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

UNITED KINGDOM - Frequent business travelers flying between the U.S. and the U.K.-as well as four other countries--no longer have to deal with the "Non-European Union" lines at passport control. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun telling Global Entry participants about the United Kingdom's Registered Traveller Service, which was quietly approved for U.S. citizens in February and piloted with 5,000 "highly valued" travelers. "The Registered Traveller program will make it easier for business people and investors to come to the UK and contribute to the economy, while always maintaining the security of our border," said Immigration and Security Minister James Brokenshire on the website. For a Ł70 ($106) annual application fee, citizens from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand Citizens who have a visa or an EEA family permit, or who have visited the U.K. four times in the past year for business, education, tourism, education, or medical treatment can take advantage of the program. If an application is rejected, the Ł50 ($76) of the Ł70 is returned. The program allows non-E.U. citizens to use the ePassport gates across the U.K. as well as the country's faster entry lanes in Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, London City, Luton, Manchester, and Stansted airports, and in the Eurostar terminals in Brussels, Lille, and Paris. According to a FOIA request from 2009, the longest waits at passport control in the U.K. were over two hours for non E.U. citizens.

VENEZUELA(CIUDAD GUAYANA) - Disruptions to operations and flight schedules have been reported at the Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana International Airport in Venezuela's eastern city of Ciudad Guayana since 12 October. The disruptions were caused by the theft of cables linked to the airport facilities' lighting system. A number of airlines have cancelled flights that were due to transit the airport during evening hours. Persons intending to fly via the affected airport should reconfirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline prior to departure.

ICELAND - Public servants' unions have called for a countrywide strike on 15 October over a pay dispute. Should the strike proceed disruptions at airports are likely due to the involvement of passport control officers and police from the Suournes area, where Keflavik International Airport is located. Disruptions to healthcare services are also anticipated. The strike duration is expected to be 24 to 48 hours. Clients in or intending to travel to Iceland on 15 or 16 October are advised to reconfirm the status of all scheduled transport services with their travel provider or the relevant local transport authority prior to departure.

FRANCE(PARIS) - Several police unions, including the Alliance union, have called on their members to stage a protest march in France's capital, Paris, on 14 October. The march has been called in protest of a number of labour concerns regarding working conditions and the safety of police officers. Participants will gather at the Place Vendome from 12:00 local time and proceed to the Palais de Justice, located on Boulevard du Palais, where a demonstration will be held. Although the risk of violence at the demonstration is considered low, the possibility of civil disorder cannot be discounted. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, localised disruptions are expected along the march route and demonstration sites. Due to the ongoing grievances of security personnel, further associated demonstrations are expected in the short- to medium-term. Clients in Paris on 14 October are advised to avoid the vicinity of demonstration sites as a precautionary measure. Localised travel delays should be expected.

GUATEMALA(JOCOTENANGO & ANTIGUA GUATEMALA(SACATEPEQUEZ DEPARTMENT)) - Bus drivers in the city of Jocotenango, in Guatemala's Sacatepequez department, initiated a strike on 13 October for an indefinite period of time. The strike was called after a bus driver was wounded in an armed attack on a bus in the Los Llanos area of Jocotenango. Authorities are currently investigating the incident. Bus services to, from as well as in Antigua Guatemala have also been affected as a result of the work stoppage. The incident underscores the high threat of crime, including violent crime, in Guatemala. Banditry on both major and secondary roads is also a concern. Gunmen have been known to open fire indiscriminately on vehicles, including busses; foreign nationals have been killed in such attacks in the past. The threat is considered to be higher on rural and unlit roads. Clients in Guatemala are advised to avoid the use of public transportation services. All travel at night should also be avoided. Clients intending to make use of public transport services in Jocotenango and Antigua Guatemala despite this advisory should consider organising and/or booking alternative means of transport.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Traffic disruptions are expected in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, on 15 October, due to a taxi strike. Taxi drivers are expected to stage a go-slow protest between Mladost and Liulin, affecting a number several arterial roads between the districts from 10:00 local time. The action has been called in protest of illegal and shared carriers. The action is expected to be well observed and is likely to cause significant disruptions to road travel in the city. An increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely. Persons in Sofia on 15 October are advised to anticipate travel disruptions and to use alternative forms of transport. Clients are further advised to make allowances for extended travelling time.

ROMANIA - Labour unions representing rail workers in Romania have announced a countrywide general strike on 15 October. The strike has been called over a number of issues, including a demand for better pay and investment in the rail sector. There remains a possibility that negotiations could lead to a postponement of the strikes . Clients intending to utilise rail services on 15 October should contact their travel provider or the local rail transport authorities for an update on the status of the strike and for travel alternatives.

ISRAEL(JERUSALEM) - The advisory for Jerusalem has been revised in light of recent civil unrest in the area. Several security firms now advise against all non-essential travel to East Jerusalem, including the Old City. Heightened caution is advised in western Jerusalem. East Jerusalem, home to most of Jerusalem's Palestinian residents, and the Old City have long been particularly restive areas of Jerusalem. The security situation has deteriorated further since the start of October, coinciding with a general increase in the frequency of anti-Israel protests and associated low-level acts of violence. Since 13 October, additional Israeli checkpoints have been deployed across East Jerusalem and security has been increased across the wider city. The Old City, specifically the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, remains a particular flashpoint for further unrest and violence. Security firms now advise against all non-essential travel to East Jerusalem. Heightened caution is advised in western Jerusalem. Persons operating in East Jerusalem, including the Old City, should consider travel with a trusted local contact or trained security driver. Persons in Jerusalem, generally, should avoid all street protests, avoid major religious sites, avoid travel at night and monitor security and political developments closely in conjunction with a security provider. Clients are reminded that security firms continue to advise against all non-essential travel to the West Bank.

PAKISTAN(TAUNSA) - At least eight people were killed and an undetermined more wounded, in a suspected bomb attack in Taunsa, located in the DG Khan district of Pakistan's Punjab province, on 13 October. The blast took place at the office of a member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. While the details and the motive for the incident are yet to be confirmed, local media have attributed the blast to terrorist activity. The incident highlights the extreme terrorism risk in Pakistan, despite the considerable reduction in the number of bomb attacks since 2015. There are several groups with the operational capacity to carry out such an attack. These groups are known to carry out small-scale and mass-casualty attacks, targeting both state and civilian interests. Heightened security, including additional patrols and checkpoints, are expected to remain in the affected area for the short- to medium-term. Due to the threat of terrorism, all non-essential travel to the Punjab province is advised against. Persons in Taunsa should defer all travel to the affected area for the near-term. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to local authorities.

NIGERIA(JOS, PLATEAU STATE) - According to reports released on 12 October, the Security Task Force (STF) of Plateau state in Nigeria ordered an immediate increase in security measures in the state capital, Jos. The order was prompted by intelligence reports which indicated that the Islamist extremist group, Boko Haram, is planning several terrorist attacks on 'soft targets' in the city. The STF has issued warnings to bus operators, leisure and recreational facilities, markets and religious places of worship. Additional security forces have been deployed to identify hotspots in addition to there being an increase in check-points and police patrols. The city of Jos has been subject to a number of mass-casualty bomb attacks attributed to the group in the past. Despite ongoing counterinsurgency operations against the sect, Boko Haram continues to possess a strong operational presence in the country. Attacks, which may take the form of armed raids, mass-casualty bombings and kidnappings, should be expected in the near-term. Clients in Jos should anticipate travel delays as a result of the increased security and are advised to plan accordingly. All suspicious persons, packages, persons and vehicles should be reported to the local authorities. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Plateau state is advised against.

INDONESIA(ACEH REGION) - Additional security forces have been deployed to the Singkil regency, in Indonesia's Aceh region, following violence there between Christians and Muslims on 13 October. At least three churches were burnt down; one of the attacks also resulted in the death of one person and injuries to four more. The arson incidents took place following earlier protests by the hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI group, who claim that the churches were not licenced. Further details surrounding the incident are unavailable. Attacks of this nature take place on a regular basis in Indonesia. In late September, arson attacks were carried out on churches in the Purworejo regency, in Central Java province, and in Yogyakarta Special Region. In addition, a church was burnt down in Aceh in August. Although the majority of Indonesians are Muslim, the country has a significant Christian population. Tensions between the two have often resulted in outbreaks of violence. Although foreign nationals are not explicitly targeted, there is a credible incidental risk posed by groups such as the FPI, whose actions often carry considerable anti-Western sentiment. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Aceh region due to a number of ongoing security concerns. Clients currently in or planning to be in the region are advised to avoid all protest action, and all religious sites as a precaution. Clients are further advised to avoid discussing any topics of a religious nature with persons unknown to them, as these may elicit an emotive response.

INDIA(FAIZABAD) - Communal tensions remain elevated in the city of Faizabad, in India's Uttar Pradesh state, following attacks on Hindu idols and a mosque respectively overnight on 12/13 October. In the first incident, a statue of a Hindu deity was desecrated in the Wazirganj area of the city, while several hours later, a small explosive device was thrown at a mosque in the city centre. As a result of this and the risk of associated violence between Hindu and Muslim devotees, additional security forces were deployed. There have been no reports of clashes thus far. Faizabad and the nearby town of Ayodhya remain highly contentious sites as the latter contains the remains of the Babri Masjid (mosque). It was built in Ayodhya several decades ago but was destroyed on 6 December 1992 by hardline Hindu protesters, who claimed the mosque had been built on a Hindu temple. The destruction of the mosque triggered widespread communal rioting that left over 2,000 people dead. More recently, communal violence took place in Faizabad in 2012, during the Hundu festival of Navratri, which is also presently underway. The violence in 2012 left several people dead and forced authorities to impose a curfew. Tensions between different religious communities in India, particularly Hindus and Muslims, are fairly common, with isolated incidents having the propensity to lead to severe communal riots. These pose a substantial incidental risk to bystanders. Clients in or planning to be in Faizabad in the near-term are advised to monitor local developments closely, avoid any religiously sensitive sites, large gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Any directives issued by local authorities should be adhered to.

BURUNDI(BUJUMBURA) - Violence in Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, left at least six people dead on 13 October. Residents of the Ngagara area reported two separate incidents; a grenade attack on police officials, which left two officers dead, and a shooting attack perpetrated by the police against civilians, which left a further four people dead. The authorities stated that 'criminals' abducted two police officials; one of the police officials was killed before a police operation was launched in the area. The police allege that five of the suspects were killed. Burundi's security environment remains unstable due to incumbent president Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial decision to contest the Burundian presidency for a third successive term; this sparked violent anti-government protests which have taken place April 2015. Nkurunziza's victory in the 24 July presidential ballot was deemed illegitimate by opposition forces, who violently contested the outcome. This latest incident is likely related to the ongoing political polarisation within the country. Although the situation has stabilised to some extent, as this latest incident demonstrates, significant tensions remain. As such, further unrest and politically motivated violence may continue for the near-term. Precedent suggests that Bujumbura will continue to serve as a focal point for anti-government agitation and associated violence. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Burundi, including Bujumbura. Those intending to travel to the country should coordinate all movements in the presence of a security escort and ensure that robust residential, travel and personal measures are employed at all times. All concentrations of security forces and protest action should be avoided. All travel at night should be avoided.

ISRAEL(GAZA STRIP, ISRAEL & THE WEST BANK) - (Update) Anti-Israel protests are set to continue in the Gaza Strip, across the West Bank, in East Jerusalem, and in Arab Palestinian communities in Israel on 14 October and may escalate following Friday prayers on 16 October. A continuation in associated low-level acts of violence, including stabbing and vehicular attacks, in Israel and the West Bank are also possible. Recent related violence was reported along the shared Gaza Strip-Israel border. Approximately 50 Palestinian protesters were wounded after clashes with Israeli border security forces on 13 October. Violent civil unrest was also reported across the West Bank on the day. Confrontations between the Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters left dozens of people wounded. On 13 October, multiple stabbing attacks were reported in the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv areas following a recent increase in this method of attack. In response to the recent violence, the Israeli authorities have stated that additional police will be deployed to transport interests in Jerusalem; military forces will also be deployed to police stations and along major roads across the country to aid the police. Restrictions on travel have also reportedly been imposed in East Jerusalem. Civil unrest in the region has steadily developed in recent weeks in response to Palestinian agitation regarding restricted access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem, a prominent Muslim religious site. This area has been the focal point of low-level protests for a number of weeks. Violence in the West Bank, including Jewish attacks against Palestinians and Palestinian violence aimed towards Jewish settlers, has also exacerbated tensions. In addition to the threat of further unrest and low-level attacks, Palestinian militant groups may seek to escalate violence through attempted mass-casualty attacks, such as suicide, car or conventional bombings. These are likely to target Israeli state or civilian interests in the West Bank or near Israeli checkpoints between Palestinian areas and Israeli territory. Militants in the Gaza Strip could also seek to escalate rocket attacks against Israeli military and civilian positions in southern Israel. Clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip and to within 2km of the shared Gaza Strip-Israel border in Israel. All non-essential travel to 45km outside of this 2km area in Israel and to the West Bank is advised against. Persons in Israel are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness, should avoid all street protests and concentrations of security force personnel and travel on busses. Travel should be conducted during the day only. In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, clients should consider travel with a security escort rather than independently or on public transportation. Caution is advised while travelling on foot in any part of the country and travelling near bus stops. Persons in the Gaza Strip and West Bank should review all crisis management plans, including contingency and evacuation plans. The political and security situation should be closely monitored in conjunction with a security provider.

UKRAINE - The 73rd anniversary of the founding of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) will be commemorated in Ukraine, on 14 October. The day marks the UPA-led resistance against foreign belligerents during the Second World War, including Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, in 1942. Large-scale commemorative events are anticipated countrywide, with the largest likely to be held in the capital, Kiev. Events are expected to centre on Sophia Square from 10:30 local time. Nationalist party, Svoboda (Freedom), is set to hold an associated demonstration in the Mayakovsky Square from 12:00. Related events and demonstrations are expected in the country's other major cities; further details regarding such events are unavailable. An increased security force presence is likely to accompany commemorative events. Although the events are expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of violence occurring cannot be discounted. Events are likely to be well attended, and localised travel disruptions should be anticipated at affected sites. Persons in Ukraine on 14 October are advised to exercise caution and avoid all commemorative gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel as a precaution. Localised travel delays should be expected and travellers should plan accordingly.

ARGENTINA(RIO NEGRO PROVINCE) - The Association of State Workers (ATE) has called for a 24-hour strike across Argentina's central Rio Negro province on 15 October in response to salary-related grievances. Prominent urban centres in the province, such as Viedma, Bariloche, Sierra Grande and Cipolletti, are likely to be worst affected by the strike and any associated demonstrations. Unconfirmed reports indicated that ATE members in Rio Negro's Alto Valle region intend to rally on the bridge connecting Cipolletti with the city of Neuquen (Neuquen province) from 10:00 local time. The union has called for additional strike actions on 28 and 29 October. The upcoming strike is expected to be well attended and state operations are likely to be disrupted across the Rio Negro province. Although the risk of significant acts of violence during any associated demonstrations is considered low, the possibility of minor confrontations cannot be discounted. It should be noted that protesters in Argentina frequently raise roadblocks on key thoroughfares in an effort to maximise disruption; localised road travel delays are therefore possible in the vicinity of any protest action. Clients in Rio Negro province on 15 October are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the strike and announcements on protest gathering spots. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to make allowances for potential travel delays.

MOLDOVA(CHISINAU) - Opposition groups, including the Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), are set to hold an anti-government protest march in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, on 15 October. Participants are expected to march from the Parliament building to the Ministry of Agriculture, and will likely affect traffic along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard and peripheral streets. Further details regarding the rally are unavailable. The upcoming rally is the latest anti-government demonstration in Chisinau in recent days, following an associated protest, which was held on 12 October. Previous such demonstrations have been characterised by incidents of low-level violence; as such, the possibility of violence at the upcoming protest cannot be dismissed. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in protest affected areas. Due to the increasing anti-government sentiment, further such demonstrations are expected for the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in Chisinau on 15 October are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and related gatherings as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be expected.

HAITI - Presidential elections and a second round of parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Haiti on 25 October. The first round of parliamentary elections took place on 9 August. Incumbent President Michel Martelly is constitutionally barred from running for re-election. The first round of parliamentary elections were characterised by a low turnout, electoral fraud, voter intimidation, and election-related violence and anti-government protests, both in the run up to and on the election day, resulting in the suspension of voting at dozens of polling stations. Protest action is also expected following the vote, irrespective of the outcome of the presidential election. Such action carries a high risk of violence, with clashes between police and protesters, and among opposing groups of protesters to be expected. In light of this, robust security measures are likely to be implemented throughout the country over the election period; these measures may include security checkpoints, random identification checks, road closures and other movement-restrictive security measures. Foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted in violent unrest; however, there is a credible incidental risk to persons in the vicinity of protests. Likely gathering points include the downtown area of the capital, Port-au-Prince and government buildings, such as the National Palace. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti due to a number of security concerns. Persons in the country are advised to monitor local developments and to avoid all gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel. Clients in Haiti during the upcoming election period are advised to exercise heightened caution and to avoid polling stations, political party offices and election-related facilities.

MAURITANIA - According to reports released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 13 October, at least 25 cases of Rift Valley fever (RVF) have been reported in various regions of Mauritania. Reports indicate that eight of the 25 reported cases have been confirmed while 13 are still awaiting results. In addition, eight fatalities have been reported since 14 September. Authorities have indicated that 12 out of 44 provinces are affected by the outbreak. A majority of the affected provinces are located in the southern part of the country which are currently experiencing high annual rainfall levels. These areas include: Brakna (Magta-Lahjar & Aleg), Hod el Gharbi (Ayoun El Atrous & Tamchekett) Hod el chargui (Djigueni & Timbedra), Tagant (Moudjeria & Tidjikja), Assaba (Kiffa), Dakhlet Nouadhibou (Nouadhibou), Nouakchott nord (Dar Naim) and Nouakchott sud (Riyadh). RVF is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects both animals and humans. It is commonly associated with mosquito-borne epidemics during years of unusually heavy rainfall. The RVF virus can cause several different disease syndromes. Typically, infected persons will either show no symptoms or have a mild illness associated with fever and liver abnormalities. At the onset of the illness, patients usually experience fever, general weakness, back pain, dizziness and extreme weight loss. Some patients with an advanced form of the illness can experience haemorrhagic fever, encephalitis or ocular diseases. Patients typically recover between two and seven days after the onset of the illness. There is no vaccination against RVF. Preventive measures against being bitten by mosquitoes in high-risk areas, including Mauritania, are therefore essential. Persons travelling to the above-mentioned affected provinces are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants, particularly at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are generally most active. Individuals exhibiting the above-mentioned symptoms are advised to consult a medical practitioner immediately.

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