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

UNITED STATES(CHICAGO) - All classes and related activities have been suspended at the Hyde Park Campus of the University of Chicago on 30 November as part of a security warning. The advisory was issued as a precautionary measure after an unknown individual threatened gun violence on the campus in an online post on 29 November. Authorities are investigating the veracity of this claim. Gun violence at public spaces, particularly academic facilities, occurs with a degree of frequency in the United States. Consequently, authorities are treating the threat as credible and are likely to implement increased security and other measures at the Hype Park Campus, in addition to the wider University of Chicago, on 30 November. Travellers are advised to adhere to the directives of the local authorities and report all suspicious behaviour to the authorities.

RUSSIA/TURKEY - Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, announced on 27 November that Russia would be suspending its visa-free agreement with Turkey as of 1 January 2016. Turkish nationals will now be required to obtain a visa in order to enter Russia in 2016. A visa will only issued after the correct documents, including a letter of invitation and proof of a valid passport, have been given to the relevant Russian embassy or consulate. Turkish nationals attempting to enter Russia without a visa may be subject to detention. The amended visa requirement has been implemented amid strained relations between the two countries after Turkey shot down a Russian Sukhoi SU-24 fighter plane near the Syria-Turkey border on 24 November. The aircraft was targeted after it allegedly flew over Turkish territory and, consequently, violated Turkish airspace. The Russian government has condemned the attack and denied any violation. In addition to the aforementioned visa policy amendment, Russian president, Vladimir Putin, ordered a series of economic sanctions against Turkey on 28 November. The punitive measures include an immediate ban of charter flights from Russia to Turkey and an embargo on unspecified Turkish imports. Heightened diplomatic tensions could translate into Turkish nationals visiting Russia being subject to greater scrutiny; this is likely to take the form of increased security checks and other verification procedures. This could lead to potential travel delays. Turkish nationals intending to travel to Russia in the short-term are advised to visit the Embassy of Russia website (http://www.turkey.mid.ru/eng/) for specific information on the new entry requirement.

URUGUAY(MONTEVIDEO) - Taxi drivers affiliated with the SUATT union plan to strike in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, on 2 December. The agitation is in protest against the proposed removal of security screens from taxis. Related gatherings are possible in the city. Clients in Montevideo who intend utilising taxi services on 2 December should consider alternative options, including arranging transport through their hotel, a local contact or the local airport. The related gathering should be avoided as a standard precaution.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC(SABANA DE LA MAR, MICHES, EL SEIBO, EL VALLE, HATO MAYOR DEL REY AND SAN PEDRO DE MACORIS) - A 48-hour strike initiated by various public transport unions is expected to take place in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, on 30 November and 1 December. The affected areas include Sabana de la Mar, Miches, El Seibo, El Valle, Hato Mayor del Rey and San Pedro de Macoris. The strike has been called to demand the completion of the construction of schools, roads and aqueducts, and will be supported by various other unions and activist groups. As such, in addition to disruptions to public transport services, some business operation disruptions should also be anticipated. Related gatherings are also possible in the affected areas; protesters may erect roadblocks as part of the agitation. The possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in the above-mentioned areas during the strike period are advised to consider alternative options, including arranging transport through their hotel or a local contact. All related gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

AFGHANISTAN(KABUL) - On 30 November, the US Embassy in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, issued a warning that Islamist militants are planning to launch an attack in the city within the next 48 hours. Further details regarding exact timing, potential targets or method of attack were not disclosed. Given the extreme and ongoing threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, such warnings by government authorities are taken seriously and regularly result in additional security force deployments. Although details surrounding this incident are limited, it is likely that the attackers are affiliated with one of the numerous Islamist extremist groups present in the country, such as the Sunni extremist Taleban or Haqqani network; both groups have carried out numerous small-scale and mass-casualty attacks across the country in the past. Moreover, the warning is particularly pertinent given the increase in conflict and associated acts of terrorism in Kabul and elsewhere in recent months. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in the country, regardless of area of travel, are advised to implement maximum personal, travel and residential security measures. Clients in Kabul advised to follow the directives issued by local authorities and security forces; all unnecessary movements should be minimised and essential movement in the city should be coordinated in the presence of a security escort and during daylight hours only.

KOSOVO(PRISTINA) - Prominent politician, Albin Kurti, who is the leader of the opposition Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) party, was arrested along with dozens of other opposition members of parliament, on 28 November. Kurti was arrested for violent actions, after leading an anti-government protest in the capital, Pristina, which disrupted the country's parliamentary proceedings on 17 November. Supporters subsequently clashed with police forces in attempt to prevent the leader's arrest; more unrest is possible in the coming days. Kurti has repeatedly disrupted parliamentary sittings in protest against an EU-brokered deal giving Serb communities in Kosovo greater powers, as well as concerns over the demarcation of the border with Montenegro. Previous arrests of opposition politicians, such as Donika Kadaj Bujupi on 17 November, and Kurti in mid-October, sparked violent unrest in Pristina. In light of this precedent, the possibility of further protests following the arrests on 28 November, is considered elevated. Should these occur, there is a high risk of violence at such demonstrations. The Assembly of Kosovo, other major government buildings and ruling party offices are possible protester gathering points. Clients in Pristina are advised to monitor political developments closely. Caution is advised near protest hotspots. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(ERINGETI, NORTH KIVU) - As many as 30 people have been in clashes between government-aligned forces and rebels in the settlement of Eringeti, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo's restive North Kivu province. The confrontations, which occurred on 29 November, involved rebels of the Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the 312th battalion of Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). The ADF has been implicated in numerous attacks in North Kivu in recent months, culminating in hundreds of fatalities. Despite an ongoing military offensive by FARDC, the group continues to conduct sporadic attacks against local communities. Further assaults of this nature are likely. Due to various security concerns, particularly the high threat of conflict, all travel to North Kivu is advised against. Persons currently in the region despite this advisory should ensure that robust travel, residential and personal security measures are in place.

RUSSIA(DAGESTAN) - An anti-terrorism operation in Dagestan, located in Russia's North Caucasus region, resulted in the deaths of three militants on 29 November. The authorities stated that the militants were suspected of being members of, or affiliated to, the Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremist group. The fatalities were reported following an exchange of gunfire in the Magaramkentsky district. Security operations targeting separatist fighters and Islamist militants are regularly conducted in the North Caucasus region. The operations are carried out in response to militant attacks targeting security forces and low-level officials in the region, notably in Dagestan, but also in Kabardino-Balkaria, Chechnya and Ingushetia. Operations take place in both major urban centres and rural locations, and routinely result in multiple casualties. Successful operations increase the risk of reprisal attacks usually targeting security forces, public transport or state infrastructure; as such, armed attacks and associated targeted security operations are likely to persist in the North Caucasus region in the short- to medium-term. Due to the high levels of violence, instability and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to Dagestan, Ingushetia, Chechnya Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region). Persons currently in Dagestan are advised to implement robust and extensive personal, residential and travel security measures.

ISRAEL(JERUSALEM & THE WEST BANK) - Various Palestinian activist groups have called for a 'day of rage and mourning' on 30 November. The calls were made in response to recent violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank, which left one Palestinian youth dead, on 29 November. The victim was killed by Israeli security forces amid clashes in the Ras al-Amud area of East Jerusalem. The protests are likely to centre on East Jerusalem and other areas of the West Bank. The West Bank, East Jerusalem, Arab Palestinian communities in Israel and the Gaza Strip have been affected by ongoing anti-Israel protests since early October. The civil unrest is expected to persist. Protesters are likely to focus on territorial boundaries and Israeli security force positions. The risk of violence is considered elevated at all protest sites. 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. Persons travelling in higher-risk areas should consider a security escort.

PAKISTAN(ISLAMABAD CAPITAL TERRITORY) - Local government elections will be held in Pakistan's Islamabad Capital Territory on 30 November. Security will be increased on the day. In addition to police deployments, members of the military are also being deployed to the region to safeguard the polls. The increased security measures are standard and in response to the persistent risk of terrorism and politically motivated civil unrest. The elevated security measures may result in some disruptions on the day, including to road travel. There remains a risk of post-election civil unrest once results are released. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Islamabad Capital Territory. Persons in the region are advised to adopt heightened security measures, including making provision of a trained security driver or close protection officer. All election-related facilities and street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution on polling days and over the near-term.

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - The opposition coalition, New Armenia, has called for anti-government protests in Freedom Square in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, from 1 December. The agitation is being supported by the Armenian National Congress, the third largest party in the Armenian legislature. Protest organisers have also called for a campaign of civil disobedience, with the objective of either forcing a change of government or leading to a position where the police are required to use force to end the protests. The opposition is opposed to President Serzh Sargsyan, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, and attempts by the regime to pass constitutional amendments. A constitutional referendum is due to be held across Armenia on 6 December. The opposition alleges that the proposed amendments are a measure by Sargsyan to remain in power after his current and final term ends in 2018. The planned protest in Yerevan is likely to be well attended and may persist after the 1 December planned starting date. Demonstrations are also possible in other major towns and cities, or elsewhere in Yerevan. The authorities are likely to deploy additional police to all protest sites. The risk of violence between protesters and police is considered high. Pro-government protests in support of the proposed amendments and against the anti-government demonstrations are also a possibility over the near-term. Finally, once referendum results are released a spike in politically motivated protests may occur, particularly if there are claims of voting fraud. Clients in Armenia are advised to monitor political developments closely in conjunction with their security provider. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated. Persons operating in the country from 1 December for the near-term should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

EGYPT(CAIRO, QALYUBIA, DAKAHLIA, MONUFIA, GHARBIA, KAFR EL-SHEIKH, SHARQIA, DAMIETTA, PORT SAID, ISMAILIA, SUEZ, NORTH SINAI AND SOUTH SINAI GOVERNORATES) - (Update) The run-off vote for the second round of Egypt's elections will be held on 1 and 2 December. The second round of voting was held on 22 and 23 November in Cairo, Qalyubia, Dakahlia, Monufia, Gharbia, Kafr el-Sheikh, Sharqia, Damietta, Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, North Sinai and South Sinai governorates. Security is expected to be heightened (additional patrols and checkpoints) ahead of and during the run-off at all election-related sites. The turnout for the first round of elections in mid-October, as well as the second round of elections in November was low, with no more than 30 percent of registered voters turning out to vote at either round. This trend is expected to continue for the upcoming poll. There have been no major election-related security developments, despite risks concerning a possible spike in anti-government protests by the Islamist opposition. A threat of protests escalating during the forthcoming vote remains; however, gatherings are unlikely to be sustained or widespread. The possibility of an increase in low-level violence remains high, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula (North Sinai and South Sinai governorates) where anti-government militants have a presence. Clients are advised against all travel to the North Sinai governorate. Heightened caution is advised outside of resort and tourist areas in the South Sinai governorate. Heightened caution is advised in the western half of Egypt, extending towards the shared border with Libya, particularly outside of major cities. Travellers in Egypt during the current election cycle should monitor local media closely and obtain regular updates from their security provider regarding possible election-related or security events in their area of travel or operation. All street protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided.

INDONESIA(PAPUA & WEST PAPUA PROVINCES) - Separatist agitation may increase in Indonesia's eastern Papua and West Papua provinces on 1 December, coinciding with the annual anticipated raising of the separatist West Papua Morning Star flag. Pro-separatist locals view 1 December as Papuan Independence Day. In 1961, the Dutch, the former colonial administrators of Indonesia, initiated a process which would grant independence to Papua; however, following Indonesia military deployment, international powers agreed to transfer control of the territory to Indonesia in 1963. The Indonesian authorities are expected to increase security in towns and at key state and economic sites across the West Papua and Papua provinces in the coming days. The possibility of pro-separatist rallies coinciding with the anniversary is credible, particularly in the provincial capitals of Manokwari and Jayapura. The risk of violent altercations between local police and protesters or at venues where the flag is raised is considered high. Low-level acts of violence perpetrated by separatists against state interests are a possibility. Associated, albeit minor, rallies may also occur elsewhere in the country, including in the capital, Jakarta. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to Papua and West Papua provinces. Persons in the region should travel with a security escort, particularly outside of major towns and compounds, and reside in secure areas. Clients should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Caution is advised near Indonesian military and police personnel and facilities.

UGANDA(EASTERN REGION) - The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is set to hold a series of political rallies in Uganda's Eastern Region on 1, 2, 6 and 7 December. Incumbent president, Yoweri Museveni, is expected to visit various counties within the region's Amuria, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kumi, Ngora, Serere and Soroti districts on the aforementioned dates as part of his 2016 presidential election campaign. Further details regarding the electoral rallies have not been disclosed. The upcoming rallies are expected to conclude without major incident; however, the potential for disruptive unrest at any politically motivated gathering in Uganda cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons operating in Uganda on the aforementioned dates are advised to avoid all political rallies and related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of NRM campaign locations.

AFRICA/ASIA - (Update) Shiite Muslims are expected to commemorate Arbaeen, an important Shiite religious period, on 2/3 December. Arbaeen is held 40 days after Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, which was celebrated in October. Ashura marks the occasion on which Shiites believe Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was killed during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD; Arbaeen signals the end of the 40-day traditional mourning period. In many countries, an increase in Shiite religious events marking Arbaeen has already occurred. These are likely to continue and may increase in frequency over the coming days. In some areas, associated security risks increase as Sunni militants seek to target Shiite events or events displaying anti-government sentiment. The increased terrorism risk is most pronounced in states where Sunni militants are active and have regularly targeted Shiite Muslim religious events, processions, communities or sites in the past. These include Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria. The general risk extends to Lebanon, Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia, Iran and Bahrain. At least one incident against a Shiite event has been reported to date; on 27 November, militants targeted an Arbaeen procession in Nigeria's Kano state, killing 21 people. In addition, agitation by Shiite communities may increase during Arbaeen, particularly in eastern Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where Shiite-dominated anti-government political agitation is elevated. It should be noted that in areas where Shiite events occur, increased security measures are typically enforced. This could include restrictions on travel (curfews), additional checkpoints and resultant delays, as well as police patrols. Clients travelling or operating in the above-mentioned locations during Arbaeen should contact their security provider for area-specific risk assessments. During this period, Shiite religious events and gatherings should be avoided.

PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN - Shiite Muslims in Pakistan and Afghanistan will commemorate Arbaeen (also known as Chehlum), an important Shiite religious period, on 3 December. There is an elevated threat of attacks on Shiite targets by Sunni extremists on this day. Arbaeen is held 40 days after Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, which was celebrated in October. Ashura marks the occasion on which Shiites believe Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was killed during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD; Arbaeen signals the end of the 40-day traditional mourning period. Large Shiite religious gatherings should be expected immediately prior to and during Arbaeen. In the recent past, Pakistan-based Sunni-extremist groups such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), the Tehreek-i-Taleban (TTP) and others have carried out mass-casualty attacks on Shiite interests in both countries on Shiite holy days, in order to stoke sectarian tensions and undermine the authority of the central government. Attacks, should they occur, are likely to focus on pilgrimage routes and major Shiite religious centres. The threat is considered elevated in the cities of Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan, and Quetta, Peshawar and Karachi in Pakistan. Given this threat, security is likely to be significantly increased in and around Shiite mosques and other sensitive religious sites, in anticipation of any violence. Additional security checkpoints along major routes should be anticipated. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan and all non-essential travel to Pakistan. Persons in these countries on 3 December are advised to implement robust security measures and should avoid unnecessary travel into or near Shiite religious sites, gatherings and communities.

ARGENTINA - The Argentine Workers' Central Union (CTA) has called for protests across Argentina on 2 December. The main rally will take place in the capital, Buenos Aires, on 2 December; participants will gather at the Obelisk at 16:00 local time and then proceed to the Courts of Justice Palace of Santiago (Palacio de los Tribunales de Justicia de Santiago). The demonstrations have been called over salary-related demands, as well as to protest against the alleged criminalisation of social protests. The upcoming events are expected to be well attended; localised disruptions are anticipated along the protest route in Buenos Aires. Other likely gathering points include government buildings and central squares. The risk of significant acts of violence during any associated protests is considered low; however, minor confrontations are possible. Clients in Argentina on 2 December are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and to make allowances for potential localised disruptions.

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