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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 - Fliers who don't have the latest driver's licenses will have a two-year reprieve before their IDs are rejected at airport security checkpoints. Many travelers had been worried that the Transportation Security Administration would penalize them because of a federal law requiring newer, more-stringent IDs at the start of this year. However, the Department of Homeland Security said passengers could continue using their current IDs until Jan. 22, 2018. Some would have until Oct. 1, 2020. After those dates, passengers without the proper driver's licenses would have to use other federally-approved forms of ID such as a passport. The Real ID Act, approved by Congress in 2005, set minimum standards for licenses in response to security concerns following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Enforcement of those requirements has repeatedly been delayed. For a license to be compliant with the Real ID Act, the state issuing it must, for example, incorporate anti-counterfeit technology into the card, verify the applicant's identity and conduct background checks for employees involved in issuing driver's licenses. Currently, 23 states and U.S. territories have complied with the act and 27 states and territories have been granted an extension. Five states -- Illinois, Minnesota, New Mexico, Missouri and Washington -- and American Samoa have not complied and have not been granted an extension. Those states oppose requirements in the law that include storing images of documents that driver's license applicants present as proof of their identity, such as birth certificates. State officials say that information could be breached and could be used to track law-abiding U.S. citizens. They also oppose the U.S. government unilaterally setting standards in an area traditionally handled by the states.

GLOBAL(ETIHAD AIRWAYS) - Etihad Airways has announced it will commence its third daily A380 service to London Heathrow, and will add two new A380 destinations of Mumbai and Melbourne, while the Boeing 787 will start flying to five new cities, namely Düsseldorf, Perth, Shanghai, Istanbul and Johannesburg.

DENMARK/GERMANY - (Update) According to reports released on 13 January, the Danish government has extended the temporary border controls currently in place along its internal borders, particularly those shared with Germany, until 3 February. The initial border controls were enforced from 4 to 14 January; however, these have been extended provisionally in an attempt to ensure public order and security in Denmark. The controls have been established to focus primarily on ferries arriving from Germany to Danish harbours in Gedser, Rodby and Ronne, as well as the land border between the two countries. Concerns regarding the influx and accumulation of illegal immigrants into the country have allegedly contributed to the implementation of movement-restrictive measures. Tens of thousands of asylum seekers from conflict-affected states in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia have travelled into and through several European countries in recent months. The movement has resulted in severe travel disruptions. Local authorities across the region have struggled to cope with the unprecedented immigration, and several states have taken or are taking steps to secure their borders. A continuation of this trend is anticipated in the medium-term. Localised disruptions to travel should be anticipated near the affected sites for the duration of the temporary border controls. Disruptions remain possible beyond the easing of the aforementioned restrictive measures due to high levels of traffic and the presence of security forces in the affected area. Clients planning travel between Denmark and Germany in the near-term should confirm the status of scheduled transport services with their travel provider prior to travel. Furthermore, the status of border crossings should be checked prior to departure.

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS) - Activists and media industry employees are expected to participate in a demonstration in Belgium's capital, Brussels, on 13 January. The gathering is expected to take place outside the Polish Embassy, located on Rue Stevin, at 10:30 local time. The demonstration has been initiated in opposition to media law amendments in Poland, which give the central government greater control over broadcasting rights and the appointment of television and radio directors. The International Federation of Journalists has alleged the Polish law is in contravention of the basic freedom of the media and undermines editorial independence. The demonstration is likely to be well attended by various industries related to the media; as such, localised disruptions should be anticipated, particularly near the Polish Embassy. While the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the risk of low-level scuffles between demonstrators and police cannot be discounted. Clients in Brussels on 13 January are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate for any localised travel disruptions.

GREECE - A number of major farmers' associations have called for supporters to stage a series of demonstrations at urban centres countrywide, from 13 January, in opposition to rising insurance costs and increasing taxation. Farmers have called for protests outside the regional offices of the Agricultural Insurance Organization (OGA) in Heraklion, which is located on the island of Crete, as well as in Thessaloniki, Kozani, Ioannina, Larissa, Lamia, Patra and Tripoli, from 10:30 local time on 13 January. The following day, on 14 January, go-slow blockades and protests are also expected in Chania, located in Crete, and Selinountas, located in southern Greece. Meanwhile, an unconfirmed demonstration of farmers may take place in Thessaloniki following a farmers' conference in the city on 14 January. Further demonstrations, go-slow protests and other protest actions are set to take place on 15 January, when towns and villages throughout the Thessaly region, including Farsala and Magnesia, are set to be affected. Elsewhere on 15 January, protests are also expected in Trikala and Dalamanara. Finally, similar actions are expected in the south western Messenia and north eastern Evros regions on 17 January. The protests are expected to cause significant disruptions to travel on national highways in the affected towns and regions. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended; as such localised disruptions to travel should be anticipated on major roads as well as at protest sites. While the rallies are expected to conclude peacefully, the risk of low-level scuffles between demonstrators and police cannot be discounted. Clients in the aforementioned locations on the affected dates are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate travel delays.

BELARUS(MINSK) - Residual disruptions due to increased snowfall have been reported in areas across Belarus, namely the capital, Minsk, since 12 January. The snow was caused by a winter storm which has since moved in a south westerly direction and is no longer impacting the area; however, residual disruptions continued to be reported on 13 January. Road closures and traffic gridlocks have been reported in Minsk, where snow levels have exceeded 22cm. Public transport disruptions, particularly to trolleybusses, were also reported in Minsk. Intermittent flight disruptions continue to be reported at Minsk National Airport, although most scheduled services resumed on 13 January. Significant snowfall, albeit to a lesser degree, was also reported in the cities of Brest and Mogilev, as well as in the Vitebsk Oblast region. Although the winter storm system has since moved away from the affected areas, the winter weather and increased amount of snow may continue to cause disruptions in the coming days. Accordingly, related travel disruptions are possible. It should be noted that intermittent flight disruptions and delays are likely to continue in the near-term due to the backlog caused by the disruptions. Clients intending to undertake travel in the aforementioned conditions are advised to reconfirm all travel arrangements with the provider prior to departure. Furthermore, clients are advised to monitor local media for additional advisories and updates.

AFGHANISTAN(KABUL/NANGARHAR PROVINCE) - In recent days the US Embassy in Kabul has issued a warning pertaining to an increased threat of kidnapping in Afghanistan. The threat is believed to be against a group of foreign national advisors (US or European citizens) to a non-governmental organisation who travel between Kabul and the eastern province of Nangarhar. Further details as to the exact timing, location and possible method of abduction are currently unclear. Given the extreme levels of insecurity and associated kidnapping threat in Afghanistan, the warning is one that should be taken seriously. The threat remains highest in the southern and eastern regions, (which includes Nangarhar) especially in areas along Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. The kidnapping threat stems from both criminal and insurgent groups, such as the Sunni-extremist Taleban, as well as local militia. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons in Afghanistan are advised to adopt heightened security measures, including the use of a security escort and residing in secure accommodation. All travel between urban centres should be done by air travel where possible. If road travel is unavoidable, it should only be undertaken in convoy and during daylight hours, and only following a full security review of the route.

AFGHANISTAN(JALALABAD) - Media reports indicate that a militant attack near the Pakistani consulate in Jalalabad, in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, on 13 January is ongoing. A suicide bomb attack took place outside the consulate, killing up to six people, and has been followed by exchanges of gunfire between militants and security forces at a nearby house, in which the militants have barricaded themselves. Further details remain unavailable. The attack takes place amid an increase in conflict and associated acts of terrorism in recent months, both of which are assessed to be at extreme levels. The main threat stems from several Islamist organisations, including the Taleban and the Haqqani network. These groups are known to carry out attacks throughout the country; these include suicide bombings, improvised explosive bombings, gun and grenade-based assaults, and ambushes targeting both state and civilian interests. Despite the ongoing Afghan National Army (ANA) security operations, militant groups continue to maintain a strong operational presence across the country. As the situation is ongoing, further explosions, gunfire and travel disruptions are likely in the immediate-term. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in Jalalabad are advised to exercise maximum security measures, avoid the affected area and remain in a secure location.

IRAQ(DIYALA GOVERNORATE) - At least seven Sunni mosques and dozens of shops were attacked by suspected Shiite militias in Iraq's eastern Diyala governorate on 12 January. Additionally, at least ten people were killed in a shooting in the city of Muqdadiyah. The incidents in Diyala are believed to have been reprisal attacks against Sunni interests, following a spate of attacks in predominantly Shiite areas of Baghdad and Diyala govenorates on 11 January, which left at least 50 people dead. The incidents highlight the elevated risk of terrorism in Iraq. While Sunni militants are a primary driver of the insecurity and frequently target Shiite communities, Shiite militias are also regularly implicated in acts of terrorism. The central, predominantly Sunni Muslim governorates, including Baghdad and Diyala, are the most severely affected. Further such sectarian and retaliatory attacks are anticipated. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad and Diyala governorates. Clients operating in these areas should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds.

CAMEROON(KOUYAPE) - At least 13 people have been killed, and at least one wounded, in a suspected suicide bombing in Cameroon's Far North Province on 13 January. The attack targeted a mosque in the settlement of Kouyape, where worshipers were observing early morning prayers. Cameroon's Far North province is frequently affected by acts of terrorism. The majority of incidents are blamed on or are claimed by Nigeria-based Boko Haram. Boko Haram has increasingly targeted states bordering its north eastern Nigeria strongholds in 2015. These attacks have coincided with ongoing regional counterinsurgency operations aimed at weakening the group. In light of the recent attack in Kolofata, travellers should anticipate possible increased security measures (patrols and checkpoints) and/or travel restrictions (curfews). Clients are advised against all travel to the Far North (Extreme-Nord) province. Persons operating in the area should implement robust travel, personal and residential security measures. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

PAKISTAN(QUETTA) - At least 14 people have been killed and more wounded in a bomb attack in Quetta, the provincial capital of Pakistan's Balochistan province, on 13 January. The blast targeted a police van outside a polio treatment centre in the Satellite Town area. Of those killed, 12 were policemen guarding the facility. Emergency services are on the scene and the area has been cordoned off. The incident highlights the extreme terrorism risk in Pakistan despite the considerable reduction in the number of bomb attacks (by approximately 70 percent) during the course of 2015. More specifically, the region has experienced high levels of militant violence in recent years. The violence is largely attributed to Baloch separatist and militant groupings based in the region. Groups associated with this movement have resorted to a number of violent tactics to further their agenda, including blowing up electricity and railway lines and gas pipelines, as well as attacking military bases, personnel and government institutions, and occasional attacks on busses and other forms or road-based travel. Further bomb attacks should be anticipated in the short- to medium-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Balochistan due to the extreme risks of conflict and terrorism, as well as high risks of crime and kidnapping. Robust residential, travel and personal security protocols should be implemented.

COLOMBIA(BOGOTA) - The Confederation of Workers of Colombia (CUT) has called for a demonstration in Colombia's capital, Bogota, on 13 January. Participants are expected to gather outside the Stock Exchange building at the intersection of 72nd and 7th streets, where a sit-in will be held. The agitation is in protest against the sale of the state-owned energy company ISAGEN. The sit-in will be supported by various other activist groups and will likely result in localised disruptions in the vicinity of the Stock Exchange building. The risk of violence at the upcoming demonstration is low; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Bogota on 13 January are advised to make allowances for potential localised disruptions and avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

SAUDI ARABIA(QATIF GOVERNORATE) - The Shiite Muslim Freedom Youth Movement has called for protests in various parts of the Qatif governorate in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province from 12 to 15 January. The protests are scheduled to begin at 20:00 local time, and will be held in Jaroudiya on 12 January, at Karbala Square in Awamiyah on 13 January, in Safwa on 14 January and in Qatif on 15 January. The protests have been organised over the execution of a Shiite Muslim cleric, Nimr al-Nimr, by Saudi officials in early January. Anti-government sentiment is elevated in the east since the executions, and protests by the Shiite population have been regularly reported. The risk of violence at all upcoming gatherings is considered elevated and the risk of confrontations between the police and protesters is credible. Clients in the Qatif governorate in the coming days are advised to exercise heightened levels of personal security awareness and avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

MEXICO(MORELIA) - According to reports, a large protest is scheduled to begin at 10:00 local time in Morelia city, in Mexico's Michoacan state, on 15 January. The protests will be held by both the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) and the Frente Civico Social (FCS) over issues such as demanding the release of detained teachers, opposition to the educational reform programme underway, and the reorganization of municipal police. Reports indicate the groups will begin marching from different points in the city before converging upon the Michoacan Government Palace later in the day. Reported areas of starting points for the protest include the area of La Huerta, the Poder Judicial de la Federacion, and the Morelia Institute of Technology. Reports indicate the protests may be attended by up to 20,000 people. A number of protests linked to education reform have erupted in Mexico since 2015. These are generally well supported. Demonstrators often erect makeshift roadblocks on major thoroughfares between states and cities. Consequently, all demonstrations have the potential to cause traffic disruptions and delays. The upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully; however, previous demonstrations have been characterised by low-level violence. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at any upcoming event cannot be discounted. Persons in Morelia on 15 January are advised to avoid the protests and any large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest action and for advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to make allowances for possible travel delays in the vicinity of any protests.

MACEDONIA(SKOPJE, OTHER MAJOR URBAN CENTERS) - Environmental activist groups are expected to stage demonstrations in Macedonia's capital, Skopje, as well as in Tetovo and Bitola, on 15 January, should the government not take steps to implement a number of proposed clean air measures. Related protests are also possible in Kicevo, Veles and a number of other urban centres. Air pollution is a major concern in many Macedonian cities, particularly during the winter months. The poor air quality can be attributed to high levels of air pollutants originating from industrial sources and increased wood burning for heating. Heavy smog can lead to travel disruptions as authorities limit public transport on an ad hoc basis in order to combat air pollution in major cities. Environmental groups have called a number of protests in an effort to push the government to take more aggressive steps to combat air pollution in the country. Related demonstrations have been peaceful and well attended. Localised travel disruptions are likely should the demonstrations go ahead. Persons in Macedonia are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and security force concentrations as a precaution against civil unrest. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates and announcements of additional related protests.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - Suspected rebels of the Lord's Resistance Army have abducted dozens of local civilians in the settlement of Diya, located some 600km east of Central African Republic's (CAR) capital, Bangui. Reports on 13 January indicated that both attacks, in which 10 and 20 people were kidnapped respectively, occurred on 9 January. The LRA, a historically Uganda-based rebel group, has been known to operate in eastern regions of the CAR in recent times. The latest attack also follows similar tactics used by the LRA during its previous years of operation in Uganda and the northern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); during such operations, the LRA often made use of abductions of locals, including children, to swell its ranks. Although the LRA conducted mass kidnappings and widespread conventional attacks in the past, only sporadic kidnappings and assaults by small groups of LRA operatives have been reported in recent months; these predominantly occur in the CAR border prefectures of Mbomou and Haut-Mbomou, and in the DRC's Orientale province. Nevertheless, the latest incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by the LRA in the eastern regions of the country. Further assaults by the group remain possible, specifically in rural areas outside larger towns in the eastern CAR. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel the CAR. Persons currently in the region are advised to closely monitor developments and implement maximum security precautions, specifically if travel outside urban areas is considered.

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