International Travel Alert for Wednesday July 14th, 2021
Steve Davies - SAS-AP Specialist in UHNWI and Celebrity Risk Management
Managing Partner Focus One Group | Risk Mitigation Specialist
AMERICAS
El Salvador (Security threat level - 4): On 13 July 2021, the Legislative Assembly passed a 90-day ban on mass gatherings due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Banned events include concerts, sports competitions and festivals. Face masks will be required at all remaining previously scheduled events.
Guatemala (Security threat level - 4): On 13 July 2021, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei announced additional coronavirus-related restrictions through 29 July, due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases. Outdoor meetings and demonstrations are banned unless attendees comply with mask mandates and social distancing measures. Protests staged by demonstrators complying with health measures may still be disbanded by police officers if officials deem the event a public health risk. There is also a ban on the sale of alcohol from 1800 to 0600 local time (0000 to 1200 UTC) and on driving without a face mask.
EUROPE
Ukraine (Security threat level - 4): At approximately 1100 local time (0800 UTC) on 14 July 2021, police officers deployed tear gas against protesters at the Verkhovna Rada (legislature) building in central Kyiv. Approximately 1,000 protesters – mostly security personnel veterans – had rallied to demand a recalculation of pension benefits. They also demanded the speaker of parliament meet with them. When the speaker did not address the protesters, individuals briefly breached the fence outside the building. Police officers used tear gas to prevent demonstrators from entering the Verkhovna Rada itself and detained some of the demonstrators. Information on injuries was unavailable.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
South Africa (Security threat level - 4): As of 14 July 2021, security personnel remain under orders to enforce a nightly nationwide 2100-0400 local time (1900-0200 UTC) curfew. Authorities also ordered the country’s prosecutors to oppose bail for individuals detained for looting and rioting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. At least 1,234 people have been arrested in connection with the ongoing unrest and at least 72 people have been killed in the riots. More than 200 malls have been targeted in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces since the unrest began and, in some areas, homes were looted.
An explosion occurred on 14 July near Queen Nandi Drive in the industrial district of Durban. Reports indicate the explosion came from a warehouse, but specifics regarding the warehouse are unknown and any injury or casualty information remains unavailable. The previous day in the northern industrial district along Queen Nandi Drive, large-scale looting and arson incidents were reported and fires burned throughout the night. Elsewhere in Durban, several hundred individuals looted a large shopping center and set fire to shops nearby on 13 July. Many of the looters carried firearms and Molotov cocktails. Reports from 13 July indicated residents were guarding entry and exit points in northern Durban -- including the M4 Ruth First Highway, Rinaldo Road and Blackburn Road -- in an attempt to prevent looting. These roadblocks have resulted in violence when vehicles passing through have refused to stop. Amid the unrest, long lines formed around gas stations in the greater Durban area and many stations were running out of fuel. Residents also rushed to stores that remained open to purchase essential items, including milk and bread.
In Johannesburg, rioters looted stores and warehouses throughout the day and into the evening, even as authorities deployed 2,500 soldiers in an attempt to quell the violence. Looting continued in the Soweto and Alexandra townships of the Johannesburg metropolitan area. Police officers responded with rubber bullets, but soldiers did not arrive in time to help quell the unrest or apprehend looters. Amid the ongoing unrest in the country, the Gauteng Metrorail will resume service on 14 July after suspending operations the previous day, and many gas stations are reported closed until at least 16 July.
Reports indicate looting has spread to other provinces, including the town of Hammersdale in Mpumalanga province, which is located east of Gauteng, and Northern Cape province, located in the southwest of the country -- but not including Cape Town.
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GOVERNMENT TRAVEL WARNINGS
Afghanistan / France (Security threat levels - 5 / 3): On 13 July 2021, the French Embassy in Kabul issued a message advising French nationals in Afghanistan to leave the country as soon as possible ahead of the full withdrawal of international military personnel. The message also includes information regarding a free repatriation flight for French nationals to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG/CDG) from Hamid Karzai International Airport (OAKB/KBL) in Kabul on 17 July. Anyone interested in booking a seat on the flight should reach out to secretariat.kaboul-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr. The full text of the message, in French, is available here.
Cuba (Security threat level - 2): On 13 July 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a Security Alert regarding recent demonstrations, which reads in part as follows: "In the wake of recent demonstrations in Havana and throughout Cuba, U.S. Embassy Havana reminds all U.S. citizens of our recommendation to avoid all demonstrations due to their unpredictable nature. Avoid large gatherings. Even peaceful demonstrations and large gatherings have the potential to become unpredictable without warning.
"In Havana, U.S government personnel are advised to avoid Plaza de Revolucion, Old Town Havana, and routes to/from the airport until Monday July 19, 2021."
Cyprus (Security threat level - 2): On 14 July 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia issued an alert warning of upcoming demonstrations, which reads in part as follows: "U.S. citizens are advised of possible demonstrations taking place July 15 through July 20. A strong police presence is expected. All citizens should avoid or use extra caution around the following areas:
South Africa (Security threat level - 4): On 13 July 2021, the U.S. Mission to South Africa issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Civil unrest and protests continue throughout KwaZulu-Natal Province and Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng Province. Following reports of blockages on many provincial and municipal transit routes, increased violence, vandalism, and criminal activity at commercial centers, and calls for calm by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the U.S. Mission to South Africa recommends avoiding all non-essential movement within affected areas. Exercise heightened caution in commercial areas where looting and violence can and has occurred suddenly. The situation throughout many areas of these provinces is unstable and authorities are not able to respond to all events."
The full text of the alert is available here.
Trinidad & Tobago (Security threat level - 3): On 13 July 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Trinidad and Tobago, which reads in part as follows:
“Trinidad and Tobago’s international borders are currently closed. There are currently no commercial flight options available for travelling into or out of Trinidad and Tobago. The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced that its international borders will reopen on 17 July 2021.”
Information provided by United Healthcare Global July 14th, 2021