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UNITED KINGDOM - UK prime minister David Cameron has announced a number of reforms to visa processing for Chinese visitors to the UK as part of the Chinese premier Xi Jinping's visit to London. Key among these is that, from January 2016, two year multiple entry visas for Chinese visitors will be reduced from Ł324 to Ł85 - the cost of a standard six month visa.

DELTA AIRLINES - Delta Air Lines Inc. will launch round-trip service to 10 new destinations between November and next May, including to Kona, Cancun and Victoria. Delta (NYSE: DAL), the second-largest carrier at Sea-Tac International Airport behind Alaska Air Group(NYSE: ALK), will also offer four daily flights to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif. Other new destinations are Boston; Orlando; Pasco; Billings, Montana; Edmonton, Alberta, and Missoula, Montana. "Orange County is one of the top destinations from Seattle and fills a critical component of our corporate and leisure travel demand," said Mike Medeiros, Delta's vice president - Seattle. Delta's expansion plans should be good news for travelers. The airline now operates more than 100 peak-day departures to more than 30 destinations, including eight to Europe and Asia. By next June, the Atlanta-based airline will operate more than 140 peak-day departures to 44 destinations, about three times what it operated two years ago. It's estimated that Delta, which employs almost 3,000 in the Puget Sound region, contributes $571 million annually to the regional economy. Last month, the airline announced it would give virtually all its employees significant pay raises. The expansion comes at a time when Sea-Tac officials are considering up to $10 billion worth of upgrades. The airport handled a record 37.5 million passengers in 2014, and the Port of Seattle expects the count to grow by three-quarters in the next two decades. Airport officials estimate Sea-Tac will need 35 more gates.

IRELAND(AER LINGUS) - Aer Lingus will add three transatlantic routes in 2016. Ireland's national airline will begin year-round service five days a week between Los Angeles and Dublin in May, daily year-round service between Newark and Dublin in early September and daily year-round service between Hartford and Dublin in late September. The routes increase Aer Lingus' long-haul seat capacity by 17 percent and represent that largest single expansion of its transatlantic network since it began flying across the ocean in 1958, according to the carrier.

FRANCE(AIR FRANCE) - France's national carrier, Air France services are expected to experience disruptions on 22 October. Labour unions, including General Confederation of Labour (CGT) have called for strike action in opposition to proposed job cuts and charges laid against Air France employees suspected of involvement in violent unrest during a related 5 October protest. Further details regarding the strike are currently unavailable. Airline authorities have indicated that minimum services will be available on the day. Nonetheless, disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are anticipated. Furthermore, an increase in demand for other carriers is also likely. Clients who have booked or are intending to book tickets with Air France on 22 October are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline for further information on the status of their flight(s).

ATG is monitoring this situation and will reach out to travel managers/travelers who may be affected.

FRANCE(PARIS) - (Update) The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) has called on its members to observe a demonstration in France's capital, Paris, on 22 October. The action has been called to coincide with related strike action by unionised Air France employees on the same day. Participants are expected to hold a rally outside Palais Bourbon, the seat of France's National Assembly, at 13:00 local time. Both the strike and associated demonstration have been organised in opposition to proposed job cuts at the national carrier, as well as charges laid against Air France employees suspected of involvement in violent unrest during a related protest on 5 October. Although the airline has confirmed the implementation of contingency plans to mitigate disruptions to their flight schedules, flight delays and/or cancellations remain a possibility on 22 October. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative carriers is possible on the day. Persons intending to fly with Air France on 22 October are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s). Clients operating in Paris are advised to make allowances for possible traffic disruptions in the vicinity of Palais Bourbon on the day.

SOUTH EAST ASIA - Flight disruptions have been reported at various airports located in South East Asia in recent days. Kudat Airport, located in Malaysia's Sabah state in addition to Hat Yai International Airport, located in Thailand's Songkhla province, experienced disruptions due to increasing levels of haze and resultant poor visibility on 22 October. In addition, intermittent flight disruptions have been reported at Sultan Syarif Kasim International Airport, located in Indonesia's Riau province, since 19 October. Furthermore, the Timika Airport, located in the Papua province as well as the Rendai Airport in West Papua, have been temporarily closed since 16 October due to haze as a result of forest fires in the aforementioned provinces in Indonesia. Flight delays and cancellations have been reported at airports located in the Philippines' Mindanao islands; these include Awang Airport, located in the Maguindanao province, General Santos International Airport, located in the Cotabato province and Laguindingan International Airport. Further disruptions to airports in the affected region are expected in the near-term. Authorities have indicated the haze is likely to decrease and disperse substantially once there is more rainfall and wetter conditions; Thailand's Pollution Control Department (PCD) has indicated this may occur in as many as 25 days. Forest fires, partly caused by land clearance operations and exacerbated by dry weather, are regularly reported in Indonesia. The resultant haze frequently results in disruptions to air travel and a worsening of the air quality across much of Indonesia and nearby states. Disruptions to scheduled flights at several airports have taken place in recent weeks as a result of the haze, and further disruptions to air travel are expected to persist in the coming weeks. Persons intending to transit the above-mentioned airports are advised to anticipate possible delays and cancellations and contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s), prior to departure. All travel to Thailand's southern province of Songkhla and the Philippines' Mindanao region is advised against due to the threats of conflict and terrorism related to an ongoing Islamist insurgency in these areas. Additionally, non-essential travel to Papua and West Papua is advised against due to the risk of separatist tensions which frequently result in regular incidents of civil unrest. Furthermore, heightened caution is advised in the coastal areas and islands of Sabah state due to the threats of kidnapping, posed by insurgents, and terrorism, stemming from groups from the southern Philippines.

GERMANY(BERLIN) - Disruptions are expected along the Berlin S-Bahn (http://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/en) rapid transit railway, which serves Germany's capital, Berlin, from 22:00 local time on 22 October until 26 October, due to maintenance activity. Replacement busses have reportedly been established to cater for increased demand in transport for rail travellers during this period. Clients utilising this service are advised to check the status of services with the local transport authority prior to departure.

IRELAND - Countrywide disruptions to rail services are expected in Ireland on 23 October. Unionised employees of national rail operator, Irish Rail, are set to observe a three-hour work stoppage on the day; disruptions are expected from 06:00 to 09:00 local time. The strike has been called with regard to an ongoing to wage dispute. The strike comes amid failing negotiations between unions, SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers' Union, and Irish Rail. Disruptions, including delays and cancellations, should be anticipated during the work stoppage. Residual disruptions to services are anticipated beyond the strike period due to the backlog of services. An increased demand for alternative forms of transport is also anticipated. Negotiations aimed at averting the industrial action are ongoing; as such, the strike may yet be suspended at short notice. Persons in Ireland on 23 October are advised to monitor local media for announcements related to the industrial action and to contact their travel provider and/or Irish Rail (http://www.irishrail.ie/) for updates on the status of rail services.

PANAMA - A countrywide transport workers strike, initiated by the Union of Workers of Panama Mass Transit Company (SITMAPA), is expected to take place in Panama on 23 October. The work stoppage has been called in response to overtime disputes and is expected to primarily affect scheduled bus services. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, significant disruptions to public transport services should be expected across Panama. This could increase the demand for alternative forms of transportation, creating additional travel disruptions. Additionally, associated protests may occur; the risk of significant acts of violence during any associated protests is considered low; however, minor confrontations remain possible. Persons in Panama on 23 October should anticipate travel disruptions and adjust their plans accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider or transport operator for further information on the status of services and travel alternatives.

PERU(MACHU PICCHU, URUBAMBA) - (Update) According to recent reports, rail services to Peru's popular heritage site, Machu Picchu, in the Urubamba province, have been suspended. Services were suspended on 21 October, due to an ongoing 48-hour general strike in the neighbouring Cusco department, led by the Cusco Departmental Workers' Federation (FDTC), against the privatisation of archaeological sites. Rail services are expected to be suspended until the end of 22 October, at least. It is unclear whether alternative means of transport, such as road travel, are possible; however, the heritage site itself and surrounding cities remain largely unaffected by the strike action. Security at Machu Picchu remains a high priority, and protesters are not likely to be granted access to the site; however, travel along routes leading to the site may be compromised by protest action for the duration of the strike. Persons in Cusco and Urubamba are advised to avoid large gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel as a precaution. Persons in or planning travel to the aforementioned departments over the strike-affected period are advised to confirm the status of transport services prior to departure.

MEXICO(PACIFIC COAST) - Tropical Storm Patricia is expected to affect parts of Mexico's Pacific coast in the next 36 hours. The storm, which is currently moving in a north easterly direction, will affect several southern states, including Guerrero, Puebla, Oaxaca and Veracruz. Mexico's National Meteorological Services (SMN) has warned of heavy rainfall, associated flooding and coastal surges in the aforementioned states. The storm is expected to bring inclement weather, including heavy rainfall, strong winds and coastal storm surges, over the coming days in the affected areas. Localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, is possible. In addition, disruptions to travel and utility services cannot be discounted. Clients in the affected areas of Mexico's Pacific coast are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. Additional information on the storm's progression can be accessed via Tropical Storm Risk (http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/) and the National Meteorological Services (http://smn.cna.gob.mx/). Persons intending on travelling in storm-affected areas in the coming days should maintain contact with their travel provider for updates on the status of their travel arrangements.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO - A referendum which will decide whether incumbent president, Denis Sassou Nguesso, will be able to amend the Republic of Congo's constitution will take place countrywide on 25 October. A victory in the referendum will allow the incumbent to amend the constitutional clause which limits presidents to serve no more than two terms. This will allow Nguesso to stand for re-election for a third successive term during the country's 2016 presidential elections. The run up to the referendum has been marked by widespread anti-government agitation by opposition activists opposed to Nguesso's plans to amend the constitution. These gatherings, which have centred on the capital, Brazzaville, as well as Pointe-Noire, have been marked by violent confrontations between protesters and security forces. At least four people were killed and seven others wounded during the most recent rally on 20 October. In a bid to quell the unrest, internet, mobile and other communication services have been suspended in the affected cities. Similar measures are likely to be implemented during the referendum, when a peak in protest activity is anticipated. Clients in the Republic of Congo are advised to revise contingency plans, register their presence in the country with their respective diplomatic representation and avoid all protests and related gatherings.

ISRAEL(BEIT SHEMESH) - (Update) Two Palestinian assailants reportedly stabbed and wounded an Israeli civilian near a bus stop in Beit Shemesh (Hanavi Habakuk Street), central Israel, on 22 October. The assailants were later shot and wounded by the local police. The incident is the latest in a spate of low-level acts of violence across Israel and the West Bank since early October. On 21 October, an Israeli Jewish man had an altercation with a private security guard in Jerusalem. During the incident, the guard shot and killed the man. A spate of separate attacks was also reported across the West Bank on the same day. A Palestinian was shot and wounded after allegedly perpetrating a vehicular ramming attack, which wounded four Israelis, near Gush Etzion in the West Bank. Elsewhere, a Palestinian was shot and killed by Israeli security forces near Ramallah, also in the West Bank, after allegedly attacking a soldier. Another knife-wielding Palestinian was shot and wounded near the Jewish settlement of Yitzhar. In the Gaza Strip, anti-Israel protests continue to be reported. On 21 October, protesters gathered near the Israel-Gaza Strip border in the al-Buriej refugee camp area. During the protest, Israeli military forces shot and wounded one protester. The violence coincides with an uptick in anti-Israeli civil unrest since October, which has largely affected Palestinian communities in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and Arab Palestinian areas in Israel. The civil unrest is expected to persist and may escalate further on Friday 23 October, a traditional protest day. Clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip, against all travel to within 2km of the shared Gaza Strip-Israel border in Israel and against all non-essential travel to 45km outside of this 2km zone. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including the Old City. Travellers to Israel should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories and should avoid all street protests, travel at night, security force concentrations and public bus transportation, if possible. Clients travelling in higher-risk areas should consider a security escort.

YEMEN(TAIZ)- Rocketfire struck the Tahrir and Daboua residential areas of the city of Taiz, central Yemen, on 21 October. The strike killed at least 22 people and wounded dozens more. Media reports citing local officials indicate that the rockets were fired by Houthi militia and pro-Saleh forces. The rocketfire is part of a wider conflict between forces loyal to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and Houthi militia forces. The Hadi forces are supported by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition. The Houthis are supported by military forces loyal to former president, Ali Saleh. The pro-Hadi forces have made significant gains in southern and eastern Yemen in recent weeks; however, heavy fighting continues to be reported in and around Taiz in central Yemen and Marib governorate, located east of the Houthi-held capital, Sanaa. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, excluding the Socotra archipelago. Persons operating in the country should travel with a close protection officer and reside in secure accommodation. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

PERU(TOROMOCHO COPPER MINE(JUNIN REGION)) - Workers at the Toromocho copper mine in Peru's central Junin region initiated a 48-hour strike on 21 October in response to an ongoing wage dispute. An associated street protest was reported in the nearby town of Morococha on the day. It is unclear if further protests are planned for 22 October. Associated protests are likely to persist on 22 October. Towns in the vicinity of the mine, including Morococha and Casapalca, and major road routes in the area are possible gathering points. The risk of road travel disruptions and low-level confrontations at the protests exists. Clients in the vicinity of the Toromocho copper mine should avoid all protests as a precaution.

SOUTH AFRICA - Disruptive student protests are ongoing in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria on 22 October. Police have reportedly fired rubber bullets and stun grenades at protesters in Cape Town, where students have gathered on Darling and Plein streets. Elsewhere in the city, a large student gathering is ongoing on Keizergracht Street, in Zonnebloem. In Johannesburg, students have blocked the Kingsway Avenue entrance at the University of Johannesburg's main campus; several vehicles and buildings have been damaged by hurled projectiles. Meanwhile, in Pretoria, student protesters have begun a march on Church Street, which leads to the Union Buildings, the official seat of government. Finally, a number of labour unions and political parties have announced their support for a student march to the Union Buildings on 23 October; a significant security force presence is expected to accompany the demonstration. The disruptive protests, which form part of ongoing student protests against increasing tertiary tuition, have taken place at various universities in the country since 19 October. President Jacob Zuma has announced that he will personally greet and meet with student leaders upon their arrival at the Union Buildings on 23 October. In the event that the meeting fails to adequately address the grievances and thus defuse the students' tensions, further protests of a disruptive nature are likely. Related protests have been marred by incidents of low-level violence between participants and police; as such, the possibility of clashes occurring at associated protests cannot be discounted. There exists an elevated risk of violence to bystanders in the vicinity of associated protests. This risk increases at protests involving labour unions. Lastly, significant traffic disruptions in the vicinity of both of the ongoing and any related upcoming events should be anticipated. Persons operating in South Africa, particularly at or near tertiary institutions, are advised to monitor local media for updates on the aforementioned fee protests and avoid any related gatherings as a precaution. Recent unrest-affected areas should be avoided in the near-term and all advisories from the local authorities should be followed.

COTE D'IVOIRE(ABIDJAN) - Presidential candidate, Mamadou Koulibaly, has called upon activists of his LIDER opposition party to hold a protest rally in the city of Abidjan on 22 October. The demonstration, which has been organised to protest the organisation of the country's 25 October presidential elections, is set to start at 08:00 local time near the city's Saint Paul's Cathedral. The demonstration is expected to be well attended and, due to its anti-government undertones, could be forcibly dispersed by security forces. This could increase the threat of retaliatory attacks by activists which could pose an indiscriminate yet credible threat to persons in the vicinity of the gathering. Due to various concerns, all non-essential travel to Cote d'Ivoire, including Abidjan, is advised against. Persons currently in the city are advised to avoid the gathering and all related demonstrations.

INDIA(JAMMU & KASHMIR) - The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), a political organisation, has called for state-wide protests in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state on 23 October. Protests are expected to commence after midday prayers and have been called to oppose the killing of senior APHC leader, Mohammad Yasin Malik, by security forces as well as the continued house arrest of Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan and APHC spokesperson, Ayaz Akbar. Further information is currently unavailable. The APHC has advocated for peaceful protests; however, as with all protest action in India, unrest and associated violence cannot be discounted. In the event that protests degenerate into violent clashes, security forces will not hesitate to use force to quell any dissent. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all protest action. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) is advised against. Clients should avoid all protests, public gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

INDIA(MANIPUR STATE) - The United Naga Council (UNC), a political group representing the interests of the ethnic Naga people, has called for a 48-hour general strike (known locally as a bandh) in all tribal districts of India's north eastern Manipur state from midnight on 22 October. Associated protests are anticipated in Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong. The agitation has been called in response to recent 'anti-tribal' legislation passed by the local government. The bandh is expected to cause disruptions to business and transport operations in parts of Manipur over the strike period. The risk of violence at all related protests is considered elevated. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Manipur due to a number of security concerns. Persons in the area during the strike should limit travel, if possible, avoid all protests and confirm the status of scheduled transport services with their travel provider or the local transport authority prior to departure.

BULGARIA - Bulgaria is scheduled to hold countrywide municipal elections on 25 October. In addition, a referendum regarding the introduction of electronic voting for Bulgarians living overseas will be held. The elections will be the first municipal ballot to be held in the country since the May 2013 resignation of the now re-elected prime minister, Boyko Borisov, and his centre-right government amid a political crisis. Parliamentary elections have been held on two occasions since then, as persistent protests and intermittent economic crises and scandals have prompted the resignation of successive governments. Political instability is expected to continue following the elections, as polls suggest that the national status quo is likely to be upheld in most municipalities. Despite this prediction, recent demonstrations have indicated that political tensions remain and a number of nationals will stay away from the polls. As such, the possibility of protests over the election period cannot be discounted, particularly after the results are announced. This is likely to occur in the capital, Sofia. Clients in Bulgaria are advised to monitor developments closely and should avoid politically motivated gatherings and election-related venues as a precaution.

COLOMBIA - Colombia is set to hold countrywide local elections on 25 October. The government has announced that security will be increased in the run up to the vote, in light of a spike in election-related acts of violence. There have been dozens of reported attacks on political party offices or candidates. The Electoral Observation Mission has also warned that approximately 20 percent of the country's 1,101 municipalities are at risk of related violence and electoral fraud ahead of and during the poll. Local elections in Colombia have historically been fraught with high levels of competition between local-level candidates, political parties and non-state armed groups vying for political influence. Associated acts of violence have been regularly reported in the past. The run up to the current poll has witnessed an elevated level of related attacks and intimidation. The frequency of incidents may spike in the coming days or once results are released. Political party offices and election-related centres and candidates countrywide are potential targets of rival political or criminal groupings. Increased security measures ahead of and on polling day are likely to include additional patrols and checkpoints near these violence hotspots. Associated street protests may also occur with greater frequency in the coming days, particularly if results are disputed. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of Colombia, specifically to areas outside of secure urban and tourist centres (Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Medellin and Santiago de Cali). This advisory is in place due to high levels of insecurity, partly as a result of the presence of non-state armed groups and the associated risks of kidnapping, conflict and terrorism. Persons in the country during the election cycle should seek to limit travel near potential violence hotspots. All street protests should be avoided.

ARGENTINA - Argentina will hold legislative and presidential elections on 25 October, with a second round scheduled for 22 November, if required. Local authorities are expected to increase security at polling stations on the day as a precaution. There have been no major election-related security concerns, to date. Argentina is a largely politically stable state; however, economic pressures are a major impediment to lasting stability, and the position of the candidates and outcome of the poll could be significant in assessing the broad economic policies of the next president, as well as popular reaction to the election results. The possibility of an increase in post-election demonstrations or strikes, particularly by unions, exists. Clients in Argentina on 25 October are advised to monitor local developments closely. All street protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided as a precaution.

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