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

GERMANY/UNITED KINGDOM(RYANAIR) - Ryanair has announced it will launch a Stansted-Hamburg service from November. Flights will depart Stansted at 0740 and 1900, arriving into Hamburg at 1010 and 2130 respectively, with the London-bound legs leaving the German city at 0640 and 1800, landing into Stansted at 0715 and 1835 respectively. The low-cost carrier will open its 80th base in Germany's second largest city, basing two aircraft at Hamburg airport and adding seven new routes to Stansted, Manchester, Brussels, Dublin, Gran Canaria, Milan and Sofia. Aside from the new Manchester-Hamburg route, Ryanair will also launch flights from Manchester to Berlin and Nuremberg from the start of November.

BAHRAIN(eVISAS) - Bahrain has introduced eVisas to visitors from eleven African countries, marking the third phase of the Kingdom's new visa policy. The new phase allows nationals from Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Cameroon, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritius and Seychelles to obtain their visas online ahead of travel, via the government's eVisa website. The new visa policy was introduced in October 2014 and allowed nationals from over 100 countries to obtain a visa either online ahead of travel, via Bahrain's government eVisa website, or upon arrival. In April 2015, a second phase was introduced enabling both business visitors and tourists to spend longer periods of time in the Kingdom. The new policy dictates that business visas are multi-entry and valid for up to a month, while visitor visas are valid for three months and are also multi-entry. GCC residents of any nationality are eligible to receive multi-entry visas on arrival or online making it easier for expatriates living in the region to travel to Bahrain. Furthermore, nationals from countries that are not included in the countries eligible for eVisas or visas on arrival can still apply for eVisas if they have a visit visa for any other GCC country.

GHANA(ACCRA(KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)) - Disruptions to air traffic services at Ghana's Kotoka International Airport which serves the capital, Accra, are anticipated from 19 February. The disruptions are a result of an ongoing dispute between the country's aviation authority and the Ghana Airports Company Limited. Although the nature of the disruptions is unknown, delays and possible flight cancellations should be anticipated. The duration of the disruptions is unknown. Persons intending to transit Kotoka International Airport are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s).

ITALY(NAPLES) - As of 15 February, approximately 1,000 additional security officials have been deployed in Naples, Italy, to combat the recent uptick in crime. At least 12 people are said to have been killed since January 2016 in gang-related violence. According to authorities, recent incidents of violent crime have been attributed to local organised criminal groups. This comes following the arrest of a number of high-level leaders amid recent security raids targeting Camorra, an organised crime group. Crime is assessed to be low overall; however, the threat is elevated in major urban areas such as Naples. Organised criminal groups, such as the Camorra, 'Ndrangheta and Sacra Corona Unita, operate throughout Italy; however, these groups are more prevalent in the south, including in Naples and on the island of Sicily. Such groups sporadically resort to violence to intimidate or settle disputes with rival groups, politicians and law enforcement agencies. While there are numerous anti-organised crime initiatives and programmes targeting these groups, they continue to have a strong operational presence in the country. It should be noted that while such violence predominately affects those linked to organised crime groups and locals, there exists an incidental risk to all persons in the vicinity of associated violence. Increased security, including disruptive security raids in response to the recent violence, is expected to remain for the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in Naples are advised to exercise heightened situational and personal security at all times, especially when travelling in higher-risk areas and after dark.

FRANCE(RHONE-ALPES REGION) - Unionised railway workers are set to observe a four-day strike action against the SNCF rail operator in the Rhone-Alpes region, starting at 18:00 local time on 18 February. The industrial action will conclude at 23:59 on 22 February and has been called in opposition to proposed job cuts. Intercity and regional trains are expected to be affected. Disruptions, including delays and cancellations, should be anticipated during the upcoming industrial action. Furthermore, an increase in demand for alternate modes of transport is also likely during the strike period. Clients intending to make use of rail services in the Rhone-Alpes region on the affected days are advised to contact their travel provider or the rail operator for an update on the status of travel arrangements.

TOGO(DANKPEN PREFECTURE, KARA REGION(MENINGITIS)) - Health authorities in Togo have notified the public of an ongoing meningitis outbreak across the Dankpen Prefecture, located in the country's northern Kara region. According to reports on 18 February, as many as 24 meningitis-related deaths and 324 suspected cases of infection have been recorded in the area since early January. The government has announced the implementation of a vaccination campaign in order to curb the spread of the disease. Meningococcal meningitis is an extremely dangerous infection of the fluid and tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease is marked by the sudden onset of fever, intense headaches, a stiff neck, nausea and rashes. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light and an altered mental state. Meningitis is easily spread from person to person by exposure to infected secretions from the nose or throat. Clients currently in or intending to travel to Togo, particularly Dankpen, should ensure that they have been vaccinated against the disease. Persons currently in the country who are exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms are advised to consult a medical practitioner immediately.

BRAZIL(DENGUE FEVER) - Brazil has seen a marked increase in the number of countrywide cases and probable cases of dengue fever in January and February 2016. Reports indicate that the number of cases has increased by nearly 50 percent across the country, with approximately 74,000 probable cases reported between 3 January and 23 January 2016, compared to the same period in 2015. Rio de Janeiro state has been particularly affected; on 16 February, officials reported a nearly 146 percent increase in suspected cases, with 10,3111 cases reported in January and February 2016, compared to the 4,182 cases during same period in 2015. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, backache, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, eye pain and rash. Symptoms of dengue fever usually present within 3 to 14 days of receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. The disease usually begins appearing in February and March, but has occurred earlier due to the rain and temperature changes caused by the El Nino weather system. The increase in dengue cases coincides with an ongoing regional Zika virus outbreak. Both diseases are caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Clients in Brazil should take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Persons displaying symptoms are advised to contact their medical practitioner. Persons concerned about the spread or impact of dengue or the Zika virus in Brazil should consult with their medical practitioner or contact their security or travel provider for further information.

BRAZIL(RIO DE JANEIRO) - An Argentinean tourist was fatally stabbed by two unknown assailants in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 16 February. The incident reportedly took place on Avenida Atlantica, which is located in the vicinity of the Copacabana beach. Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the incident. Further details regarding the incident remain unavailable. This incident underscores the high risk of crime in Brazil, particularly in major cities such as Rio de Janeiro. Petty street crime, fuelled by high levels of poverty, is the most prevalent concern, although violent crime incidents can periodically affect visitors. High-risk areas for violent crime are typically low-income areas (favelas), where gangs are known to operate; nonetheless, the recent incident demonstrates that no area is immune to violent criminal activity. Reports indicate there has been a steady increase in mass robberies by gangs of youths on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana and Ipanema beaches since early 2015. Additionally, an anticipated uptick in opportunistic crime incidents is expected ahead of and during the 2016 Olympics hosted by the country. It should be noted the risk of physical violence increases if robbery attempts are resisted. Clients in Brazil are advised to exercise heightened caution, particularly when in busy or crowded areas, and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. Suspicious groups or individuals should be reported to authorities immediately. Foreign visitors should avoid travel at night, particularly on foot, and should consider being escorted, particularly in cities, by a trusted local escort.

SOUTH SUDAN(MALAKAL, UPPER NILE STATE) - Recent reports indicate that at least seven people were killed and a further 32 wounded following armed clashes at an internally displaced person (IDP) camp at a United Nations (UN) base in Malakal, located in South Sudan's Upper Nile state, overnight on 17/18 February. Conflicting reports have blamed the violence on inter-ethnic conflict between Dinka and Nuer youths at the camp, while others assert that unidentified gunmen were responsible. It is unclear whether the situation has since been resolved; local media reported that gunfire was still ongoing at the camp early on 18 February. Conflict between government and rebel forces initially began in late December 2013; however, the country has experienced an escalation in violence in recent months. Indeed, militants have carried out a number of offensives against strategic cities in South Sudan's northern Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei states since late June 2015. Persistent fighting has resulted in numerous casualties and the widespread displacement of local communities, further underscoring the extreme security risk in the region. Mediation efforts to bring a negotiated end to the hostilities remain unsuccessful to date. Clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan due to ongoing conflict and political instability in the country. Persons currently in or intending to travel to South Sudan are advised to register their presence with their respective diplomatic representation and have a comprehensive contingency plan in place.

LIBYA(SABHA) - Communal violence in Sabha, located in southern Libya, on 16 and 17 February left at least three people dead and 35 others wounded. The worst-affected area was the city's central al-Manshiya district. Local media, citing Sabha officials, stated that the violence was attributed to supporters of the former Muammar al-Gaddafi regime. The violence coincided with the anniversary of the start of the 2011 uprising against the al-Gaddafi regime on 17 February. Sabha has been affected by sporadic communal violence since 2011 involving various armed groups and rival communities. Violence can persist for a number of days after an initial outbreak. The threat of further violence, including retaliatory attacks, cannot be discounted. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in Sabha should travel with a security escort, avoid travel at night and reside in secure compounds.

COSTA RICA(GUANACASTE PROVINCE) - At least five people, including a US national, were fatally stabbed in Matapalo de Santa Cruz, located in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province, on 16 February. According to reports, a family of seven was attacked in their home by a Nicaraguan national who subsequently fled and is believed to still be at large. The victims are believed to be a US national, his Costa Rican wife and three of their children. At least two other children survived the attack and are in stable condition at a nearby hospital. Authorities have indicated the incident may have been related to a personal dispute, although other motives for the attack cannot be discounted. An investigation has been launched into the incident. There is a medium risk of crime in Costa Rica. Regardless of the motive for the attack, violent crime is a growing concern in the country. Although the majority of victims of the more serious crimes, such as murder and sexual assault, are local residents, the risk remains elevated for foreign nationals with a long term presence in the country, as this most recent incident demonstrates. Persons in Costa Rica on a short- or long-term basis should be aware of the medium, but increasing, risk of violent crime in the country, and should remain vigilant at all times.

PAKISTAN(MOHMAND AGENCY) - Up to nine security force members have been killed in two militant attacks in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) overnight on 17/18 February. The incidents took place in the Mohmand agency. The first took place at a police checkpoint outside a village in the Pandyali area, where seven fatalities took place. The second attack was launched against a solar power installation in the Michni area, leaving two police officers dead. The attack has subsequently been claimed by assailants from the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP). There is an extreme threat of terrorism throughout Pakistan, with the threat highest in the chronically insecure FATA. State facilities as well as civilian interests are regularly targeted by militant groups such as the TTP. The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the TTP is thought to be the dominant militant grouping in Mohmand agency. Despite a reduction in the number of attacks since the launch of a large-scale military offensive into parts of FATA in June 2014. Nonetheless, as these incidents demonstrate the threat of militant attacks remains elevated. Due to extreme conflict and terrorism risks, as well as the high risks of crime and kidnapping, all travel to FATA province is advised against. Persons currently in FATA are advised to implement maximum personal, travel and residential security measures. Clients are further advised to follow the directives issued by local authorities and security forces; all movements should be coordinated in the presence of a security escort and during daylight hours only.

VENEZUELA - Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, announced a series of measures on 17 February to prevent the collapse of the economy, including devaluing the currency and increasing the fuel price. The increase in the fuel price, from 0.1 bolivars per litre to six bolivars, is the first increase in two decades. Following an increase in 1989, the country was affected by severe rioting that left hundreds of people dead. The recent measures increase the risk of anti-government civil unrest over the near-term. Venezuela's economy has struggled recently in response to a falling oil price. The country derives the bulk of its export income from oil revenues. This has resulted in shortages of basic commodities and increasing inflation. Shortages have at times resulted in reactionary disruptive protests across the country, and the recent measures will increase the risk of an intensification in these protests over the near-term. Likely unrest areas include fuel distribution points and traditional protest areas, such as major government buildings, public squares and city centres. The economic measures also coincide with ongoing tensions between the legislature and the executive. The emergence of the Mesa de la Unidad Democratica (MUD) coalition during the December legislative election is largely viewed as being a consequence of the economic decline. Maduro and his Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) have sought to sideline the MUD-dominated National Assembly in recent weeks. It has also utilised the pro-PSUV Supreme Court to overturn the legislature's decisions, including a recent reversal of the legislature's decision to curtail the executive's powers. This competition has served to further undermine the country's stability and its short-term outlook. Clients in or planning to travel to Venezuela are advised to monitor local political and economic developments closely. Crisis management plans, including evacuation plans, should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider. This is particularly pertinent for organisations with a long-term presence in the country. Caution is advised while travelling in the country and all street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

TURKEY(DIYARBAKIR PROVINCE) - A roadside bomb blast targeting a military convoy has been reported in Turkey's south eastern Diyarbakir province on 18 February. Conflicting reports regarding the incident have emerged; however, what is known is that the blast took place on the Diyarbakir-Lice highway and caused the fatalities of at least five soldiers. The government has deployed thousands of police and military personnel to the south east to confront the PKK after a ceasefire broke down in July 2015. Since then, the hostilities have left at least 2,000 people dead amid a sharp increase in PKK-connected acts of violence and Turkish security operations. Given the currents dynamics, conflict is expected to persist for the short-term at least. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to a number of south eastern provinces, including Diyarbakir, due to the risk of conflict between the Turkish military and Kurd rebels, as well as elevated risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime.

IRAQ(DAHUK, ARBIL & SULAYMANIYAH, INCLUDING HALABJA) - Two separate security incidents impacting on the Kurdish political party, Gorran, were reported in northern Iraq on 17 February. In the first incident, a bomb exploded near a Gorran party office in Chamchamal in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)-controlled region on 17 February. There were no casualties reported. The perpetrators of the attack are unknown. In the second incident, unidentified assailants abducted a former Gorran member, Kamaran Sarspi, in Arbil city. He was released later in the day after being assaulted. The victim stated that he was kidnapped in the Hevalan Alley area and that his assailants had warned him against 'speaking out about the government and its actions'. Gorran is a relative newcomer to politics in the KRG having emerged in 2009 to challenge the two established Kurdish political parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Gorran has achieved notable gains since 2009 and is currently the second-largest party in the KRG Parliament. It frequently calls for political reforms and has been at the forefront of calls to find a solution to the position of KRG president, currently held by KDP leader, Massoud Barzani. His term ended in 2015 and he has resisted attempts to step aside. This contested political environment has been characterised by frequent low-level politically motivated security incidents, including bombings and assaults. The recent incidents are viewed as a continuation of this trend. The political infighting has not undermined the security environment and has not, nor is it expected to, directly impact on foreign nationals or interests over the near-term. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the KRG-controlled regions of Dahuk, Arbil and Sulaymaniyah, including Halabja. This region includes core Kurd territory located east of the Green Line and does not include disputed territory west of the Green Line, of which the KRG assumed control in June 2014. Clients are advised against all travel to this disputed area. Clients in the KRG should monitor political developments closely, avoid all street protests, limit time near political party offices and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly updated in conjunction with a security provider.

IRAQ(DAHUK GOVERNORATE) - Turkish military aircraft conducted air strikes against Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) targets in northern Iraq on 17 February. The strikes, against PKK camps in the Zap, Avasin and Haftanin areas near the shared Iraq Turkey border, followed a bombing in Turkey's capital, Ankara, on 17 February. The PKK also recently issued a statement indicating that Turkish military ground forces bombarded their Iraq positions on 16 February in the Zap area. Turkish military air strikes and artillery bombardments of PKK camps, in the mountainous region along the shared Turkey Iraq border, are frequently reported. These attacks tend to intensify in response to Turkish military offensives against the PKK in the south east of Turkey, or following major acts of terrorism in the country. There have been no claims of responsibility for the Ankara attack to date; however, the Turkish government has blamed the Kurdish and Syria-based YPG, an ally of the PKK. Turkish military strikes tend to impact on rural areas only. Major northern Iraqi towns and cities are rarely impacted. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to a number of northern Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)-controlled governorates, including Dahuk. Persons operating in this area should do so with a security escort. Travel near the border with Turkey should be conducted along major routes and through legitimate border crossings only.

UKRAINE(KIEV) - Events commemorating the deaths of up to 130 anti-government protesters, known as the Heavenly Hundred Heroes, during violent unrest related to Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity will take place in the capital, Kiev, from 18 to 21 February. Memorial vigils are expected to take place in Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) from 19:00 local time on 18 and 19 February. On 20 February a major commemorative rally is expected in Independence Square from 17:00. Finally, on 21 February, a commemorative procession will take place in the city centre. The march route is expected to include Mykhailo Hrushevsky Street, St Michael's Square, Instytutska Street and Independence Square. City authorities have mobilised over 4,000 police and special forces ahead of the commemorative events. Independence Square and surrounding roads have been closed to traffic. Demonstrations either in support of or opposing the commemorative events may take place elsewhere in the country, particularly in Kharkiv and Odessa. The Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes officially falls on 20 February. It commemorates the deaths of nearly 130 civilians during a series of violent anti-government protests between 21 November 2013 and 22 February 2014. The demonstrations culminated in the ouster of former president, Viktor Yanukovych, in late February 2014. Commemorative events are held on this weekend as it correlates with the deadliest period during the Revolution of Dignity; from 18 to 22 February 2014, at least 86 protesters were killed in clashes with security forces and rival protesters. The upcoming events are expected to be well attended and supported by numerous activist groups. Associated road travel disruptions in the vicinity of Independence Square and reported demonstrations should be expected. Furthermore, it should be noted that although the primary events are set to take place in Kiev, gatherings remain a possibility elsewhere. In 2015, a related gathering in Kharkiv was targeted with an explosive; three people were killed as a result. Clients in Kiev on the affected days are advised to avoid the vicinity of the aforementioned locations, if possible, and should avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution against violent civil unrest. Furthermore, it should be noted that all non-essential travel to the eastern Kharkiv region is advised against, due to the threat of potentially violent civil unrest.

GUINEA - (Update) A countrywide general strike, launched by the National Confederation of Workers of Guinea (CNTG) and the Trade Union of Guinean Workers (USTG) in Guinea on 15 February, continues unabated as of early 18 February. Although the industrial action was called in response to several grievances, the high cost of fuel in Guinea has proven to be the unions' primary concern. The agitation has resulted in notable disruptions to business and travel services in various urban centres across the country, including the capital, Conakry. It should be noted that negotiations between the government and the aforementioned unions are ongoing. As such, the strike action may be suspended or cancelled on an ad hoc basis. In addition, should any strike-related demonstrations take place, precedent suggests that protest gatherings could be forcibly dispersed by security forces. Robust crowd control measures may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in Guinea in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action and for announcements of any related demonstrations. All protest gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to ensure that itineraries remain flexible to accommodate for any potential business and travel disruptions resulting from the strike conditions.

HONDURAS(TEGUCIGALPA) - Activist and civic groups, including Plataforma Indignada, are set to stage a protest march in Tegucigalpa, capital of Honduras, on 19 February. The protest has been called against alleged government corruption and maladministration. Participants are expected to gather outside the Plaza Tigo from 17:00 local time and proceed to the Public Ministry, where a rally will be held. The upcoming protest is the latest in a series of anti-corruption protests in the city in recent months. While the march is expected to conclude peacefully, protests in Honduras have the potential to turn violent, and security forces are known to use heavy-handed tactics in dealing with dissent. As such, the possibility of isolated skirmishes occurring during the upcoming march cannot be discounted. Localised traffic disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of related gatherings. Persons in Tegucigalpa on 19 February are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution and make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

IRELAND(DUBLIN) - Activist group Right2Water is set to hold a mass demonstration in Ireland's capital, Dublin, on 20 February. The demonstration has been called in protest against the imposition of higher water levies introduced by the government in 2014. Participants are expected to gather at the Garden of Remembrance, located on Parnell Square East from 14:00 local time. The upcoming demonstration is the latest in a series of protests held by the group in recent months. Related rallies have drawn large crowds and have resulted in significant travel disruptions. Although the upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between protesters and police cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the gathering. Persons in Dublin on 20 February are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions.

UNITED KINGDOM(PRESTON) - Rival demonstrations are expected in Preston, in the UK, on 20 February. Far-right group, English Defence League (EDL) will hold a demonstration in the vicinity of the Blackamoor Head pub, located on Lancaster Road, with participants expected to gather from 10:30 local time. Anti-fascist and civic groups will hold a demonstration at the Catherine Beckett Hall, located on Deepdale Road, from 19:00. Although the upcoming demonstrations are anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated incidents between participants and police cannot be discounted. The events are set to be well attended and accompanied by an increased police presence; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration sites. Persons in Preston on 20 February are advised to avoid the vicinity of the protests if possible and localised disruptions are anticipated.

EGYPT - Egypt's Doctors Syndicate has called for demonstrations across the country on 20 February to protest against assaults by police officials on medical practitioners and a new health insurance law. The gatherings are anticipated at all government hospitals. The protests are not expected to result in significant acts of violence; however, confrontations between protesters and the police are possible as are road travel disruptions in the vicinity of government hospitals on 20 February. Clients operating near government hospitals on 20 February should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and should avoid all protests as a standard precaution.

PANAMA(CHIRIQUI PROVINCE) - (Update) Unionised truck drivers have suspended their indefinite strike ahead of a negotiation meeting, expected to be held in Panama's Chiriqui province, on 24 February. The striking drivers have threatened to intensify the strike with related protest action should the negotiation results not be in their favour. The strike has been called in response to several work-related grievances, including disputes over customs fees. It should be noted that the drivers had threatened to prevent the entry and exist of vehicles from Paso Canoas, a city shared between Chiriqui and the Puntarenas province in Costa Rica, as part of the strike action. Incidents of civil unrest occur sporadically in Panama. Although these rarely result in widespread violence, demonstrations regularly lead to localised travel disruptions. Demonstrations by the truck drivers at Paso Canoas may result in residual road travel disruptions along sections of the Pan-American Highway, particularly if roadblocks are established. Persons in Chiriqui over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action and for advisories from the authorities. Roadblocks by protesting truck drivers should be avoided, if possible.

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