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

CHINA - Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing will become the first cities in China to implement a 144-hour visa-free policy. Once put into practice, the policy will allow foreign visitors to arrive and depart from any of these three cities via airports, cruise terminals and train stations without a visa, providing their overall stay is within the six-day limit. Bai Shaokang, deputy mayor of Shanghai confirmed in a press conference last month that the 144-hour visa-free programme had been approved by the State Council and would be implemented soon, although a definite start date has yet to be confirmed. This relaxation on travel restrictions is an upgrade of the current policy that allows passport holders from 51 countries to transit through several Chinese cities for up to 72 hours without a visa. These cities are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Harbin, Shenyang, Dalian, Xian, Guilin, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Tianjin, Nanjing, Qingdao and Hangzhou. The service, introduced in 2013, has proven popular, with more than 100,000 foreigners having taken advantage of it.

QATAR AIRWAYS - Qatar Airways is increasing frequency on its Doha to Manchester route from May 2. The Gulf carrier will operate 16 flights a week between the two cities as it responds to an increase in passenger demand. The additional Monday and Saturday services will depart Doha at 0105, landing into Manchester at 0650, with the return leg leaving the UK at 0900 and arriving back into Doha at 1805. Qatar will operate the new frequencies with its Boeing Dreamliner, configured with 22 seats in business and 232 in economy. Qatar Airways UK and Ireland country manager, Richard Oliver, said: "Increasing services to and from Manchester will provide our passengers with even more convenient connection times and greater choice when connecting to onward flights through our state-of-the-art Doha hub, Hamad International Airport. "Combined with our recent announcement of a new 8-times weekly service from Birmingham, this means that Qatar Airways will operate a total of 73 direct services to Doha a week from the UK providing even more access to 154 destinations worldwide."

GREECE - The Federation οf Associations οf Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (OSYPA) has called for a strike on 8 January, to protest the government's plans to privatise 14 airports across the country. The strike is scheduled to last 24 hours. Negotiations between the union and the relevant transport authorities are reportedly ongoing; as such, the possibility of the strike being cancelled or postponed at short notice cannot be dismissed. Should the action proceed as scheduled, significant disruptions to flight services are anticipated. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected. Clients intending to transit through Greece on 8 January are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

TURKEY(TURKISH AIRLINES) - Turkish Airlines has cancelled dozens of international and domestic flights on 6 and 7 January to and from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport due to poor weather conditions. Clients travelling to and from Istanbul, specifically with Turkish Airlines, are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s).

TURKEY/RUSSIA(PEGASUS & ONUR AIR) - Two Turkey-based airlines, Pegasus and Onur Air, have reportedly temporarily suspended flights to and from Russia. The suspension is in response to new visa requirements for Turkish crews entering Russia. This requirement is viewed as part of a wider dispute between Turkey and Russia relating to the Turkish downing of a Russian military aircraft along the Syria Turkey border in November. The flight suspension is reportedly due to last until mid-January. Persons intending to travel between Russia and Turkey, specifically on the above-mentioned airlines, are advised to contact their travel provider prior to departure to check the status of flight(s).

NETHERLANDS(GRONINGEN, FRIESLAND, DRENTHE & OVERIJSSEL PROVINCES) - The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) in the Netherlands has advised against driving in the north of the country as freezing rain and ice are creating dangerous driving conditions. A number of accidents have already been reported. School have closed across the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe and Overijssel as a result of the inclement weather. Code Red alerts have been issued for the provinces of Drenthe and Friesland, due to the presence of "black ice" across road networks. Clients in the Netherlands are advised to avoid road travel in the aforementioned provinces and should visit the KNMI website (https://www.knmi.nl/home) for further information regarding weather warnings.

NEPAL - Continued disruptions to travel and business are possible in Nepal, specifically in the Kathmandu valley region, in the coming days due to ongoing fuel shortages. This comes despite plans by the Nepal government to distribute limited amounts of fuel to private vehicles on 6, 8 and 11 January. Fuel rationing will not be applicable to mass transit vehicles and emergency services, however, who will be stocked on an ongoing basis. The ongoing fuel shortages are as a result of what Nepal's government has described as an unofficial blockade by Indian authorities, which has stopped fuel and other essential supplies from reaching Nepal; the majority of such goods in Nepal originate from India. This situation has been ongoing since September 2014, and has been related to protests against the long-delayed promulgation of a constitution that have impacted Nepal's southern Terai region since early August. The protests have left over 40 people dead and resulted in the imposition of multiple curfews; although these have since been lifted. It remains unclear when the blockade will be lifted, and as such ongoing fuel and essential goods shortages, and associated disruptions to business and travel operations are likely. Persons in Nepal are advised to expect disruptions to transport services while the fuel shortages and vehicular restrictions are in place. Local developments should be closely monitored.

SOUTH SUDAN - Malaria infection levels across South Sudan have reportedly reached new highs as of 6 January. As many as 1.6 million cases of infection and 1,100 deaths have been reported in the country since late January 2015; health officials assert that the high figures are due to a shortage of vaccine supplies. A task force has been established to address the reportedly unprecedented scale of the outbreak. Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. The disease is endemic to South Sudan. Symptoms appear about 9 to 14 days after receiving the infected mosquito bite; however, this can vary between the different malaria parasites. Persons infected with malaria experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, shaking, headaches, nausea and extreme tiredness. Some patients also show yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes. If the disease is not treated, it could result in liver failure, seizures and even death. As medical facilities across most of South Sudan are poor, persons in the country should take preventative measures to lower the risk of contracting malaria. Clients are advised to visit their healthcare provider at least four to six weeks prior to travelling, to discuss which type of anti-malarial medication is suitable for their trip. Furthermore, clients are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce the risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes. Finally, clients are reminded that all travel to South Sudan is advised against, due to ongoing conflict and political instability in the country.

BAHAMAS(CABBAGE BEACH, PARADISE ISLAND) - According to recent reports, a US foreign national was sexually assaulted on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, on 2 January. The victim was attacked by a local resident while on a watercraft on Cabbage Beach. Authorities have since taken a suspect into custody; further details regarding the incident are unavailable. There is a medium risk of crime in the Bahamas. Most criminal incidents affecting foreign visitors are petty in nature; however, violent crime is a growing concern. Moreover, although most violent crimes affect locals, foreign nationals are not immune to the threat. Female persons in the Bahamas are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at all times, limit solitary travel, and ensure that all movements outside of urban centres are restricted to daylight hours. Clients are advised to ensure that local emergency contact numbers are pre-programmed on mobile phones, which should be kept charged at all times. Any suspicious activity and/or persons should immediately be reported to the authorities.

GUATEMALA(SANTIAGO ATITLAN, SOLOLA DEPARTMENT) - The US Embassy in Guatemala City issued a security message on 5 January warning of significant unrest in Santiago Atitlan, located in Guatemala's western Solola department. The town has been subject to violent and disruptive protests since late 4 January following the apparent killing of a local resident by an off-duty police officer. According to reports, protesters raised barricades over thoroughfares and set fire to a number of vehicles and buildings during the unrest. Isolated clashes between security forces and protesters were also reported. Tensions remain heightened in the area. As evidenced by recent events in Santiago Atitlan, protests in Guatemala have the potential to turn violent and often cause significant disruptions to essential services and transport. Security forces in the country are known to use heavy-handed tactics in dealing with dissent; teargas, water cannons and rubber bullets are frequently used to disperse protest gatherings. Such measures pose an indiscriminate threat to bystanders. Persons in Santiago Atitlan in the coming days are advised to avoid any related protests and demonstrations as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the situation as well as advisories from the local authorities. Finally, clients are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gathering.

COSTA RICA(SARDINAL DE PUNTARENAS, PUNTARENAS PROVINCE) - Two Dutch nationals were found dead in their home in Sardinal de Puntarenas, located in Costa Rica's western Puntarenas province, on 4 January. The body of a local national, said to have been an employee of the couple, was also found within the home. Authorities have stated that nothing appeared to have been taken from the home; the incident is being treated as a homicide. Unconfirmed reports indicate that a team of Dutch police officers has been dispatched to the country in order to assist with investigations. Crime is generally assessed to be a medium risk in Costa Rica. Most crime incidents affecting foreign visitors are petty in nature; however, violent crime is a growing concern. Although the majority of victims of the more serious crimes, such as murder and sexual assault, are local residents, foreign nationals have also been affected, as this most recent incident demonstrates. Persons in Costa Rica, regardless of location, are advised to remain cognisant of the security threats facing foreign nationals. Clients are advised to exercise heightened vigilance and security awareness, and refrain from displaying overt signs of wealth. As assailants may be armed, clients are advised not to resist should they fall victim to an attack.

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA(SAUDI ARABIA, KUWAIT, BAHRAIN, THE UAE, SUDAN, QATAR, OMAN, EGYPT, JORDAN, MOROCCO, IRAQ, LEBANON, SENEGAL & YEMEN) - Kuwait has joined Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Sudan in severing diplomatic ties with Iran in response to recent anti-Saudi protests in Iran, which ended in attacks against Saudi diplomatic offices in Iran's capital, Tehran, and Mashhad on 3 January. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has downgraded the status of Iranian diplomats in its country. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have also reportedly halted flights to and from Iran. The protests in Iran, which were replicated in a number of other states, including Bahrain and Iraq, were in response to the execution by Saudi Arabia of a prominent Shiite Muslim cleric, Nimr al-Nimr, on terrorism charges. Further action by Saudi Arabia and its allies remains possible over the near-term. Other prominent Saudi allies include Qatar and Oman, which are part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Senegal, which are military allies of Saudi Arabia. Many of these states have good relations with Iran; however, Saudi pressure through the GCC, which is due to meet in Riyadh on 9 January, and the Arab League, due to hold an emergency meeting on 10 January, may lead some of these states to take similar action. Further disruptions to consular services and flights to and from the above-mentioned states and Iran should be anticipated. These measures may also be extended to road and sea travel services and/or travel entry requirements (visas). In addition, anti-Saudi protests may continue among members of the region's Shiite community. Areas where there are significant Shiite communities include Saudi Arabia (Qatif governorate), Kuwait, Iraq (central and southern governorates), Lebanon (southern Beirut and southern governorates), Bahrain (communities outside of Manama), Yemen (northern governorates) and Syria (Damascus and north western governorates). Further related civil unrest in Iran also remains probable over the near-term. In addition to protests near Saudi diplomatic offices, embassies of states aligned to Saudi Arabia may also be targeted by protesters. Clients in the above-mentioned states are advised to monitor political developments closely. Nationals of these states operating in the other should maintain an elevated level of personal security awareness and should regularly review the status of transport services and entry requirements. Caution is advised near associated diplomatic sites and all protests should be avoided. Nationals of states mentioned above in Iran (and vice versa) who require consular assistance should make telephone contact with their embassy or consulate prior to visiting the facility.

IRAQ(HADITHA & SURROUNDS) - Islamic State (IS) militants are involved in an ongoing offensive against pro-government forces in the vicinity of Haditha, located in Iraq's western Anbar governorate. Fighting since 2 January has left dozens of people dead. IS forces have utilised multiple car bombings against tribal and government security checkpoints and have also reportedly abducted a number of people in the area. The IS offensive follows the defeat of the group in Ramadi and the government capture of the city in December. Haditha, located further north of Ramadi, is under government control and has been partially surrounded by IS forces for a number of months. The city serves as a strategic point along the Euphrates River and lies near the Haditha Dam. The capture of Haditha would provide IS with a major tactical advantage. Fighting is expected to persist in this area over the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central Iraqi governorates, including Anbar. Persons in Iraq should consider travel with a security escort and should reside in secure compounds. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

LIBYA(SIDRA, BIN JAWAD & RAS LANUF) - (Update) An Islamic State (IS) offensive initiated against oil export terminals and processing areas in the Sidra, Bin Jawad and Ras Lanuf areas continued on 5 January. The assault, initiated on 4 January, has already resulted in the fall of Bin Jawad. Fighting on 5 January focused on the area between Bin Jawad and Sidra. IS forces have long sought to capture the oil export terminals located in the targeted area. The group has increased its presence in and around Sirte over the past year and is also seeking to move further east, towards Ajdabiya. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons operating in the country should ensure that they adopt robust security precautions. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

EGYPT(CAIRO) - Coptic Christians will commemorate Christmas Eve during the evening of 6 January, and Christmas Day (a national public holiday) on 7 January. Coptic Pope Tawadros II will lead a mass at Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in the Abbassia area of the Egyptian capital, Cairo, during the evening of 6 January. Prominent state and public figures are expected to attend. The high profile event is likely to be accompanied by a security increase (patrols and checkpoints) in the immediate area. The increased security measures are likely to be implemented as a standard precaution and in response to the risk posed by Islamist extremists; militants have targeted Coptic events in the past. Given the high profile nature of the forthcoming mass and the presence of a number of prominent persons, the event presents militants with a high-profile target. Elevated security levels will decrease the risk of any attempted attack. Incidents impacting on Coptic interests elsewhere in the country during this period cannot be discounted. Clients should exercise caution in and around the Abbassia area and near other Coptic Christian interests and events in the country on 6 and 7 January.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES) - The Resistiendo con Aguante activist group has organised a protest in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, on 6 January. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of the National Congress at 18:00 local time. The protest has been organised against the administration of president, Mauricio Macri. It is unclear how many people will attend the rally. Nonetheless, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the National Congress. The risk of low-level violence between protesters and police at the upcoming protest cannot be discounted. Clients in Buenos Aires on 6 January are advised to make allowances for localised delays and avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

MEXICO(XALAPA) - Various teachers' organisations, including the MMVP and CNTE have called for a demonstration in the city of Xalapa, located in Mexico's Veracruz state, on 6 January. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza Regina at 10:00 local time. The protest has been organised over the payment of pensions to retired teachers. The demonstration is likely to result in localised disruptions in the vicinity of Plaza Regina. The risk of violence at the upcoming protest is low; however the possibility of low-level skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Xalapa on 6 January are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

INDIA(ODISHA & CHHATTISGARH STATES) - The banned Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) has called for a strike (known locally as a bandh) in districts located in India's Odisha and Chhattisgarh states on 8 January. Exact details pertaining to the timing of the strikes are unclear. It has been called to protest military operations against CPI-Maoist militants in the two states, known as Operation Green Hunt, which began in November 2009. The agitation is likely to be well supported in rural areas; the impact in larger urban centres is likely to be more limited. Nonetheless, disruptions to transport and business services are anticipated for the duration of the strike. There is a credible risk of civil unrest at all possible accompanying protests. Confrontations between protesters and security forces may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in the Odisha and Chhattisgarh states on the affected day are advised to monitor local media for developments and updates regarding the strike action and possible associated demonstrations. All street demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Localised disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of any protest action. In addition, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Odisha. The agitation is likely to be well supported in rural areas; the impact in larger urban centres is likely to be more limited. Nonetheless, disruptions to transport and business services are anticipated for the duration of the strike. There is a credible risk of civil unrest at all possible accompanying protests. Confrontations between protesters and security forces may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in the Odisha and Chhattisgarh states on the affected day are advised to monitor local media for developments and updates regarding the strike action and possible associated demonstrations. All street demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Localised disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of any protest action. In addition, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Odisha.

INDIA - Members of the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) are set to observe a countrywide strike on 8 January. The affected banks include associate banks of the State Bank of India (SBI), namely the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur (SBBJ), State Bank of Travancore (SBT), State Bank of Mysore (SBM), State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH), as well as State Bank of Patiala (SBP). The strike has been called to protest against the banks' alleged unilateral implementation of a Career Progression Scheme (CPS) without consulting the impacted employees. A previous strike by AIBEA members was well observed and forced many banks to close, also resulting in a number of business disruptions, including a shortage of cash at ATMs. Demonstrations by bank employees are also possible on the day and may take place outside bank branches or SBI offices. Although significant levels of unrest are not expected, the possibility of violence and confrontations cannot be discounted. Additionally, localised travel disruptions are possible in the vicinity of protests. It should be noted that in the event of a successful negotiation, the strike action may be averted or postponed. Clients in India are advised to conduct any required transactions prior to the strike and should maintain a cash reserve as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, all protests, gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a general precaution.

PHILIPPINES(CEBU) - The annual Christian Sinulog festival is set to commence on 8 January in the city of Cebu, in Cebu province, central Philippines. A number of events are scheduled for the duration of the festival and major thoroughfares will be closed during this period. The majority of large-scale events will take place between 14 and 17 January. The main event on 17 January includes a street parade which will begin at 09:00 local time. The following road closures will be implemented: Imus Road, M.J. Cuenco Avenue, General Maxilom Avenue, Fuente Osmena intersection, Osmena Boulevard, P. Del Rosario Street and N. Bacalso Avenue. Several other auxiliary roads will also experience road closures and delays on the day. Police in Cebu city will deploy thousands of additional security personnel and reservists to secure the events. In addition, authorities have implemented numerous additional public order and security measures, including prohibitions on the selling of alcohol at certain times and a temporary gun ban. The festival will include various processions, religious events and other large public gatherings. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are anticipated to visit the city; significant transport disruptions should be expected as a result of additional strains placed on existing transport networks and the increased security measures. The heightened security is viewed as precautionary and an attempt to prevent unruly behaviour during the festival. The road closures and additional security checkpoints could result in further localised travel disruptions. Clients in Cebu are advised to remain vigilant at all religious sites and processions and should exercise heightened caution for the duration of the upcoming events. In addition, clients should anticipate significant localised travel disruptions and increased demand for all modes of public transport.

BANGLADESH - Protests and strike action should be expected in Bangladesh following the 6 January decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the death sentence of senior opposition figure Motiur Rahman Nizami, leader of the largest Islamist opposition party, Jamaat-e-Islami. Nizami was handed the death penalty in October 2014 by the International Crimes Tribunal for war crimes committed during Bangladesh's 1971 war for independence from Pakistan. Disruptive and violent protests, which were well attended, took place in response to the verdict at that time, and similar action has been reported in response to the subsequent verdicts and/or sentencing of at least eleven senior opposition leaders since 2010. Jamaat-e-Islami spokespersons allege that the trials are politically motivated and are an attempt by the ruling Awami League to weaken opposition parties. Should strike action take place, it is likely to impact on business and travel operations throughout the country. Associated demonstrations carry a high threat of violence, as security forces often use force as a first resort when dealing with dissent. It should be noted that public transport services such as busses are at heightened threat during strikes and protests, as this form of transport is often subject to arson attacks. Counter-protests by groups supportive of the verdict are also possible. Clients in or planning to be in Bangladesh in the coming days are advised to monitor local developments closely and to avoid all protest/strike action and concentrations of security forces. Persons are further advised to request regular updates from their security provider.

BANGLADESH(DHAKA/TONGI) - Security has been heightened in Tongi, on the northern outskirts of Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, ahead of the annual Bishwa Ijtema, or World Congregation of Muslims; the event will take place in two phases from 8 to 10 January and 15 to 17 January. However, attendees have already started arriving at the site of the event. Several thousand security force members will be deployed to secure the area for the duration of the ceremony, which will take place on the banks of the Turag River. Watchtowers, CCTV cameras and security checkpoints have been set up as a precaution. There will also be hundreds of additional busses and trains in service to cope with the millions of people attending the event. Bishwa Ijtema is an annual Islamic religious gathering. The upcoming event is expected to be well supervised by security forces; however, due to the large number of people scheduled to attend, travel disruptions associated with the event are expected. Although local officials have made arrangements for additional transportation services, such as extra trains, travel disruptions are likely in Mohakhali, Kakoli, Nikunja, Bishwa Road, Khilkhet, Uttara and Tongi to the north of Dhaka, and Motijheel and Purana Paltan in the south. In addition, Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is located roughly 3km from the main gathering; travellers intending to drive to the airport during the event will need to be in possession of a valid airline ticket in order to make use of Airport Road. Clients are advised to exercise caution and expect severe localised travel disruptions; these disruptions may be exacerbated by the increased security measures.

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