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

JORDAN - The Jordan Government has issued new regulations regarding visas issuance for entry to Jordan through Arava Border (South Border) starting January 1, 2016:

The Arava Border will no longer be giving entry visas to Jordan starting January 1, 2016
All guests must contact Jordanian embassies abroad and apply for entry visas to Jordan before arrival
These new regulations do not exclude anybody regardless the number of guests, length of stay in Jordan and nationality (Except Israeli Passports Holders who have a special arrangements).
The regulations will still allow guests to depart from Jordan to Israel via Arava Border, no restrictions on departure
The departure tax exiting Jordan via Arava is eliminated for those who will stay in Jordan at least 3 constant nights and more through Jordanian Tour operators.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Media reports indicate that Bulgaria's Sofia Airport was partially closed on 1 December, following the discovery of a suspicious item of luggage earlier in the day. The bags were found near a van with a Belgian registration, which was parked outside the airport. Further details are unknown. Numerous European countries have been in a heightened state of alert since the 13/14 November terrorist attacks in France's capital, Paris; however, these measures are precautionary and not a response to a credible threat. Nonetheless, as this incident highlights, any potential security threat is taken seriously, and prompts a significant security force response. In light of the partial airport closure, disruptions to flight services should be anticipated over the near-term. Clients intending to travel via Sofia Airport over the near-term should confirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline prior to departure.

UNITED STATES(MIDWESTERN STATES) - A winter storm warning issued by the US National Weather Service remains in place in the states of South Dakota and western Minnesota on 1 December. Other adverse winter weather advisories are in place in Nebraska, North Dakota, north western Wisconsin and elsewhere in Minnesota. Numerous central and southern states have been affected by adverse winter conditions and flooding since 27 November. At least 14 weather-related fatalities have been reported. Disruptions to amenities (power supply) and transportation (road, rail and air) should be anticipated over the immediate-term in the affected areas. Potential power outages remain a possibility. Additionally, winter weather, including freezing temperatures, may result in hazardous road conditions. Clients in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Furthermore, travellers should confirm the status of their transport service(s) with their travel provider(s) prior to departure. Road travel in South Dakota and western Minnesota should be limited to emergencies only, where possible.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - The Stop the War Coalition has organised a demonstration in London, in the UK, on 1 December. The rally has been organised in protest against the UK government's involvement in air strikes in Syria. Participants will gather at Parliament Square at 18:00 local time and then proceed to the nearby Labour Party and Conservative Party headquarters. Road travel disruptions along the protest route and adjoining roads are possible during the protest march. The risk of low-level confrontations between protesters and the police cannot be dismissed. Clients should avoid the planned protest route as a precaution. Persons in the area should also cater for possible road travel delays.

COLOMBIA(ONZAGA, SANTANDER DEPARTMENT) - Authorities announced on 30 November, the death of a suspected leader of the Adonay Ardila Pinilla front of the National Liberation Army (ELN), in a military operation in Colombia's Santander department. The operation reportedly took place in the town of Onzaga. The leader is suspected of orchestrating an attack against security forces on 26 October in Boyaca, which left 12 security force personnel dead, in addition to other attacks against security forces and infrastructure. The leftist ELN armed group continues to explore the possibility of peace talks with the Colombian government since January 2014, following successful talks between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the primary leftist armed grouping in Colombia. The deal with FARC is set to be completed by March 2016. In the interim, the ELN continues to attack and clash regularly with the military, particularly in rural areas. In addition, Colombia's rebel groups are also involved in competition to control drug trafficking routes. In light of the recent military operation, retaliatory attacks by ELN militants are possible, particularly in the north eastern parts of the country, including Santander, Boyaca and Norte de Santander departments. These are likely to be focused on remote areas; potential targets include security force personnel, government interests and infrastructure. 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). Persons considering travel in rural and remote areas should do so following a full area risk assessment and preferably, with a trained security driver or local escort.

KENYA(MIJOMBONI) - An Italian national was killed, and three others wounded, on 28 November during an armed robbery at their residence located in the Kilifi district of Kenya's Coast County. According to reports released on 30 November, the victims were subject to a home invasion in the settlement of Mijomboni, located 30km from the town of Malindi. One of the victims was an aid worker employed by the For Life Onlus charity. The incident underlines the high crime threat which exists across Kenya. Although most elevated in the capital, Nairobi, and the port city of Mombasa, no area of the country is considered immune from the crime threat. Although foreign visitors to Kenya are most likely to be impacted by petty street crime such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing, violent criminality, particularly carjacking, residential burglaries and armed muggings, also pose a credible threat. Persons in Kenya should remain aware of the prevailing risks of petty and violent crime. Robust security precautions should be implemented at all times. These include being alert to suspicious behaviour, being prepared to let belongings go in the event of someone trying to steal them, and avoiding walking around alone or after dark. Residential security measures, including alarm systems, electric fencing and other perimeter security and static guarding should also be considered.

CYPRUS(NICOSIA & LARNACA) - According to an announcement made by authorities on 30 November, Cyprus will be subject to heightened security measures until 4 December. The security measures, including road closures, an increased armed police presence and stringent border and airport controls, will be implemented in the capital, Nicosia, and the city of Larnaca, ahead of the arrival of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry. Further information regarding road closures has not been made public for security reasons. Security measures in Cyprus have been heightened since the 13/14 November Paris attacks. The threat of terrorism is low throughout Cyprus; however, a number of small-scale bombings have taken place in recent years, mostly in Nicosia and Limassol. No domestic terrorist organisations are known to operate in the country, and responsibility for these blasts is often not claimed; indeed, several explosions or acts of arson have been linked to organised crime rather than terrorism. The activities of these elements are often erratic and thus difficult to predict. In addition, terrorist cells from the Middle East and North Africa have reportedly used the country as a base from which to launch terrorist attacks in other countries. Clients in Nicosia and Larnaca are advised to monitor media broadcasts for further details on road closures and related disruptions. Furthermore, the heightened security measures could lead to road travel disruptions, and clients are advised to plan accordingly.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE) - The UDOCBA union has called on its members to observe a 24-hour strike action in Argentina's Buenos Aires province on 1 December. The industrial action has been called in response to several labour-related grievances; including wage disputes and concerns over working conditions. Details regarding any associated demonstrations have not been disclosed; however, precedent suggests that the provincial capital, La Plata, may serve as a focal point for such unrest. The strike action is set to cause significant disruptions to education sector activities on the day. In addition, possible associated protests are likely to result in localised road travel disruptions. The risk of violence at strike-related protests is considered low; however, confrontations between demonstrators and the police remain possible. Persons in Buenos Aires on 1 December are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action, as well as announcements regarding related demonstrations. All associated protests and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

SENEGAL(TOUBA, DIOURBEL REGION) - Elevated security measures have been implemented in Touba, located in Senegal's western Diourbel region, ahead of and during the annual Grand Magal on 1 December. The heightened measures include the deployment of an estimated 1,825 security forces throughout the city and the establishment of security checkpoints at key locations, such as Great Mosque of Touba. Although unconfirmed, movement restrictive measures, such as road closures, are also possible during the Grand Magal.  The Grand Magal is an annual mass pilgrimage that occurs 48 days after the Islamic New Year. The event commemorates the return of Senegalese Sheik Amadou Bamba, founder of the Sufi Mouride Brotherhood, following his exile in Gabon (1895-1902). Thousands of Mouride followers travel to Touba, which is considered to be the holy city of Mouridism, each year in order to celebrate the religious festival. In light of the significant influx of people, as well as the aforementioned security measures, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the city in the short-term. Persons in Touba are advised to expect localised travel disruptions on 1 December, as well as the days immediately after the Grand Magal, and adjust their plans accordingly. Local media should be monitored for any advisories from the local authorities; the directives of security forces should be closely adhered to.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - Officials have advised that large parts of Istanbul, Turkey, will be subject to electricity supply disruptions between 30 November and 2 December. A series of rolling power outages will take place between 06:00 and 18:00 local time in several districts, due to scheduled maintenance repairs. Areas expected to be affected include, but are not limited to, Beykoz, Kadikoy, Maltepe, Pendik, Sile, Tuzla and Uskudar. Persons currently in or intending to travel to Istanbul should anticipate disruptions to banking, internet, telecommunications, transportation and other electronic-based services during the aformentioned period and plan accordingly. Furthermore, travel delays caused by traffic lights not functioning should also be expected in the city; clients are advised to allow for increased journey times.

MONTENEGRO - Protests against Montenegro's NATO membership are possible in the capital, Podgorica, and elsewhere, on 1 and 2 December. The protests, should they take place, will coincide with meetings between NATO foreign ministers and Montenegrin officials, which will take place in Brussels, Belgium on 1 and 2 December. Members of the opposition New Serbian Democracy have stated that large-scale protests will be organised should the government not hold a referendum on the NATO membership.  Numerous protests against Montenegro's NATO membership have been held in recent weeks. Any upcoming rallies are likely to be well attended and may cause localised disruptions, particularly in the vicinity of the Parliament buildings. Protests have deteriorated into violence at times; as such, the possibility of violence at any upcoming event cannot be discounted. Likely gathering points include the Parliament buildings as well as other government facilities. Clients in Montenegro in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for related updates and avoid all large street gatherings as a standard precaution.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW) - Freight truck drivers across Russia are expected to gather in the capital, Moscow, on 3 December in opposition to 'Platon', a new federal highway toll system. The protest is anticipated to cause disruptions, as protesters have pledged to block federal highways. The long-distance freight haulers are opposed to the new system as it will impose restrictions on vehicles over 12 tonnes using federal highways. According to local reports, authorities have implemented checkpoints on routes travelling into Moscow, in order to prevent suspected protest participants and trucks without cargo from entering the city. Freight truck drivers have previously staged significantly disruptive go-slow protests over related issues. Driver representatives are engaged in ongoing negotiations to suspend the introduction of the toll. In addition to the protest, the possibility of altercations between truck drivers and security forces cannot be discounted, particularly as police attempt to dismantle the blockade and prevent truckers from entering Moscow. Clients intending to travel in Moscow on 3 December are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential delays. All street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

GREECE - Trade unions, General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Greek Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY) have called on affiliated government workers to participate in a countrywide strike and related protest in Greece, on 3 December. Participants in the demonstration are expected to gather at the intersection of Stadiou and Pesmazoglou streets in the capital, Athens, at 10:30 local time and proceed towards Klafthmonos Square. The unions have called the strike action in demand of a revised pension policy for government workers. Labour strikes continue to impact on the country on a near-weekly basis. The labour agitation is largely in response to ongoing economic difficulties and associated austerity measures, which have widely impacted the public sector. The most significant events are typically organised by GSEE and ADEDY. Strikes are often called at short notice and related protests are common during strike periods. The impact on traveller itineraries can be moderate to severe.  Clients in Greece are advised to avoid all protests and related street gatherings. Furthermore, the anticipated demonstration is likely to cause significant travel disruptions in the affected area. Clients are thus advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly.

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