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

CHINA/UAE(EMIRATES) - Gulf carrier Emirates has launched two new services from Dubai to Yinchuan and Zhengzhou in Midwest China. The B777-200 service expands Emirates' routes to five in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Departing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the Dubai service departs at 0250 arriving at Yinchuan Hedong International Airport at 1335. The service will then depart from Yinchuan at 1535 and arrive at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport at 1715. The return flight will depart Zhengzhou at 2115, arriving at Yinchuan at 2300. It will then depart Yinchuan at 0040, arriving in Dubai at 0430 local time the next day.

AUSTRIA(VIENNA) - A number of activist groups are set to stage a major demonstration calling for the legalisation of cannabis in central Vienna, the capital of Austria, on 14 May. Participants are expected to gather at the Wien Westbahnhof railway station from 10:30 local time, before proceeding to Heldenplatz at 14:30; the rally is expected to conclude at 22:00. Numerous roads are set to be affected by closures, including Lerchenfelder Gurtel, Alser Strasse, Schottenring, Karntner Ring and the Burgring. Significant disruptions to public transport services in the city centre are expected. The annual 'Hemp Hike' in Vienna traditionally attracts approximately 15,000 peaceful protesters; the numbers grow slightly each year. Due to few previous incidents of unrest, the demonstration will likely only be accompanied by a moderate security force presence. Note that the march takes a snaking route through the city centre; accordingly, numerous bus and tram lines will be diverted or suspended on the day. Significant road travel disruptions are anticipated in the city centre on the day. Persons in Vienna on 14 May are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution; localised travel disruptions should be anticipated.

FRENCH POLYNESIA(AIR TAHITI) - Flight disruptions have been reported at airports across French Polynesia on 13 May, as a result of an Air Tahiti strike. Flights operating between the capital, Papeete, and the Austral Islands have been suspended until 16 May. Select Air Tahiti flights have also been cancelled; the airline operates between 46 of French Polynesia's islands. The Air Tahiti strike, initiated on 8 May, was called in response to failed negotiations between the representing union and the government regarding an increase in job losses in recent months. It should be noted that the strike action may be suspended or cancelled on an ad hoc basis. Further disruptions to scheduled flight services remain possible in the near-term. Persons intending to make use of air transport services, particularly Air Tahiti, in French Polynesia are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for updates on the status of their flight(s).

BRAZIL(ZIKA VIRUS) - The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement on 12 May concerning the Zika virus and the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brazil (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/zika-olympics/en/). It reiterated warnings to avoid mosquito bites and to practise safe sex in light of the probable link between various additional ailments and the Zika virus (see below). The WHO noted that these precautions should be adopted despite the low risk of being bitten, given that Brazil will be proceeding through its winter season, when there are fewer active mosquitoes. The WHO also issued a Zika virus situation report on 12 May (http://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/situation-report/12-may-2016/en/). The report indicated that 58 countries continue to report mosquito-borne transmissions, including Brazil. A number of countries have also reported person-to-person transmission, including Argentina, Canada, Chile, Peru, US, France, Italy, Portugal and New Zealand. The WHO states that the person-to-person transmission cases were likely sexually transmitted. The WHO has also indicated that the connection between Zika and various additional ailments, including microcephaly, various neurological abnormalities and Guillain-Barre syndrome, has 'scientific consensus'. Brazil continues to report the majority of microcephaly cases, with 1,326 reported cases. The Zika virus is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The majority of persons infected do not show symptoms. One in four infected persons show mild symptoms, including mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis and muscle pain. The most significant related health concern remains the link between Zika and deformities (microcephaly) in unborn babies. Clients concerned about the spread of the disease or requiring further information should contact their medical practitioner. Further information is also available on the WHO (http://www.who.int/), CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/) and the Pan American Health Organization (http://www.paho.org/) websites. Travellers to affected areas 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, use mosquito repellents and sleep under mosquito nets. Persons displaying symptoms, particularly pregnant women, should visit their medical practitioner.

BRAZIL(RIO DE JANEIRO & SAO PAULO) - Pro-government demonstrations are expected in Rio de Janerio in the vicinity of Cinelandia on 13 May from 18:00 local time, and in Sao Paulo outside the Praca do Santissimo Sacramento from 15.00 on 14 May. The Praca do Santissimo Sacramento is a Catholic Church with a public square, located along Avenue Vinte Tres de Maio. The demonstrations have been called to protest the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff following a Senate vote on 12 May. Recent months have been characterised by well attended street protests, both in support of Rousseff and her Workers' Party (PT), and by groups in opposing her presidency, who are in favour of impeachment proceedings against her. Such demonstrations have impacted major urban centres, such as Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the capital, Brasilia. Thus far protest action has not resulted in significant violence; however, demonstrations have increasingly been marred by incidents of unrest, including low-level clashes between participants and police, as well as acts of vandalism. As such, similar acts of violence between opposing groups of protesters, as well as between protesters and police, at any possible upcoming protest action cannot be discounted. Should they occur, demonstrations are likely to be accompanied by an increased police presence; localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any demonstration-affected sites. Persons in Brazil are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a general precaution. Clients are also further advised to monitor local media for updates and information regarding associated protest activity.

ISRAEL(ISRAEL, WEST BANK & GAZA STRIP) - The authorities in Israel have indicated that they will implement a general closure of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on 15 May, coinciding with Nakba Day. Nakba Day commemorates the displacement of tens of thousands of Arab residents of current-day Israel, following the Israeli declaration of independence and Palestine War in 1948. The day is typically met with anti-Israel protests in the wider region and in Palestinian communities in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The event has already been met with some sporadic anti-Israel protest action in recent days. These events have coincided with Israel's Independence Day on 12 May. The protests on 15 May are expected to attract tens of thousands of people. The risk of violence is elevated if protesters approach or gather near Israeli security force positions, checkpoints or facilities. Severe travel disruptions should also be anticipated if travelling between Palestinian- and Israeli-controlled areas in the West Bank or from the West Bank into Jerusalem or Israel on 15 May. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and against all travel to the Gaza Strip. Travellers are also advised against all travel to within 2km of the shared Israel-Gaza Strip border and against all non-essential travel to within 45km of the shared Israel-Gaza Strip border, outside of the 2km zone. Persons in the territories over the near-term should monitor local media and exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Persons travelling between Palestinian- and Israeli-controlled areas on 15 May should adjust itineraries to cater for potential delays.

INDIA - Security has been heightened ahead of legislative elections, which are due to take place in India's states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and the union territory of Puducherry on 16 May. Results of the poll are set to be announced in the days following the poll. As a precaution, additional paramilitary troops have been deployed to key locations across the impacted areas, and the sale of alcohol has been banned on 16 May in some of the areas where voting is scheduled to take place. Although no credible threats directly related to the state legislative elections have been reported by the authorities, there is an elevated risk of election-related violence during all political events throughout the country. In addition, due to the numerous political rallies that are set to be held in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry's urban centres, travel delays are likely. Political rallies and gatherings carry an incidental risk to bystanders. Due to the risk of violence associated with political demonstrations and election-related events, clients in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the election period are advised to monitor local news for updates, and to avoid all political gatherings, polling stations and political party offices before, during and after 16 May.

INDIA(JHARKHAND STATE) - Opposition party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has called for a general strike, known locally as a 'bandh', on 14 May, in Indian's eastern Jharkhand state. The strike has been called in reaction to the domicile policy, announced in April by the state-led government, which is controlled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As a result of the strike call, heightened security will be implemented in Jharkhand state, although the exact extent of these measures is unclear at present. The domicile policy claims that anyone living in the state for 30 years and possessing immovable assets will be considered a resident of Jharkhand state. The JMM's opposition to the policy is also supported by other political parties such as the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P), and tribal leaders, who all claim that the policy will adversely impact the rights of indigenous people. General strikes are regularly called across the country; these are well attended and can lead to widespread travel disruptions and the sporadic closure of shops, schools and businesses. There have been no calls for demonstrations; however, such actions cannot be discounted. It should be noted that protests in India, even those intended to be peaceful, regularly turn violent, and security forces often respond with robust crowd-control tactics. This was seen in a previous protest on 24 April, also associated with the domicile policy, where violence erupted and a bus and water tanker were torched. It should be noted that groups involved in strikes often erect unofficial roadblocks on highways, thus possibly leading to further disruptions. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of several eastern Indian states, including Jharkhand, due to ongoing threats of separatist conflict and terrorism. Persons in Jharkhand state on 14 May should avoid all possible street protests and unofficial roadblocks. Persons undertaking road travel should check the status of routes with the local authorities or their local host prior to departure.

MALAYSIA(KUALA LUMPUR) - Flash flooding has been reported in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, since 12 May. Significant road travel disruptions were reported due to heavy downpour, resulting in at least 100 vehicles being stranded on the main thoroughfare, Jalan Duta. The worst-affected areas include Kerinchi, Bangsar, Jalan Damansara and Jalan Pantai Dalam, where localised disruptions remain ongoing. At least one flood-related casualty has been reported thus far after floodwaters reportedly reached 50cm in depth late on 12 June. Emergency services remain on call in the affected areas. Torrential rainfall has resulted in flooding in several areas across Malaysia in recent days, including Shah Alam, located in neighbouring Selangor state. As a result of the rain, which can be attributed to the south west monsoon season, which runs from late May to September, further disruptions to travel remains likely. Disruptions to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications are possible. Further heavy rain conducive to flooding is likely in the near-term. Clients in the aforementioned flood-affected areas should adhere to all directives issued by authorities and anticipate travel disruptions. Moreover, caution is advised in low-lying areas, particularly along rivers, due to the threat of flooding and landslides.

GUINEA-BISSAU - President Jose Mario Vaz dismissed Prime Minister Carlos Correia and dissolved the Guinea-Bissau government on 12 May. The state's ministries have since been placed under the control of the security forces. The dismissal comes amid an ongoing internal dispute between rival members of the ruling African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). Both Vas and Correia area PAIGC members. Guinea-Bissau is politically unstable and is susceptible to regular changes of government. Since independence in 1974 it has experienced a civil war and regular coups. A period of particular instability was experienced between 2009 and 2012. In 2014, a relatively successful election was held. However, as the recent development underlines, the country remains susceptible to further instability. Should tensions continue to escalate, the risk of a military intervention in the civilian political system or a spike in incidents of civil unrest, will increase. Heightened caution is advised in Guinea-Bissau, due to the risk of political instability and associated civil unrest. Persons in or intending to travel to the country should monitor political developments closely. All street protests, government buildings and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

IRAQ(SALAH AD-DIN GOVERNORATE) - Reports indicate that at least 13 people have been killed and a further 15 wounded, after gunmen and suicide bombers attacked a coffee shop in Iraq's city of Balad, in the Salah ad-Din governorate, 80km north of the national capital, Baghdad. Reports state that three gunmen opened fire on a crowd in a coffee shop before two of them detonated suicide vests upon the arrival of security forces. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet. The incident comes after a two-day series of bombings in Baghdad that killed nearly 100 people. The aforementioned attacks were subsequently claimed by the Sunni extremist Islamic State (IS). The incident underscores the high risk of violence in Iraq, which poses a serious risk to visitors and locals alike. The situation has been aggravated by the wide availability of weapons, persistent insecurity and instability, a weak and poorly resourced police force, and high levels of unemployment and poverty. Clients are advised against all travel to much of central Iraq. Persons in the area should travel with a security escort. Areas recently affected by violence should be avoided.

NIGERIA(NIGER DELTA) - In Nigeria, the southern Niger Delta-based Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) issued a statement on 12 May threatening to attack oil sector interests in the region if operations are not shut down and staff evacuated within two weeks. The NDA has also reportedly threatened to attack Chevron Nigeria Limited if they attempt to repair an oil pipeline that was destroyed in early May. The NDA has been increasingly active in recent weeks, and has been implicated in several attacks on oil sector-related targets. These attacks and the recent NDA warning serve to underscore the elevated and ongoing insecurity in the Niger Delta region, where a number of militant and criminal organisations operate and are involved in agitation aimed at securing a greater portion of oil income, kidnapping for ransom and other acts of criminality. In light of the risk, the authorities may deploy additional military or police personnel to oil processing areas, foreign worker compounds and oil infrastructure sites. Clients are advised against all travel to the states of Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa, Cross River State, Delta State and Rivers State, and against all non-essential travel to the states of Imo State, Edo and Abia State. Persons operating in the Niger Delta, particularly in the oil-sector industry, should review all existing security measures with their on-site security teams or security providers. Crisis management plans should be updated and regularly reviewed. Travel outside of primary cities or secure compounds should be done with a close protection officer and during the day only. Foreign nationals should maintain a generally low public profile.

TURKEY(HAKKARI PROVINCE) - According to emerging reports, at least six soldiers have been killed and a further eight wounded in clashes with suspected Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in the Cukurca district of Hakkari province, early on 13 May. A military helicopter that was dispatched to assist the soldiers crashed, killing two of the soldiers on board. The crash is believed to have been caused by a technical fault. Reinforcements were subsequently sent to the area; at least six militants were killed in the resulting clashes. Security operations continue in the area. Turkey's southern provinces have seen an uptick in conflict and terrorist-related activity since mid-2015. The Turkish government increased security in the southern provinces in response to the militant activity. Such security measures included the deployment of additional police and military personnel, imposition of curfews, as well as security operations targeting PKK positions in the border regions of northern Iraq. Due to the general insecurity in the southern provinces, further conflict and terrorist-related activity, including clashes and associated security operations, are expected to persist. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to a number of Turkey's south eastern provinces, including Hakkari, 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.

PERU(COCACHACRA DISTRICT) - A 72-hour protest action, launched on 12 May, is set to continue in Peru's Cocachacra District in Islay province on 13 May. Reports indicate that school classes were suspended on the first day of the strike action, when protesters marched to the Guardiola bridge. The protest has been supported by Richard Ale Cruz, a congressman and the governor of Islay province, who joined the protest. The agitation was launched due to disputes regarding the Tia Maria mining project. At least 500 security force members have been deployed to the area, in an effort to deter protesters from blocking the Pan-American Highway. Security forces have warned that any protesters attempting to block the highway will be arrested. No clashes or confrontations between security forces and protesters have been reported thus far. The agitation comes amid heightened tensions as Peru is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, in Peru's city of Arequipa, between 14 and 18 May. The protest action is anticipated to proceed peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Disruptions to road travel are expected in the vicinity of the protest action. Persons in the Cocachacra District in the near-term are advised to avoid all protest-related gatherings as a precaution. Furthermore, due to the heightened security measures in Islay province, clients are advised to follow all directives given by local authorities. Additionally, persons are advised to anticipate possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest action and should plan accordingly.

KOSOVO(PRISTINA) - The opposition Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) political party has called for a peaceful protest in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, on 14 May. The protest call has an anti-government nature and generally opposes several recent moves made by the government. The gathering is set to take place at 14:00 local time, and precedent suggests it will take place in Mother Theresa Square. Pristina has been affected by a series of anti-government opposition-led protests in recent months. Kosovo is undergoing significant political turmoil as a result of opposition towards an EU-brokered deal giving Serb communities in Kosovo greater powers and, separately, border demarcation issues with Montenegro. Although the upcoming demonstration is anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of violent altercations cannot be discounted. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the gathering. Persons in Pristina on 14 May are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the agitations, as well as for advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest site on the day.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC(BANGUI) - French President Francois Hollande is scheduled to visit the Central African Republic (CAR)'s capital, Bangui, on 13 May. Hollande is due to arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport at approximately 14:30 local time, and is reportedly scheduled to meet President Faustin-Archange Touadera at the Palais de la Renaissance (the presidential palace). Provisionally, Hollande is due to depart the country on the evening of 13 May to attend a Regional Security Summit in Nigeria on 14 May. As a result of the visit, security will be considerable heightened; this is due to the elevated insecurity and associated violence following the coup in 2013, when the Seleka rebel coalition overthrew the government of former president Francois Bozize. In March, France announced the withdrawal of military troops from CAR, where they have been deployed since the coup. As a result of the heightened security, travel disruptions in Bangui, as well as between the city and Bangui M'Poko International Airport, are expected. It should also be noted that although none have been called, protest action as a result of the visit may take place. There have been allegations of human rights abuses by French troops stationed in the country, which have served to elevate tensions between the local populace and French soldiers. Should protests occur, they are likely to be forcefully dealt with. Clients are advised against all travel to CAR. Clients in Bangui on 13 May should monitor local media for updates and advisories, specifically with regard to planned road closures and any possible protest action. Clients are advised to plan routes bypassing the Palais de la Renaissance. Persons travelling via Bangui M'Poko International Airport at this time should contact their travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s).

BAHRAIN(SITRA) - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned of an unauthorised protest in Sitra, Bahrain, on 14 May. The action is set to begin at 20:15 local time. Further details have not been provided. It is likely that the protest is being led by members of the Shiite majority population. Parties representing Shiites have protested weekly in response to demands that the Sunni minority-dominated regime implement greater political reforms and extend greater powers to the popularly elected legislature. There have also been calls for the overthrow of King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa. In recent years the protests have entered a familiar cycle, with an escalation of protest activity between Thursdays and Saturdays in Shiite villages and communities located outside of the capital. Occasional clashes between protesters and the police have occurred in the past; however, the violence has had a largely limited impact on foreign nationals. Heightened caution is advised outside of the capital, Manama, and Bahrain International Airport, particularly in outlying Shiite villages, due to the elevated risk of civil unrest. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution.

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