed. Parts of eastern India are expected to be affected later.
GREECE/BULGARIA: The routes of two trains traveling between Bulgaria and Greece will be temporarily changed due to the three-day strike (May 30, May 31, and June 1) in Greece.
ROMANIA: Romanian air traffic controllers have staged a four-hour strike on the 30th of May leading to some cancellations and delays. Further protests are possible over the next few weeks.
INDIA: Tropical Cyclone Mora is forecast to intensify later on the 29th of May and make landfall in India.
MYANMAR: Due to Cyclone Mora, widespread rain and thundershowers are predicted for Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Sagaing, Yangon, Ayeyarwaddy, Taninthayi regions and Mon, Kachin, Rakhine, Kayah and Kayin states.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Visitors are advised to avoid traveling to this country due to an unpredictable security situation, the activities of armed groups, and violent crime.
EUROPE: The airlines Med-View (Nigeria), Mustique Airways (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Aviation Company Urga (Ukraine) and Air Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe) have been banned by the European Commission from operating within the airspace of the European Union due to safety deficiencies.
UNITED KINGDOM: British Airways has cancelled all flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick due to a major computer failure. Contact the airport for further details before setting off for your flight.
SRI LANKA: Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain across Sri Lanka have killed more than 20 people and left dozens missing. Weather conditions in southern and western parts of the island could still worsen in the next 72 hours.
BAHRAIN: There’s a possibility of further civil disturbances and protests in Bahrain following a security operation in the vicinity of Diraz earlier this week.
NIGERIA: There may be public demonstrations and protests on the 30th of May 2017 as a powerful group calling for an independent state in the south-east have called on supporters to stay away from work on that day.
CAMBODIA: It’s possible that political tensions will increase around the 4th of June 2017 as local elections will be held on that day.
PHILIPPINES: Clashes are taking place between government forces and militants in Marawi City, Mindanao. President Duterte has declared martial law for the whole of Mindanao for 60 days. Visitors in the city are advised to remain indoors, monitor media reports, and follow the advice of the Philippine authorities.
DOMINICA: Travelers should take extra care to avoid areas where protests and demonstrations may be held throughout the country. Several demonstrations have taken place in the capital city and earlier this week there were reports that gunshots had been fired outside the parliament building.
ALGERIA: Terrorist groups have been active across the country and pose a threat throughout Algeria, including in Algiers and other major cities.
CANADA: A storm surge phenomenon warning has been issued by Central Okanagan Emergency Operations. Okanagan Lake is only nine centimetres below this year’s projected flood level, and the threat to lakeshore properties is growing.
RUSSIA: Flights to and from Belarus have all now been moved to the international sectors. Foreign citizens flying to Russia via Belarus will now have to go through border control.
TURKEY: Visitors should be vigilant on significant religious festivals (including the holy month of Ramadan) and public holidays as ironically fundamentalist terrorist groups often perform attacks around these times.
NORTH KOREA: There is a continuing threat of further missile or nuclear tests, which could lead to greater tensions and instability in the region.
ITALY: Alitalia has cancelled several domestic and international flights for the 28th of May because of strikes by air traffic controllers and Alitalia staff. Delays and cancellations can also be expected the day after the Group of Seven largest industrial nations summit ends in Taormina, Sicily.
INDONESIA: Two suspected suicide bombings near a bus terminal in the eastern part of the capital Jakarta on Wednesday night (May 24th) killed three policemen and injured many. Care should be taken by foreigners anywhere in Indonesia.
GREECE: Employees of the Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH) are to walk off the job for the ninth day in a row today (May 23rd). Travelers should expect no bus services in this northern port city.
HAITI: Visitors should carefully consider the risks of traveling to Haiti as its current security environment is unstable and its medical facilities are inadequate, especially in the areas of Petionville and the storm-damaged southern peninsula departments of Grand Anse and Sud.
PAKISTAN: The Department of State has warned U.S. citizens against all non-essential travel to Pakistan.
UK: Manchester Victoria train station will be closed on the 23rd of May following a terrorist explosion at Manchester Arena. TransPennine Express services will be diverted and terminate at Manchester Piccadilly. Some transport links to the Manchester airport maybe affected. There will also be many closures of roads as police cordons remain in place.
THAILAND: There has been an explosion inside Phra Mongkut military training hospital, near the National Monument in Bangkok wounding more than 20 people. Since the 2014 coup, at least 6 explosions have occurred in Bangkok.
SUDAN: Fierce fighting has erupted between Government forces and rebel groups in the areas around the Libyan border and Darfur.
SAUDI ARABIA: Public security is now becoming very uncertain in Saudi Arabia following a shooting incident in the al-Qatif province and another in Al Musawara involving a rocket propelled grenade.
BRAZIL: Scattered demonstrations are taking place in many cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Visitors can expect severe disruption on roads and on public transport over the coming weeks.
VENEZUELA: The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to within 80km (50 miles) of the Colombian border in the states of Zulia, Tachira, Barinas, Apure and Bolivar; within 80 km (50 miles) of the Colombian border in Amazonas state as far south as 100 km (62 miles) south of Puerto Ayacucho; and within 40km (25 miles) of the rest of the Colombian border. The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of Venezuela except for: Los Roques Archipelago National Park, Delta Amacuro state, the remainder of Amazonas state, and Bolívar state south of a line from El Caura – El Casabe – Guarento – Km 88 San Isidro.
FIJI: Almost 1000 dengue cases have been identified on Fiji since the start of the year prompting the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to declare an official outbreak. Travelers to Fiji should protect themselves against mosquito bites to avoid getting the disease.
ARGENTINA: Benjamín Matienzo airport will be closed between the 1st of June and the 31st of August. Passengers flying to Tucumán during these dates will be transferred from the Termas de Río Hondo terminal in Santiago del Estero (free of charge) to the capital of Tucumán, and will be offered a free transfer to the Santiago de Chile terminal if they fly from Tucumán.
PHILIPPINES: The Philippines national carrier has announced it is suspending flights between Abu Dhabi and Manila commencing the 8th of July 2017 and until further notice.
AUSTRALIA: Travelers planning to leave Australian international airports may still face lengthy delays after the system that checks passports for international travelers malfunctioned.
INDIA: With the highest number of road fatalities in the world and an average of 400 fatal accidents a day India represents a huge danger zone for the business traveler. You are advised to instruct drivers to reduce their speed and never to rush for meetings.
USA: San Francisco International airport is slowly recovering from another weekend of runway repairs. Passengers should expect delays of u to an hour.
SOUTH AFRICA: With over 150 serious crimes an hour, South Africa now rivals Brazil as the crime capital of the world. Foreign travelers should take great care when anywhere in the country and especially in the vicinity of hotels. Carjacking at gunpoint is also increasing and property belonging to foreigners is as favourite target for gangs to attack, set fire to and loot.
CANADA: Rising water levels in Lake Ontario have led to flooding in the largely residential districts of the Toronto Islands. Those visiting the city should check with local contacts before arranging meetings or hotels.
USA: This is the height of the US tornado season and numerous warnings have been issued in the midwest and southern states – including Oklahoma and Arkansas. Travelers should be are that a “twister” can form very quickly and without warning. Flash floods have resulted in an emergency being declared across parts of the southern counties of Indiana.
ECUADOR: Various rivers have burst their banks in Azuay province causing significant flooding in Cuenca, Giron, Paute and Gualaceo. The Cuenca-Azogues road has been blocked.
FRENCH POLYNESIA: Flights continue to be disrupted because of an unlimited strike by some airport firefighters.
SOUTH AFRICA: South African Airways (SAA) cabin crew members may resume next week a strike over meal allowances.
NETHERLANDS: Passengers using Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport are currently facing significant delays following a computer systems failure.
VENEZUELA: Conviasa has suspended its flights to Argentina and Spain until further notice.
GERMANY: Passengers leaving from Frankfurt Airport should expect possible flight disruptions from the 22nd to 26th of May as a runway will be be closed for maintenance procedures.
FRANCE: Flights from Tahiti to several destinations have been cancelled for today (May 17) due to a firefighters’ strike at French Polynesia airports, including to Huahine and the Marquesas.
BOLIVIA: Roads may be blocked and travel to and from the airport could be affected due to a 24-hour transport strike in the city of La Paz on the 17th of May.
AUSTRALIA: Flood warnings for Queensland and western New South Wales have been issued.
GREECE: Staff on Athens public transport and Greek air-traffic controllers have announced a series of work stoppages on Tuesday (May 16), Wednesday (May 17) and Thursday (May 18). Travelers should expect disruptions on buses, trolley buses, city’s tram, metro, trains, flights and electric railway lines. The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation has announced a further 48-hour strike on the 18th and 19th of May. Ferries servicing Greece’s islands will be tied up in port until midnight Friday (May 19th) night.
ZIMBABWE: Air Zimbabwe has been refused permission to operate flights to the EU because the airline failed to prove that it complies with international air safety standards.
IVORY COAST: Gunfire has erupted in several cities. Visitors should remain vigilant near military barracks, military installations, large crowds and demonstrations.
UK: Members of the highly militant union RMT who apparently work for Southern Railway, Merseyrail and Northern (Arriva Rail North) will walk out again on Tuesday the 30th of May.
SINGAPORE: Passengers should expect delays at the Changi Airport Terminal 2 after fire broke out in room with air-conditioning equipment on the evening of Tuesday May the 16th.
TAJIKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN: There have been clashes between the Taliban and Afghan government forces in north-east Afghanistan close to the border with Tajikistan. Visitors should check local advice before traveling to the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast as the area may be closed to visitors at short notice. A measles epidemic in Tajikistan started in April 2017 and has gradually spread out of Rudaki district to the capital city of Dushanbe and the surrounding districts – as well as Khatlon oblast. The number of notified and investigated cases rose from 263 to 345 by the 1st of May, with 246 (71%) patients hospitalized.
SPAIN: Around 3,500 Barcelona Metro workers have walked off their job today (15th May). The Walk out will be repeated between 4pm and 6pm and services will be cut by up to 40%. They will not return to normal until tomorrow.
BANGLADESH: There is an increasing number of criminal gangs operating in the capital city of Dhaka. Visitors should be aware of potential threats including mugging and other violent crime.
CONGO: The World Health Organization has confirmed a second case of Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo after an outbreak this week of 17 other suspected cases.
TURKEY: Nevsehir/Kapadokya (Cappadocia) airport in central Turkey will be closed until the 30th of September, 2017 due to essential runway repairs. Passengers are advised to use Kayseri Airport, which is located 83 kilometres away.
MALAYSIA: The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all but essential travel to all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including (but not limited to) Lankayan, Mabul, Pom Pom, Kapalai, Litigan, Sipadan and Mataking. The Philippines authorities reported that the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf may be about to conduct kidnaps in the Sulu Sea, including around the islands of the Sulu archipelago (Philippines) and the seas/islands off the east coast of Sabah (Malaysia). Any vessels sailing in this area could be targeted.
AUSTRIA,SWITZERLAND: Trains between Zurich and Chur and regional services between Zurich and Wädenswil are currently suspended following a train-truck collision on the 12th of May. International services between Zurich and Feldkirch in Austria are being diverted via Winterthur.
GREECE: The Panhellenic Seaman’s Federation (PNO) has announced a 48 hour strike on the 16th and 17th of May 2017. Minoan Lines‘ itineraries on the domestic and Adriatic lines will be amended on these 2 days. Travelers are advised to contact ferry company or travel agents before traveling.
USA: There is a moderate risk of tornadoes hitting parts of Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle during the coming week. Business travelers should consult their destination’s weather network before setting out.
GREECE: An intercity train has derailed in northern Greece. The engine crashed into a house, killing four and seriously injuring at least five people. All Athens-Thessaloniki trains are now cancelled for the rest of the day and until the line is cleared.
UNITED KINGDOM: Leeds-Bradford Airport is remains sealed off after police closed down its operations following the discover of a suspicious package.
NEPAL: Local elections are due to be held on Saturday the 14th of May. The government has announced a public holiday on that day to facilitate smooth polling. There will be border closures and public transport will be restricted. Visitors should exercise a heightened level of vigilance as rallies and protests may take place.
MEXICO: Tropical Storm Adrian is expected to curl northwards and impact the mountains of Guatemala and southern Mexico late this weekend or early next week. It could potentially fill into a hurricane.
FIJI: Tropical Cyclone Ella is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to parts of Fiji in the next few days.
FINLAND: Passengers are advised to set aside more time than usual for security checks at Helsinki Airport Terminal 2, especially when catching morning or evening flights, as some security control lines at terminal 2 will be out of use in May due to the renovation of the restaurant area.
SHARM EL SHEIKH: The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm El Sheikh due to a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation. Thomas Cook has cancelled future flights to the resort.
PORTUGAL: Thousands of passengers have been stranded in Lisbon international after a fuel supply problem to the airport. The airport timetable still shows delays on most flights during the late afternoon of the 11th of May.
UNITED KINGDOM: The A505 trunk road is currently closed eastbound towards Hitchin after a car overturned this morning. The A127 road is blocked and there is is queuing for almost 11 miles between Southend and Basildon following another car crash.
CANADA: Flooding in Quebec is likely to return in the central part of the province today because of more heavy rain.
CHINA: An earthquake has struck Taxkorgan county, a mountainous area that borders Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan in the Xinjiang region. Eight people are reported dead and local communications severely disrupted.
FRANCE: All parts of the country can expect severe storm conditions today. Orange alerts are placed on Ain (01), Isere (38), Rhone (69), Savoie (73) and Haute-Savoie (74).
UKRAINE: Visitors should avoid political demonstrations and take extra care during large public gatherings. The country is currently in a very volatile state.
THAILAND: Multiple people have been injured after a double explosion at a department store in the southern city of Pattani on Tuesday. Travelers to Pattani should follow the advice of the local security authorities.
TUNISIA: Travelers should stay vigilant from the 12th to 15th of May in the village of Hara Sghira in Djerba, an island off the coast of southern Tunisia – as the annual Jewish pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue is taking place.
NEW CALEDONIA: After bringing heavy rainfall to Vanuatu through the weekend, strengthening Tropical Cyclone Donna will hit New Caledonia this week which may bring hazardous sea and weather conditions.
PORTUGAL: Security staff are planning strike action at Portuguese airports from the 13th to 17th of May. Travelers should expect delays whilst going through security control and checking-in luggage.
NIGERIA: Its been reported that militant Islamist group Boko Haram is actively planning to kidnap western foreign workers in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno state, along the Kumshe-Banki axis.
PHILIPPINES: Two explosions in the Quaipo district of Manila were reported in the early evening of Saturday the 6th of May 2017. Reports indicate 2 people dead and 6 others injured. Visitors are advised to avoid this district and take caution throughout the city.
USA: A fast-moving storm across Central Virginia on Friday morning has uprooted trees and caused severe travel delays.
CHINA: A dust storm is affecting Beijing and many parts of northern China. Visitors should not venture outside without a face mask.
TUNISIA: Due to the threat of terrorism, travelers should avoid travel to southeastern Tunisia along the Libyan border, as well as certain mountainous areas in the country’s west.
VENEZUELA: Travelers this month are advised to avoid protests, particularly in the country’s capital. Many people have been injured and there is a danger of arrest, even of bystanders.
CANADA: Environment Canada has issued a special weather warning about heavy rains that will begin Thursday afternoon and may cause local flooding in the greater Ontario region.
VANUATU: Cyclone Donna is currently located off the North East coast of Vanuatu and is due to affect the provinces of Torba, Penama, Sanma. International and domestic flights are expected to be disrupted. Cruise ships won’t be able to enter Vanuatu waters due to the likely impact of the cyclone.
INDIA: Due to engineering works different sections of the East Coast Railway and the South East Central Railway zones, it will pose problems for passengers in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh until the 15th of May.
ITALY: Venice Treviso Sant Angelo Airport will close to all traffic from the 4th to 18th of October due to resurfacing works.
GERMANY: An ICE (InterCity Express) high-speed train has derailed at the main train station in the German city of Dortmund. Regional rail traffic along the line will be disrupted for several days.
MALDIVES: Due to restructuring and recapitalization work, MEGA Maldives Airlines will temporarily suspend commercial flight operations from the 2nd of May 2017 onwards.
SRI LANKA: Train services along the Colombo – Veyangoda, Colombo – Polgahawela, Colombo – Puttalam and Colombo – Panadura routes have been affected by a walk-out by railway employees due to an labour relations dispute.
GREECE: The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) and the civil servants’ union federation ADEDY — between them representing the majority of Greece’s unionized workers are to hold a 24-hour general strike on the 17th of May. Public transport and ferry schedules may be affected.
SOUTH KOREA: All visits to South Korea should be only on a strictly “as need” basis – due to the recent build up of tensions along the border with the North and prospects of devastating military conflict at any time.
NEW ZEALAND: South Island has been affected by strong winds and roads blocked by falling trees. Sea passages have also been seriously affected, especially ferries between north and south island.
USA: Heavy rains across Illinois has led to widespread flooding and contamination of water supplies. Visitors should postpone travel plans and residents boil public water before consumption.
ITALY: Passengers are advised to check the status of flights before departure on the 12th May 2017, as a nationwide strike of airport staff has been announced to take place that day. Affected are the airports Fiumincino and Ciampino in Rome, the airports in Bologna and Turin – as well as the airlines Alitalia and EasyJet.
GREECE: There will be no trains running on the 1st of May, including on the Proastiakos suburban railway line, due to Labour Day strike action.
UK: Travelers should expect heavy traffic on the roads and on crowding on Metrolink during Friday, the 28th of April because Northern Rail plans to run less than half of their normal services following more antisocial actions by RMT union members through a 24-hour strike.
BRAZIL: Unions and protest groups are urging Brazilians to take to the streets for a nationwide general strike today (April 28th). Disruption expected to flights, road, rail transport and factories.
BURUNDI: Higher numbers of malaria cases than expected have been reported in all of the country’s 18 provinces. The nine provinces—Gitega, Kirundo, Muyinga, Karusi, Kayanza, Ngosi, Ruyigi, Cankuzo and Cibitoko—have been especially hard-hit.
EL SALVADOR: The Chaparrastique volcano remains under close observation. A sudden increase in seismic activity under the San Miguel volcano was reported on Tuesday, the 18th of April, 2017.
GREECE: All passenger ferries will remain docked in ports across Greece from midnight on the 30th of April until midnight on the 1st of May as the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) will go on a 24-hour strike to mark May Day. Travelers who have booked ferry tickets are advised to check with travel agents or contact local port authorities for further information.
PERU: Heavy rains have resulted in extensive damage to water supply facilities, hospitals, roads, and bridges in several regions. Visitors are advised to listen to travel alerts and safety instructions from local authorities.
UK: Virgin Trains East Coast workers have called off two-day strike planned from the 28th to 29th of April.
SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Cabin Crews Association (Sacca) has given notice that it will start industrial action on Wednesday the 26th of April. Passengers should expect the disruption of both international and domestic flights.
ST HELENA, ASCENSION AND TRISTAN DA CUNHA: The RMS is currently undergoing repairs and there are no alternative options to access St Helena. The MOD has temporarily rerouted the South Atlantic Airbridge via an alternative location because of runway repairs.
GERMANY: Rostock-Laage Airport will be closed for three weeks until the middle of May because of construction work on the runway.
TURKEY: BoraJet Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of operations starting the 24th of April. Please check with the airline for further details.
USA: Virgin America is moving from Terminal 3 to Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on May the 12th, 2017. Passengers should call the airline for further information.
UKRAINE: Kyiv Zhuliany International Airport (IEV) will be closed to all traffic from the 14th to the 24th of May due to runway reconstruction. All affected flights will be operated from Boryspil International Airport (KBP) for the duration of the closure.
BRAZIL: Visitors could be delayed at airports, ports, subways and other public transport services in Sao Paulo, as well as in other Brazilian cities on the 28th of April as millions of workers are planning a general strike on that day.
USA: Visitors should expect further disruption until June 2017 at San Francisco’s International Airport (SFO) due to the Runway 28L/10R overlay and reconstruction project.
ISREAL: There was a stabbing incident near Atarim Square in central Tel Aviv injured 4 Israeli nationals on the 23rd of April. This underlines concerns about the safety of people in public places in the city.
UK: Passengers using London Bridge Tube station could face major disruption on the 7th of May as London Underground workers are to stage a 24-hour strike from 10pm on that day.
MOLDOVA: The international airport in Chisinau is currently closed due to unexpected severe winter weather conditions.
PHILIPPINES: Some flights have been canceled from the 26th of April to 29th of April due to the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) summit in Manila.
PAKISTAN: Travelers should exercise caution, be extra vigilant and expect security checks at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad – as the Pakistani authorities are investigating reports of a potential terrorist attack.
CAMEROON: Douala International Airport will be closed to air traffic for at least four hours daily from 4 am to 8 am, local time, until the 25th of April 2017.
UK: Passengers should allow extra travel time traveling to Edinburgh Airport due to delays on the A8 Glasgow Road until 8 am on the 23rd of April. Travelers should also expect delays on the London Overground between Euston and Harrow & Wealdstone after a blaze next to the track near South Hampstead triggered a power cut. Finally, trains operating between Manchester and London Euston are being affected by substantial delays.
COLOMBIA: There have been heavy rains in Antioquia and previously in the south-west of Colombia. Certain areas of Manizales and the Putumayo province, especially its provincial capital Mocoa, have been particularly affected. Landslides are a common occurrence in this South American country, with its mountainous landscape, heavy rains and inadequate building construction.
EUROPEAN RAIL: Engineering works have been planned for the route Brussels to Amsterdam in April, visitors are advised to check before traveling as timetables are changing. If changing trains in Brussels to travel to or from Germany over the May Day bank holiday (April 29th to May 1st), journies might be affected by engineering works near Brussels Midi/Zuid. Eurostar will not take bookings for Sunday the 8th of October at the moment as engineering work will be taking place in the Channel tunnel that day.
USA: Three people have been shot and killed after a man went on a shooting spree in downtown Fresno, California. More than 30,000 people are killed by gun violence across the country each year.
VENEZUELA: Visitors should be particularly vigilant in the areas where protest gatherings about the current political and economic crisis are taking place.
EGYPT: At least one person is dead following an attack near Egypt’s St Catherine’s Monastery in south Sinai on the 18th of April. All travel by foreigners in Sinai remains subject to considerable risk.
NORTHERN IRELAND: Traffic in Belfast city centre is likely to be disrupted on the afternoon of April 18th due to orange order marches. The main march will begin and end in Donaghadee town centre.
SOUTH KOREA: Visitors to South Korea are advised to stay away from the Island of Bohol, the venue of the ASEAN Summit from April 18 until 22nd. Extra security will be in operation on all access roads and ferries and there is a hightened danger of terrorist activity.
IRAN: Torrential downpours have caused flooding and landslides in four provinces in Iran’s northwest. Communications are widely disrupted.
MYANMAR: Tropical Cyclone Maarutha is currently building in strength in the Bay of Bengal and is likely to hit Myanmar late Sunday and Monday. High winds and heavy rain will probably cause much structural damage and flooding, especially along the coast.
INDIA: Railway services have been disrupted after the Moradabad-Lucknow train partially derailed near Kosi temple between Mundapandey and Rampur railway stations.
IRELAND: Passengers using services to and from Heuston Station, and all connecting services, are advised to re-check times before traveling as engineering works are taking place over this weekend.
AUSTRIA: Train services at Meidling station, near the center of the Austrian capital Vienna, might be disrupted due to two trains colliding on Saturday, April 15th.
CHILE: A strong (category 6.2) earthquake has hit the central part of Chile around Antofagasta. It was felt right to the coast. It remains uncertain at the time of reporting what damage it has created, or if there is any loss of life.
CANADA: A winter storm warning has been issued for parts of central and northern Alberta. Heavy snow falls are forecast.
PAKISTAN: We advise all travel to Pakistan should only take place if essential. All movements outside Islamabad are at risk from terrorism and kidnappings. Foreigners are being targeted, especially American citizens.
UK: (Good Friday) A vehicle fire has blocked the M4 motorway in Wiltshire in both directions.
NIGERIA: The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in capital Abuja will be reopened next Wednesday (April 19th) to air traffic after a six-week closure to allow for repair works on the runway.
SERBIA: Visitors to Serbia should be particularly vigilant over the Easter period as terrorists may target religious sites, including churches. This follows recent attacks against churches in Egypt and other Christian targets.
UK: Major rail engineering works will be taking place across the south-east of England affecting services operated by Southern, South-West Trains and Southeastern. Large parts of the Tube network are also set to close over the Bank Holiday weekend.
UK: Workers on Virgin Trains East Coast are going to hold a 2-day strike from the 28th to 29th of April due to yet another dispute about staffing.
INDIA: Runways in Goa airport will be closed to operations from the 17th to 21st April for specific hours due to repairs.
NIGER: Niger’s border regions – particularly the Malian border area, Diffa region, and Lake Chad Basin area – are dangerous because of the presence of extremist groups.
NEW ZEALAND: Severe weather warnings have been issued for parts of the country. Travelers should expect to face possible ferry and air travel disruptions as Cyclone Cook approaches.
PORTUGAL: Airport security staff will be staging strike action at Portugal’s national airports, starting Thursday, April 13th – and lasting until Tuesday, April 17th. Visitors should expect delays and are advised to keep hand-luggage to a minimum.
SPAIN: Palma de Mallorca Airport may continue to experience disruption causing by radar failure in the airport’s Terminal Maneuvering Area. Technical hitches also caused delays on high-speed train connections between Madrid and the southern region of Andalusia.
CAMEROON: The International Airport of Douala will be closed to traffic until the 25th of April between 4am and 11am local time each day.
NIGERIA: There is a Cerebrospinal meningitis epidemic which has now spread across 17 Nigerian states. Visitors should take strong precautions and watch out for initial symptoms that are mainly fever, headache and neck stiffness.
PERU: There are now over 3500 cases of dengue reported throughout the country,with a high concentration in Piura, Sullana and Tambogrande. Visitors should seek medical advice before traveling to the country.
LITHUANIA: Vilnius International Airport will be closed from the 14th of July until the 17th of August due to reconstruction work on the runway.
NEW CALEDONIA: There are some interruptions to air traffic at La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) due to the tropical Cyclone Cook.
PHILIPPINES: The American Embassy in Manila has warned US citizens about the threat of kidnappings in Central Visayas, especially in Cebu and Bohol. Visitors traveling to, or currently in, the Philippines should exercise heightened vigilance and review personal security plans.
AUSTRALIA: The Rockhampton Airport’s runway has undergone an engineering assessment, with flights unlikely to resume before Thursday (April 13th) after floodwaters swamped the central Queensland city last week.
EGYPT: Public security in Alexandria was put on high alert Sunday 9th of April following suicide bombings in Mar Girgis Church in Tanta and St Mark’s Cathedral that killed many people.
ITALY: Airspace over Lucca province will be closed on the 10th and 11th of April due to the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers Summit. Civil aviation flights will be prohibited from 8 a.m. (06:00 GMT) on Monday until 8 p.m. (18:00 GMT) on Tuesday. There will be limits on the traffic in the city center and closure of some institutions for the two days.
NEW CALEDONIA: Cyclone Cook has caused flooding in Vanuatu’s central islands and is now set to hit New Caledonia’s main island (April 10th). Parts of New Zealand’s North Island may be embracing another dose of heavy rain as the remnants of tropical cyclone arrive later this week.
MYANMAR: Train maintenance will be carried out during the Thingyan water festival from the 14th to 16th of April. Visitors should expect disruption to train services during this period.
MALAYSIA: Around 50 scheduled flights at the Sibu Airport have been cancelled today(April 9th) following a Malaysia Airlines MH2718 flight skidding upon landing late last night.
RUSSIA: At least 50 people were injured in the crash of a commuter train and a long-distance train traveling between Moscow and the city of Brest on Saturday night(April 8th). Train services out of Moscow may be disrupted.
NEW ZEALAND: All flights in and out of Palmerston North have been cancelled (9th of April) after an Air New Zealand flight made an emergency landing with landing gear problems.
EGYPT: Visitors should stay vigilant during the passover festival(from the 10th to 18th of April) in Egypt due to an increased possibility of terrorist attacks, particularly in South Sinai.
EUROPE: Significantly stricter border controls at entry points into the Schengen area have been in force since the 7th of April. All documents and all vehicles licence plate numbers will have to go through a special scanner. Visitors should expect delays on roads approaching the border crossings.
USA: Due to thunderstorms around Atlanta and subsequent aircraft and crew positioning issues, Delta Air Lines has canceled about 3,000 flights this week. Travelers are advised to check flight status before going to their airport.
SWEDEN: A warning to avoid Stockholm’s city center has been issued by Swedish police after a truck crashed into a department store in the centre of the city. All trains to and from Stockholm’s central station will be canceled for the rest of the day.
KENYA: General elections are scheduled on the 8th of August, 2017. Candidate selection for national and county offices will take place throughout the country during April, followed by nationwide campaigning. Visitors should be alert to the security situation as rallies, demonstrations, and protests may occur with little notice and even those intended to be peaceful could escalate into violence.
PAKISTAN: The issuing of visas on arrival to foreigners has been suspended at Pakistan airports.
SPAIN: There will be limited food and drink available to purchase in departures and arrivals including in Terminal 2 at Barcelona airport on Friday the 7th of April because of industrial action by the restaurant and cafe staff.
NIGERIA: Due to the fluid and unpredictable security situation in northeast Nigeria, foreigners should avoid all but essential travel to Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kano, and Yobe states.
FRANCE: Flights operated by HOP! will be disrupted on the 7th and 8th of April as flight attendants and ground staff are expected to take part in the planned industrial action.
ARGENTINA: Some roads may be blocked and there may be disruption to public transport, public services, plus national and international flights as widespread trade union strikes are planned today (April 6th).
VENEZUELA: Subway stations are closed, checkpoints have been set up and the capital city’s Plaza Venezuela has been cordoned off ahead of the anti-Maduro protest in Caracas. Visitors should remain alert and avoid all public gatherings as tensions have remained high across the country.
UK: Rail travelers are advised to check before travel on Saturday, 8th of April as staff on Northern, and Merseyrail services will hold the latest 24-hour strike between midnight Friday to midnight Saturday due to a dispute over staffing and the role of conductors.
BOTSWANA: A strong earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale has hit western Botswana. The fracture was at a depth of 1km and its effects have been felt in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.No injuries have so far been reported, but several buildings have been evacuated. A second earthquake has also affected the area.
AUSTRALIA: Rockhampton Airport is currently closed because of flood risks. All car parks are now closed and all vehicles currently parked at the Airport are in the process of being towed to the Showgrounds. Visitors could choose Gladstone as preferred alternative airport.
VANUATU: All domestic flights into and out of Vanuatu have been cancelled on Monday until further notice due to ongoing strike action by workers at Air Vanuatu’s fuel provider. All Pacific Petroleum refuel stations in Port Vila were also closed.
USA: A train derailment at New York’s Penn Station has limited services on the NEC and NJCL lines, with estimated delays of around 30 minutes. This is the second derailment at Penn Station in the last two weeks.
CHINA: Passengers will have fewer flights, longer taxiing times and more delays at Beijing Capital International Airport until 29th April 2017, as one of its three runways is closed for safety maintenance.
RUSSIA: A deadly explosion has taken place on a metro train traveling between the Technology Institute and Sennaya Square stations in St. Petersburg killing 11 people and wounding dozens of others. All metro stations in St Petersburg are currently closed.
ECUADOR: There have been sometimes violent demonstrations across Ecuador following the second round of presidential elections.
PARAGUAY: Demonstrations in Asunción, Paraguay’s capital and other cities have resulted in violence. Visitors should avoid crowds and proceed with great caution.
COLUMBIA: Heavy rains across the country and heavy mudslides have disrupted communications and displaced thousands of people.
FRANCE: All vehicles driving in central Paris, Lyon and Grenoble now need to display a special ‘pollution sticker’. Those motorists who don’t display stickers are in danger of being fined. If you have a vehicle registered in France, you can apply now for a sticker from the French Ministry of the Environment website.
KENYA: There are a number of violent attacks in the central county of Laikipia between local residents and armed cattle herders searching for grazing. Security forces are seeking to enforce private property rights and visitors could easily stumble into a dangerous situation.
SAUDI ARABIA: Due to the possible threats from terrorist groups, and the fact that violence in Yemen has sometimes spilled over into Saudi Arabia, only essential travel to the country should be undertaken.
SUDAN: The U.S. Department of State has warned U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the Darfur region, Blue Nile, and Southern Kordofan states due to the risks of terrorism, armed conflict and violent crime.
ISRAEL: There is a hightened risk of terrorist attacks this weekend throughout the country and in Egypt’s red sea resorts. These may be primarily aimed at Israeli citizens, but could endanger others in the vicinity.
USA: According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) there was a five-fold increase last year in demands by US border guards to examine the contents of mobile phones. This is conducted without warrant or clear authority and demands are made for passwords – with the threat of detention for non-compliance. We advise business travelers to avoid taking mobiles abroad if they contain commercially sensitive data, or even to put mobiles in hold luggage – although that creates the attendant risk of pilfering by airport staff.
IRELAND: Irish rail unions joined Bus Eireann workers on a secondary picketing protest on March 31st. This is particularly affecting trains between Sligo and Dublin.
UK (11 am BST): The busy M62 motorway is currently closed eastbound between junctions 24 and 25 following reports of horses on the road.
CANADA: High winds and driving snow are affecting many parts of Nova Scotia. There are many cancellations and delays at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
USA: McCarran International Airport is only slowly recovering from high winds that have affected flights in and out of Las Vegas.
AUSTRALIA: Severe tropical cyclone Debbie has caused significant damage and flooding to southeast Queensland. A general severe weather warning remains in place and more torrential rain is expected. Visitors should be cautious about flood waters as levels can rise very quickly.
CANADA: All Amtrak train services between Vancouver and Seattle have been shut down until the 31st of March due to a landslide in South Surrey, B.C.
GAMBIA: Parliamentary elections will take place on the 6th of April 2017. Some disruptions may take place around this date due to protests and demonstrations.
INDIA: Dozens of people have been injured after eight coaches of the Mahakoshal Express, traveling from Jabalpur to Delhi, derailed in Kulpahar in Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba district. Long train delays can be expected.
MYANMAR (BURMA): By-elections will take place on the 1st of April in parts of Rangoon and Bago, and in Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Sagaing, Shan and Kayah States. Visitors are advised to avoid protests or demonstrations.
USA: High-speed rail work will shut down some trains from Normal to Chicago and to St. Louis on April 3rd during track upgrades.
EUROPE: The World Health Organisation issued a warning stating that Europe is experiencing a severe measles outbreak. The largest outbreaks are in Italy and Romania.
WEST AFRICA: Lassa fever outbreaks have been confirmed across five West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Burkina Faso.
NEW ZEALAND: Wellington Airport has been closed by fog, following many earlier delays. More than a hundred flights were cancelled. It will resume flights from 9am on Thursday if weather permits.
CHILE: The unofficial ‘day of the young combatant’ on 29th March in Chile involves arbitrary acts of violence such as throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails against vehicles, buildings, and police officers. Visitors should avoid areas like downtown Santiago, in Huechuraba, Peñalolén, Estación Central, La Florida, La Pintana, San Bernardo, Cerro Navia, Quilicura, Puente Alto and Rena – as well as outlying parts of Santiago and Valparaiso, particularly at night when incidents of violence may escalate.
TURKEY: The United States Department of State has issued a travel warning to its citizens concerning Turkey. All travel should be avoided to southeast Turkey due to the persistent threat of terrorism.
ITALY: Unions representing workers at Alitalia announced an April 5th strike. This will have knock-on effects on all airlines flying in and out of Italy, particularly Milan and Rome. Travelers should check the status of their flight before departure and expect flight delays and disruptions.
SAMOA: A six month public health emergency has been declared in American Samoa following confirmation by the Hawaii State Laboratory of three dengue fever cases. Visitors should take all necessary steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
INDONESIA: Ngurah Rai International Airport will be closed for 24 hours starting Tuesday morning (Mar 28th) during ‘day of silence’ in Bali.
USA: High-speed rail work will shut down some trains from Normal to Chicago and to St. Louis on April 3rd during track upgrades.
FRENCH GUIANA: Public services and flights are disrupted as general strike is underway across country. Visitors should exercise extra caution because of the potential for the protests to turn violent.
RUSSIA: There are several large ongoing and impromptu demonstrations in cities across Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, with arbitrary arrests and clashes between police and anti-government protesters. Onlookers could be equally vulnerable to arrest and fabrication of their involvement. Therefore visitors should keep well clear of all demonstrations and public gatherings.
AUSTRALIA: Tropical Cyclone Debbie is forecast to cross the Queensland coast on the 28th of March 2017.
BELARUS (24/03/17): Several unofficial rallies are likely to be organised by opposition groups on Saturday, 25 March for Freedom Day. Visitors are advised to maintain a high level of security awareness, exercise caution in public places, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
LIBYA: There has been increased fighting in Tripoli, as well as the ‘oil crescent’ around Ras Lanuf and Sidra and in the eastern city of Benghazi. We advise companies to avoid all business travel to the country. If travel is essential you should exercise great caution as hostilities can escalate quickly into heavy fighting and the situation is likely to remain unpredictable.
MAURITANIA: Travel to the far east of Mauritania is dangerous due to the activities of terrorist groups which are active in the neighboring regions of Mali. These include al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and those which pose a threat in the greater Sub-Saharan region, such as the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS).
CAMEROON: The US State Department has warned travelers to avoid far North, East and Adamawa Regions of Cameroon because of terrorist threats and the risk of violent crime.
INDONESIA: A hightened terorist threat exists in all principal Indonesian cities – largely because of radicalised ISIS recruits returning home after defeats suffered across Iraq and Syria.
AUSTRALIA: A severe storm has hit Sydney on Wednesday, uprooting trees and creating power outages over areas of the city. A further storm could affect parts of New South Wales tomorrow.
UK: A number of rail operators, including Merseyrail, will be affected by a 24-hour stoppage on April 8th.
UK: Phones, laptops and tablets larger than 16.0cm x 9.3cm x 1.5cm are not now allowed in the cabin on flights to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tunisia.
USA: The US Transportation Safety Administration has banned all devices such as laptops, iPads, kindles and cameras from being rought into aircraft cabins by passengers embarking at eight airports – Queen Alia in Jordan, Cairo International, Ataturk International in Turkey, King Abudlaziz and King Khalid in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait International in Kuwait, Mohammaed V in Morocco, Doha International in Qatar and Dubai international and Abu Dhabi international in the United Arab Emirates. Passengers should be aware that this will also affect those changing planes at these airports. Mobiles and medical devices shall not be affected.
INDIA: 35 people were injured when Jat protestors clashed with the police on being stopped from entering Delhi on the Sirsa-Hisar-Delhi national highway. The Jat are a farming people from northern India. Delhi is on high alert despite Jat protests being suspended. Visitors should anticipate police security checks across the city and near border areas.
ITALY: March 20th: Alitalia has cancelled almost 40% flights due to industrial action by Italian air traffic controllers in protest at a government restructuring of the transport sector. Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate airports will be affected. More chaos could be expected next month as unions have called for a strike at Alitalia on April 5th over plans to cut jobs and salaries.
JAMAICA: UK nationals in Jamaica are advised to take extra care as there is a specific threat by an individual known to the police against UK nationals on Jamaican beaches.
USA: Heavy rains and high winds are likely to create adverse travel conditions in northern California on Monday and Tuesday the 20th and 21st of March.
FRANCE: Delays are taking place at Orly airport after an attack by a man who was killed as he tried to take a soldier’s weapon.
PERU: Thousands of people have been left homeless due to severe floods and landslides in Peru. Huaycoloro and Rimac rivers in Lima, as well as others around the country, have flooded the surrounding areas, including central areas of Lima. Visitors should prepare for any eventuality since rain-related flooding emergencies will continue to affect the Peruvian coast through the end of March.
MADAGASCAR: Tropical Storm Enawo has left a death toll of 78 people, with around 380,000 affected by destruction in Madagascar. The scale of the damage is massive and visitors should exercise caution as fallen trees, landslides and widespread flooding hamper access to some of the worst hit areas.
AUSTRALIA: The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has issued a warning about the dangers of using battery-powered devices on flights after a woman’s headphones caught fire and exploded.
BRAZIL: Due to a major transport strike, buses and the metro are being disrupted in Sao Paulo.
ITALY: Taxi drivers have announced an official nationwide strike, scheduled for March 23rd, between 8am and 10pm, in protest over perceived perks for Uber and over unofficial car-hire services. Taxis will still available to the elderly, disabled and invalids during this time.
USA: Winter storm Stella is bearing down on the north-east USA, bringing heavy snow and flooding to New York, Philadelphia and other adjacent states. Schools are closed, thousands of flights have been cancelled. The storm could dump up to 60cm of snow by early Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
MOZAMBIQUE: A cholera outbreak in parts of Mozambique has infected 1,200 people, killing two people this month following heavy rains. Four of Mozambique’s 13 provinces have been affected since the infection spread from the capital Maputo in January. Cholera causes severe vomiting and diarrhea and is often lethal if not treated swiftly. Visitors should exercise great caution, only drink boiled water and practice strict hygiene.
ROMANIA: The Romanian National Institute of Public Health has reported over 3,000 confirmed measles cases, including 17 fatalities. Travelers to Romania who are not fully immunized against measles are at risk .
AZERBAIJAN: It is reported that the government of Azerbaijan has started criminal proceedings against several foreign citizens for entering Nagorno Karabakh without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities. This constitutes a criminal offence according to Azerbaijani legislation.
GERMANY: Due to a wage dispute, ground staff at Berlin’s two airports walked off the job for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, 448 flights were canceled at Tegel and 194 at Schoenfeld airports, with more cancellations expected. It affects carriers Lufthansa, Air Berlin, British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair. The work stoppage has effectively grounded all passenger flights to and from Berlin.
LEBANON: Heavy armed clashes erupted in and around the Palestinian refugee camp of Bourj al-Barajneh in south Beirut near the airport between the Lebanese Jaafar family and the al-Qaffas Palestinian family on 10 March 2017 killing at least 1 person and wounding several others. Although the situation has calmed and travel routes haven’t been affected, visitors should remain alert.
GEORGIA: Violent clashes between police and protestors in the city of Batumi on the evening of 11 March injured around 30 people. The unrest continued until early morning on March 12. Visitors are advised to take caution and avoid large crowds.
TURKEY: Nationals of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands are advised to avoid all but essential visits to Turkey because of the dangers of retaliation following the refusal of leaders from all three countries to accept visits from Turkish government ministers. Demonstrations and riots are taking place in Istanbul and Ankara – particularly against the Netherlands.
BAHAMAS: The US Overseas Security Advisory Council has warned visitors to Nassau to “avoid being alone with strangers, jet ski, taxi, or scooter operators. Be particularly cautious on secluded beaches; criminals target such isolated areas. When traveling, use only clearly marked buses or taxis, as unlicensed taxi drivers have been linked to a variety of violent crimes”.
UNITED KINGDOM: A strike by Northern and Mersey Rail on Monday 13th March will lead to heavy cancellations. Alternative bus services will be arranged by the rail operators, but delays can be expected on reaching destinations. Another strike by RMT guards on Southern Rail will take place on Monday, 13th March. The company claims that 90% of rail services into London will still operate as normal. For the latest news please see here
GERMANY: A failed multiple suicide attack in Essen is likely to lead to alternative targets being attacked unless the extremists are apprehended. Visitors should avoid large shopping centres in Germany for the coming week.
NETHERLANDS: Flights to Turkey from the Netherlands are likely to be affected by a diplomatic row following the refusal of a plane carrying Turkey’s family minister to land in the Netherlands.
SOUTH KOREA: Travel connections between South Korea and China are being rapidly reduced following political tensions concerning the deployment of US missile defence systems in South Korea. China’s state tourism organisation has verbally advised tour operators to stop selling package trips to South Korea from March 15th. Business travel between the two countries will become increasing difficult and Chinese nationals may not permitted to board aircraft bound directly for Seoul.
SWITZERLAND: The Alps are not generally considered a high risk area for earthquakes, but the mountains continue to grow as the African continent subvents the European shield plate. There are over 900 earthquakes a ear in Switzerland, of which around 30 can be felt. A few days ago central Switzerland had its largest earthquake in recent years and the chances of a more damaging earthquake still are high in the cantons of Valais,Graubünden, St Gallen, the Basel region and central Switzerland. Swiss buildings are generally not built to stand seismic events over 5 on the Richter scale, so visitors should evacuate buildings at the first signs of a tremor.
USA: A return of sub zero winds and heavy snow is forecast for this weekend in southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape and Islands. Adjacent areas, like Boston and Worcester, are likely to have 3 inches of snow. We are rapidly reaching the April peak of the Spring tornado period in Texas and parts of the Mid-West. Visitors should keep alert for reports of approaching touchdowns and stay well away from windows to avoid being injured by breaking glass.
JORDAN: The Arab League Summit will be held in Jordan at the King Hussein Convention Center at the Dead Sea from the 29th to 30th of March. The Dead Sea resort area (northern part of the Dead Sea) and the main highway next to Dead Sea hotels, will be closed to the public during this time. Visitors should expect many checkpoints along that road, and therefore it would be best to avoid the area altogether.
CROATIA: The authorities in Splitsko-Dalmatinska county have issued a warning that due to heavy rainfall, water in the area was no longer safe to drink.
AUSTRIA: The Special Olympics World Winter Games will take place in Styria from the 14th to 25th of March 2017. Visitors should expect enhanced security at host venues and local travel delays.
ECUADOR: The second round of presidential elections will be held on Sunday, 2nd April 2017. Visitors should avoid all large gatherings.
MALAYSIA: The Malaysian government has taken the extraordinary step of banning its citizens from leaving the country in the fallout over the killing of North Korea’s Kim Jong-nam on the 13th of February.
SRI LANKA: Almost 20,000 suspected cases of dengue fever have been reported between January and 8 March 2017. Visitors should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
D.R CONGO: The body of the former opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi is expected to return to the DRC in the near future. Visitors should expect large crowds and limited access to the airport in Kinshasa on that day.
CANADA: A second day of heavy snowfall and high winds have been hitting Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan. The Trans-Canada Highway and highways 16, 5 and 45 have been closed from the Saskatchewan border to past Brandon, Minnedosa and Dauphin.
NIGERIA: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, which serves the capital, Abuja, will be temporarily closed from 8th March until the 18th of April for repairs to its dilapidated runway.
NEPAL: At least 4 people have been killed in a protest in the Saptari district. The announcement of local elections in May 2017 has led to increased tensions, particularly in the Terai region where there are ongoing protests, general strikes and mass meetings. Visitors should take extra care when traveling in the Terai and monitor local media and avoid places where protests, strikes and mass meetings are being held.
INDIA: An explosion on a passenger train traveling between Bhopal and Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh has injured over 9 people. The line is also currently blocked and significant delays can be expected.
MOROCCO: Visitors should avoid large football stadiums anywhere in the country. Riots broke out in Al Hoceima following a football match over the weekend injuring at least 10 people. Football violence is fairly common in Morocco and can lead to fatalities.
USA: Temporary immigration measures will be introduced on 16th March for nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
MADAGASCAR: Tropical cyclone Enawo will arrive in north-east Madagascar today and give rise to wide-scale flooding, mudslides and dangerous winds. Severe disruptions to transportation could occur across the whole of the north of the country.
QATAR: The local Civil Aviation Authority has announced that all those traveling to Doha – including people with business visas – must present a round-trip ticket, or risk being denied entry to the country.
BOLIVIA: All those visiting Bolivia must have a yellow fever vaccination card. If they do not possess one they will be given 15 days to obtain the vaccination and demonstrate proof of it.
PHILIPPINES: Due to essential radar maintenance, there will be a reduction in the number of flights to and from Ninoy Aquino Airport in Manila between 6th and 11th March.
FRANCE: Another year, another batch of disruptions caused by French air traffic controllers. This dispute concerns controllers in Brest, Aix-en-Provence and Bordeaux who begin their their 5 day strike today, Monday 6th March 2017. There is a separate call to strike on Tuesday, 7th March 2017 by Air France employees.
NAURU: There has been an outbreak of dengue fever in the world’s smallest island nation north east of Australia. Visitors should follow the advice of the National Travel Health Network and Centre.
SOUTH KOREA: Regular, large scale public demonstrations continue in Seoul following a National Assembly motion to impeach President Park in December 2016. Visitors should take extra care in any crowded places. Although demonstrations are mostly peaceful and well-policed, some roads will be closed and access to public transportation may be limited.
ARGENTINA: Heave rain is reported across a wide area of northern Argentina. This will affect all transportation.
NIGERIA: Suicide bombers exploded three fuel tankers in the middle of Nigeria’s northeastern city of Maiduguri this morning. Northern Nigeria continues to be a high risk area for all foreign visitors.
AUSTRALIA: Delays and cancellations are taking place at Sydney airport due to adverse weather conditions today (Friday)
CHILE: At least 3 people are dead and 19 others missing after heavy rains struck Chile. Storms in the Andes flooded the Maipo river, contaminating it with mud and rubble. The water supply from this river has been cut.
PAKISTAN: The British Deputy High Commission has advised its staff to avoid the Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine in Karachi and the police station in the nearby Clifton district of the city. This is because of possible terrorist acts.
ITALY: The major volcano Mt Etna in Sicily burst back into life this week sending huge showers of lava into the sky. The ash plume could interfere with flights, not only into nearby Catania airport, but across much of southern Europe.
USA: A severe storm is expected to hit the north-east seaboard at the end of this week with high winds, the chance of tornadoes and heavy snow. It is likely to be most severe in New York and across New England.
UNITED KINGDOM: Manchester airport is only slowly recovering after long delays because of a runway closure. The runway was closed because of a fire in a nearby tunnel. There have also been major traffic jams on the M60 motorway.
FIJI: Business travelers going to Fiji should take extra care when driving at night, particularly when driving through rural areas. The roads are generally in poor condition and there is a lack of street lighting.
MACEDONIA: Several thousand people have been protesting in Skopje against an agreement that would ensure the wider use of the Albanian language in this ethnically divided state. Visitors should take sensible precautions to protect their safety.
TURKEY: Campaigning has started in Turkey ahead of a national referendum on 16th April 2017. Foreign visitors are advised to avoid all rallies and demonstrations.
GUATEMALA: The Volcan de Fuego Volcano,which is 45 km from the capital city, erupted over the weekend – throwing huge amounts of ash into the air. This could reach the capital and affect flights.
INDONESIA: The police have thwarted an attack on government buildings in the city of Bandung, SE of Jakarta, although a small bomb was detonated. The attacker is thought to be one of a growing number of militants in the country trained by Islamic State in Syria.
ALGERIA: A suicide bomber has injured a number of policemen in an attack on police station in the eastern Algerian city of Constantine. Extreme caution should be taken in the vicinity of all official buildings anywhere in the country – as they may be open to attack by militants.
PHILIPPINES: Demonstrations both in support of President Rodrigo Duterte and against his regime are taking place in Manila. Visitors should avoid large gatherings and the expression of political opinions in the interests of their own safety.
PHILIPPINES: The washing up of giant catfish on beaches in the Philippines is leading to some seismic observers to predict a 7+ magnitude earthquake off the coast in the next two weeks. More minor earthquakes have been felt offshore in recent months.
ITALY: Strikes by those working for Alitalia continue to affect services on Friday, with delays and cancellations.
UK: Flights have been cancelled and other transport disrupted by the approach of Storm Doris – with winds up to 80 mph.
IRELAND: Long traffic delays can be expected this afternoon and evening in and around Dublin. This morning there were multiple crashes on M50 northbound between J6 Blanchardstown and J5 Finglas. This continues to delay traffic in the right lane.
USA: Up to 25 cm (one foot) of snow will fall in some parts of central USA as far south as Denver on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures as low as -5 centigrade.
USA: A computer problem in American Airlines operations is causing delays Wednesday morning at Philadelphia international Airport.
CHINA: Low temperatures, strong winds and snow are affecting much of northern China. These conditions will not improve until at least Friday of this week.
SWEDEN: Rioting took place until after midnight in the Rinkeby suburb of Stockholm on Monday night, 20th February. This resulted in several cars being set on fire, looting and some injuries. The police at one time opened fire on rioters with rubber bullets. Extreme caution should be taken when moving about the city for the next few days.
SOUTH KOREA: The Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) has issued a warning concerning a cholera outbreak reported amongst travelers from Cebu, Philippines. This advises travelers who arrived on Feb. 17 on Air Asia flight Z29048 (Cebu – Incheon, Seoul flight) at Incheon International Airport who have cholera symptoms to avoid contact with others and visit the nearest hospital as soon as possible
NEPAL: Torclight rallies across the country, plus mass meetings and other forms of agitation by political groups in the Terai region have been announced. These will be particularly held from 4th to 18th March 2017 and could well end in violence. Visitors should monitor local media and avoid places where mass meetings or processions are being held.
GUINEA: A number of violent protests have rocked the capital city Conakry in the past few weeks, mainly by young people and students who support a teachers’ strike. The unions have said strike will continue to until a pay raise of between 7.5% to 10.3% is met.
COLUMBIA: A bomb in the La Macarena district of the capital Quito has killed one police officer and injured over 20 others. The district is full of restaurants and popular with visitors to the city.
INDONESIA: The rainy season in Indonesia has peaked in February, triggering floods and landsides in several provinces over the past couple of days.Inland communications on many islands are very difficult and hazardous.
CARIBBEAN: The Dutch government has banned flights of the Caribbean airline Insel Air due to safety concerns. The UK government has also warned its own employees to avoid using the airline.
TURKEY: Two people, including one child, were killed and 15 others wounded in car bomb attack in Turkey’s southeastern province of Şanlıurfa late on Feb. 17. In the past year, Turkey has suffered a number of attacks from terrorist groups, including Daesh and the PKK. Business visitors should avoid all non-essential trips to the country.
USA: One of the most powerful in a string of heavy storms have swept through California, killing at least 4 people, downing power lines and leaving cars submerged, flooding freeways, triggering mudslides and raising new fears whether the Oroville Dam will hold.
EQUADOR: Presidential elections are to be held on Sunday, 19th February. This is to find a replacement for the former President Rafael Correa. A second round election is likely to be necessary. The event is likely to affect communications, but is unlikely to make the country more liberal as many candidates are closely connected with the outgoing president. Visitors should avoid all political conversations as there is no freedom of speech in the country and criticism can result in arrest.
NEW CALEDONIA: The French pacific overseas territory has long been subject to political tensions and threats over the issue of independence. Because of armed violence following the shooting of an escaped prisoner there is currently an overnight curfew from 7:00pm to 5:30am imposed on the RP1 road through St Louis until further notice.
PAKISTAN: A suicide bomber killed a large number of worshipers at the shrine of the Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in the town of Sehwan on the 16th February 2017. Further attacks are probably being planned in areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Moreover, according to the Pakistani officials, a second key border crossing into Afghanistan has been closed. If a trip to Pakistan is essential, visitors should exercise extreme caution and vigilance when in public places such as markets, restaurants and malls.
BRAZIL: A police labour relations strike in the state of Espirito Santo has led to increased muggings and street violence, particularly in the city of Vitória. Tourist police in Rio de Janeiro are also not currently issuing police reports due to a pay dispute.
LEBANON: Due to the threats of terrorism, armed clashes, kidnapping, and outbreaks of violence, especially near Lebanon’s borders with Syria and Israel, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon.
GERMANY: There will be a strike of ground crew at Berlin’s two airports between 4 pm and 10 pm today (Thursday). Passengers will experience delays and possible cancellations if they are traveling today.
USA: A weather system approaching southern California is likely to bring the heaviest rains of this winter. Localised flooding and even landslides may occur.
MOZAMBIQUE: Tropical cyclone Dineo has caused widespread damage throughout the country and communications have been disrupted.
GHANA: Recent localised violence and unrest in Bimbilla in the Nanumba-North District of Northern Region has resulted in the deaths of 10 and injured 11. Visitors should remain particularly vigilant, follow local media and the advice of the local authorities.
UK: A further labour dispute will affect travelers on the London underground next week. The strike will suspend services on the Central and Waterloo and City Lines from 9pm on Tuesday, 21st February to 9pm on Wednesday, 22nd February. It will affect 800,000 commuters.
UK: Four-day strikes of British Airways cabin staff in the company’s mixed-fleet business is due to begin on Friday 17th February and a further four day strike to commence later next week. However, the company is leasing alternative aircraft so that both delays and cancellations may not occur.
USA: More than a foot of snow has fallen across parts of New England and winds of up to 60mph are affecting communications in many areas.
CAMEROON: Protests are taking place in across the English-speaking areas of northwest Cameroon. This is resulting in police violence that has recently left 4 dead and ten seriously injured after police opened fire on a crowd.
AUSTRALIA: A number of intense and extensive bushfires are raging across rural areas of New South Wales due to the heatwave in recent weeks. Meanwhile heavy storms in Queensland has resulted in power blackouts in parts of Brisbane.
FRANCE: Demonstrations are taking place in Bobigny on the outskirts of Paris, Marseille, Toulouse and Orleans objecting to police violence. They are generally peaceful, but are highly volatile.
BAHRAIN: In anticipation of the 6th anniversary of the 2011 unrest, there may be an increase to the number of demonstrations and protests on or around 14th February. Visitors should be vigilant and avoid large crowds.
MALAYSIA: Large rallies are expected in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday 18 February. Locations may include Padang Merbok and Taman Jaya Park – but this could change. Visitors should avoid crowds and monitor local media for updates. It is illegal for foreign nationals to take part in demonstrations under Malaysian law.
PHILIPPINES: A hot spot for piracy by islamic fundamentalists over the last year is the Sibutu passage separating the Philippines and Malaysia. The seas around Malaysia and Indonesia have also accounted for 62 kidnappings over the last year. Travel by sea in this region is high risk, as kidnappings are almost always for ransom and failure to pay will have fatal consequences for the victim.
AUSTRALIA: A heat wave is expected to affect South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland this coming weekend with temperatures approaching 50 degrees centigade. New South Wales is facing a possible power blackout on Friday as the state’s electricity system struggles to cope with soaring temperatures.
USA: A state of emergency has been declared in Louisiana after four tornadoes have touched down in the state causing extensive property damage and 31 injuries.
CANADA: A public warning has been issued over random attacks in Vancouver’s Stanley Park in recent months. Visitors to the city should not venture into the park after nightfall.
DR CONGO: Visitors to all parts of the country are at risk from street violence, particular during demonstrations ahead of the elections expected in December 2017.
SOLOMON ISLANDS: Authorities in Honiara are on alert after a depression hanging over southern Guadalcanal triggered flash flooding in the city. Solomon Islands will be expecting heavy rainfall throughout this week according to the Meteorological Service (SIMS) Office.
NORTH KOREA: The U.S. State Department has just issued a fresh alert warning travelers to avoid North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention.
INDIA: Travel should be avoided to the NE state of Nagaland due to widescale, violent protests.
PHILIPPINES: A strike of workers on Manila’s metro services has affected some parts of the city. Now the union concerned is planning more widespread strikes.
FRANCE AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES: Stricter passport and ticketing checks are being introduced onto Thalys and Eurostar trains, including the drawing up of passenger lists. Travelers should allow more time at ticket desks and ensure that they purchase tickets themselves.
MAURITIUS: Tropical storm Carlos is bringing hazardous sea and weather conditions to Mauritius. This is causing significant travel delays.
KUWAIT: A ban on five muslim countries has been imposed by the government of the gulf state Kuwait – in tandem with a similar US ban. Citizens of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are now restricted from acquiring visitor, tourism or trade visas for Kuwait. However the Pakistan Ambassador to Kuwait has denied the existence of a ban.
ROMANIA: Widespread protests are taking place across Romania in opposition to a decree that decriminalises corruption if the sum involved is below 200,000 lei ($48,000). This move by parliament is to allow many leading politicians to escape charges in a country where corruption is rife. Movement across many urban areas will be severely impeded by the marches.
AUSTRALIA: Health officials in the capital Canberra have warned the public about the dangers of heat exposure during the next few days as temperatures soar towards 40 degrees centigrade.
UNITED KINGDOM: A warning about high winds in many parts of England and Wales has been issued by the UK Met Office. The worst hit areas are likely to be Wales and the south-west of England, with winds up to 70 mph.
USA: A nationwide general strike has been called for February 17th 2017 against the Trump administration. It is not yet a solid movement, but it is gaining much support across the social media.
UNITED KINGDOM: Due to an industrial dispute, London underground services in the central zone of the city will not operate from 6pm on Sunday February 5th until 10am Monday, February 6th; then again from 10am on Tuesday 7th February until 1am on Wednesday 8th February. A three-day strike by British Airways mixed fleet cabin crew is also due to start on Sunday, February 5th. However, the airline claims that contingency measures it has taken will mean that only 1% of those flying with them will be affected.
ZIMBABWE: Severe flooding has taken place on the Bulawayo-Beitbridge highway and further down into South Africa – with several people marooned and one loss of life. The road is now open again, but the threat of flooding is still present.
VANUATU: There have been over 900 recent cases reported of Dengue fever across this pacific country. This mosquito spread virus can lead to fatalities if it degenerates into its hemorrhagic stage. Medical assistance should therefore be sought if any of the symptoms are experienced (high fever, vomiting, intense headache, joint pains) .
CANADA: Health authorities are still trying to trace the source of an outbreak of E.Coli stomach infection. There have been 14 cases recently with a matching genetic fingerprint in British Columbia (5), Saskatchewan (4), and Newfoundland and Labrador (5). Travelers should avoid any uncooked or partly cooked meat products.
USA: The New Jersey Department of Health has warned the public about the risks of contracting measles. This follows the discover of a man in Hudson county that contracted the disease whilst traveling abroad.
USA: Temporary immigration restrictions apply to those with passports from Libya, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Nationals of these countries, or anyone with ethnic origins in these countries, should check with their local American Embassy before traveling to the USA.
HONG KONG: The immigration authorities have banned the use and import of e-cigarettes containing nicotine. If such items are being carried the holder will have to have a medical certificate prescribing its use.
USA: The Alaskan offshore Volcano, Bogoslof , SW of Anchorage is erupting with plumes going 30,000 feet into the sky. It is an air traffic control hazard code red and will affect the routing of some air traffic across the north pacific.
MEXICO: The Colima volcano near Mexico city has begun to erupt, belching out high columns of ash. Local residents have been warned to stay indoors. Delays in travel plans to the area are advised until the seriousness of the eruption can be evaluated.
CHAD: There has been a sharp rise in the incidence of acute jaundice syndrome and Hepatitus E throughout the country, but particularly in Am Timan. Much of the risk can be overcome if travelers follow strict personal hygiene and are careful about the food they consume.
PAKISTAN: The Balochistan government has declared a state of emergency in seven districts due to heavy rainfall and flooding. So far the adverse conditions have led to five deaths and the main power lines across the area have also failed.
JAPAN: Heavy snow in Japan’s western prefecture of Tottori has blocked roads and disrupted other forms of communication.
UK: A 24-hour strike on the London underground during January 25th will add further misery for rail travelers in the capital. The stoppage will largely affect the Central Line.
USA: There is a heightened risk of contracting both measles and mumps in Los Angeles County. Measles is particularly contagious and travelers on public transport should be aware that it remains a danger up to two hours after an infected person has left a location.
EGYPT: Now is the 6th anniversary of the 2011 revolution. It is likely that demonstrations will occur throughout the country and many may turn violent.
USA: A severe storm complex has been running up the eastern seaboard of the USA killing 21 people in the southern states. Winds have been up to 80 km/hr and heavy rainfall has given rise to flooding. Disruptions in New England can be expected for the next 24 hours and some train cancellations and temporary airport closures may occur.
BRAZIL: Rioting is taking place in the NE town of Natal in Brazil’s state of Rio Grande do Norte. It has also spread to other areas of the state. The incidents were sparked by widescale prison riots between rival drug gangs. Brazil has the highest homicide rate in the world, so this is already a dangerous place to visit even if riots die down.
BARBADOS: Those visiting the island should take precautions about contracting the Zika virus. Care should be taken when swimming, particularly on the east coast – because of exceptionally strong currents.
LIBYA: It continues to be highly dangerous to visit much of Libya, especially the Capital Tripoli where rival militias roam the town. All western embassies have closed – except for the Italian embassy which reopened recently and promptly had a car bomb explode near it. The town of Sirte remains a stronghold of Islamic state.
HONDURAS: Probably the two most dangerous cities in the world are San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. in fact the whole Department of Gracias a Dios in Honduras is so lawless it is too dangerous for foreigners to venture there.
AUSTRALIA: Strong winds and heavy rain in south Australia has led to flash floods and significant damage around the city of Adelaide, with power outages in many areas.
UK: A toxic smog alert is in operation across many London Boroughs. Employees should be advised to wear face masks or avoid walking long distances, especially in the city centre.
SRI LANKA: Bandaranaike International Airport will be closed from 8am to 4:30pm daily until April 6th 2017 due to runway resurfacing work. This will cause some daytime travel delays.
INDIA: Street protests are taking place across the state of Tamil Nadu against the banning Jallikkatu (bull bating). Protests are generally peaceful but especially the area around Marina Beach in Chennai should be avoided if possible.
ITALY: A series of medium-strong earthquakes have taken place in central Italy and led to evacuation of the Rome metro. The most badly affected area is 60kms north of Rome.
NEW ZEALAND: Heavy winds and intense rainfall are making difficult travel conditions in central parts of the country. Gusts of up to 160km/h are likely in exposed places, especially around Canterbury and Wellington.
UGANDA: There is a significant risk of avian influenza (bird flu) in Lutembe Bay near Entebbe and the Masaka District. Trips to the north eastern area of Uganda should be avoided.
ARGENTINA: Heavy rains over several weeks have led to extensive flooding , especially around Buenos Aires. Arroyo Seco, Pueblo Esther and Villa Constitucion are the hardest hit towns.
BRAZIL: A state of emergency has been declared in the eastern part of the Minas Gerais state due to the high incidence of yellow fever. Those travelling to Brazil should ensure that they have vaccinations to prevent the disease.
CHINA: Guangdong’s Health and Family Planning Commission has warned of risks from avian influenza A(H7N9), with deaths recorded so far this year in Foshan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Zhongshan, Zhaoqing, Meizhou, Dongguan, Qingyuan and Shunde. Consumption of chicken in these areas should be avoided.
GABON: Riots and serious disturbances continue following last year’s presidential election. They can flare up quickly at and time and frequent police checks and road blocks are in operation.
CANADA: Avalanche warnings exist for all those traveling by car or rail through the Rockies over the next week. The risk is greatest in the Sea to Sky corridor through Whistler. Highway 99 in both directions 50 kilometers north of Pemberton in the Duffy Lake Area is subject to closure.
GAMBIA: A state of emergency has been called by Gambia’s outgoing president Yahya Jammeh in a bid to frustrate the inauguration of the incoming president. Nigeria has stationed a warship off the coast and the Economic Community of West African States has assembled a military force in Senegal in case a negotiated solution cannot be achieved.
ISRAEL: The arrest of an ultra orthodox woman and four others by military police for desertion has led to extensive rioting in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh. Travel to the area should be avoided for the next week.
SWEDEN: The third city of Sweden Malmö has been hit by an increasingly violent crime wave over the last two years. Grenade attacks have risen from 8 in 2014 to 52 last year. Many of the attacks are associated with organized crime and there is a danger that the violence will spread to other cities.
PAKISTAN: An avalanche warning exists above 2000 metres in Kupwara and Baramula districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Risks also exist to those traveling by road at lower altitudes.
USA: Most parts of California will be hit by a succession of severe storms during the next few days. This will bring flash foods and the danger of landslides in mountain areas.
USA: Widescale protests can be expected across America on Friday to coincide with the swearing in of the new president. The greatest numbers of protesters can be expected in New York, Washington and Los Angeles
TUNISIA: Many of the central and southern small towns of Tunisia are flashpoints for unrest and rioting took place over the weekend in Ben Guerdane, Sidi Bouzid, Meknassi and Gafsa.
MEXICO: Riots continue in some cities after protests led to widescale looking of many retail outlets. The pretext for lawlessness is the government’s tax increase on petrol. Threats by the incoming US president to impose high import tariffs and build a border wall with Mexico are destabilizing the country and greater levels of unrest can be expected.
USA: Another series of storms are expected across the California and Washington Pacific coastal area over the next few days – with heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and possible landslides.
INDIA: There is a hightened risk of terrorist attacks up until India’s Republic Day on January 26th by terrorist and insurgent groups – including Lashkar-e Tayyiba, Jaish-e Mohammed and the Indian Mujahideen.
IVORY COAST: Government troops are rebelling over pay levels and have taken over the second city of Bouake as well as many inland towns. Residents are being subjected to weapons fire and travel to the country should be avoided until this situation is resolved.
ISRAEL: A bus strike in Jerusalem is causing chaos in the city centre. Even if a cab can be found, the traffic congestion is so severe that movement around the city is very slow.
UK: A 24-hour strike of London Underground staff at tube stations will begin at 6pm on Sunday 8th January. Travel in the UK capital on Monday will be particularly hard hit. British Airways cabin crew also plan to stage a 48-hour strike from January 10th after rejecting a new pay offer. Southern Rail will also be hit by strikes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday January 10th, 11th and 13th. These disruptions will seriously affect traffic congestion in and around London. Although British Airways clai,s that it will ensure passengers will be offered alternative flights extra time should be allowed to get to destinations.
CHINA: The first ever “red alert” for smog has been issued by the Chinese government. It covers Beijing and nineteen other cities where visibility is down to as little as 50 metres. Many cancellations of flights are taking place, principally across northern China.
GERMANY: Storm Axel has brought extensive flooding and near hurricane winds to parts of Germany. In the next 48 hours there is likely to be extensive snowfalls in the south and east of the country.
USA: A huge storm is expected to affect the west coast during the course of the coming weekend. This is likely to cause difficult driving conditions and widespread, localized flooding.
TURKEY: A further terrorist bombing in Istanbul at New Year has underlined the dangers of travel to Turkey at this time. These threats are unlikely to be reduced this year, in spite of greatly increased security measures across the country.
PERU: Peru’s Sabancaya volcano is becoming highly active with major surges on December 16th and 26th. the latest emission threw ash and smoke some 3,500m into the sky. The local vicinity should be avoided as a major eruption is possible.
MEXICO: Eruptions of ash from the Colima volcano have been settled onto its neighbouring area. The volcano, located near the west coast, has not fully erupted for over 100 years – but there is a strong chance of a major eruption in coming weeks.
EGYPT AND JORDAN: A high threat of terrorism exists – aimed primarily at westerners and christians. Travel to any parts of these countries is not advised for the next few weeks.
USA: Two fairly strong (5.8 and 5.6) earthquakes have struck Nevada in quick succession. They was felt in Gardnerville, Reno, Sparks, Carson City, rural Nevada and parts of California – but no reports of damage or any fatalities have yet been made.
PHILIPPINES: The U.S. State Department has just issued a travel alert warning travelers to avoid the southern islands of the Philippines due to the threat of terrorism and kidnap..
INDONESIA: Following the shooting of three suspected terrorists by the police the terrorist threat remains very high throughout the country and the Australian government has warned that “Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere at any time in Indonesia, including Bali. Be particularly vigilant during the Christmas and New Year period as gatherings of Westerners could be targeted.”
UK: Dense fog is affecting the south of England. Storm Barbara is expected to hit the UK on Friday evening bringing winds of 90 mph and heavy rain. Severe travel disruptions are likely throughout the country.
GLOBAL: The greatest danger facing travelers, especially over the Christmas and New Year period, is a road accident. 3,300 people die – on average – in road accidents every day and 110,000 are injured. This amounts to 96 deaths per day in the USA, 9 in Germany and 5 in the UK. However, 90% of fatalities occur in low-meddle income countries that collectively have less than 50% of all vehicles. Road accidents are now the biggest fatality risk facing American traveling abroad and last year in the USA fatalities rose by 8% – with the highest increase amongst pedestrians and cyclists. For over one million families this festive period vehicle accidents will make their lives far from merry.
NEW GUINEA: A massive magnitude 7.9 earthquake took place this weekend with an epicentre 29 miles to the east of Taron. There were several strong aftershocks. Although there were no reported fatalities, a high level of instability is affecting locations on the Pacific ‘ring of fire” between New Zealand, Tonga and Indonesia.
TURKEY: A bomb blast in central Anatolian city of Kayseri has killed 13 off-duty soldiers. This is the second incident in Turkey with a week following the bombing outside a soccer stadium in Istanbul. All non-essential travel to Turkey should be avoided until such incidents are effectively prevented.
USA: As winter sets in across the northern half of the country heavy snow, freezing rain and consequent icy roads are making road travel hazardous. The states with the highest road fatalities are Virginia, Maryland, Missouri and Oklahoma.
YEMEN: Terrorist attacks by islamic state group’s Yemen-based affiliate continue with the latest suicide bomb in Aden taking 52 lives. All travel to this country should be avoided.
16th December 2016
NAMIBIA: travel from the South African side of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Park to the Namibian side or vice versa, as the Sendelingsdrift pontoon border crossing is currently struggling to operate due to a water crisis.
SOUTH KOREA: The government has raised the status of its warning about bird flu to its highest level following a rapid spread of the disease throughout the county. Travelers should be vaccinated against it before journeying there.
12th December 2016
EGYPT: The bombing of a Coptic christian church in Cairo during prayer-time underlines how vulnerable those in minorities are in Egypt. Foreign visitors should avoid travel to the country until current social tensions are reduced.
ISTANBUL: A twin bombing outside a football stadium has killed 38 people. Blame has been placed on the Kurdistan Worker’s Party – although it could just as well be IS militants. This latest incident is the latest of many in Istanbul and the capital Ankara this year. All non-essential business trips to Turkey should be postponed for the time being.
NIGERIA: The bombing yesterday of a busy market in Maiduguri, Borno state in the north of the country is likely to be the work of Boko Haram militants. Two young girls were used to carry out the atrocity. All travel in northern Nigeria is dangerous also due to the high incidence of crime in the area.
SOMALIA: A terrorist bomb has exploded near the port area in the nation’s capital Mogadishu. Somalia remains a country for foreign businesses to avoid.
December 9th 2016
SOLOMON ISLANDS: The remote Solomon Islands in the South Pacific have been hit by a powerful 7.8 category earthquake. Although little damage has been reported, many parts of the islands are suffering from aftershocks.
December 7th 2016
INDONESIA: A magnitude 6.5 earthquake has caused widespread disruption and over a hundred deaths in the province of Aceh. Travel to the province is not advis3d for the next month, particularly because of the possibility of major aftershocks.
December 6th 2016
AUSTRALIA: Several major city centre roads will be closed in Melbourne for the next five years in order that a Melbourne Metro Rail tunnel and a new station can be built.
KENYA: Travelers with medical conditions should avoid visiting Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities due to a widespread strike by doctors and nurses over a bitter pay dispute.
MEXICO: Popocatepetl volcano, just south of Mexico city has unexpectedly erupted showering local settlements with pumice and ash. Seismologists are warning that earthquakes are likely to follow.
SOUTH AFRICA: Train commuters on Cape Town’s Metrorail have been subject to delays and cancellations due to the theft of copper cabling serving the monitoring and signaling systems. This problem is likely to continue until scrap dealers are prevented from accepting such materials.
SWITZERLAND: The public service union has warned that strike activity amongst ground staff at Geneva airport is imminent after talks broke down over a pay dispute.
THAILAND: Heavy rains across the southern area of Thailand have caused widespread flooding and trains from Bangkok continue to be subject to possible cancellation beyond Thung Song junction station in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
UNITED KINGDOM: Southern rail services are now expected to be affected by strikes by guards and train drivers on every day until Christmas and beyond. Over 50% of services are expected to be cancelled each day.
VIETNAM: Floods brought by torrential rain over the past 10 days have killed at least 13 people in central Vietnam. Transport has been heavily disrupted at a time when the centre of the country has been trying to recover from widespread flood damage in October.
