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
HURRICANE ZETA
Over the coming days, travelers in western Cuba and Mexico’s northern Yucatan peninsula, as well as in Cayman Islands and the US, should continue to defer travel to areas in the path of Hurricane Zeta. The weather system has intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 1 (lowest on a five-tier scale) hurricane. Zeta made landfall on the northern Yucatan peninsula on the evening of October 26. It is forecast to move north across the Gulf of Mexico on October 27, causing heavy rainfall across portions of the central Gulf Coast, from Louisiana state to the Florida Panhandle in the US, on October 28.
UNITED STATES
Travelers should monitor developments and follow all official directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most states have begun to lift restrictions on mobility and non-essential businesses, though some have halted reopening plans due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases within at least 40 of the 50 states. The varied impact of the outbreak and local pressure by constituents has led state governors to reopen businesses and lift stay-at-home orders; however, some have issued mandates on wearing masks in public places and quarantining when returning from certain states with high case numbers. More than 3.8 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the United States, with increased activity in the South and West.
WILDFIRES
Several wildfires across the west coast are impacting air quality. Polluted air can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes and nose. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with underlying heart and lung disease (high-risk groups) are particularly vulnerable. To lessen the risk of potential health problems, travelers are advised to reduce exposure by decreasing time and physical activity outdoors. COVID-19 is circulating, and separate evacuation centers are available if anyone has symptoms of COVID19.
CALIFORNIA
Travelers in California state over the coming days should continue to reconfirm the status of routes and follow official directives due to multiple ongoing wildfires. The blazes have prompted a State of Emergency and the closure of several major routes. Mandatory evacuation orders have also been issued for multiple counties. At least 31 people have so far been killed, and more than 300,000 others evacuated.
Travelers in California state should anticipate outages through October 27 due to weather conditions conducive to wildfire activity. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), which oversees the state’s power grid, has issued an extreme fire warning, which will see CAISO systemically cut power to certain regions of California. Approximately 361,000 customers in 36 counties will be experiencing blackouts while the extreme fire conditions persist.
BRAZIL
Travelers are advised to defer all travel 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. Travelers should defer all travel until the situation improves.
CANADA
Authorities have extended the closure of the US-Canada border to non-essential travel (including recreation and tourism purposes) through November 21 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-border freight movement is still permitted. Canadian authorities have taken additional measures amid reports of US Nationals entering the country on non-essential journeys. All travel to Canada should be deferred, unless coming directly from the US for essential purposes or otherwise exempt from COVID-19-related restrictions.
On October 31, travelers in Toronto should plan journeys bypassing protests at 12:00 PM local time at YongeDundas Square. “The Line” activist group will hold the demonstrations against restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rallies are expected to pass off peacefully but are likely to cause local traffic disruption.
CHILE
Travelers in Chile should anticipate and avoid further celebratory and anti-government demonstrations in the coming weeks following the October 25 Constitutional Referendum. Flashpoints in urban centers include major public squares and government buildings. Daily rallies occurred throughout the country ahead of the plebiscite as well as celebratory gatherings immediately following the referendum. Such gatherings are expected to continue, particularly in Santiago, where mass gatherings occurred on October 25. Rallies have resulted in confrontations between participants and police, transport disruption and acts of vandalism.
FRENCH GUIANA (FRANCE)
An increase in cases of Mayaro virus has been reported. Mayaro virus (also called Mayaro fever) is consistently present in French Guiana and is spread by mosquito bites. Mayaro virus can cause a range of symptoms including fever, chills, muscle pains, body aches, joint pain, rash and swollen lymph glands. There is no specific treatment and no vaccine. Travelers are advised to prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.
MEXICO
A sharp increase in dengue cases has been reported. Dengue is spread mainly by mosquito bites. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache and a rash. Sometimes, dengue is severe and can have fatal complications. Infants, pregnant people, and those who have had dengue before are most likely to get severe infections. Travelers are advised to prevent dengue by avoiding mosquito bites.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
COTE D’ IVOIRE
Travelers should anticipate and avoid protests ahead of the October 31 Presidential Election. Due the credible risk for unrest, all movements should be minimized on polling day. An official ban on all gatherings remains in effect until November 1 amid a civil disobedience campaign called by the opposition; however, the measure has failed to deter protesters. Recent protests held in Bonoua, Dabou, and Bongouanou escalated into unrest and confrontation between rival supporters, where at least 20 people were killed. Further rallies could escalate into clashes involving participants, security forces and counter-demonstrators, posing incidental risks to bystanders. Travelers in Daoukro in the coming hours should minimize movement and reconfirm routes before undertaking essential travel due to ongoing unruly opposition protests. Protesters have set fire to the local Independent Electoral Commission headquarters. Security forces have deployed tear gas in nearby Keregbe village in an attempt to disperse demonstrators.
GHANA
Travelers in Accra should monitor developments related to the Presidential Election in December and avoid all potential political demonstrations as a precaution. Planned peaceful marches on October 25 organized by the ruling New Patriotic Party and the opposition National Democratic Congress descended into violence. Opponents threw bottles and rocks at each other on the Atta Mill High Street in James Town, a key electoral hot spot. At least 15 people were injured during the unrest. While most gatherings and marches ahead of the December polls are likely to be peaceful, further local incidents are possible in the coming weeks.
GUINEA
Travelers in Guinea should avoid all gatherings in the coming days due to the potential for further unrest following the release of the provisional results of the presidential election. President Alpha Conde’s victory was confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) on October 23. Violent unrest, including fatal clashes between protesters and security forces, has since been reported across the country, including in Conakry. The opposition has called for fresh nationwide protests from October 26. Travelers should continue to exercise caution, as tensions surrounding the election are likely to remain high in the medium term.
ETHIOPIA
Travelers in Amhara region on October 28 and Addis Ababa on November 1 should plan journeys avoiding opposition rallies. The National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) is organizing the rallies to condemn the recent spate of attacks against ethnic-Amharas. The attacks reportedly killed at least 31 people, and injured five others, in Bench Sheko zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) on October 18 and 21. At least 1,400 households have been displaced during the violence. Travelers should liaise with local contacts to remain apprised of related gatherings and avoid areas experiencing unrest to minimize incidental exposure to violence.
LIBERIA
Travelers in urban centers over the coming days should avoid nationwide protests by opposition parties from October 28, due to the risk of unrest. The Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) coalition is demanding that the National Elections Commission institute reforms of the electoral process ahead of the December 8 senatorial polls. The demonstrations are likely to be well attended and accompanied by a significant police presence. Scuffles between participants and government supporters are possible, while gatherings may be forcibly dispersed by police. Potential flashpoints in Monrovia include government buildings in the Capitol Hill area, as well as Tubman Boulevard and the University of Liberia campus.
MALI
Through November 6, travelers in urban centers should expect disruption and avoid all protests related to an ongoing public sector strike. Unions are calling for pay increases and for the government to free all hostages currently detained by armed groups. A peaceful demonstration occurred at Place de l’Independance in Bamako on October 15, though local disturbances cannot be ruled out during further gatherings.
NIGERIA
Travelers in Lagos beginning July 24 should expect significant travel disruption during planned repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge and plan journeys using alternative routes. The Lagos State Government announced the partial closure of the bridge until January 2021 for maintenance works. Travelers should anticipate increased traffic congestion and a potential surge in crime on congested routes during the closure of the bridge.
Travelers in Lagos in the coming days should abide by a nightly curfew in effect from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM local time. Authorities relaxed an earlier curfew as anti-police violence protests subsided, but the nightly restrictions remain in place amid sporadic incidents of looting and vandalism. Nonetheless, demonstrations can still occur and may cause local travel disruption around flashpoints. Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) remains operational and accessible by road, though airlines may alter their schedules due to the curfew.
Travelers in Lagos in the coming hours should plan routes bypassing the A1 Motorway near Mile 12 due to ongoing violence. Rival gang members are clashing on the road, looting and engaging in vandalism. Traffic has been blocked, causing congestion that will affect movement in the city in the coming hours.
Travelers in Nigeria over the coming days should exercise heightened caution and abide by curfews imposed following recent protests and unrest. Widespread rallies continued on October 22-23, in defiance of curfews. Clashes involving security forces, protesters and thugs – often accompanied by the use of live ammunition – occurred in several cities. These include Akure, Ondo, Benin City, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. Tensions remain high, and fresh outbreaks of unrest are likely.
Travelers in Abuja in the coming days should exercise heightened caution amid sporadic reports of looting and vandalism following recent clashes. While anti-police brutality protests have started to subside, reports of unidentified thugs looting official buildings and infrastructure continue to increase. Further acts of vandalism could escalate into clashes between security forces and the perpetrators, posing incidental risks to bystanders. Travelers should continue to avoid all gatherings due to the credible risk of unrest and expect heightened security across the city.
SENEGAL
Travelers in Dakar on October 28 and 30 should plan journeys bypassing protests organized by civil society organizations to denounce the provisional results of the recent Presidential Election in Guinea. On both days, activists will gather at 4:00 PM local time at Place de la Nation and march to Rond Point de la RTS. Police dispersed a related demonstration at the Guinean Embassy on October 21 with tear gas. Local authorities have warned against repeated protests.
SAUDI ARABIA
Authorities announced on October 26 the interception of two armed drones launched by the Yemen-based Houthi rebel group. These were reportedly targeting civilian areas in the southern provinces, though one was intercepted in Yemeni airspace. While Houthi-linked media sources claimed that the drones targeted military interests at Abha International Airport (AHB), no casualties or damages were reported by authorities. The Saudi Air Defense System remains capable of intercepting most projectiles; however, travelers should exercise caution around potential targets, including government and military interests, energy infrastructure and airports.
SUDAN
On October 25-27, travelers transiting airports in Sudan should anticipate disruption and reconfirm flight schedules due to a planned strike. The Sudan Airports Holding Company has called on airport workers nationwide to participate in the industrial action, which began at 9:00 AM local time on October 25 and will end at the same time on October 27. The strike is being organized to demand the restructuring of the Civil Aviation Authority, the reinstatement of dismissed workers, and favorable working conditions.
Travelers in Sudan in the coming days should avoid further protests related to the normalization of relations with Israel due to the risk of local unrest. Dozens of demonstrators gathered in Khartoum on October 23 following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of the decision. Several political parties have denounced the agreement.
TURKEY
Travelers in or traveling through Iskenderun town in the coming hours should avoid Fener Street following an explosion on the evening of October 26. Reports suggest the blast occurred during a security operation targeting terror suspects; at least two suspects have reportedly been neutralized. The security operation is still under way.
On October 23, the US Embassy in Ankara announced the temporary suspension of all citizen and visa operations. This followed reports of potential militant attacks and kidnappings targeting US citizens and foreign nationals in Istanbul province. Services have also been temporarily suspended at US diplomatic missions in the Sariyer district, Adana, and Izmir. The announcement highlights the threat of militancy in Turkey – including in medium travel risk areas – and the need to minimize time spent around potential targets for attacks.
ZAMBIA
Travelers in Lusaka on October 30 should plan journeys bypassing a rally by the youth league of the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy. Participants will march from the University of Zambia (UNZA) footbridge along Great East Road to the Central Police Station. The rally is being held to denounce alleged police brutality.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Travelers should anticipate protests in the coming days in Muslim-majority areas of the region, particularly Bangladesh and Pakistan. Calls for demonstrations will likely take place against the recent controversial remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron had allegedly made Islamophobic comments over the recent beheading of a teacher in France by a lone assailant. The attack has been linked to the cartoons depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad by the satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo. Precedent suggests the potential for unrest during related gatherings, especially in Pakistan. Travelers should monitor local developments closely and avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.
AFGHANISTAN
An explosion has been reported on October 27 along Airport Road in Police District 10 in Kabul. Further details are still emerging.
AUSTRALIA
Travelers in Victoria state, particularly in the Melbourne metropolitan area (MMA), should continue follow all official directions and comply with ongoing COVID-19-related restrictions. In addition to the lifting of an existing lockdown in the MMA on October 28, further easing of restrictions have also been announced. People will be allowed to leave their residences. Restaurants, hotels, bars and pubs can resume operations with limited capacity, while all retail shops can reopen under strict health guidelines; however, the border between the MMA and regional Victoria will remain in place.
BRUNEI
Travelers in Brunei should anticipate associated disruption until October 30 following the death of Prince Haji ‘Abdul’ Azim, the second son of the Sultan, on October 24. The funeral occurred on the evening of October 24 at the Royal Mausoleum in Bandar Seri Begawan. Authorities have declared a seven-day national mourning period from October 24. During this period, all citizens are required to wear white clothing. Travelers should reconfirm appointments, as business activity is liable to be disrupted during the mourning period.
CAMBODIA
Travelers should continue to anticipate intermittent disruption to travel and essential services during the ongoing monsoon season. Flash flooding has been reported in 20 of the country’s 25 provinces and Phnom Penh. The worsthit provinces include Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Thom, Kandal and Pursat provinces, as well as southwestern areas of Phnom Penh. Meanwhile, National Road 4 connecting to Sihanoukville has also been damaged. Further flash floods and landslides are possible, especially in provinces along the Mekong River.
CHINA
Travelers in Hainan province in the coming days should continue to plan journeys accounting for residual disruption following the passage of former Typhoon Saudel. The storm passed by south of Hainan island on October 24, before weakening into a tropical depression. The National Meteorological Centre (NMC) has lowered its typhoon warning to ‘blue’ (lowest on a four-tier scale); however, residual heavy rainfall is expected to continue throughout the eastern and southern regions of Hainan island in the coming days. Limited disruption due to flooding and landslides remains possible.
INDIA
Travelers in urban centers should expect increased security and associated disruption ahead of and during the Hindu festival of Diwali on November 14. Large crowds can be expected at transport hubs and markets, which also increase the risk of petty crime. Militancy and communal unrest also pose risks during the festival period. Authorities may impose short-notice COVID-19-related measures on gatherings and movement.
Through October 29, travelers in urban centers should avoid demonstrations over a fatal sexual assault case. The main opposition Indian National Congress and women’s groups have called for nationwide protests on October 26 and 29, respectively. Further details of the gatherings are not available. The demonstrations are related to the alleged sexual assault and subsequent death of a woman in September in Hathras.
Travelers in urban centers in the coming days should avoid demonstrations over a fatal sexual assault case. The main opposition Indian National Congress and women’s groups have called for nationwide protests on October 29. Further details of the gatherings are not available. The demonstrations are related to the alleged sexual assault and subsequent death of a woman in September in Hathras.
INDONESIA
Travelers should plan journeys accounting for disruption caused by heavy rainfall and flooding. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has forecast that intensified rainfall will impact the entire country through November. Such conditions have resulted in flooding and landslides. These have affected hundreds of people and damaged infrastructure in several areas, including Jakarta. Travelers should reconfirm the feasibility of journeys before setting out.
Travelers in urban centers in the coming days should continue to avoid all demonstrations over the controversial ‘Omnibus Law’ due to the risk of unrest. Gatherings are planned on October 27 in Bandung and Surabaya. Protests can also be expected in Jakarta and other urban centers on October 28, when the controversial legislation will possibly be signed and finalized. A nationwide protest is planned in Jakarta and 24 other provinces on 2 November in response to the possible signing. Police may forcibly disperse crowds and implement traffic diversions near flashpoints.
IRAQ
Travelers in Baghdad and in the southern governorates should avoid further anti-government protests in the coming days due to the risk of unrest. On October 26, security forces reportedly used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters on Baghdad’s Jumhuriyah Bridge, which leads to the International Zone (IZ). Earlier, on October 25, clashes were also reported during related gatherings in the capital. Activists have vowed to stage further protests until their demands are met, raising the potential for further related unrest in the coming days.
KYRGYZSTAN
Travelers in urban centers over the coming weeks should continue to exercise caution, monitor developments, and avoid all gatherings related to forthcoming Parliamentary and Presidential Elections. The Parliament has adopted a bill to delay re-run elections until constitutional reforms are enacted. A State of Emergency in Bishkek has been lifted, as widespread unrest has diminished following the October 15 resignation of former President Sooronbay Jeenbekov (in office 2017-20). Newly-appointed Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov has also assumed the role of Interim President until elections are held.
LAOS
Travelers in southern and central provinces in the coming days should plan journeys accounting for disruption during the passage of Typhoon Molave. The weather system is forecast to make landfall between Da Nang municipality and Phu Yen province in Vietnam on October 28, before moving to southern Laos on the same day. Heavy rainfall and strong winds can be expected across southern and central Laos on October 28-29. Short-notice disruption remains possible at airports in affected areas, including Pakse International Airport (PKZ).
MYANMAR
Travelers should continue to defer travel to Myanmar amid stringent restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities have extended the suspension of domestic flights until November 15 and international flights until November 30. Repatriation, relief, and cargo flights remain operational.
PAKISTAN
Travelers in urban centers on October 30 should anticipate heightened security and associated disruption during Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the Islamic holiday marking the birth of the prophet Muhammad. Related processions will take place in urban centers across the country, including in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. Travelers should avoid all processions as a precaution and carry identification documents to ease passage through likely security checkpoints.
At least three people were killed, and seven were injured, during an explosion on October 25 at the Hazarganji Fruit Market in Quetta. According to authorities, the bomb was concealed in a nearby motorbike. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, Islamist militants are suspected to have carried it out. This follows a recent separatist militant attack on a convoy in Ormara on October 15 which killed at least 14 security forces personnel. These incidents highlight the persistent militancy threat in Balochistan, where non-essential travel is advised against.
Travelers in urban centers over the coming weeks should continue to avoid protests by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). The coalition comprises all major opposition parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. Nationwide protests against Prime Minister Imran Khan’s administration are set to continue until January 2021. Heightened security measures can be expected around protest locations following a recent threat alert issued by authorities warning of potential terrorist attacks in Quetta and Peshawar.
PHILIPPINES
Travelers on Luzon Island should minimize non-essential movement in areas where a tropical cyclone wind signal 3 (third-highest level on a five-tier scale) has been issued amid the passage of Typhoon Molave. The weather system is currently located over the Mindoro Strait. It is forecast to move westwards and leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility early on October 27. Significant disruption caused by floods and landslides has been reported in affected areas.
SRI LANKA
Authorities have imposed indefinite curfews across Colombo and Batticaloa districts following a surge in COVID-19 cases. Travel to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), serving Colombo, remains permitted for those with scheduled flights. Affected areas in Colombo include the central business district of Fort, as well as Borella, Dam Street, Maligawatta, Pettah, and Welikada. Travelers should closely monitor the situation as further restrictions are possible, including elsewhere in the country.
THAILAND
Travelers should plan journeys accounting for intermittent disruption during the ongoing rainy season through the end of October. Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides continue to be reported, with northeastern and southern provinces being the worst affected. Flash floods have resulted in intermittent road closures, power outages, and related disruption in the affected areas. Travelers should avoid low-lying areas, where possible, and reconfirm flight schedules and the status of routes before setting out.
Travelers in urban centers over the coming days should monitor developments closely and avoid further antigovernment gatherings as a precaution. Although the government has repealed a controversial emergency decree imposed in Bangkok, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ignored protesters’ demands for his resignation. Demonstrators are likely to utilize Bangkok’s MRT and BTS railway systems, disrupting travel. Police are also liable to forcibly disperse gatherings and arrest participants.
TONGA
Travelers should continue to defer all travel to Tonga amid ongoing COVID-19-related restrictions. Authorities extended the State of Emergency until at least 8:00 PM local time on November 23. Meanwhile, a nationwide nightly curfew remains in place from 12:01 AM to 5:00 AM. Gatherings are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
VIETNAM
Travelers in northern and central provinces should continue to minimize non-essential movement until at least October 27 due to the passage of Tropical Depression Saudel and residual disruption from previous storms. The storm made landfall on the east coast of Quang Phu late on October 25. It is forecast to continue moving on a southwestern trajectory and pass into Laos on October 26. Related flooding has caused significant disruption, particularly in areas that have experienced continuous rain since early October. The National Center for HydroMeteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) maintains a ‘Level Three’ disaster risk warning (third-highest on a five-tier scale) as of October 26.
EUROPE
BELARUS
Travelers should exercise caution and avoid all protests calling for the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko, fresh elections, and the release of political prisoners. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who considers herself to be the winner of the disputed August 9 Presidential Election, had issued an ultimatum for Lukashenko to resign by October 25; however, his refusal to do so has prompted a nationwide strike since October 26. Security forces are likely to continue to disperse demonstrators forcibly. Indiscriminate arrests remain possible.
Travelers in urban centers should monitor developments and anticipate disruption during a nationwide strike from October 26. The strike was called by the opposition after President Alexander Lukashenko refused to abide by a ‘People’s Ultimatum’ to resign by October 25. At least 100,000 people demonstrated in Minsk on the day. Security forces used stun guns, rubber bullets and water cannon to disperse the protests. Mobile internet connectivity was also limited. Further such disruption can be expected in the coming days. Further gatherings are liable to be forcibly dispersed by security forces, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
GEORGIA
Travelers in Tbilisi and major urban centers should monitor developments and avoid gatherings related to the October 31 Parliamentary Elections due to the risk of unrest. Clashes involving rival political supporters and security forces are possible during rallies, posing incidental risks to bystanders. There have also been several violent incidents targeting politicians or political party offices. The broader security environment is unlikely to deteriorate during the election cycle, but local gatherings over the results are likely to occur. Depending on how contentious the results are, such gatherings may become disruptive.
ITALY
Essential travel to Italy can continue subject to a strict assessment of the COVID-19 situation and entry restrictions, including the potential for sudden changes. On October 7, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a new decree extending an ongoing State of Emergency until at least January 31, 2021. Internally, strict social distancing, testing processes and hygiene guidance remain in effect. Overnight curfews are in place in Lombardy, Campania, Lazio, Calabria and Piedmont regions.
Travelers in urban centers should anticipate and avoid further protests over COVID-19-related curfews, due to the risk of local disruption and unrest. On October 28, related rallies will be held in public squares across 18 cities, including Rome, from 11:30 AM local time. Similar gatherings may be held in the interim. Earlier, unruly demonstrations against the restrictions on October 23-26 took place in multiple urban centers, including Rome, Catania, Milan, Naples and Turin. Some participants set objects alight, threw projectiles and clashed with police officers, who responded with tear gas.
POLAND
Travelers in urban centers in the coming days should anticipate and avoid further protests against the passing of a controversial abortion law. Daily gatherings have occurred since October 22. On October 26, participants blocked roads in several cities, causing major traffic disruption. Affected areas included Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and Szczecin. A large rally is planned in Warsaw on November 30. Police are liable to forcibly disperse further protests due to an ongoing COVID-19-related ban on gatherings of more than five people.
SLOVENIA
Travelers conducting essential travel in Slovenia should abide by movement restrictions introduced on October 16 by authorities. A temporary ban on travelling beyond the confines of one’s municipality of residence is in place. Authorities introduced a nationwide curfew on October 19, in place from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM local time. They have also restricted gatherings to six people. Travelers should reconfirm region- and city-specific measures. There is a potential for sudden changes in local restrictions and containment measures.
SPAIN
Travelers in Barcelona should anticipate further protests over COVID-19-related curfews. On October 26, demonstrators clashed with police and engaged in arson at Placa de Sant Jaume. There is potential for similar protests amid reports that the Catalan government is considering weekend lockdowns. Travelers should avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of local disruption and unrest.
UNITED KINGDOM
Travelers should defer travel to areas classified as very high risk on a three-tier alert system or under lockdown due to stringent COVID-19 restrictions. Lancashire, Liverpool City region, Greater Manchester, and South Yorkshire are at the highest level. Wales has entered a ‘firebreak lockdown’ that will last until November 9. Essential travel to other parts of the UK can proceed following an assessment of the COVID-19 situation and entry restrictions, as well as the potential for sudden changes.
