On March 11, the World Health Organization officially classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, indicating that every location is likely to be affected, though the exact timing and impact cannot be predicted. Non-essential international and domestic travel should be deferred due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global logistical environment, healthcare systems in all locations, the global economy, the potential for second-order security issues in the short, medium and longer term, as well as the risk of infection with COVID-19. A new virus, SARS-CoV-2, is the cause of COVID-19 disease. The WHO is still learning about the virus and the illness it causes. The disease is spreading from person to person, through contact with infected respiratory droplets. The disease is a mild illness for most; however, it can be severe or fatal to high risk groups.
For more information on confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, refer to the latest Situation Report on the World Health Organization (WHO) website by clicking here. For more general information on the outbreak and WHO’s response, click here.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IMPLEMENTED WORLDWIDE
A number of countries have relaxed some restrictions that aimed to contain the spread of COVID-19. This includes the relaxation of restrictions on internal movement, reopening of businesses and a resumption of some domestic and international travel. Nevertheless, strict measures remain in place, or are being reimposed, in some locations where there is increasing case activity. In some locations all travel should continue to be deferred, while for others essential travel can resume after undertaking an individual risk assessment of the COVID-19 situation and entry restrictions, including the potential for sudden changes.
Countries around the world are implementing entry restrictions in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. For the most upto-date information on current entry restrictions, please visit IATA’s “Government Measures Related to Coronavirus (COVID19)” website by clicking here.
FROSCH TRAVEL RESOURCES
AMERICAS
UNITED STATES
Travelers should continue to anticipate notable disruption to movement and business operations and abide by restrictions related to an ongoing spike in COVID-19 cases in much of the country. Authorities in many states have issued or strengthened existing mandates restricting public gatherings, interstate travel, and mobility. This tightening of restrictions is likely to continue throughout the country. Restrictions in some areas may last through the holiday season into 2021. Travelers should monitor announcements from local authorities.
NEW YORK
Police in New York City are conducting an operation inside Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital in Manhattan. There is a large presence of officers in the area. 67th Street on the Upper East Side is closed between 1st Avenue and York Avenue.
OREGON
Around 100 protesters have gathered in downtown Tigard, Oregon in response to police’s fatal shooting of a domestic violence suspect earlier on January 7. Some participants have shattered the windows of the Tigard Police Department, as well as vandalized nearby shops. Police have declared a riot.
WASHINGTON DC
Travelers in Washington DC and other urban centers should continue to minimize movement in the vicinity of protest flashpoints and follow all official directives after unruly demonstrations on January 6. Four people died in Washington DC when protesters supportive of President Donald Trump forcibly entered the US Capitol, including one who was shot inside the building. Gatherings of pro-Trump protesters also took place at state capitol buildings in over a dozen states, though these largely remained peaceful.
Travelers in Washington DC should anticipate disruption in the coming days due to ongoing security procedures affecting traffic within the city. Following unruly protests on January 6, authorities have begun to install barriers and fencing around the capital. Security throughout the city has been increased, with the mayor extending a “Public Emergency” until January 21.
Police in Washington DC have issued an all-clear following unconfirmed reports of a man in a suicide vest in the vicinity of the US Capitol. Travelers should nonetheless continue to exercise caution in the area amid a heightened security presence.
US & CANADA
Authorities have extended the closure of the US-Canada border to non-essential travel (i.e., for recreation and tourism purposes) until January 21, 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-border freight movement is still permitted. Travelers should defer all travel to Canada, unless coming directly from the US for essential purposes or otherwise exempted from COVID-19-related restrictions. Travelers should defer non-essential travel to the US, where COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect.
BRAZIL
All travel to Brazil should be deferred due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care services. Cases of COVID-19 continue to increase across the country and several states are experiencing shortages of hospital beds. As a result of increased demand only limited care may be available in both private and public medical systems.
COLOMBIA
Essential travel to Colombia can continue subject to an assessment of the COVID-19 situation and entry restrictions, including the potential for sudden changes. From January 12, all inbound travelers will be required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PRC) test result conducted no more than 96 hours prior to departure. People who encounter difficulties in taking the test may be permitted to take it upon arrival; however, they must quarantine for 14 days or until a negative result is obtained.
MEXICO
Travelers in Michoacan state should anticipate increased violence linked to organized criminal gangs after the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) recently issued a video threatening the United Cartels, allegedly a branch of the Zetas cartel based in Michoacan. The video from the CJNG showed a spokesman who issued the threat. Reports on January 6 indicated that a local leader of the United Cartels was fatally shot by CJNG hitmen in Coalcoman. The developments highlight the need for travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Michoacan, where the risks associated with violent crime remain high.
URUGUAY
All travel to Uruguay should be deferred and travelers in country should monitor developments following the extension of entry restrictions. Authorities have extended an ongoing closure of air, land, and sea borders to travelers through January 31. This measure does not apply to Uruguayan Nationals and permanent residents who purchased a travel ticket before January 6. All international travelers able to enter the country are required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival.
VENEZUELA
Travelers in Venezuela over the coming weeks should continue to anticipate and avoid demonstrations linked to the recent National Assembly (Parliament) elections, due to the risk of unrest. President Nicolas Maduro’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) won a large majority in the December 6 polls, which were boycotted by the main opposition parties. Opposition activists have called for a national day of protest on December 12. Demonstrations carry a significant risk of unrest, including potential clashes between participants and security forces and/or progovernment paramilitaries. In-country travelers should exercise caution and minimize movement during such events.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
AGREEMENT BETWEEN QATAR & THE QUARTET
Travelers in the Middle East should monitor developments over the coming weeks following an agreement between Qatar and the Quartet (Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates). Both parties agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations in a deal signed on January 5. Earlier, on January 4, Saudi Arabia reopened its air, land and sea border crossings with Qatar. The agreement will effectively end the diplomatic dispute in place between the two sides since June 2017, though tensions will periodically flare up. Further announcements on the easing of travel restrictions between Qatar and the Quartet are likely over the coming weeks.
HEIGHTENED US-IRAN TENSIONS
Travelers in the Middle East over the coming weeks should continue to monitor developments amid heightened USIran regional tensions. Iran announced on January 4 that it had started to enrich uranium up to 20% purity at its Fordo facility. On the same day, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized a South Korean-flagged vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. The developments will further stoke US-Iran tensions over the coming weeks, though a direct military conflict remains unlikely. Nevertheless, there remains a risk of a miscalculation and/or misidentification sparking a sudden rise in tit-for-tat exchanges and a broader regional escalation.
CAMEROON
Overnight on January 7-8, 12 civilians and a soldier were killed in a suicide attack in Mozogo. The incident is suspected to have been carried out by the Nigeria-based Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, which is active in Extreme North. Such incidents mostly occur in extreme travel risk areas within 20 miles of the Nigerian border, including Logone-et-Cheri, Mayo-Sava and Mayo-Tsanaga departments, as well as major roads such as the N1. All travel to such locations should be avoided.
Travelers on essential travel to the high risk Northwest and Southwest regions should continue to exercise heightened caution in the coming weeks due to the persistent threat of insurgent attacks. Six university students were kidnapped on January 7 from a taxi in Northwest’s regional capital Bamenda. Earlier, four soldiers and a civilian were killed overnight on January 5-6 in a roadside bombing near Mbengwi.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Travelers should exercise caution in the coming weeks after the release of provisional results on January 4 of the December 2020 General Elections. While President Faustin-Archange Touadera was declared the winner with around 53% of all ballots cast, opposition groups have rejected the outcome. Protests over potential increase on essential supplies due ongoing militia violence as well as perceived irregularities during the vote may occur around the expected release of final results on January 19. Additionally, further attacks attributed to the newly formed Coalition of Patriots for Change group (CPC) remain likely.
President Faustin-Archange Touadera announced on January 7 the imposition of a nationwide nightly curfew from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM local time. The measure was reportedly prompted by rising insecurity linked to ongoing militia violence in rural areas and political tensions over the recent General Elections. In-country travelers should continue to exercise caution and abide by all official directives in the coming weeks.
CHAD
Cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) have been detected in several regions of the country. Polio is a contagious viral illness that can cause paralysis and death. It is spread through contaminated food or water, or directly from an infected person. The circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) strains can emerge in under-vaccinated populations. Travelers are advised to prevent infection by ensuring polio vaccination is up to date, including a booster, and selecting safe food and water.
CONGO (DRC)
Travelers in Bunia in the coming days should anticipate and avoid further unrest linked to the killing of a taxi driver during a protest on January 7. The driver was hit by a stray bullet, after security forces fired live ammunition to contain protesters. Fresh gatherings are likely to elicit a similar response, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
GHANA
Travelers in Accra and other main cities in the coming weeks should monitor developments around a legal challenge to the December 7, 2020 election results brought by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party. Incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been declared the winner of the polls, which the NDC denounces. Opposition protests have been banned in the Greater Accra region until January 10, but may still occur. All related gatherings should be avoided due to the risk of local unrest.
IRAQ
On January 11, travelers in Basra should reconfirm the feasibility of movement ahead of several planned protests. Protesters intend to block several roads to demand the release of those who were arrested during an earlier gathering on January 10 in Dhi Qar Governorate. They intend to block the Tarbiya Intersection, the intersection between Military Street and Baghdad Street, Trading Street, Muwafkia Junction and Tamin Junction at 8:00 PM local time. Travelers should avoid all protests due to the credible risk of unrest.
ISRAEL
Travelers should abide by official directives following the imposition of a fresh COVID-19-related lockdown from January 8 until at least January 22. This will involve the closure of all non-essential shops and schools. Indoor gatherings will be limited to five people. Traveling abroad will also be prohibited unless it is for essential purposes. Arriving travelers will be subject to up to 14 days of quarantine in a state-run hotel.
From January 12 through February 3, rail travelers should anticipate disruption and reconfirm schedules during planned maintenance work. This will involve the closure of all train stations south of Tel Aviv Ha’Hagana Station, including Jerusalem Station. Tel Aviv Ha’Hagana Station itself will not be affected. Additional bus services will be provided during this period.
LEBANON
Travelers in Lebanon should abide by official directives following the tightening of COVID-19-related restrictions. A nationwide lockdown will be introduced from January 7 until at least February 1, with a nightly curfew from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM local time during this period. A full lockdown will be imposed on Sundays.
LESOTHO
Travelers in Lesotho should adhere to official directives following the imposition of new COVID-19-related restrictions. Non-essential international travel has been banned, and a nightly curfew has been imposed from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM local time.
MADAGASCAR
Travelers in Antananarivo over the coming days should anticipate and avoid further protests by students from the Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS) over a longstanding dispute with the government. On January 6, pupils of the ENS blocked the Andavamamba district’s roundabout with burning tires. The protest was forcibly dispersed by security forces, who used tear gas and arrested several demonstrators. Further related gatherings are likely and may pose incidental risks to bystanders.
MALI
On January 14, travelers in Bamako should plan journeys bypassing a planned protest by the Collective for the Defense of the Republic (CDR) civil society group. The protesters are planning to stage sit-ins in front of the General Directorate of State Security and the Commune III court. CDR originally planned to demonstrate against the detention of its spokesperson Mohamed Youssouf Bathily on January 8, but the event was postponed after being banned by local authorities. The planned gatherings may cause local disruption and should be avoided as a precaution and to minimize inconvenience.
MOROCCO
Travelers in Morocco should continue to abide by COVID-19-related restrictions after the government announced the extension of a “State of Health Emergency” until February 10. A nationwide curfew from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM local time will stay in effect until at least January 13; restaurants in Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier remain closed. Restaurants elsewhere in the country can still operate until 8:00 PM local time.
NIGERIA
From January 12-14, travelers in Abuja should avoid protests by non-academic university staff due to the risk of local disruption and unrest. Participants plan to gather at university campuses and educational buildings, including the Federal Ministry of Education.
From January 13-27, travelers in Lagos should expect significant disruption during the maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge and plan journeys accordingly. Authorities will close the bridge for Lagos Island-bound traffic, including the Adekunle-bound slip road. On January 11, authorities also announced the indefinite closure of the Airport Bridge at Toyota bus stop on the Oshodi-Isolo Expressway following a fuel tanker explosion and large fire that damaged the bridge on January 7.
SAMOA
Travelers should plan journeys accounting for intermittent disruption during the ongoing rainy season until the end of April. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and related landslides can be expected in the country during this period, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas. Recently, heavy rain and significant flooding have resulted in road closures and travel disruption in Apia and other parts of the country. Travelers should reconfirm flight schedules and the status of routes before setting out.
SENEGAL
Travelers in Dakar over the coming days should expect and avoid further protests over the imposition of new COVID-19-related restrictions. On January 6, local youths demonstrated in several parts of the city against the implementation of a curfew. Security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters who had stormed a police station in Thiaroye district. Although fewer people joined protests on January 7, participants in Dakar blocked junctions with burning tires and threw rocks at passing vehicles.
SOMALIA
At least three people were killed, and five injured, in a roadside bombing near the KM4 junction of Hodan district of Mogadishu on January 7. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack which targeted a military vehicle. This latest incident underscores the city’s extreme travel risks and the need for dedicated professional security support and stringent journey management protocols for any essential travels outside of secure premises.
SOUTH AFRICA
On January 11, travelers in Johannesburg should plan journeys accounting for disruption due to ongoing heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding. Heavy rainfall throughout the morning has affected various parts of Johannesburg, including the Lenasia and Protea Glen areas, damaging infrastructure and property. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has warned of further flooding which may affect roads and low-lying areas. The adverse weather conditions may also cause power and telecommunications outages.
UGANDA
Travelers in Uganda in the coming weeks should monitor developments and avoid all gatherings related to the upcoming Presidential Election, which is due to take place on January 14. Since November 2020, more than 50 people have been killed and hundreds arrested during election-related rallies. There is also a possibility of a communications outage in the aftermath of the election day in the event of widespread unrest. Travelers should closely monitor developments to strictly avoid all gatherings and minimize non-essential movement on January 14-16 as a precaution.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA
Through February, travelers should continue to follow all official directives and plan travel accounting for Fire Danger Warnings related to ongoing bushfires. Bushfires may occur at short notice and spread rapidly, causing significant travel disruption. Local authorities may impose Fire Bans and issue Evacuation Orders in affected areas. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries and be prepared to defer or change travel plans.
Travelers in Queensland state should account for residual disruption due to adverse weather caused by the passage of former tropical cyclone Imogen. The weather system has been downgraded and is forecast to continue moving towards the northeastern coastline in the coming days before dissipating near Townsville. Authorities have issued flood warnings for the coming week due to the risk of overflowing rivers from continued heavy rainfall. Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes with local contacts before setting out on overland journeys.
In the coming days, travelers in Western Australia state, including Perth, should plan journeys accounting for bushfire danger warnings. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a Bushfire Emergency Warning (immediate action required) for areas east of Indian Ocean Drive, as well as the shires of Gingin and Dandaragan. Meanwhile, a Severe Fire Danger warning (fourth-highest level on a six-tier scale) is in place for inland Central West, Lower West (including Perth) and inland Gascoyne regions.
Through January 22, travelers in Greater Brisbane should continue to abide by official COVID-19-related directives. The ongoing lockdown will end at 6:00 PM local time on January 11, though some measures will persist through January 22. Movement restrictions on residents of Brisbane and the surrounding local government areas of Ipswich, Logan, the Moreton Bay Region, and Redland will be lifted; however, social distancing regulations will continue and face masks remain mandatory indoors.
BANGLADESH
On January 11, travelers in urban centers should avoid demonstrations by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against alleged malpractices during the 2018 General Elections. The party plans to hold protests in all municipalities and metropolitan cities, including outside the National Press Club in Dhaka at 11:00 AM local time. Gatherings elsewhere may occur at BNP offices and local press clubs. On January 7, the BNP held protests against rising food prices in several areas, including Jhenaidah, Brahmanbaria, and Barisal. Minor scuffles occurred between protesters and police in Jhenaidah.
CHINA
Travelers in China, particularly northern, western and central areas, should plan journeys accounting for potential disruption during the ongoing winter season, which will last until March. Heavy snow, dense fog, and poor visibility may affect flight and train schedules at short notice, as well as impede road movement. Meanwhile, heavy smog, typically caused by pollution from increased coal use in winter, can result in poor visibility and related flight disruption. Adverse weather conditions can also interrupt power supply, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas.
Non-essential travel to Shijiazhuang should be deferred following a further tightening of local COVID-19-related restrictions. All Shijiazhuang residents are now required to undergo nucleic acid testing and must stay home for at least seven days after the test is completed. People in Shijiazhuang remain prohibited from leaving the city, while those in the “high” risk Gaocheng District remain prohibited from leaving the district until further notice.
HONG KONG
Travelers in Hong Kong should continue to monitor developments amid rigorous police enforcement of the National Security Law (NSL) and against illegal assembly. On January 6, 53 anti-government activists, including one foreigner with US citizenship, were arrested for alleged NSL violations. These arrests are unlikely to result in a significant increase in public demonstrations; however, there remains a credible potential for small-scale gatherings, especially during the trials of prominent activists. Due to underlying tensions, there is also a potential for hardline protesters to employ violent tactics, highlighting the need to continue avoiding any related gatherings.
INDIA
Travelers should anticipate travel disruption and maintain flexible itineraries during the ongoing winter season which will last until February. Dense fog and poor visibility can cause significant disruption to flights, train services, and road journeys. Northern and eastern states such as Asom, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, as well as the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Chandigarh, and Delhi, typically experience the worst of the adverse winter conditions. Major cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai, may also be affected.
INDONESIA
Travelers in Indonesia, including Jakarta, should continue to plan journeys accounting for disruption during the ongoing monsoon season. The rainy season is expected to last until April 2021 across much of Indonesia and is expected to peak in January-February. Flooding and landslides after prolonged heavy rain have affected parts of Aceh, Banten and North Sumatra provinces since mid-November. Travelers should reconfirm the feasibility of journeys with local contacts before setting out.
All travel to Indonesia should be deferred following the extension of the entry ban for foreign travelers through January 28 due to COVID-19; however, high-level official visits will continue to be exempted.
JAPAN
Travelers in Tokyo and neighboring Chiba, Kanagawa, and Saitama prefectures should follow all official directives amid a State of Emergency until February 7. As part of the measures, restaurants and bars are to close by 8:00 PM local time, and residents are requested to refrain from non-essential outings. Authorities have also urged companies to encourage 70% of their commuting staff to work from home. Additionally, the number of people at spectator events will be capped at 50% or a maximum of 5,000.
Through March, travelers in Japan, particularly those in northern and northeastern areas, should plan journeys accounting for disruption during the ongoing winter season. At least 13 people have been killed due to adverse weather conditions since early January. Short-notice disruption and/or interruptions in power supply, particularly in smaller cities and rural locations, remain possible.
KYRGYZSTAN
Through January 15, travelers should monitor developments related to elections held on January 10 as preliminary results show a comprehensive victory for Sadryr Japarov. Japarov is on course to win the Presidential Election with nearly 80% of the vote. A referendum on proposed constitutional amendments was also held on the same day. Nearly 81% voted to adopt a Presidential rather than a Parliamentary system of the government. The election and referendum passed off peacefully; however, travelers should monitor developments and avoid any gatherings as a precaution.
MALAYSIA
Through March, travelers should continue to anticipate intermittent disruption and maintain flexible itineraries during Malaysia’s monsoon season. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, and related landslides can be expected nationwide during this period. Most-affected areas include Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu on Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo Island. While flooding and associated disruption can be more protracted in rural areas, urban centers such as Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru are not immune. Travelers should reconfirm the feasibility of journeys before setting out.
On January 11, travelers should continue to anticipate disruption and reconfirm itineraries due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued “Danger” Warnings (highest on a three-tier scale) for Batu Pahat, Johor Bahru, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Kulai, and Pontian through January 11. Travelers in these areas should exercise caution due to risks posed by severe flooding.
NEW CALEDONIA
Through January 15, travelers should continue to maintain flexible itineraries due to travel disruption caused by heavy rainfall. Authorities have issued a “Yellow” Alert (the second highest on a four-tier scale) for all communes due to thunderstorms and flooding. This excludes Belep, which is “Green” (the lowest). Significant disruption has been reported along the RPN3 and RT1 highways. Further flooding and disruption is likely. Intermittent heavy rainfall is forecast in Loyalty Islands Province and the southeastern coasts of Grande Terre in the coming days. Travelers planning overland journeys should closely monitor the New Caledonia gendarmerie website for announcements of road closures.
NEW ZEALAND
Through February 1, passengers transiting Kapiti Coast Airport (PPQ), which serves Paraparaumu, should monitor developments and continue to reconfirm the status of flights despite the resumption of operations at the facility. The airport will operate at reduced hours until February 1 due to staff shortages. Details are unavailable, but operating hours may depend on the availability of specialist staff. Further intermittent closures are possible. The airport was closed on December 13 following security threats posted on social media.
PAKISTAN
Travelers in Pakistan in the coming weeks should continue to monitor developments and avoid demonstrations organized by the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition due to the risk of unrest. The PDM has scheduled several rallies across the country in their second campaign to demand the ouster of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government by January 31, 2021. Should the PTI not capitulate, they plan to march to Islamabad. The protests are likely to be well attended and have a heightened security presence. Traffic disruption and local scuffles between protesters and security forces may occur during the demonstrations.
On January 12, travelers in Islamabad should avoid a planned demonstration in front of the Parliament House due to the risk of unrest. Dozens of unions representing government workers and other groups have called for the protest over grievances related to salary and benefits; however, the government announced on January 10 that they would not agree to a salary increase due to budget constraints. The unions also plan to launch an indefinite strike starting the same day.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Through January 15, travelers should continue to anticipate disruption at Kavieng Airport (KVG) where flights have been cancelled due to ongoing protests. Although the protests are reportedly peaceful, there is a potential for such gatherings to turn unruly. Further disruption is possible in the coming days and travelers should reconfirm their itineraries.
SOUTH KOREA
Travelers in South Korea should continue to anticipate intermittent travel disruption and maintain flexible itineraries during the ongoing winter season, which will last until February. Heavy snowfall on January 7 canceled at least 86 flights and several flights at Seoul’s Gimpo (GMP) and Incheon (ICN) international airports. Further short-notice disruption to air and overland travel can be expected. Adverse weather can also cause damage to buildings or disrupt the supply of essential services such as electricity. Northern and mountainous regions, such as Gangwon province, as well as smaller cities and rural locations are the most vulnerable.
THAILAND
Travelers in Thailand should abide by official directives amid renewed measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Entertainment venues, educational institutions, and other business establishments are closed across 28 provinces classified as “maximum control zones” (also called “red zones”) until further notice. The zones include Bangkok. While interprovincial travel is permitted, authorities have advised against non-essential travel and introduced health screening measures, especially for visitors from red zones. The ongoing State of Emergency has been extended until at least February 28. Travelers should liaise with local contacts and closely monitor reliable sources of information as authorities’ directives can change at short notice.
TURKEY
On January 11, travelers in urban centers should avoid planned protests by university students as a precaution. Protests have been planned in solidarity with students from Bogazici University who are demonstrating against the appointment of a new university director. The protests began on January 6 and have led to the arrest of at least 40 students for violating COVID-19 restrictions. A solidarity protest is planned for 2:00 PM local time outside Istanbul University. A further protest is planned at Ege University at 5:30 PM local time. Security forces may use forcible measures to disperse protesters.
UZBEKISTAN
Travelers in or traveling to Tashkent over the coming weeks should plan journeys accounting for disruption due to temporary road closures in the city’s central district during the holiday season. The measure is intended to facilitate a series of scheduled holiday events, including New Year’s Eve celebrations, and will remain in force until 12:00 AM local time on January 15, 2021. Significant traffic delays can be expected along alternative routes as motorists follow diversions. Some public transport services will also be affected within the central district. Travelers should anticipate heightened security, follow official directives, and allow additional time for travel.
VIETNAM
All travel to Vietnam should be deferred amid ongoing COVID-19-related entry restrictions. International commercial flights into Vietnam remain suspended through February 16, the end of the Lunar New Year holiday. Repatriation flights for Vietnamese overseas will also be limited during this period. Only flights approved by the Vietnamese government are currently allowed entry.
EUROPE
BREXIT
Travelers in the UK and EU member states should continue to reconfirm itineraries and abide by all official directives. New regulations came into effect following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU (Brexit) on December 31. The European Commission (EC) has recommended member states treat the UK as a third country under its travel restriction regulations, only permitting travel for essential reasons. Those arriving in England and Scotland now need to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 72 hours prior to departure.
FRANCE
Travelers in France should continue to abide by all official directives related to COVID-19, including stricter local curfews in some departments. A nationwide curfew is in effect from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM local time through January 20; however, the measure is in force from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM local time in some departments. The affected areas are updated on a regular basis by authorities.
Throughout January, travelers should anticipate and avoid further protests over a controversial national security law due to the risk of local unrest. The largest demonstrations are usually held on Saturdays, though sporadic gatherings can also take place on other days. Nationwide protests are set to take place on January 16 and 30. While gatherings are likely to pass off peacefully, clashes between security forces and protesters, including far-left activists, are possible, including outside major urban centers.
GEORGIA
In the coming days, travelers in urban centers, including Tbilisi and Batumi, should anticipate and avoid further protests against the legitimacy of the Parliamentary Election. Most of the opposition continues to boycott Parliament sessions amid ongoing negotiations with the ruling Georgian Dream party but have temporarily called off larger demonstrations amid restrictions related to COVID-19. A small number of opposition supporters have vowed to hold election-related protests indefinitely near the Parliament building in Tbilisi and near the government building in Batumi. On December 13, at least six activists were detained following clashes with security forces during protests in Batumi outside the Supreme Council building.
GREECE
Travelers in Kozani over the coming days should anticipate further rallies to demand additional financial support from the central government. Demonstrators drove in a convoy from Camelot intersection to the Regional Administration office on January 4, causing significant traffic disruption on the National Road 20 Motorway. Further related protests are likely, particularly amid the current COVID-19-related measures.
ITALY
Travelers in Italy should abide by official directives following the extension of the nationwide lockdown until January 15. Until then, residents are only allowed to leave their homes for work, health and emergency reasons. Nonessential shops, restaurants, and bars will remain closed. All incoming travelers are required to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their place of origin, while inter-regional travel within Italy remains prohibited.
ROMANIA
Throughout January, travelers in urban centers should plan journeys bypassing nationwide protests. Trade unions are calling for an improvement in working conditions for healthcare workers. They are also protesting against the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its decision to freeze public sector wages. Police personnel will carry out a set of industrial actions on January 11, 18 and 25. Most planned actions are unlikely to directly impact business operations. Nationwide demonstrations will be held outside local government offices between January 12 and 14, and a protest will take place on January 14 at Victory Square in Bucharest. While these gatherings are likely to pass off peacefully, they should be avoided as a precaution and to minimize disruption.
RUSSIA
In the coming weeks, travelers in Khabarovsk should continue to avoid unauthorized protests over the arrest of former Regional Governor Sergey Furgal, in connection with business-related murders in the early 2000s. Weekly protests have been taking place on Saturdays at 12:00 PM local time since July. Although protests have been largely peaceful, police have detained protesters on several occasions, most recently on December 26, when local reports indicate several activists were detained. Police have also used batons to disperse previous gatherings. A heightened police presence should be anticipated around further protests due to the potential for local unrest.
SLOVENIA
On January 13, travelers in Ljubljana should avoid a scheduled protest as a precaution. The mobilization has been called against the government by a fringe opposition group that previously held a violent demonstration against COVID-19-related restrictions on November 5. Other opposition actors have distanced themselves from the upcoming event, which will begin at 2:00 PM local time. There is a potential for local unrest during the gathering, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
SPAIN
On January 11, travelers should reconfirm itineraries and expect disruption during the passage of Storm Filomena. Weather Warnings for heavy rain and snow remain in place. While Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) is gradually resuming operations following a temporary closure on January 10, further significant disruption remains possible due to heavy snowfall. Road closures have been reported across central Spain, and authorities have warned of further disruption to road, air and rail travel in the coming days. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries and reconfirm the feasibility of journeys prior to setting out.
On January 12, travelers in Palma de Mallorca should plan itineraries bypassing a protest called by hospitality workers over COVID-19-related restrictions as a precaution. Protesters will gather at Consolat de Mar at 11:00 AM local time. The protest is expected to be well attended and well policed. Local clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.
UKRAINE
Travelers in Ukraine should continue to abide by official directives following the tightening of internal COVID-19- related restrictions. Authorities have announced a nationwide lockdown from January 8 until at least January 25, during which non-essential businesses will remain closed. All public gatherings and mass events have been banned. The restrictions come amid high levels of anger over the economic effects of business closures. Since March, regular protests against the restrictions have occurred, with occasional related unrest.
Through January 15, travelers in urban centers should anticipate further protests and associated disruption over an increase in the price of gas by 14%. Related demonstrations occurred on January 10 in various provinces, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk. Participants gathered at local government buildings and blocked off access to certain roads. On January 4, protesters in Poltava blocked the M03 Highway, which leads to Kiev.
UNITED KINGDOM
BREXIT
Travelers in the UK should monitor developments and abide by all government guidelines related to the country’s withdrawal from the EU. Following the end of the transition period on December 31, new entry and exit restrictions came into effect from January 1, 2021. These changes are expected to increase border-crossing delays due to stricter document-checking procedures and will impact the requirements of EU citizens relocating in the UK. Travelers in the EU should remain apprised of wider policy adjustments, including changes to mobile phone services and travel insurance policies, as well as access to the National Health Service (NHS).
ENGLAND
Travelers in England in the coming weeks should abide by all official directives amid the implementation of new restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new national lockdown will take effect from 12:01 AM local time on January 5 until at least February 15. Only essential movements will be authorized and must be strictly limited.
SCOTLAND
Travelers in Scotland in the coming weeks should abide by all official directives amid the implementation of new restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. From 12:01 AM local time on January 5, entering and exiting Scotland, as well as leaving one’s accommodation, is only permitted for essential reasons.
NEW TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO VARIANT OF COVID -19
New travel restrictions and lockdown measures have been put in place following the rapid spread and discovery of a new strain of the coronavirus, which is thought to be more than 70% more infectious. The new variant of COVID-19 originates in southeast England and has been identified in Denmark, the Netherlands and in Australia according to the World Health Organization.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on December 19 announced new COVID-19-related restrictions. Tier 4 (‘Stay At Home’; highest level of a four-tier system), under which travel is only allowed for essential purposes such as work, now includes all of London and several parts of southeastern and eastern England. Meanwhile, local authorities have placed all of Wales under lockdown, while a similar measure will begin in Scotland on December 26. Travel between Scotland and the rest of the UK is currently prohibited. Restrictions are subject to frequent change. Travelers should abide by official directives.
Transmission of COVID-19 continues to surge in some regions. There is limited acute care bed availability and hospitals are either near or at capacity. Different levels of local restrictions on movement and gatherings are in place across the country. Health authorities have implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing, and managing people who have COVID-19 and their contacts. Travelers should follow all directives. To prevent infection, travelers should limit face-to-face interactions with other people as much as possible, pay attention to hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid touching their face, wear a mask whenever required to and consider wearing a mask whenever in public.
Travelers due to travel to and from the UK should reconfirm itineraries. Countries around the world continue to announce new travel restrictions in the wake of recent developments involving COVID-19. Further travel restrictions are likely to be announced in the coming days. Travelers should abide by official directives. Eurostar has suspended all trains between London, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
