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

TURKEY - Turkey has introduced visa requirements for Russian journalists starting from Feb. 15. The new visa regime has been implemented on the basis of reciprocity and will apply to all employees of the Russian media planning journalistic trips to Turkey from Feb. 15, even if their trip's duration does not exceed six months, the unidentified representative said, Interfax reported Wednesday. For Russian journalists permanently working in Turkey, requirements for entering the country have not changed. Russia halted visa-free regime for Turkish nationals from Jan. 1 part of sanctions that followed the downing of a Russian fighter-bomber by Turkey near the Syrian border. The measures also include a ban on selling package tours to Turkey, an import ban on a range of Turkish food items and restrictions on work visas for Turkish citizens.

AUSTRIA/GERMANY - Authorities in Germany have extended temporary border controls at all points of entry until 13 May. Security measures, including stringent identity checks, are set to be most disruptive on the Germany-Austria border. Meanwhile, temporary border controls have also been extended until 15 February in Austria; a further extension is likely. 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. 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.

CANADA - The weather service Environment Canada has issued a warning for extremely cold temperatures, in a number of provinces in Canada, on 12 February. The following areas are anticipated to experience the adverse weather conditions: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. Temperatures are expected to drop below -40 degrees Celsius on 12 February. Extreme cold warnings are issued when temperatures drop and there is an elevated risk of being affected by hypothermia and frost bite. Severe weather conditions are expected to affect most of the above-mentioned areas in the coming 48 hours, at least. The inclement winter weather conditions may result in disruptions to travel services, including air, road, sea and rail travel services. Clients in the affected areas are advised to make allowances for possible disruptions, and consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements. Persons operating in the affected area are advised to monitor weather developments closely and follow any advisories issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients are advised to exercise caution when going outdoors and to wear insulated clothing, a face mask and protective eye-wear as precaution against frostbite and hypothermia.

INDONESIA(SUMBA ISLAND) - A 6.5 magnitude offshore earthquake has been reported approximately 94km west of Waingapu, located on the island of Sumba in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, on 11 February. The earthquake was reported at a depth of approximately 30km. There have been no immediate reports of property damage and/or casualties. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area. No tsunami warnings or evacuation orders have been issued. Indonesia is prone to earthquakes as the country is located in an active seismic area. Aftershocks remain possible in the coming hours, which may cause damage and possible disruptions to transport services and utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. In addition, given the earthquake's shallow depth of focus, the possibility of a tsunami warning being issued in the short-term cannot be ruled out. Persons in the affected area of East Nusa Tenggara province are advised to take the necessary precautions, including following the directives of local authorities.

MOZAMBIQUE(MANICA & SOFALA PROVINCES) - (Update) Members of the opposition Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) have been accused of attacking vehicles travelling on Mozambique's EN1 and EN6 highways (north-south highway) on 11 February. Unknown gunmen opened fire on five vehicles leaving one person dead and three others wounded. The incident is said to have occurred between 05:30 and 07:00 local time. RENAMO had threatened to place checkpoints on major roads in Mozambique's central provinces of Manica and Sofala in the coming days. RENAMO officials indicated that the checkpoints would be erected on the EN1 and EN6 highways, particularly near Inchope where the two roads intersect each other. In response to the threat, the Mozambican police stated that they would dismantle any unsanctioned checkpoints. The checkpoints were reportedly in response to a spate of kidnappings and assassinations of RENAMO officials, which RENAMO blames on the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) party. Tensions between RENAMO on one side, and FRELIMO and the government's security forces on the other side, have been heightened in recent months following a number of shooting incidents and kidnappings targeting RENAMO and FRELIMO officials; each side blames the other for the violence. Furthermore, RENAMO believes the government is failing to provide sufficient protection to RENAMO officials. The stretch of road where the 11 February attacks took place was the scene of repeated attacks on RENAMO vehicles in 2013 and 2014. Clients are advised to take heightened caution in the rural and remote areas of Mozambique's Sofala, Nampula, Tete, Manica, Zambezia and Niassa provinces due to the presence of landmines, as well as intermittent clashes between security forces and armed groups. Due to the risk of conflict and the heightened threat of ambush attacks associated with travel along the EN1 highway in Sofala province, clients are advised to limit intercity road travel and to use commercial air travel instead. If road travel is unavoidable, clients should ensure that all movements are coordinated as part of a convoy and are restricted to daylight hours only. Concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

MALI(KIDAL) - At least two UN peacekeepers were killed and 30 others wounded when suspected militants launched an attack on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) camp, in the northern town of Kidal, early on 12 February. The militants are reported to have attacked the camp at 06:55 local time and are alleged to have opened fire and used rockets in the attack. The MINUSMA forces retaliated, resulting in a two hour battle between the UN forces and the militants, eventually forcing the militants to flee. The incident takes place as the German president, Joachim Gauck, is expected in Mali for a state visit to discuss military training and the deployment of an additional 650 German troops to the MINUSMA. The incident highlights the elevated security risks in northern Mali. The Kidal, Timbuktu, Gao and Mopti regions are particularly insecure, due to the presence of several non-state armed groups, including a number of Islamist extremist organisations. These groupings are generally opposed to the central government and the presence of foreign armed forces, including UN peacekeepers. Clients are advised against all travel to the northern and eastern administrative regions of Gao, Kidal, Mopti and Timbuktu due to various security concerns, particularly the threats of conflict and terrorism.

THAILAND(SOUTHERN THAILAND) - On 10 February, security forces in Pattani province, in southern Thailand, carried out a raid on an insurgent training camp in a remote part of the Nong Chik district. One suspected insurgent was killed while five others fled. Security forces also uncovered weapons, ammunition and bomb-making equipment. In other developments, one soldier and one civilian were killed in a roadside bomb attack in Krong Pinang district, in Yala province, while in Pattani province, one civilian was killed in a gun attack in Yarin district early on 12 February. These latest incidents serve to underscore the persistently insecure security dynamic in southern Thailand; the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Pattani have been plagued by decades of ethnically and religiously motivated violence, which stems from allegations of isolation and discrimination against Malay Muslims by Thailand's predominantly Buddhist government. The resulting separatist insurgency has left thousands dead in the past decade. Although attacks normally target security forces, civilians have been killed in associated violence. Further attacks should be anticipated in the short- to medium-term. Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risks of conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. Persons currently in the area should adhere to the directives of authorities and are advised to implement robust personal, travel and residential security measures at all times.

YEMEN(FURDAT NIHM(NEAR SANAA)) - Forces of a coalition loyal to Yemen President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi reportedly captured a Houthi forward operating base near the capital, Sanaa, on 11 February. The capture of the base in Furdat Nihm, northeast of the capital, followed battles between the pro-Hadi forces and Houthis. Fighting is reportedly ongoing in the vicinity of the base, which has served as a launching area for Houthi operations in the northern and eastern regions of the country. Pro-Hadi assaults on Houthi forces in northern and southern Yemen are ongoing. Progress has been slow in recent months; however, air superiority has provided the pro-Hadi coalition with the impetus to make several gains. Houthi forces have been forced on to the defensive since mid-2015. Sanaa remains the key objective for the pro-Hadi forces. The recapture of the city would be a severe blow for the Houthi forces. Fighting is expected to persist over the medium-term at least, as the rugged terrain will slow any ground advance. Air strikes are also expected to persist, including on Houthi targets in Sanaa. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen due to the ongoing conflict and a number of other security risks, including crime, kidnapping, civil unrest and terrorism.

LIBYA/NIGER/CHAD - Media reports, citing intelligence officials from Niger and Chad, indicate that the authorities in these countries are increasingly concerned about the threat of Islamic State (IS) fighters moving from northern Libya into southern Libya and potentially into their respective countries. Chadian authorities have reportedly issued warnings to local leaders in the north of their country and established additional checkpoints on routes leading from Libya. The development follows increasing indications that foreign governments may be seeking a military option against IS forces amassing in Sirte, in northern Libya. Reports indicate that IS is increasing the defensive posture of their forces in Sirte ahead of possible military strikes or ground force operations. IS poses a significant security concern to states in North Africa, particularly Libya. The group has increased its presence in the country in recent months in and around Sirte. It has also conducted numerous assaults against towns east of this primary stronghold and conducted bombings in major cities elsewhere. Libya is currently proceeding through a protracted negotiation between the country's two rival parliaments. The international community had hoped that a deal between the two sides in December would lay the basis for action against IS; however, the deal has faltered, leading international powers, including the US, to consider unilateral military action. Should foreign intervention occur, militants in Libya could seek refuge in neighbouring states, as they did in 2011. This would result in the destabilisation of nearby countries. It should be noted that Islamist militants, including Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), are already thought to maintain a significant presence across much of the Sahel region. Recent attacks attributed to the group, in Burkina Faso and Mali, underscore the threat. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya, against all travel to the northern Chadian regions of Tibesti, Borkou and Ennedi-Ouest, and against all travel to areas located within a 100km of Niger's border with Libya in Niger. Persons operating in these regions should ensure that they adopt robust security measures, ensure that crisis management plans are regularly updated and that they obtain regular risk assessments from their security provider.

GHANA(OBUASI(ASHANTI REGION) - An AngloGold Ashanti mining area in the Obuasi area of Ghana's southern Ashanti region has been affected by low-level civil unrest in recent weeks. On 12 February, the mining company stated that a member of its management was killed during a violent protest by illegal miners at the site. The incident occurred on 6 February and followed the early February withdrawal of the Ghanaian security forces from the site. No explanation has been given for the withdrawal. The company has since withdrawn all non-essential employees from the site. Tensions are likely to remain elevated at the site over the near-term. The risk of a further escalation in protest activity exists. Note that agitation by illegal miners may also impact on towns and communities in the wider Obuasi vicinity. Persons in the Ashanti region, particularly persons in the mining sector, are advised to monitor related developments closely. Related gathering should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MOROCCO - The authorities in Morocco arrested four suspected militants on 10 February. The arrested persons, who hailed from Meknes, Tetouan, and Martil, were reportedly aligned with the Islamic State (IS) and were planning attacks in the north of the country. The exact location of the arrests and the targets of the militants are unknown. The arrest follows a week after a similar security operation disrupted a seven-person terrorist cell, which was operating in Marrakesh, Laayoune and Boujdour. The government regularly issues statements indicating that it has thwarted planned attacks and arrested persons linked to militant groupings. The arrests underscore the risk of terrorism in the country which stems largely from Islamist extremists. The last major attack in Morocco was in Marrakech in 2011. Clients in Morocco are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. Foreigners should maintain a low public profile and should seek regular itinerary-specific assessments and advice from their security provider.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC(PUERTO PLATA) - A German tourist was shot and killed by two unidentified assailants in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on 11 February. The incident occurred near the Municipal Fire Corps and has been described in the media as an attempted robbery. There is a medium risk of crime in the country with petty crimes the most likely to impact on foreign nationals. Violent crime targeting visitors, while rare, occurs occasionally. Clients operating in the country should ensure that they adopt a basic level of personal security awareness and avoid outward displays of wealth. Travel at night should be avoided.

GERMANY(DRESDEN) - Far-right groups are expected to conduct protest marches in Dresden, located in Germany's Saxony state, on 12 and 13 February. The march, scheduled to commemorate the bombing of Dresden in world War two, is expected to commence in the Dobritz area and conclude in Prohlis on 12 February. On 13 February, participants are set to gather at 10:00 local time at UFA Kristallplast located on St Petersburger Street and proceed to Theatreplatz. The protests are set to be met with counter-protests by rival groups. Far-right groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in Germany, often prompting counter-demonstrations by rival groups. Although the upcoming gatherings will take place amid an increased police presence, the risk of violent civil unrest remains. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the protests. Persons in Dresden on 12 and 13 February are advised to avoid the upcoming protests and any counter-protests as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

GREECE(ATHENS) - (Update) Farmers in Greece are set to stage a major demonstration in the capital, Athens, on 12 February. The protest, which is the latest to be called in response to governmental austerity measures, is expected to take place in the central Syntagma Square, from 18:00 local time. Related protests, including go-slow protests and road blockades, may also take place elsewhere in Athens and on major roads throughout the country. Protests by farmers have been ongoing in Greece since mid-January, and have caused significant disruptions on major roads and at border crossings. The disruptions are set to continue until the government meets their demands. There have been no major acts of violence associated with the agitation to date; however, the risk of low-level clashes does exist. Clients in Greece are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution. Clients in the country or intending to travel via the country's national highways in the near-term are advised to anticipate delays and monitor local media for related updates.

RUSSIA(NIZHNY TAGIL) - Employees of the UralVagonZavod heavy industry company are set to stage a protest in Nizhny Tagil, Russia, from 16:30 local time on 12 February. The workers are protesting against the company's plan to layoff over 2,000 employees amid the currently unfavourable economic conditions in the country. It is unclear if the protest has been authorised by the local authorities; regardless, a major deployment of security forces is expected in the vicinity of the protest gathering. It is unclear how well attended the gathering will be in light of the unfavourable view the local authorities have taken on the protest. Should the protest go ahead, the possibility of altercations between participants and security forces cannot be discounted, particularly if police attempt to disperse the demonstration. The risk of dispersal is highly likely should the authorities take the view that the gathering is unsanctioned. Police officials in Russia generally employ robust and violent crowd dispersal tactics. Clients in Nizhny Tagil on the affected dates are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential delays. All street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

HUNGARY(BUDAPEST) - Incident description: Unionised teachers are set to stage a major demonstration in central Budapest on 13 February. The teachers have organised the protest as part of a campaign to encourage the government to reduce the learning burden on young students, among other things. Protests and demonstrations in Hungary are a frequent occurrence, and take place over a range of political, socio-economic and international concerns. However, the country has no recent history of sustained large-scale civil unrest. Protests are usually announced well in advance, generally proceed under police supervision and conclude without incident. Such gatherings often prompt road restrictions, resulting in localised travel disruptions. Persons in Budapest on 11 February are advised to monitor local media broadcasts for updates on the upcoming protests. Clients are also advised to avoid all street gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients should anticipate and plan for possible travel delays.

INDONESIA(JAKARTA) - A protest, initiated by government employees, is expected to affect Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on 12 February. Associated protests have been reported in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta and have resulted in localised travel disruptions near Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat since 10 February. Government employees have been opposing government-initiated wage reforms and job losses in the public sector. Additionally, protesters are demanding permanent employment and increased benefits. The protests have been well supported since 10 February and have resulted in localised traffic disruptions in the affected areas. As such, further road-based travel disruptions should be anticipated. Additional disruptions to private and public services, including public transport, remain possible. Although the protest has been peaceful thus far, the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Clients in Jakarta are advised to monitor local developments, avoid all possible protest action as a precaution against civil unrest and anticipate disruptions to private and public services.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - The US Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, has warned of a planned protest march scheduled to take place on 13 February. The event is expected to commence in the vicinity of the National Palace of Culture (NDK) at 17:00 local time and conclude in Trakiya Street at 21:00. The protest march has been initiated by far-right groups to commemorate the death of General Hristo Lukov. Lukov was widely criticised for taking a pro-Nazi stance amid the Second World War. Far-right protests in Bulgaria have previously been marred by low-level clashes with rival demonstrators and security forces, and often result in arrests. This is particularly noteworthy in the present instance given the emotive nature of the event and the likely elevated police presence. The protest march is likely to be well attended. As such, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the affected areas. Clients in Sofia on 13 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and make allowances for potential disruptions in the vicinity of the aforementioned areas.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - The Central African Republic (CAR) will hold a delayed presidential run-off election and legislative election on 14 February. The presidential vote will be contested between Anicet Georges Dologuele and Faustin Archange Touadera following a first round in December. The legislative poll in December was invalidated by the Constitutional Court. Campaigning for the election is due to cease at midnight on 12 February. CAR has been chronically insecure since the overthrow of Francois Bozize's regime in 2013. Communal violence and conflict involving multiple non-state armed groups has undermined security and negatively impacted the political stability of the state. The upcoming election is a key point towards some form of stability. Security will likely be increased in the capital, Bangui, and in other towns and cities where voting will occur on 14 February. Nonetheless, the risk of violence during polling, in the period leading up to the poll or after the poll, when results are released, is considered high. Should further claims of fraud or irregularities be made after the presidential and legislative election, the risk of politically motivated civil unrest will increase further. Clients are advised against all travel to the CAR due to political instability and associated insecurity. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly updated and reviewed. Persons in-country during the current election period should avoid all street protests and election-related gatherings and facilities.

INDIA(MUMBAI) - The Make in India business expo will be held in Mumbai, India, from 13 to 18 February. The main event is taking place at the Bandra Kurla Complex, located between the suburbs of Kurla and Bandra. The event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other heads of state, as well as 5,000 high-level business delegations. As a result of the high-profile nature of the event and the threat of terrorism in India, elevated security measures have been put in place; these include three tiers of security in the venue, at the venue entrances, and in the wider area surrounding the venue. No baggage will be allowed into the venue, and thousands of additional security forces have been deployed in the city. The additional security measures have been implemented due to the threat of attacks by ideologically motivated groups who may use the summit to draw attention to their respective causes. As a result of these measures, significant congestion is expected in Mumbai and in the vicinity of the expo venue. Clients in Mumbai are advised to exercise caution for the duration of the summit and to report all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to authorities. In addition, clients should anticipate localised travel disruptions.

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