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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

AIR CHINA/SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS - Air China (CA) has announced a code share agreement with South African Airways (SA) that will enable SA to put its code on CA's newly inaugurated non-stop service between Beijing and Johannesburg as well as points beyond Beijing to Chengdu, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Chongqing. Air China will in turn put its code on SA's services between Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. The code share arrangement will open for sale from 25 August, for travel effective 29 October 2015. Subsequent to the successful launch of the partnership between Air China and SA in March 2012 when SA launched its services to Beijing, China, the parties have looked into expanding the partnership on Air China's non-stop flights between China and Johannesburg and on onward destinations across China. With this code share agreement, travelers will be able to purchase flights from South African Airways destinations onwards to China on one ticket, making for a simpler and seamless journey. The deal signals a strategic move by Air China to inaugurate services to the African continent and for SA to increase its connectivity in its already extensive African footprint. With strategic partnerships such as this one with SA, Air China is able to connect its passengers to even more destinations on the continent and across the globe. This partnership between the flag carriers strengthens historic, commercial, political and cultural ties between the two countries. Currently China is South Africa's largest trade partner. Both airlines are Star Alliance members, an alliance offering a network unlike any other; with 28 member airlines providing over 18,500 flights a day to over 1,330 destinations in more than 192 countries around the world.

FRANCE/UNITED KINGDOM - (Update) Ferry services have reportedly resumed at the Port of Calais in France, early on 31 August, following an overnight blockade by striking ferry workers. The recent disruptions at the port are the latest protest action by former employees of MyFerryLink who are opposed to the sale of two MyFerryLink ferries to rival ferry operator DFDS Seaways. The ferry workers are protesting over the proposed 600 job losses caused by the sale. Previous protests have resulted in major disruptions at the port when workers blockaded the terminal with burning tyres. Clients intending to use ferry services between Calais and Dover (UK) in the coming days are advised to monitor local media and contact their travel provider to confirm the status of services. All related protest gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - The Notting Hill Carnival is expected to continue in the UK's capital, London, on 31 August. The Grand Finale programme is expected to begin at 10:00 to 20:30 local time, in the Powis Square. The festival which began on 30 August, includes various events along the streets in the western Notting Hill area, as well as a grand parade. Travel disruptions due to complete or partial closures are to be expected across Harrow Road, Notting Hill Gate, Claredon Road and Queensway from 07:00 local time on 31 August until 05:00 on 1 September. According to Transport for London (TfL), limited services and delays are anticipated at Ladbroke Grove, Latimer Road, Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, Royal Oak, Bayswater and Paddington stations. Bus services will also be available on diverted routes. The annual carnival attracts over 1 million visitors and is one of the biggest festivals in Europe. Due to the influx of people to the area, as well as the anticipated road closures, localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated. In addition, the threat of petty crime is heightened due to the size of the event. The possibility of civil disturbances and alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour can also not be discounted. Accordingly, increased security measures should be anticipated in the affected area for the duration of the festival. Clients in London on 31 August are advised to anticipate disruptions to road, rail and underground travel in Notting Hill and surrounding areas, and should adjust travel plans accordingly. Please visit https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/notting-hill for information regarding planned travel disruptions and alternate services. Furthermore, persons attending the event should remain aware of the risk of petty crime and keep belongings secure at all times.

ROMANIA - Air traffic controllers across Romania are scheduled to participate in a general strike as of 1 September. The strike action has been organised by Romania's Air Traffic Services Administration (ROMATSA) in response to various labour grievances. Initiatives aimed at averting the intended industrial action, which is likely to result in disruptions to commercial air travel, are ongoing. Clients intending to undertake commercial air travel in Romania on 1 September are advised to contact their airline and/or travel provider to confirm the status of their flights.

AUSTRIA/HUNGARY - A border security operation by authorities in Austria, with the stated aim of clamping down on illegal immigration and human trafficking, has resulted in significant traffic disruptions in western Hungary on 31 August. The worst-affected roads include the M1 and E60 highways, where significant congestion has been reported. The roads serve travellers between Hungary's capital, Budapest, and Austria's capital, Vienna. Tens of thousands of illegal immigrants have travelled into and through Eastern Europe from conflict zones in Asia and the Middle East in 2015. Local authorities across the region have struggled to cope with the influx, and a number of states have or are taking steps to secure their borders. Clients should anticipate a continuation of this trend and further related traffic disruptions at border crossings over the near-term. The status of border crossings should be checked prior to departure. Itineraries should also be adjusted to accommodate potential delays and disruptions.

INDIA(KOLKATA) - The Bengal Taxi Association and the Calcutta Taxi Association have called for 48-hour taxi strike in Kolkata, located in India's north eastern state of West Bengal, on 2 and 3 September. The strike has been called to protest against internet-based taxi services such as Uber, Ola and Mega, which do not adhere to regulated fares. Further details are unavailable. Should it go ahead, the strike is likely to result in road travel disruptions and an increased demand for alternative forms of transport. Furthermore, given the precedent set in previous protests, protest-related gatherings are likely to accompany the strike action. Should protests take place, the possibility of confrontations between police and protesters cannot be discounted. Clients in Kolkata state on 2 and 3 September are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the strike, and to avoid all street protests as a precaution. In addition, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of West Bengal state, due to ongoing security risks posed by a Maoist insurgency.

KENYA - Changes to Kenya's visa application process will be instituted as of 1 September. According to new visa regulations, travellers will no longer be able to apply for a visa upon arrival at Kenyan points of entry. Instead, visitors to the country will need to apply for an e-visa online at least seven days prior to their intended date of entry into the country. Travellers will be asked to present a printed copy of the e-visa to customs officials. Clients intending to travel to Kenya as of 1 September are advised to apply for an e-visa by visiting the eCitizen website (https://immigration.ecitizen.go.ke/index.php?id=5). Travellers are further advised to make allowances for potential delays during the customs and passport-control process at all points of entry to the country amid implementation of the new system.

CAPE VERDE - Tropical Storm Fred is currently affecting eastern portions of Cape Verde on 31 August. The storm system is moving in a north westerly direction and is expected to strengthen to a category one storm over the next 24 hours as it moves over the country. The storm system is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rains and coastal storm surges over the next 24 to 48 hours. Associated disruptions to power supply and transportation (road, air and sea) and localised flooding (low-lying areas) should be anticipated. Clients in the country should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. All transportation services should be reconfirmed with the relevant local authority or your travel provider. Caution is advised in the immediate vicinity of the coast and in low-lying areas generally.

AFGHANISTAN - According to recently released reports, a kidnapped Ukrainian national has been released unharmed in Afghanistan in recent days. Information regarding the incident is limited, although it is believed that the victim, who works for a construction company and is a long-term resident in Afghanistan, was kidnapped earlier in 2015 by unknown assailants. The exact circumstances surrounding his release are unclear; authorities have yet to state if a ransom was demanded or paid for his release. The threat of kidnapping in Afghanistan is considered extreme. Although not necessarily reported, abductions take place frequently. The threat stems from both criminal and insurgent groups, including the Sunni extremist Taleban. Criminals usually target wealthy locals or foreign nationals for ransom. The threat of kidnapping remains highest in the southern and eastern regions of Afghanistan, especially in areas along the shared border with Pakistan; however, recent kidnappings of foreign nationals in the capital, Kabul, which has the highest levels of security in the country, underscore that no area is immune to the threat. Given the widespread presence of militant groups, as well as the significant economic and political gains to be made through kidnapping, further incidents targeting both local and foreign nationals should be anticipated. Due to various ongoing security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in the country should maintain a low profile and refrain from publicising their itineraries. Travel outside of urban centres should only be undertaken following a full security review of the route, ideally in the presence of a security escort familiar with the local conditions and during daylight hours only.

UKRAINE(KIEV) - Police have confronted protesters opposing the government's approval of reforms granting greater autonomy to the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk on 31 August. The gathering is currently centred on the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament), where police have used teargas in unsuccessful attempts to disperse the crowd. Unconfirmed reports indicate that burning debris and smoke bombs have been hurled at police lines. Several arrests and injuries have been reported. Large parts of the aforementioned eastern regions have been under the de facto control of pro-Russia separatist militants since March 2014. Although a government offensive registered some early successes in mid-2014, a number of ceasefire agreements introduced various concessions to end the hostilities. The government has sought to delay the passage of legislation that would essentially cede territory to the militants; however, the militants have successfully used violence to highlight the government's reluctance to follow through on their obligations in terms of the ceasefire agreement. A significant escalation in hostilities in early August prompted Ukrainian President, Petro Poroshenko, to convene talks to reaffirm the country's commitment to the ceasefire agreement. Following the talks, Poroshenko pledged to present the necessary legislation to the Verkhovna Rada on 31 August. The topic of autonomy is a highly emotive and polarising debate in the country. It is expected to remain a catalyst of protest action both in support of and against greater autonomy for separatist-held territory in the near-term. There is an elevated risk of violence at all related gatherings. Persons in Kiev are advised to avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution against civil unrest.

NIGERIA(BORNO STATE) - According to reports released on 31 August, at least 56 people were killed in a suspected Boko Haram attack on the remote village of Baanu, in north east Nigeria's Borno State, on 28 August. Although there have been no claims of responsibility for the attack, suspicion is likely to fall on the Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect. Despite the ongoing counterterrorism operations by the Nigerian military and its regional partners, Boko Haram continues to maintain a strong operational presence across the country, including in Borno State. The latest attack is indicative of the fact that the security environment in the country is unlikely to improve in the short-term. Further attacks, which may take the form of armed raids, bombings and kidnappings, targeting both state and civilian interests, are expected to persist. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to several north eastern states, including Borno. Persons in the area should implement robust personal and residential security precautions at all times. These include coordinating all movements in the presence of a security escort and ensuring that all accommodation is within secure compounds.

SYRIA(DAMASCUS & RIF DAMASCUS GOVERNORATES) - Fighting in and around Syria's capital, Damascus, persists. Islamic State (IS) militants clashed with rival militants in the southern al-Kadam area of the capital on 30 August. The confrontation left at least 24 combatants dead. IS forces have reportedly captured approximately half of al-Kadam. Exchanges of artillery, rocket and mortar fire also continue. On 30 August, rebel fire targeted the Abu Rummaneh area of central Damascus killing four people. Indiscriminate fire on at least seven other central Damascus areas left a further 30 people wounded on the same day. The regime also continued its air assault on rebel-held areas located north east of the capital in the wider Rif Damascus governorate. On 30 August, attacks targeting Hamoryah, Saqba and Douma left at least 15 civilians dead. Immediately north west of Damascus, in the Zabadani area, a truce between pro-regime forces and rebels has reportedly ended and fighting has resumed. The Syrian regime maintains control of central Damascus; however, the southern, eastern and north eastern peripheries of the city are under the control of various non-state armed groups. Militant shelling of central Damascus has reportedly escalated in recent weeks, coinciding with a major regime air assault on rebel-held areas. The fighting in the Damascus city area and wider Rif Damascus governorate is likely to continue and may well escalate. The increasing role of IS forces in the battle for Damascus is a potentially key development. IS forces have shown the capability to erode and overrun regime and rival militant strongholds in the past; however, IS forces are relatively isolated from its main strongholds in northern and north eastern Syria mitigating the likelihood of major gains over the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons intending to operate in Damascus over the near-term are advised to adopt stringent security measures, including making provision for potential evacuation. Clients should travel with a close protection officer, reside in secure compounds and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

KYRGYZSTAN - Kyrgyzstan will commemorate the 23rd anniversary of its independence from the USSR on 31 August. Commemorative rallies and other festivities are likely to occur in major urban centres; disruptions to transport, business and recreational services should therefore be anticipated. In the capital, Bishkek, commemorations are likely to focus on Ala-Too Square. Although no security-related incidents are expected to occur on the symbolic day, the anniversary may evoke strong nationalist sentiments in the southern regions of the country, where tensions between the region's ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities remain elevated. Such nationalist sentiments may manifest themselves as protest action; however, it should be noted that there have been no reports of any calls for protests. Despite this, security measures may be heightened in the cities of Osh and Jalalabad, as these were the focal points of the deadly May 2010 ethnic riots that claimed the lives of hundreds of people.  Clients are advised to exercise heightened security awareness in the vicinity of all commemorative public events and make allowances for possible travel disruptions. In addition, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the oblasts of Osh and Jalalabad due to ongoing ethnic tensions and the heightened threat of communal violence. Heightened caution is advised along the shared borders with Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, due to ongoing disputes over the demarcation of these borders.

THAILAND(SOUTHERN PROVINCES) - The 26th anniversary of the Bersatu separatist organisation from Thailand's restive southern provinces will be commemorated on 31 August. Bersatu, an umbrella organisation founded in 1989, is involved in the Islamist separatist movement for Thailand's predominantly Malay Muslim south. The day will also mark anniversary of Malaysia's National Day. There is a heightened threat of attack by insurgent groups active in the region on this day.  On 31 August 2012, the southern border provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Pattani were affected by a wave of low-level attacks. In addition, suspected insurgents burned Thai flags and raised Malaysian flags in their place. While incidents of this nature were not as widespread in subsequent years, the possibility of further such attacks cannot be discounted. Thailand's southern provinces have been plagued by decades of ethnic and religious tensions stemming from allegations of isolation and discrimination of Malay Muslims by the country's predominantly Buddhist government. The resulting Islamist insurgency in the region has been accompanied by regular bombings, shootings and skirmishes with Thai security forces. A heightened military presence, including the deployment of additional security force personnel and increased security checkpoints, should be anticipated in the above-mentioned provinces on 31 August. Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risks from conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Pattani. Persons in these areas on 31 August should exercise heightened security awareness and are advised to implement robust security measures at all times.

INDONESIA(JAKARTA) - A number of unions, including the Indonesia Trade Union Confederation (KSPI), the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Union (KSPSI) and the Trade Union of Transport Pelabuhan Indonesia (SBTPI), have called for a demonstration in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on 1 September. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of Hotel Indonesia, in the city centre, and proceed to the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration and the Ministry of Health. The march will conclude outside the Presidential Palace. Authorities have announced that a police deployment of 8,000 personnel will accompany the protest. Further details are unknown. The demonstration has been organised in protest against a number of issues, including increased redundancies of workers, high food and fuel prices, and other labour-related issues. The march is expected to be well attended; as such, significant disruptions to travel should be anticipated along the protest route. While the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of the low-clashes between protesters and police forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Jakarta on 1 September are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution and ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate any localised disruptions to travel.

GUATEMALA(GUATEMALA CITY) - The activist group, Anonymous Guatemala, has called for a protest in Guatemala's capital, Guatemala City, on 1 September. Participants are expected to gather outside the Congress building (8A Avenida) at 09:00 local time. The agitation is in protest against perceived government corruption, in which the president, Perez Otto Molina is implicated. Guatemala has been affected by large-scale protests in recent weeks. These have been organised to oppose the upcoming 6 September general elections, amid an ongoing corruption scandal implicating incumbent president, Otto Perez Molina. Protesters have demanded that the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (FSE) call off the elections and that the president resign. Agitations ahead of the election are likely to persist. The upcoming protest is likely to be well attended and may cause localised disruptions to travels in the vicinity of the Congress building. In addition, while the protest is expected to conclude peacefully, isolated incidents of violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Guatemala are advised to monitor local media for any updates on possible upcoming protests. All large street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

UZBEKISTAN - Uzbekistan will commemorate its independence from the former USSR on 1 September. Major public events, including processions, concerts and parades, are expected across the country's major urban centres from 31 August. In the capital, Tashkent, activities are likely to focus on Independence Square.  Although there are no overt security concerns associated with the Independence Day commemorations, Uzbekistan shares a terrorist threat from regional Islamist groups, the most prominent of which is the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU). The IMU aims to establish a caliphate across the Central Asia region that would include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). While there is no credible evidence suggesting that the IMU or any of its affiliates will seek to execute an attack during Uzbekistan's Independence Day, it should be noted that the symbolic nature of the event does place it at an elevated threat of being targeted in a possible terrorist attack. Consequently, an increase in security measures, including checkpoints, identification checks and road closures, should be expected for the duration of Independence Day commemorations. Clients in Uzbekistan are advised to exercise heightened security awareness, avoid all commemorative public events and make allowances for possible travel disruptions.

PAKISTAN - The All Pakistan Traders' Association is expected to embark on strikes and associated protests across Pakistan on 2 September. The industrial action, which has been called to oppose to a tax imposed on all bank transactions, is expected to be observed in major urban centres countrywide, including Lahore, Karachi and the capital, Islamabad. Traders are calling upon the government to withdraw the 0.3 percent withholding tax, which they allege will negatively affect trade and commerce. Related strikes that were held in August resulted in significant business disruptions. Similar disruptions are expected on 2 September. Additional disruptions to banking, internet, telecommunications and other electronics-based services, as a result of the industrial action, cannot be discounted. In the earlier strikes, there were no reports of large-scale protests associated with the agitation. Should demonstrations take place, as with all protests in Pakistan, there is a high risk of violence, with clashes between protesters and security forces regularly being reported. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of any protests or gatherings that may take place. Due to a number of ongoing concerns, clients are advised against non-essential travel to parts of Pakistan, and against all travel to other parts. Persons currently in the country should anticipate disruptions to businesses and essential services on strike-affected days. Clients are advised to plan accordingly and monitor local media sources for updates and advisories. Clients are further advised to avoid any associated protest action as a precaution.

VIETNAM(HANOI) - Vietnam will mark its National Day on 2 September; large-scale commemorative events will be held in the capital, Hanoi. A parade, attended by up to 40,000 people will take place in Ba Dinh Square from 07:00 local time. Attendees will then march from the square in two groups, with one heading along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street and Kim Ma Street towards Lieu Giai Street, and the second group heading in the opposite direction along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hang Khay Street and ending at the Hanoi Opera House. Authorities have also announced that 40 roads in Hanoi will be closed from 21:00 local time on 1 September until 12:00 local time on 2 September. The event is expected to proceed without major incident; however, given the parades and road closures, considerable traffic disruptions are anticipated on the day. Moreover, given the number of people expected to attend the commemorative events, the risk of petty crime will be heightened as the large crowds provide ample cover from which petty thieves may operate. Clients in Hanoi should make allowances for increased travel times on 2 September and exercise heightened situational awareness in the vicinity of all commemorative events.

INDIA - Several major trade unions have called for a countrywide general strike across India on 2 September. Unions representing multiple sectors are set to participate in the action, including the banking, port, fuel, telecommunications, defence, postal, the civil service and significantly, transport sectors. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) union, which is affiliated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has signalled it will not participate in the strike action. Nonetheless, should the strike go ahead, significant disruptions to business operations and transport services should be expected across the country, including in major urban centres. Protests associated with the strike are also expected; protesters may erect informal roadblocks or block highways, major roads and railway tracks, further exacerbating disruptions to travel. It should be noted that all protest action in India has the potential to turn violent; demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful regularly erupt into violence between protesters and police, who will not hesitate to use robust crowd control tactics. Violence between opposing groups of protesters also takes place on a regular basis. Although foreign nationals are generally not targeted in any violence that may occur, a significant incidental threat exists nonetheless. Clients in India on 2 September are advised to monitor local developments closely. Persons are advised to avoid all street demonstrations, political gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Significant disruptions to operations should be expected on the day.

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