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

GLOBAL - the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its Zika virus travel warning to an additional eight countries. While the mosquito-borne virus causes only mild illness in most people, there is mounting evidence linking it to a birth defect. Specifically, the CDC is recommending that pregnant women consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing, and women who are trying to become pregnant talk to their doctors about the risk of infection before travelling. The 24 countries now covered by the CDC warning are Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Samoa, St. Martin, Suriname, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela. The CDC cautions that "specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time." American Airlines and United Airlines will allow fliers to cancel trips to Zika-affected areas such as Mexico and much of South America without paying a penalty fee. Both of the airlines made the announcements this week in light of the ongoing Zika-outbreaks in South and Central American countries. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus rapidly spreading across the Americas that is connected to neurological birth defects. United will allow fliers traveling to regions listed by the CDC to rebook at a later date or receive a full refund. American will allow fliers to receive a full refund if they provide a doctor's note explaining that they are unable to travel to one of four cities-San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Panama City, or Guatemala City-because of pregnancy. Two major Latin American carriers-LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines-both announced similar policies this week.

UNITED STATES(UNITED AIRLINES) - United Airlines announced it would offer a meet-and-greet concierge service, sometimes referred to as a VIP service, at some of the airports it serves. The fee-based United Exclusive Assistance offering includes meeting the passenger at curbside, priority check-in, and expedited screening (where available), United Club access (at an additional fee), an escort to the departure gate, and assistance with what the airline termed "special requests." An airline representative will assist with rebooking if a flight is delayed or cancelled, and assistance in languages other than English is also available. United will provide a similar service for connecting flights and arrivals including meeting the passenger as he disembarks the aircraft. The service is available at the airline's hubs in Chicago and New York/Newark at the present time. It is being offered in partnership with Global Airport Concierge, a company that provides this type of service. American Airlines has offered a similar Five Star service for several years at nine airports in the United States. The Five Star fee includes Flagship Check-In, where available, and access to the Admirals Club lounge.

UNITED STATES(FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA) - Significant disruptions to Tri-Rail services have been reported following an earlier derailment in Fort Lauderdale, located in the US state of Florida, on 28 January. According to reports, a northbound train derailed at approximately 05:20 local time near 18th Street. At least one person was injured. The cause of the incident is currently unknown. While authorities have provided alternative bus services running between the Cypress Creek and Deerfield stations, continued disruptions to rail services, as well as residual disruptions, should be expected until regular scheduling resumes. Accordingly, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be anticipated. Clients intending to utilise Tri-Rail train services are advised to consider organising and/or booking other means of transport in advance. Clients are also advised to visit http://www.tri-rail.com/ for updates on the status of train services.

BARBADOS(SEAWELL, CHRIST CHURCH PARISH) - Unionised employees, represented by the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) are set to observe a two-hour work stoppage from 12:00 local time at the Grantley Adams International Airport, located in Seawell in Christ Church parish, Barbados on 29 January. The action has been called with regard to overdue payment of wages. An associated demonstration will also be held in the vicinity of the airport during the strike period. The action comes amid failed negotiations between the union and the airport authorities. The strike action is set to affect a number of services at the airport; as such, disruptions to air travel are possible at the facility on the affected day. Given that the strike action is being undertaken as part of an ongoing labour dispute, further such action is possible in the short- to medium-term. It should be noted that strikes of this nature may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Clients intending to transit Grantley Adams International Airport on the affected day are advised to anticipate delays and possible flight disruptions and should contact their travel provider or airline directly to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

FRANCE(PARIS) - (Update) Taxi drivers are set to stage a third consecutive day of disruptive go-slow protests in Paris amid an ongoing strike, on 28 January. The strike and protest have been organised in opposition to the continuing presence of low-cost Uber taxis in the taxi industry. Precedent suggests taxi drivers will stage go-slow protests on major roads, at busy intersections and near transport hubs, including the Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly international airports, the Porte Maillot area and the Boulevard Peripherique. A significant police presence is likely to accompany the protests, following clashes at a related event on 26 January. Residual disruptions to travel in the aforementioned areas, as well as in the vicinity of the Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports, are expected for the coming hours. Additionally, clients should expect a significantly lower number of taxis in service and an increased demand for alternative forms of transport. Persons in Paris are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action and any related demonstrations. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to make allowances for associated travel disruptions in the vicinity of any related protest action.

ITALY(PIEDMONT & MILAN) - Unionised rail workers are set to observe two separate strike actions: one in the Piedmont region on 28 January and the other in the greater Milan area on 29 January. In Piedmont, which includes Turin, Trenitalia rail services are set to be disrupted throughout the region from 21:00 local time on 28 January to 21:00 on 29 January. The rail strike in Milan and the surrounding area is set to commence at 08:00 on 29 January and conclude at 17:00. Labour strikes and work stoppages frequently take place in Italy. These often impact on regional and countrywide transport services. Such action is often in response to wage disputes or other related issues. The above-mentioned work stoppages are likely to result in an increased demand for other modes of public transport. Clients in the aforementioned areas on the affected dates are advised to monitor local media for announcements related to the industrial action, and should alter travel arrangements accordingly. Should the strikes proceed, clients are advised to consider organising and/or booking alternative means of transport in advance.

YEMEN(TAIZ) - (Update) Three journalists employed by Al-Jazeera, who were abducted by unidentified assailants on 18 January in Taiz, southern Yemen, have reportedly been released. Further confirmed information regarding the initial capture, release and possible motivation of the kidnappers is unavailable. There is an elevated risk of kidnapping and extrajudicial detention in Yemen. Foreign nationals and locals are regularly abducted by a range of both state and non-state groupings. Given the location of the recent incident, it is likely that the victims were abducted by either Houthi rebels or tribal militia. Taiz is a contested city and fighting between the Houthis and forces linked to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi has been ongoing since early 2015. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons travelling in the country should obtain regular route risk assessments from their security provider. Crisis management plans should also be regularly updated. Foreign nationals are further advised to travel with a security escort, avoid current conflict hotspots, maintain a low public profile and reside in secure accommodation.

YEMEN(ADEN) - An explosion has been reported near the Presidential Palace (Maashiq Palace) in Aden, southern Yemen, on 28 January. Initial media reports indicate that the blast was caused by a suicide car bomber near a checkpoint on an approach road to the palace, the official residence of Yemen President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. A number of people have reportedly been killed and wounded. The incident is likely to prompt an increase in security in the affected area over the near-term. Additional patrols and checkpoints in the affected area, on major roads and near strategic sites and the implementation of travel restrictions, including curfews, are possible. Secondary attacks targeting first responders or gathering crowds are a risk. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, including Aden. Persons in the city should avoid the affected area at present. Clients in the affected area should remain indoors or seek secure accommodation. Note that all travellers in the city should be accompanied by a security escort.

PAKISTAN(KARACHI) - At least four suspected militants are said to have been killed in a security operation in Karachi, the capital of Pakistan's Sindh province, on 27 January. Violent clashes ensued when paramilitary security forces conducted a raid targeting militants said to be aligned with Islamist extremist group Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP) at an unspecified location in the city's Safoora Goth area. The incident serves to underscore the extreme threat of terrorism in Pakistan, as well as to highlight the deep penetration of militant groups and individuals in Karachi. Given the city's size and the limited capabilities of local law enforcement authorities, Karachi provides militant groups and individuals ample cover from which to operate. The TTP periodically conducts low-level attacks targeting state and civilian interests across the country, including in Karachi. Security operations targeting the group are regularly reported and often result in casualties. Due to the persistent threat posed by militant groups, further militant attacks and associated security operations are expected to persist. Due to the threat of terrorism, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Sindh province, including Karachi. Persons in the city are further advised to implement robust personal, residential and travel security protocols at all times.

CAMEROON(FAR NORTH PROVINCE) - At least four people have been killed, and an undisclosed number wounded, as a result of twin suicide bombing attacks in Kerawa, located in Cameroon's Far North (Extreme-Nord) province, on 28 January. The attacks occurred in the vicinity of a school housing displaced people. Although there have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks, authorities have attributed the bombings to militants aligned with the Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect. Further details regarding the bombings are unavailable. Cameroon's Far North province is frequently affected by acts of terrorism. The majority of incidents are blamed on, or are claimed by, the Nigeria-based Boko Haram. Boko Haram has increasingly targeted states bordering its north eastern Nigeria strongholds in recent months. Earlier this week, as many as 37 people were killed due to four suicide bombings attributed to Boko Haram, in Bodo, located in the Far North province. With the Cameroonian government conducting counterinsurgency operations along areas bordering Nigeria, it is likely that Boko Haram will continue to execute retaliatory attacks within Cameroonian territory. Clients are advised against all travel to the Far North province. Persons operating in the area should implement robust travel, personal and residential security measures. Areas recently affected by violence should be avoided.

JORDAN - The US Embassy in Jordan's capital, Amman, released a statement on 23 January saying that it had received several reports from the local authorities of foiled terrorist plots over the past 12 months. The local authorities stated that militants, all of whom were arrested, were planning to target US and Western interests. The embassy reiterated in its statement that it had 'no information of any current, specific threats against Americans at this time'. Jordan has an adequate counterterrorism capability. This has translated into a lower number of incidents in recent years relative to all of its regional neighbours. Nonetheless, a risk of terrorism remains and stems from Islamist extremists opposed to the regime and Westerners. This threat is underlined by the recent embassy statement. State and foreign interests remain likely targets of any future plots or attempted attacks. Clients in Jordan are advised to maintain a heightened level of personal security awareness and should maintain a generally low public profile. Operating areas and hotels should have adequate security in place, including 24-hour security guard presence and access control. Heightened caution is advised in areas popular with or associated with Western interests, such as major hotels, restaurants or tourist sites.

IRAQ(ANBAR GOVERNORATE) - Fighting in and around Ramadi in Iraq's western Anbar governorate persists. On 26 January, Islamic State (IS) assaults against pro-government military positions left dozens of soldiers and tribal militiamen dead. Elsewhere on 26 January, a number of IS suicide bombers attacked Iraqi military positions near Al-Baghdadi, located further north west of Ramadi, killing 25 soldiers. Further fighting near Ramadi on 27 January left as many as 35 IS militants dead after pro-government forces repelled an attack in the Sarsar area north of Ramadi. Pro-government forces captured Ramadi from IS in late 2015; however, pockets of IS fighters remain entrenched in parts of the city and its surrounds. IS also controls a number of cities and towns in Anbar, including Fallujah, Hit and Al-Qaim. This provides the organisation with the ability to consolidate, plan and execute regular low-level and complex attacks in the Anbar governorate and elsewhere in central, southern and northern Iraq. Clients are advised against all travel to Anbar governorate. Persons intending to travel in the area should do so following a full security route risk assessment. Crisis management plans should be created or updated in conjunction with a security provider.

CYPRUS(NICOSIA) - A Cyprus-Greece-Israel tripartite meeting is scheduled to take place in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, on 28 January. Heightened security measures have been implemented; a number of road closures and an increased police presence were reported ahead of the event. The meeting, which is being attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, is scheduled to take place at the Presidential Palace. The meeting forms part of a series of multilateral agreements aimed at establishing greater economic relations between the aforementioned countries. Although there are no planned protests or explicit threats to the meeting, any gathering of a high number of political leaders is seen as a potential target. Meetings of regional and international organisations are often specifically targeted by demonstrators as a means of highlighting their causes. Due to the elevated security force presence, localised disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the presidential palace. Persons in Nicosia are advised to plan for possible travel disruptions and abide by the directives of local authorities. All large gatherings and related demonstrations should be avoided as a standard precaution.

BRAZIL(BRASILIA, SAO PAULO & RIO DE JANEIRO) - The Movimento Passe Livre (Free Fare Movement) has called for further protests in major cities in Brazil, on 28 January. The demonstrations are being held in protest against price hikes to public transport fares. Protests are expected at Praca Do Relogio (Taguatinga) in the capital, Brasilia, at 18:00 local time; at Largo do Passaindu in Sao Paulo at 17:00; and at Praca Maua in Rio de Janeiro at 16:00. Protests over increases in public transport fares have sparked widespread, sustained and violent protest action in Brazil's urban centres in recent years, most notably in June 2013 and more recently in 2015/2016. Police have clashed with protesters on multiple occasions and often use teargas to disperse the groups. In light of this, the possibility of violence during the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. Additionally, the protest action has the potential to result in localised travel disruptions. Further protests remain a possibility of the coming days. Clients in the above-mentioned cities on 28 January are advised avoid all protests as a standard precaution and make allowances for potential localised disruptions. Local media should be monitored for updates on related upcoming events.

PORTUGAL - Central government workers in Portugal are set to observe strike action countrywide on 29 January, in order to demand the immediate introduction of a 35-hour work week. Related protests are possible in some locations, including in the capital, Lisbon, as well as in Alcantara and Porto. Strikes and protests against austerity and various other government measures are a frequent occurrence in Portugal. Previous related strikes have been well observed; the upcoming strike will likely result in disruptions to state operations and services. Clients in Portugal are advised to monitor local media for details regarding the upcoming strike and possible protests. All protest sites should be avoided as a standard precaution.

SLOVENIA(LJUBLJANA) - Students and activists are set to stage a demonstration outside the University of Ljubljana, in Congress Square, located in the city centre, on 28 January. The protest, which is set to commence at 12:00 local time, has been organised against alleged corruption at the University. It is unclear how well attended the demonstration will be; nonetheless, localised disruptions remain a possibility in the vicinity of the square and at the university. While the upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the risk of low-level skirmishes cannot be discounted. Persons in Ljubljana on 28 January are advised to avoid all street gatherings, protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be expected.

PERU(LIMA) - Education sector union SUTEP and its affiliates are set to hold a demonstration in Peru's capital, Lima, on 29 January. The demonstration has been called regarding a number of labour concerns affecting the education sector. Participants are expected to gather at the intersection between Avenida Aviacion and Avenida Javier Prado Este from 10:00 local time, and proceed to the Ministry of Education building (located on Calle del Comercio Street), where a demonstration will be held. The rally is expected to conclude peacefully; nonetheless, the possibility of low-level incidents of violence cannot be discounted. Given that the protest is expected to be well attended, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route and associated demonstration-affected sites. Persons in Lima on 29 January are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions and avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest.

BAHRAIN - The anti-government 14 February Revolution Youth Coalition has called for demonstrations across Bahrain on 29 January. These have been called ahead of the fifth 14 February anniversary of the start of the 2011 opposition protests against the regime and the anniversary of the 17 February 2011 violent crackdown on protesters. In addition to the upcoming 29 January protests, anti-government demonstrations are expected to persist in the run up to the 14 February anniversary period. These are expected to largely impact on Shiite communities on the periphery and outside of the capital, Manama. The agitation may result in road travel disruptions, including along major highways linking Manama and Saudi Arabia. The possibility of violence, particularly at unauthorised events, cannot be discounted. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding Manama, the Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Unaccompanied travel at night outside of secure areas in all locations is advised against. All street protests should be avoided.

ITALY(ROME) - Religious and civil society groups are expected to stage a rally in Italy's capital, Rome, on 30 January. The rally is scheduled to begin at 12:00 local time in the vicinity of Circo Massimo, and conclude at 16:30. Authorities estimate as many as 500,000 people are expected to attend the event. As such, Italy's national railway company, Trenitalia, is expected to operate additional scheduled services to the affected site. Road-based travel restrictions have also been implemented in the vicinity of the event; those utilising private vehicles will need to obtain a permit. The event has been entitled 'Family Day' and has been scheduled to oppose proposed legislation that would enable same-sex civil unions and adoptions. Organisers of the event allege the legislation contradicts traditional family values. As the rally is expected to be well attended, a considerable police presence is likely. Although authorities have attempted to reduce traffic congestion, local travel disruptions should be anticipated due to the associated road closures, police barriers and large number of participants expected to partake in the event. The gathering is anticipated to conclude peacefully; however, it remains susceptible to violence due to disruptive elements infiltrating otherwise peaceful gatherings. Persons in Rome on 30 January are advised to monitor local media for updates and announcements regarding the upcoming rally. Clients in affected areas are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and security force concentrations as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated.

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