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

JETBLUE AIRWAYS & SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS - JetBlue Airways and South African Airways now codeshare on SAA's flights between Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International and Accra, Ghana. The carriers already codeshare on SAA flights to Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and East London in South Africa and Dakar, Senegal. Codesharing benefits include single ticketing on JetBlue and SAA itineraries and one-stop check-in and baggage handling.

HYATT HOTELS CORP - Hyatt Hotels Corp. has launched The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a soft brand comprised of what the company calls "unique and independent stay experiences." The brand portfolio will be made up of new and existing upper-upscale and luxury properties that will maintain their own brand identities but also benefit from Hyatt's operational and marketing resources and guest loyalty program. Hotels already brought into the collection include The Driskill Hotel in Austin; Hôtel du Louvre in Paris; Carmelo Resort & Spa in Carmelo, Uruguay; and Coco Palms Resort in Kauai, Hawaii.

NORTHERN EUROPE - (Update) The Danish Ministry for Immigration, Integration and Housing has extended the border controls currently in place along its shared border with Germany until 3 April. The initial border controls were enforced from 4 January; however, these have been extended several times amid concerns regarding the influx and accumulation of illegal immigrants near the affected area. Sweden's Interior Ministry has also announced that it will extend its border control measures along its border until 8 April. 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. The Schengen Borders Code only permits border controls for a period of 30 days at a time, after which time these measures are subject to renewal. As such, a continuation of this trend in the medium-term cannot be discounted. Further movement-restrictive measures may be implemented. Localised disruptions to travel should be anticipated near the affected sites for the duration of the temporary border controls and possibly beyond this period. Clients planning land travel between Sweden, 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.

UNITED KINGDOM(NORTHERN ENGLAND) - (Update) Travel disruptions have been reported in northern England on 4 March following inclement weather, including snow fall, overnight on 3/4 March. The worst-affected regions are Yorkshire and Lancaster. Significant flight disruptions continue to be reported at the Leeds Bradford Airport, which was earlier closed while the runway was cleared of snow. Significant road travel disruptions have been reported on the outskirts of both Manchester and Blackburn. Numerous regional roads, including the A640, A57 and A628, have been affected by partial or complete closures, prompted by hazardous driving conditions. Inclement weather is expected to continue in the aforementioned areas, as well as elsewhere in the northern UK, until 5 March at least. Road conditions, particularly along causeways and coastal roads, are expected to be hazardous in heavily affected areas. Further localised disruptions to road, rail and air transportation remain possible in these areas. Persons in the affected parts of the UK are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories. Clients planning to travel to the affected areas in the coming days are advised to anticipate weather-related disruptions to transport services, and should confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

GERMANY - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued a warning on 3 March, informing citizens of an increase in the risk of terrorism in Germany. The FCO now rates the risk of terrorism as high. The warning is not based on information regarding a specific terrorist threat. Indeed, the FCO states that the increased risk assessment is based on actions taken by the German government to increase security at government buildings, public events and transport hubs. There have been no recent reported attacks in Germany; however, authorities have maintained an elevated security posture at sensitive sites throughout the country, following the coordinated mass-casualty terrorist attack in France's capital, Paris, on 13/14 November. Germany shares the global risk of being affected by Islamist terrorism. This threat is underscored by Germany's NATO membership, which the Islamic State (IS) militant group has specifically stated will make the country a target of its operations. Nevertheless, the threat is mitigated by the extensive capabilities of the counterterrorism and intelligence apparatus in Germany, and the current heightened alert status of these forces. Persons in Germany are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness, comply with all directives issued by the local authorities, and limit travel in crowded public venues. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities immediately.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW) - Authorities evacuated Kursk railway station (also known as Kurskaya railway station) in Russia's capital, Moscow, on 4 March, due to a bomb threat. An elevated security force presence is in place at the station while investigations into the threat are underway. Further details remain unknown. As a result of the evacuation, disruptions to services are expected to take place in the coming hours. Clients are advised to avoid all travel to the Kursk railway station at this time and should similarly defer the use of passenger rail services in Moscow until the situation has been resolved.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(KINSHASA) - Torrential rain and resultant flooding has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s capital, Kinshasa, on 4 March. Much of the flooding has been reported in the Kyebando, Bwaise and Kalerwe areas of the city. Infrastructural damage has been reported and at least one person has been killed since the downpour began on 3 March. Kinshasa receives a substantial amount of rainfall between November and May which often results in localised flooding. The severity of the sudden downpour and recent flooding may result in further disruptions, particularly to infrastructure, in the city. It should be noted that there is an increasing risk of waterborne diseases. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to most of the DRC, including Kinshasa, is advised against. Clients in Kinshasa are advised to monitor media closely for updates and advisories from the local authorities, monitor local weather developments and defer travel to flood-affected areas until the situation improves. Caution is advised in low-lying areas, including near rivers. Seek to avoid contact with floodwaters. If contact is unavoidable, wash thoroughly after leaving a flooded area.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(NORTH KIVU) - Three aid workers were abducted by unidentified assailants in the eastern area of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s restive North Kivu province on 2 March. The victims are believed to have been employed by the 'Save the Children' aid group and were attacked while travelling in a convoy in the Lubero territory. The circumstances surrounding the abduction, in addition to the perpetrators of the kidnapping, remain unavailable. The incident underscores the extreme-risk travel and operating environment in the DRC's North Kivu region, which is host to a number of disparate rebel forces. North Kivu is host to an array of armed groups, both rebel and criminal, which regularly engage in acts of kidnapping, banditry and other criminal acts. There has been an uptick of local and foreign national kidnappings in the province in recent months; as such, further kidnapping incidents should be anticipated. Due to various security concerns, including conflict, rebel activity, banditry and kidnapping, clients are advised against all travel to North Kivu province. Persons currently in or planning travel to the region despite this advisory should ensure that robust travel, residential and personal security measures are in place. Recommended security protocols include ensuring all movements are coordinated in the presence of a security escort, particularly if itineraries include travel and/or operations in rural areas. In addition, all travel after dark should be avoided and accommodation sought in secure compounds.

LIBYA(AN NUQAT AL KHAMS) - (Update) Reports on 4 March indicate that two Italian nationals who were kidnapped in Libya in July 2015, have been released. The victims, who worked for the Bonatti construction company, were kidnapped along with two other Italian nationals in the vicinity of the Mellitah oil and gas complex in the north western An Nuqat al Khams district. The exact details of the release are unknown. The reports follow a recent announcement confirming the deaths of the two other victims who were killed under unclear circumstances in the northern city of Sabratha, on 3 March. Unconfirmed reports have indicated that the deceased victims were being held hostage by the Islamic State (IS). The threat of kidnapping in Libya is rated as extreme. Kidnappings are frequently reported across the country and impact on both foreign nationals and locals. Kidnapping motivations vary widely and can be motivated by political and/or financial concerns. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Clients operating in the country should travel with a close protection officer and reside in secure accommodation. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

HONDURAS - According to reports, prominent human rights and environmental activist Berta Caceres was murdered in her home in La Esperanza, Honduras on 3 March by an unidentified assailant. The murder has been widely condemned by her supporters in Honduras. Protests, one of which has turned violent, have broken out in multiple locations, including in the capital, Tegucigalpa. Outside the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), protesters clashed with police forces, and a nearby restaurant was set alight. Protests also took place outside the Honduras Embassy in Guatemala. Caceres became a prominent figure for her efforts in mobilising opposition to the Agua Zarca Dam hydroelectric project, which threatens to displace hundreds of indigenous Lenca people. The murder is likely to result in additional protest action in other cities in the country, with localised disruptions expected as a result. Clients in Honduras are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as a standard procedure, and should monitor local media for immediate updates on the situation.

YEMEN(ADEN & SHABWAH) - At least 16 people were reportedly killed after an attack by unidentified gunmen in Yemen's southern port city of Aden on 4 March. The gunmen are said to have raided a care home for the elderly in the Sheikh Othman area of the city; four Indian nationals working as nurses at the facility were among those killed. Elsewhere, at least four suspected al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) militants were killed in an air strike in Radhum district, Shabwah governorate. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack in Aden. Islamist extremists, including AQAP and Islamic State (IS)-linked militants, have expanded their influence and control of territory in southern Yemen, including parts of Aden, since late 2015. These groups have taken advantage of ongoing political instability and conflict in western Yemen to advance in the east and south east, and now control a number of areas and territories between Abyan and the Hadramawt governorates, including Shabwah. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons intending to travel in the country should do so with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

THAILAND(BANGKOK) - At least one person has been killed and three others apprehended following an attempted robbery in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, on 4 March. The incident, which took place in the Chinatown area of the city, is believed to have been perpetrated by at least five Chinese nationals; authorities remain in pursuit of at least one other suspect in the affected area. In light of the fact that at least one assailant remains at large, an increased security force presence is possible in the affected area in the near-term. The possibility of further such incidents cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions and road closures remain possible. Persons in Bangkok should avoid the affected area until the situation has stabilised. Travellers in Thailand should remain aware of the prevailing risks of petty and violent crime. These include being alert to suspicious behaviour and maintaining heightened vigilance.

TURKEY(MARDIN & DIYARBAKIR) - At least two security officers were killed and 35 other people wounded in a bomb and rocket attack by suspected Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in the town of Nusaybin, in Turkey's south eastern province of Mardin, on 4 March. The attack followed earlier clashes between security forces and militants overnight on 2/3 March, which left three security force personnel dead. Elsewhere, in Diyarbakir province's Sur district, security operations and subsequent armed clashes between security forces and suspected PKK militants left at least one person dead on 3 March. Eleven people are also said to have surrendered to the security forces following a temporary lifting of the curfew which allows civilians to leave the area, as well as providing an opportunity for PKK militants to surrender. 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. A curfew also remains in place in Sur district. Although curfew-affected areas are hotspots for conflict incidents, security operations and PKK attacks continue to be regularly reported in parts of the restive south eastern provinces, particularly rural districts. Given the current dynamics, conflict is expected to persist for the short-term at least. Clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in a number of provinces, including Mardin, due to the threat of conflict spillover from Syria and an increased risk of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised elsewhere in the province. 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.

NIGERIA(LAGOS) - At least five people were killed amid communal clashes in Lagos, Nigeria, on 3 March. The clashes reportedly took place between Hausa and Yoruba traders in the Mile 12 area of the city and resulted in extensive property damage. The violence is said to have spread to neighbouring areas, including Ketu and Owode, where business disruptions were reported. Authorities managed to contain the violence; tensions remain heightened. Although the cause of the violence remains unconfirmed, the catalyst is believed to have been an incident in which a Hausa motorist struck a pedestrian and attempted to flee the scene. Nigeria has a long history of ethnic, religious and communal violence, which has resulted in thousands of fatalities in recent years. Sporadic communal clashes are triggered by disputes often underscored by persistent ethno-religious differences. Heightened tensions remain in the affected area; as such, reprisal attacks against the suspected perpetrators or communities linked to the suspects remain possible in the near-term. Persons in Lagos are advised to avoid areas recently affected by violence given the potential for further attacks. Heightened caution is advised in Lagos due to various security concerns, including medium to high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest.

PAKISTAN(BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE) - Seven suspected militants are said to have been killed in security operations in Pakistan's Balochistan province on 2/3 March. Violent clashes ensued when security forces conducted operations in the Dasht area of Turbat district, and the Kahan area of Kohlu district. The incidents left three and four militants dead respectively. The raids targeted militants said to be aligned with Baloch separatist groups, namely the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Republican Army (BRA). There is an extreme threat of terrorism in Pakistan, including in Balochistan province. The region has experienced militant violence in recent years, stemming from a low-level insurgency by rebels pushing for greater political and economic rights. Rebel groups, including BLA and BRA, amid others, have resorted to a number of violent attacks and acts of sabotage targeting both state and civilian interests. Reprisal clashes and attacks against government installations and security forces are often reported following such operations; thus, the likelihood of attacks in Turbat and Kohlu is elevated for the coming days. The threat stemming from Baloch rebels is expected to persist in the medium-term at least. Further incidents, such as security operations, retaliatory clashes and acts of terrorism and sabotage are likely. Due to the extreme risks of conflict and terrorism, as well as the high risks of crime and kidnapping, clients are advised against all travel to Balochistan. Robust residential, travel and personal security protocols should be implemented.

VENEZUELA(SAN CRISTOBAL) - Protests have been under way since 2 March in San Cristobal, the capital of Tachira state, located in western Venezuela near the border with Colombia. Clashes between protesters and police occurred near the Catholic University of Tachira (UCAT), leaving a number of people on both sides wounded and security force vehicles set alight. Protesters set up roadblocks, causing significant traffic congestion in surrounding areas. Demonstrators oppose a Supreme Court (TSJ) ruling that limits the ability of the opposition-dominated National Assembly to debate and challenge government appointments of Supreme Court justices. In addition, demonstrations by members of a local school, as well as civil society organizations and Univeristy of Los Andes students, occurred on 2 and 3 March in San Cristobal, causing localised disruptions. In light of significant opposition to the TSJ ruling throughout Venezuela, further protests are likely to occur in San Cristobal and other cities in the country. There is also a threat of confrontations between the police and protesters at related events. The demonstrations are occurring amid extreme political and social tensions, resulting from political changes due to opposition electoral victories; this is taking place during a severe economic recession, which is resulting in shortages of most essentials, from foodstuffs to medicines. Clients in Venezuela should exercise caution in all areas affected by civil unrest. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates on local affairs and avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

PERU(CALLAO) - Members of the National Police of Peru have called for a protest in the sea port city of Callao on 5 March. Participants are expected to gather at the Alipio Ponce barracks at 09:00 local time and proceed to the La Chalaca area of the city. The protest has been organised in response to the second extension of the 45-day state of emergency, announced on 2 March. The state of emergency was initially declared on 5 December 2015 in response to the high number of murders related to criminal gangs. At least 25 murders are said to have been reported in the city since the the state of emergency was initiated. Drug manufacturing and organised criminal activity remain a concern in Peru. Callao city in particular is considered a strategic transit point in the transnational drug and contraband trade, as the city contains Peru's principal sea port. The city and its surrounding areas experience high rates of conflict between rival criminal organisations. Drug trafficking-related violence generally targets members of criminal organisations, police officers or criminal justice officials; however, an incidental risk of harm remains to persons in the vicinity of the violence. The heightened security measures, which include increased police patrols, scheduled security operations, as well as possibly restricting the freedom of assembly and movement, may cause travel disruptions for the duration of the state of emergency. Additionally, the risk of armed confrontations between suspected criminals and police forces, cannot be discounted. The possibility of violence at the upcoming protest cannot be discounted. Persons in Callao are advised to adhere to the conditions of the state of emergency and follow all directives issued by the authorities. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and related developments. Allowances should be made for potential delays associated with the increased security measures. Finally, all street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(KINSHASA) - Civil society groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have called for protests in the capital, Kinshasa, on 5 March. The protests have been organised to denounce violence and political intolerance. Protesters are expected to march through various streets in the city towards Stade des Martyrs. Further information regarding the protests has not been disclosed. The protests are expected to be well attended and will likely result in travel disruptions throughout the city. It should be noted that security forces in the DRC have been known to react with heavy-handed tactics in response to any unrest. As such, any attempts to disperse the protests many result in low-level violence. Such unrest poses an incidental threat to bystanders. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to most of the DRC, including Kinshasa, is advised against. Clients in the city on 5 March are advised to avoid the protest gatherings and all related demonstrations as a precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any possible travel disruptions.

BENIN - Benin is scheduled to hold presidential elections amid heightened security on 6 March. Tensions remain elevated following the postponement of the elections by the Constitutional Court on 28 February, due to a lack of voter registration cards and other logistical constraints. In anticipation of the upcoming election, authorities have ordered land and border closures and deployed additional security personnel to all electoral facilities and other key sites, including Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, located in the capital, Cotonou, as a precaution. Benin's land borders with its neighbours, including Nigeria in the east, Niger in the north, Burkina Faso in the north west, and Togo in the west. A run-off election is scheduled to take place on 13 March in the absence of a majority winner. Although Benin has achieved a degree of political stability in recent years, the upcoming election is expected to be contested by at least 33 presidential candidates, many of whom are believed to be businessmen, highlighting the high level of political polarisation and fragmentation in the country. Incumbent President Yayi Boni has been constitutionally barred from re-election; incumbent Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou, a former investment banker, is expected to contest the election on behalf of the ruling party, The Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin (FCBE). The main opposition Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), as well as the Renaissance of Benin (RB), have also nominated candidates. The run up to the election, including the election campaigns, has remained peaceful. However, the potential for politically motivated unrest does exist, particularly once results are released or in the event of a run-off. All increased security measures have the potential to result in travel disruptions. Clients in Benin in the coming days are advised to avoid all large gatherings, avoid polling stations, political party offices and election-related facilities. Persons intending to travel via land into neighbouring countries over the immediate-term are advised to contact the local authorities or their travel provider for further information and for travel alternatives. Heightened caution is advised along the eastern Benin-Nigeria border. The area is prone to various forms of smuggling and is known to be operated by armed bandits and other criminal groups.

BANGLADESH(DHAKA) - The ruling Awami League (AL) is scheduled to hold a mass rally in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on 7 March to commemorate a historic speech delivered in 1971 by former president and prime minister, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The rally will be held at the Suhrawardy Udyan memorial ground from 15:00 local time. A considerably elevated security force presence will be in place for the event as it will be addressed by current prime minister and AL leader Sheikh Hasina. The rally is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of Suhrawardy Udyan. Although the upcoming rally is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-scale violence occurring cannot be discounted, particularly if opposition supporters choose to attend the demonstration. Clashes between protesters and opposition activists seeking to disrupt the rally may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in Dhaka on 7 March are advised to avoid the rally and all associated street gatherings as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of Suhrawardy Udyan.

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