Global Reach | Now Boarding Blog | Services | ATG

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

CAMEROON(DOUALA AND YAOUNDE) - Douala International Airport in Cameroon is due to close from 1 to 21 March. The closure is reportedly due to maintenance work at the facility. During the closure, flights will be redirected to Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport. Personnel intending to fly to and from the affected facilities between 1 and 21 March are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure. Personnel who intend operating in Douala should ensure that travel arrangements between Yaounde and Douala are also reconfirmed. As an additional precaution, travellers should contact their security provider for an update on the security situation along the Douala to Yaounde route and for security recommendations.

HUNGARY(CROATIA RAIL BORDERS) - Authorities in Hungary announced the month-long closure of three railway border crossings with Croatia on 18 February. The affected railway borders include Murakeresztur-Kotoriba, Gyekenyes-Koprivnica and Magyarboly-Beli Manastir. The closure is set to be in effect from 21 February and is expected to result in disruptions to international rail services between the two countries. This development forms part of the ongoing security strategy to curb the influx of migrants transiting through Hungary and Croatia. Amid the ongoing European migration crisis, countries such as Hungary have undertaken a number of security measures, including the closure of both land and rail borders and the suspension of associated travel services, to cope with the unprecedented immigration of asylum seekers. It should be noted that such measures have resulted in disruptions to travel services, as well as low-level incidents of civil unrest, at affected border areas and associated transport hubs. Due to the ongoing crisis, further border closures and associated travel disruptions should be anticipated. Persons travelling via the Hungary-Croatia border should reconfirm the status of their intended border crossing point prior to departure.

URUGUAY(COUNTRYWIDE) - Health authorities in Uruguay are investigating over 100 suspected cases of dengue fever after it was confirmed that a local resident in the capital, Montevideo, had contracted the disease. Local transmission of dengue in the country is rare, with most cases being imported (persons acquire the disease in nearby states and then return). The number of cases investigated in early 2016 is nearly three times as many as during the same period in 2015. Dengue fever is an infectious mosquito-borne disease. Uruguay is one of three countries in the Americas, the others being Canada and continental Chile, which have reported no cases of the disease. Dengue fever impacts on tens of thousands of people elsewhere in the region each year. Recently, Zika virus infections, another mosquito-borne disease, have also been widely reported, coinciding with the annual dengue fever outbreaks. There have been no Zika cases in Uruguay. Symptoms of dengue fever usually present within three to 14 days of receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. These symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, eye pain and rash. There is no vaccination against dengue. Clients in Uruguay should monitor local media closely for updates on the situation and for further guidance. Travellers should take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.

COMOROS(COUNTRYWIDE) - Comoros will hold a presidential election on 21 February with a second round scheduled for 10 April. Voting will only take place on Grande Comore on 21 February. The other two major islands Anjouan and Moheli will join the vote for the second round. Primary presidential elections were held on Anjouan in 2006 and Moheli in 2011. Running concurrently with the presidential elections, Comorians will also vote for governors of all three islands. The election period has been relatively calm to date and no civil unrest is anticipated during and after the election. Nonetheless, the potential for low-level protests, particularly once results are released, remains a possibility. Disruptions to business and state operating hours are likely on voting day. Clients in the Comoros during the election period are advised to monitor political developments closely. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

NIGER(COUNTRYWIDE) - Niger will hold a general election on 21 February. Nigeriens will vote for a president (with a possible run-off on 20 March) and for members of the National Assembly. The US Embassy in Niamey has warned of possible demonstrations before and after the election and of possible terrorist attacks targeting election-related events.
The pre-election period has seen an increase in political tensions. Prominent political personalities have been arrested and a coup plot against President Mahamadou Issoufou was purportedly foiled in December. There is an elevated threat of unrest in the country, particularly after results are released. The risk increases if the election is particularly closely contested, Issoufou loses or if allegations of fraud are made. Protests, should they occur, are unlikely to be announced in advance. Election-related facilities, political party offices and government buildings are likely gathering points. Increased security measures should also be anticipated during the election. These could include additional military and police patrols, restrictions on travel across borders and the implementation of curfews. Clients are advised against all travel to areas located within a 50km radius of Niger's shared border with Nigeria in the administrative regions of Diffa and Zinder and against all travel to areas located within a 100km radius of Niger's shared borders with Chad, Algeria, Libya and Mali. Personnel are advised against non-essential travel to the rest of the country. Clients in the country should monitor political and security developments closely during the election period. Heightened caution is advised near election-related facilities and gatherings. Street protests should be avoided as a precaution.

FUJI/TONGA(MULTIPLE COUNTRIES) - Tropical Storm Winston is expected to increasingly impact Tonga and then Fiji in the coming hours. After resulting in disruptions in Vava'u (Tonga) on 16 and 17 February, the storm initially proceeded in a south easterly direction away from the affected islands; however, it has subsequently changed directions and is currently moving back towards the territories in a south westerly direction. Storm warnings remain in effect for Lau Islands, Taveuni, Lomaiviti, Viti, Levu and Kadavu in Fiji as well as Vava'u, Niuatoputapu, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua located in Tonga. The storm is expected to impact the affected areas once again, as a Category 4 storm. In Fiji, Kadavu and the capital, Suva, are forecast to be impacted by inclement weather, including strong winds and rains. Fiji's National Disaster Management Office has issued several advisories to residents in the affected areas and has deployed emergency services in anticipation of the storm. The Tonga National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) has also deployed emergency services in anticipation of the storm which is currently situated approximately 250km south east of Niuafo'ou and set to affect the country in the coming hours. In Vava'u, power lines were damaged, resulting in intermittent power disruptions. Moderate infrastructural damage was also reported, although there have been no confirmed casualties. Additionally, authorities have warned that further damage to infrastructure may affect water accessibility, damage drainage systems and mosquito control measures in Tonga. This may result in waterborne diseases or a new outbreak of the Zika virus and exacerbate current efforts to contain the virus. Tropical Storm Winston is expected to weaken considerably as it tracks over cooler sea temperatures from 20 February and begins tracking in a south easterly direction away from Fiji. The erratic pattern and uncharacteristic strength of the storm has been attributed to the El Nino phenomenon, which has resulted in warmer than average sea waters, which has served to strengthen the storm. The storm system is expected to bring further heavy rains and strong winds to the affected region over the next 24 hours. Associated flooding and coastal storm surges should be anticipated. Further disruptions to power supply and transport (air, road and sea) should be anticipated. Clients in the affected region are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Travellers should reconfirm the status of their transport service(s) with their travel provider or the relevant local transport authority prior to departure. Travellers currently in Tonga should take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Empty all standing water around residences, cover water tanks, avoid accumulating waste near residences, unblock drains, use screens and mosquito nets, cover exposed skin, and use mosquito repellents. Clients concerned about the spread of waterborne diseases or requiring further information should contact their medical practitioner.

RUSSIA(COUNTRYWIDE) - Disruptions to road travel and commercial trucking services are expected countrywide in Russia from 20 February. Truck drivers, as well as numerous truck associations, have called for a ten-day strike in protest of the proposed increase in road toll prices. Associated protest activity is expected to accompany the strike, with drivers expected to stage a number of go-slow protests and blockades along national and regional highways, as well as at vehicle depots. Demonstrations are also expected in a number of urban and remote areas of the country, including the capital, Moscow, as well as Ivanovo, Penza, Rostov-on-Don, Saratov and St Petersburg. The upcoming strike is the latest in series of strikes and protests by truck drivers and associations since late November 2015. While it is currently unclear how well the action and associated protest activity will be supported, disruptions to commercial trucking services and road travel is anticipated. Due to ongoing negotiations and the nature of the dispute, the action may be suspended or extended on an ad hoc basis. Persons in Russia during the aforementioned strike period are advised to monitor local media for updates and developments regarding the strike action and avoid all large gatherings and security force concentrations as a precaution.

FRANCE(CALAIS) - Veterans and far right groups, including Resistance et Unite, are set to stage an unsanctioned demonstration in Calais, France, on 20 February. The demonstration has been called in protest of the arrest of former general of the Foreign Legion, General Christian Piquemal, following an anti-immigration protest held in the city on 6 February. Participants are expected to gather at the Gare de Calais-Ville at 14:00 local time and proceed to the Stade du Souvenir. While event organisers have emphasised the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, there remains a threat of low-level confrontations at anti-immigration protests in the city. Associated demonstrations have previously been marred by incidents of unrest, including clashes between police and participants. As such, the possibility of incidents of violence occurring at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. The demonstration is expected to be well attended and accompanied by an increased police presence; as such, localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration-affected sites. Persons in Calais on 20 February are advised to avoid large street protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Clients should make allowances for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of associated gatherings.

INDIA(HARYANA STATE) - Protest action, predominantly by members of the Jat community, has continued in Haryana state on 19 February. Jat community members are pressuring the government to be included in India's caste-based quota system. Although initially peaceful, protests in the city of Rohtak degenerated into violence after police opened fire, using live ammunition to disperse protesters near the Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) campus. At least one person was killed and six more were wounded. As a result of the violence, additional security forces have been deployed to the city, all gatherings of more than five people have been prohibited and mobile phone and internet services have been suspended in parts of Rohtak district. Protests and associated disruptions have also taken place in other parts of Haryana, including Jind, Bhiwani, Sonepat, Hisar and Panipat. In addition, Haryana Roadways has suspended bus services across parts of the state, and there have also been widespread cancellations of train services as a result of attacks on public transport infrastructure by demonstrators. The Jat community has been agitating to be included in India's caste-based quota system, which has been aimed at uplifting traditionally disadvantaged caste groups. Jats assert that they are unable to compete with less privileged castes for jobs, as the latter has a proportion of jobs have been set aside for them. The protests, which had been largely peaceful in recent days and had been restricted to road and rail blockades only, have since escalated in light of the deadly clashes between security forces and demonstrators. The violence is likely to have considerably increased tensions in the state, and despite the additional troops deployment and ban on gatherings, additional protest action is likely. In light of the current restrictions in place, any further agitation is likely to be met with a forceful response. Clients in Haryana state are advised to avoid all protest action, monitor local developments and anticipate localised travel disruptions.

SOUTH AFRICA(PRETORIA) - A protest march, initiated by the ruling African National Congress (ANC), is underway in South Africa's capital, Pretoria, on 19 February. The march, which commenced in Burgers Park, is well-supported and has resulted in localised disruptions along the affected roads. Road closures have been reported in Hamilton, Pretorius, Leyds, Stanza Bopape and Johannes Ramokhoase streets. Protesters are expected to conclude the march at the Union Buildings, located in the vicinity of Lillian Ngoyi and Madiba Streets, in the coming hours. The march has been initiated in support of unity, non-racialism and democracy. Continued localised road-based disruptions should be anticipated in the coming hours. Although there have been no reported acts of violence or unrest thus far, the possibility of such incidents occurring cannot be entirely discounted. Politically motivated protests and demonstrations in South Africa have previously become violent and/or disruptive with little to no warning. Confrontations between security forces and protesters may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Clients in the affected areas of Pretoria are advised to make additional travel allowances. All related protests and gatherings should be avoided as a precaution against civil unrest.

HUNGARY(BUDAPEST) - Teachers and student unions and associations are set to hold a demonstration in Hungary's capital, Budapest, on 19 February. The demonstration has been called with regard to a number of labour-related disputes within the education sector, including wages and work schedules. Participants are expected to gather near the Teleki Blanka Grammar School, located on Ajtosi Durer sor from 17:00 local time. the upcoming protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations held by teachers and student unions and associations in recent months, with the most recent mass demonstration having taken place at the capital's Kossuth Square on 3 February. The demonstrations have been largely peaceful; however, the possibility of low-level incidents of unrest at the upcoming event cannot be discounted. As with previous associated protest action, attendance at the upcoming demonstration is expected to be high; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration-affected site. Due to the ongoing nature of the dispute within the sector, further associated protest action is expected to persist for the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in Budapest on 19 February are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as precaution. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated at associated gatherings.

BANGLADESH(DHAKA) - According to recently released reports, a dual US-Bangladeshi national was kidnapped by unknown assailants in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on 17 February. Although details remain unclear, it is believed he was abducted from his car on the Mohakhali flyover by six to eight assailants while travelling in his car from the central Motijheel area to his residence, on Park Road in the upmarket Baridhara residential area, where several diplomatic missions are located. According to reports, his vehicle was forced off the road by a white minivan. His driver was beaten and he was forced into the minivan and driven away. There have been no claims of responsibility and no ransom demands have been publicly made or received. The victim had been in the country since 22 January. There is a medium threat of kidnapping in Bangladesh with the vast majority of incidents affecting locals and being purely criminally/financially motivated. In some cases victims are specifically targeted and surveilled prior to an abduction, as is possible in this latest kidnapping; as a dual national, specifically one from a Western country, the victim would be perceived as wealthy and having access to considerable funds with which to pay a ransom. In such instances, it is possible that somebody known to the victim, such as a family member, friend, co-worker or employee, may be involved in the abduction. However, in other cases, criminal groups carry out no pre-operational planning, but target victims based purely on an outward appearance of wealth. This is also a possibility as there have been other kidnapping incidents on the Mohakhali flyover in recent months in which the victims were abducted first, and then used personal items such as emails on the victim's phone/laptop to gauge his or her wealth before demanding a ransom. Clients in Dhaka should exercise heightened situational awareness and be alert to the possibility of being under surveillance. Itineraries should not be made public. Accommodation should be sought in secure premises and all travel should be conducted via private means; public transport should be avoided.

INDIA(COUNTRYWIDE) - (Update) Student-led protests calling for the release of student leader Kanhaiya Kumar escalated in India on 18 February. Demonstrations that were limited to the capital, Delhi, have since spread to other major urban centres; these include Chennai (Tamil Nadu state), Kolkata (West Bengal), Hyderabad (Telangana), Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Bengaluru (Karnataka) amid others. Counter-demonstrations in favour of Kumar's detention have also taken place, with clashes being reported between opposing groups of protesters in some cities, notably Kolkata. Additional protest action has been called at dozens of universities across the country in the coming days. Kumar is the student union leader at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi. He was arrested and charged with sedition on 13 February in connection with a controversial 9 February speech he gave at an event that was being held at JNU. The event marked the third anniversary of the hanging of convicted terrorist Afzal Guru. Kumar was due to remain in custody until 2 March, but given the escalating protest action over his continued detention, a special hearing will be held on 19 February to determine if he can be released on bail with immediate effect. Should he be granted bail, protest action is likely to diminish as the majority of demonstrations have been calling for his release. However, given that some demonstrations have been calling for his continued detention, such action from this quarter may escalate in the event of his release. Irrespective of what decision is made over his bail application, protest action is likely to continue in the coming days to some degree. As with all protest action in India, there is a high threat of violence as security forces are known to use violence as a first resort when dealing with dissent. The risk to foreign nationals is incidental only. Clients in India's larger urban centres, especially Delhi, are advised to avoid all protests and related gatherings, especially those on university campuses, as a standard precaution. Local developments should be monitored.

UGANDA(KAMPALA) - (Update) Ugandan presidential candidate and opposition leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, Kizza Besigye, was detained by the police on 19 February. This is the third time he has been detained during the week of 15 February. Police also clashed with FDC supporters in the capital, Kampala. The violence occurred near the FDC headquarters in the city's Najanankumbi area, which lies near the Kampala-Entebbe Road linking the capital to Entebbe International Airport. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the road has been closed. The arrest and clashes coincide with vote counting following presidential elections on 18 February. Initial results indicate that incumbent president Yoweri Museveni has a sizeable lead over Besigye. Low-level incidents of civil unrest are expected to continue in Kampala and other major urban centres coinciding with the current election period. There have already been claims by the opposition of voter fraud. Additional accusations, arrests of members of the opposition and the anticipated victory of Museveni could lead to further politically motivated civil unrest over the near-term. An elevated security presence should be expected in Kampala over the near-term. Further road closures, travel restrictions (including curfews) and police patrols and checkpoints in the city centre and along major roads should be anticipated. These could result in moderate to severe road travel disruptions. Clients in Uganda should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories. Caution is advised while travelling along major routes in Kampala. All street protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided. Travellers should reconfirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline prior to departure. Persons flying by air should ensure itineraries cater for possible delays on travel routes to and from the airport.

MOROCCO(EL JADIDA,ESSAOUIRA,MEKNES AND SIDI KACEM) - The authorities in Morocco issued a statement on 18 February indicating that its security forces had foiled a planned Islamic State (IS) attack in the country and had arrested 10 suspected terrorists, including a French national. The attack was to take the form of a suicide car bombing. One of the key suspects was arrested in the central city of El Jadida. Other arrests were reported in Essaouira, Meknes and Sidi Kacem. Further information is unavailable. 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 largely stems 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.

LIBYA(SABRATHA) - A suspected US air strike hit targets in the Qasr Talil district of the town of Sabratha, north western Libya, earlier on 19 February. Local media citing officials in the town indicate that as many as 41 people were killed and that the air strikes targeted Islamic State (IS) militant positions. IS forces have reportedly established training camps in Sabratha with a view to carrying out further operations in Tunisia. The militants targeted on 19 February are thought to be linked to recent acts of terrorism in Libya's North African neighbour. IS has increased in strength in recent months. This has raised serious concerns among Western governments, including the US, which have issued several statements indicating that they are seeking to counter the group in Libya. The likelihood of a large-scale foreign military intervention over the short-term remains high but has reportedly been postponed in light of a deadlock between Libya's two rival governments. Foreign states are seeking to unify these two governments prior to launching a more committed military operation. Special Forces are already thought to be operating in the country in concert with allied local armed groups. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

AFGHANISTAN(GHAZNI PROVINCE) - Five locals were kidnapped by unidentified assailants in Afghanistan's central Ghazni province on 18 February. The victims were employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They were abducted while travelling by road in an unidentified part of the province. Local officials have confirmed the victims are still alive and that efforts are being made to secure their release. There have been no public claims of responsibility for the kidnapping. As a result of the incident the ICRC has stated that it will halt all operations in Ghazni, but will continue operations elsewhere in Afghanistan. Further details remain unavailable. The threat of kidnapping in Afghanistan is considered extreme and abductions take place regularly. The kidnapping risk stems from both criminal and insurgent groups, such as the Sunni extremist Taleban. The threat remains highest in the southern and eastern regions of Afghanistan, especially in areas along the shared border with Pakistan. Given the widespread presence of militant and criminal groups as well as the significant economic and political gains to be made through kidnapping, further incidents targeting both locals and foreign nationals should be anticipated. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons in the country are advised to adopt heightened security measures, including the use of a security escort and residing in secure accommodation. Intercity travel should be undertaken by air where possible, and 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.

CAMEROON(FAR NORTH) - At least 19 people have been killed and an unconfirmed number have been wounded as a result of twin suicide bombings near Mora, located in Cameroon's Far North (Extreme-Nord) province, on 19 February. The attacks occurred at Meme market, located approximately 13km from Mora. Authorities have attributed the incident to militants aligned with the Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect. 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 sect. Boko Haram has increasingly targeted countries bordering its north eastern Nigeria strongholds in recent months, in response to Cameroonian counterinsurgency operations in these areas. In a similar incident on 10 February, at least six people were killed as a result of twin suicide bombing attacks attributed to Boko Haram in Nguetchewe (Far North). Retaliatory attacks within Cameroonian territory are likely to continue in the short- to medium-term. 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.

PARAGUAY(ASUNCION) - A Uruguayan national, Siniscalchi Jose Amaral, was shot and killed in the Nazareth area of Paraguay's capital, Asuncion, on 16 February. The businessman was shot by an assailant on a motorcycle after he exited a taxi. Media reports, citing local officials, indicate that the incident was an attempted robbery. There is a medium risk of crime in Asuncion. The type of crime most likely to be encountered by foreign nationals is petty in nature and includes street crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and the theft of unattended items. More serious crimes, such as aggravated robbery, theft and carjacking, are an increasing concern. Persons who resist armed criminals increase their personal security risk. Clients in Asuncion should exercise heightened security awareness while travelling, maintain a low public profile and avoid outward displays of wealth. If confronted by a criminal, consider surrendering the items rather than resisting.

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you

need assistance with your travel plans.