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

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS) - (Update) Moderate to significant travel disruptions are expected to continue in Belgium's capital, Brussels, on 24 March, as a result of material damage caused by terrorist attacks in the city on 22 March, as well as the security forces response to those attacks. Brussels Airport, which was struck by two suicide blasts, is set to remain closed to commercial flights on 24 and 25 March; a determination on reopening the facility will be made thereafter. Flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from the airport on the affected dates are now expected to use the Liege or Antwerp International airports. In addition, the Brussels metro will only partially operate lines 1 and 5 on 24 March; the network's central Maelbeek station was also struck by a large suicide blast on 22 March. In Brussels city centre, numerous major roads and tunnels were reopened late on 23 March with the exception of the Tervuren and Cinquantenaire tunnels. Increased security measures, particularly additional deployments of security forces and stringent identification checks, should be expected at the above-mentioned transport hubs and are likely to cause some travel delays. Further disruptions to travel services across the region should be anticipated as Belgium and neighbouring states review and increase border controls and security measures in response to the incident. Persons currently in Brussels are advised to exercise heightened situational and personal security awareness at all times. Persons scheduled to transit Brussels Airport in the coming days are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s). Clients are further advised to report all suspicious packages or persons to the relevant authorities immediately.

ASIA & AUSTRALIA - Heightened security measures have been implemented at airports in multiple countries in Asia and Australia since 23 March. Airports in Australia, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan and Thailand have increased security following the 22 March attacks in Belgium's capital, Brussels. The aforementioned attacks targeted Brussels Airport and the Maalbeek Metro station. The latest measures have been put in place amid concerns of a possible terrorist attack. Increased measures, which include a heightened police presence, additional passenger screening procedures, the prohibition of non-commuters from entering departure and arrival terminals, and security cordons, should be anticipated at the aforementioned airport facilities. These measures, which are largely precautionary, are expected to remain in place for the near-term at least. In light of heightened security measures, travel delays are possible. Clients intending to transit airports in the aforementioned countries are advised to closely monitor local developments, and to contact the airport, their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of services. All suspicious people, packages or activities should be reported to the authorities immediately.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - Transport For London (TFL) has issued a statement relating to scheduled service disruptions, set to affect select overland rail lines in London, the United Kingdom's capital, from 25 March to 1 April. The service suspension, which is due to maintenance work on the London Overground, is expected to affect stations between Highbury, Islington and Shadwell, between Surrey Quays and New Cross and services operating between Camden Road and Stratford. Services between Sydenham and Crystal Palace will also be affected. The TFL has advised that commuters make use of the replacement busses that will operate between the affected stations. The disruptions are due primarily to scheduled maintenance work. Significant disruptions should be anticipated, including various scheduled service delays and cancellations. Due to the possible increase in demand for other modes of public transport on the aforementioned days, clients should consider organising and/or booking alternative means of travel. Clients are advised to ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate for travel delays. Please visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ for further information regarding alternative forms of transport.

FINLAND/RUSSIA - Authorities in Finland have implemented restrictions on the shared Finland/Russia border on 23 March. The restrictions are effective on the Salla and Raja-Jooseppi crossing points and prohibit the cross-border travel for most nationalities, except Finnish, Russian and Belarusian citizens. The movement-restrictive measures are expected to continue for at least 180 days and have been implemented in an attempt to stem organised illegal immigration. Many countries, including Finland, have taken steps to secure their borders in light of the unprecedented immigration into the European Union (EU) reported in recent months. Finland encompasses the EU's external border, which is also the Schengen external border. As such, 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 Finland and Russia in the near-term should confirm the status of the affected border crossings prior to departure.

NEW ZEALAND(NORTH ISLAND & SOUTH ISLAND) - The New Zealand Meteorological Service (MetService) has issued a series of adverse weather alerts for parts of the country's North Island on 24 March. Significant rainfall and strong winds warnings were issued for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Taihape, Whanganui and northern Manawatu. Earlier warnings for parts of South Island have since expired; however, a state of emergency has been declared along the island's West Coast region, following significant flooding in Franz Josef, Nelson and the Tasman district overnight on 23/24 March. Although no casualties have been reported in the wake of the flooding, at least 200 residents have been evacuated in Franz Josef. The current weather system is expected to affect New Zealand until at least 25 March; this may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by significant rainfall. Associated transport disruptions are possible, as are further disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. It should be noted that Auckland (North Island) has already experienced power outages related to adverse weather conditions. Persons operating in New Zealand in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Updates on standing weather advisories can be accessed on the MetService website (http://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings). Flood-affected areas should be avoided as a precaution; caution is advised in low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides.

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRASILIA, FORTALEZA & UBERLANDIA) - Pro-government protests are expected in various cities in Brazil, on 24 March. The protests, which have been organised by the Frente Povo Sem Medo group and numerous other organisations, are expected to take place in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Fortaleza and Uberlandia. The main gathering is expected at Largo da Batata in Sao Paulo at 17:00 local time. The demonstrations have been organised in support of President Dilma Rousseff, who is currently facing impeachment proceedings, and the president's chief of staff Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is currently facing corruption charges. The protests will take place amid ongoing large-scale anti- and pro-government protests that have affected the country in recent months. The protests have largely revolved around the above-mentioned corruption investigations, in which Lula has been implicated, as well as the separate impeachment proceedings against Rousseff, who has been blamed for the country's economic crisis. The upcoming protests are expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised travel disruptions near protest sites. The possibility of violence between protesters and potential counter-protesters, as well as security forces, is assessed to be credible. Clients in the above-mentioned cities on 24 March are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

INDIA - Security forces in India have been placed on high alert due to a potential terror threat ahead and during Holi, a Hindu religious festival, will be observed on 24 March. Reports indicate that security forces in Delhi, Assam and Punjab, in particular, have been placed on high alert following intelligence which indicates that six militants led by a former Pakistani soldier, have infiltrated India through the Pathankot border in Punjab, and are planning attacks against hotels and hospitals during the Holi festival. In response to the potential terrorism threat, security is expected to be increased significantly for the duration of the festival period. Heightened security measures are likely near hotels, hospitals, as well as large public gatherings and Hindu religious sites. In addition to the threat of terrorism, other risks also exist. There is a threat of violence between Hindus and Muslims; threat of confrontation increases if Hindus march through Muslim-majority communities. There is also an elevated threat of petty crime, as the large crowds that are expected to be present at the festival events will provide ample cover under which thieves may operate. It should be noted the high volume of people on public roads increases the likelihood of traffic congestion. Clients should also note that during Holi processions, coloured powder is thrown at participants. Some powders are unsafe and toxic and can cause health issues. Clients operating in India during Holi should exercise heightened security awareness in the vicinity of Hindu religious sites and public gatherings. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the authorities. Clients should make provision in their itineraries for road travel disruptions and note the potential health risks of powder used during celebrations. Furthermore, clients are advised against non-essential travel to the north eastern states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region) due to ongoing threats of separatist conflicts and terrorism.

ISRAEL(ISRAEL & WEST BANK) - (Update) Increased security measures can be anticipated in Israel as Christians celebrate Good Friday on 25 March and Easter on 27 March. Israeli officials have for the first time granted at least 850 permits, which will enable Christian Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to travel to Bethlehem and East Jerusalem. Precedent indicates that Christian celebrations in Jerusalem during the Holy Week leading up to Easter have been subject to heightened Israeli security measures. These include an increased number of checkpoints and perimeter closures around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other holy sites, including the Mount of Olives, Via Dolorosa, Church of All Nations, Saint Anne Church, Lions' Gate and the Garden Tomb. Israeli restrictions on Palestinian Christian worship during this holy period has in the past prevented thousands of Christian Palestinians from traveling to Jerusalem, resulting in increased tensions and unrest in the city. The increased security is largely a precaution; however, there remains a risk of Islamist extremist violence directed towards Christian interests in Jerusalem and its immediate surrounds during the period. Jerusalem and the West Bank have also been affected by a spike in low-level acts of violence since October (knife and car ramming attacks) perpetrated by Palestinians opposed to Israeli settlement policy and policy with regard to access to Muslim religious sites in the Old City of Jerusalem. The possibility of attacks during the forthcoming Holy Week is considered high. While attacks may not be directed towards pilgrims (most attacks have affected Israeli soldiers, police and Jewish citizens), any attack could prompt further elevated security and the disruption of scheduled Easter-related events. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to East Jerusalem, including the Old City, due to various security concerns. Heightened caution is advised in west Jerusalem. Persons operating in non-essential travel areas should consider travel with a local escort. All persons in Jerusalem during the upcoming period should monitor local news closely for updates on security developments and announcements from the authorities.

KOSOVO(PRISTINA & VUSHTRRI) - Opposition-led protests are expected in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, and Vushtrri, which is located in the Kosovka Mitrovica region, on 26 March. The upcoming demonstrations are the latest in a long-running series of opposition-led protest actions against the government's consideration of an EU-brokered deal giving Serb communities in Kosovka Mitrovica greater autonomy. The gathering in Pristina is expected to take place in Mother Theresa Square, while the protest in Vushtrri is set to be held in Hasan Prishtina Square; both events are expected to commence at 13:00 local time. Although the upcoming demonstrations are anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of violent altercations cannot be discounted. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration affected sites. Persons in the aforementioned locations on 26 March are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations as a precaution and should expect localised traffic disruptions.

BANGLADESH - Bangladesh is expected to commemorate Independence Day on 26 March. Commemorations are expected to take place in urban centres across the country; although, the primary events will be concentrated in the Dhaka division. In the capital, Dhaka, a flag-hoisting ceremony and rally will be held in the vicinity of Kabi Jasimuddin hall at the University of Dhaka. Additionally, an associated event is expected in Faridpur, between Goalchamat and Faridpur stadium. Independence Day commemorates the 1971 establishment of Bangladesh as an independent state, following the country's war for independence from Pakistan. The day is usually associated with parades, political speeches, fairs, concerts and various other public and private events. The possibility of protests amid the commemorations remains high, due to current political tensions in the country. The country's largest Islamist political group, Jamaat-e-Islami, which opposed independence in 1971, may participate in protests. There is a high threat of violence at all political gatherings in Bangladesh, and clashes between police and protesters are regularly reported. There is also a heightened risk of opportunistic crimes, such as petty theft and pickpocketing, at all commemorative events. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the associated events. Clients in Bangladesh are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the vicinity of all commemorative events, and to avoid all gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel as a standard precaution. Furthermore, clients are advised to monitor local media for more information regarding associated gatherings or protests. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

KYRGYZSTAN - Kyrgyzstan is scheduled to hold local elections countrywide on 27 March. Heightened security measures are expected in urban centres on the day; an elevated police presence has been reported in the southern city of Osh, at least, ahead of the elections. Kyrgyzstan has been characterised by bouts of political instability, with widespread and violent protest action resulting in the ouster of the country's presidents in 2005 and 2010; however, the situation has stabilised in recent years. Nonetheless, the run-up to the 27 March elections has been marked by elevated political tensions between opposition figures and the government following the revelation of recordings that apparently feature the voices of opposition members plotting a potential coup. Isolated protest action is possible on the day, and in the days following the release of results, if they are viewed as being not credible or fraudulent. Clients in Kyrgyzstan in the coming days are advised to monitor local political developments and avoid any associated rallies or demonstrations as a precautionary measure.

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