Diplomatic Fallout Between Mexico and Ecuador
North and Central America
On 4 April, at around 16:00 hours (local time), a 14-year-old was fatally shot at Brookland Metro Station. The victim, en route to an after-school program, was part of a small crowd when someone pulled out a gun and fired. Police officials have released images of the shooter and are seeking public assistance for investigations.
The Mexican government broke off diplomatic relations with Ecuador in response to a police raid on the Mexican Embassy in Quito on 5 April. The raid was aimed at arresting Ecuador's former vice president, Jorge Glas, who had been granted asylum by Mexico just hours earlier. Glas faces charges related to alleged irregularities in his oversight of reconstruction efforts following a devastating earthquake in 2016, which claimed hundreds of lives. He has also been convicted of bribery and corruption in separate cases.
Following this incident, Nicaragua also announced the end of its diplomatic relations with Ecuador. Given the recent diplomatic tensions between the countries, travellers should exercise caution and stay informed about the current situation before planning any trips to either country.
South America
Health authorities in the Department of La Paz have reported 22 people infected with the Oropouche virus. Most of the cases (22) resided in the municipality of Irupana, but isolated cases were reported from Cajuata and Chulumani. The virus that causes Oropouche Fever is common in Central and South America and may cause large and explosive disease outbreaks. The virus is transmitted through mosquito, tick, and midge bites. When these insects become infected with the virus, the virus can be transmitted to animals (sloths, marsupials, primates, and birds) and humans through the insect bite.
Transmission to humans is primarily by the bite of the midge. The bite of the midge carrying the Oropouche virus feels like a sharp prick, and an irritation or lump may appear and last for a few hours or days. Avoiding contact with infected midges, especially during the rainy season, is the primary preventative measure. Avoid insect breeding sites (swamps, stagnant water, marshes, decomposing vegetation, etc.). If possible, use insect repellent containing 20 per cent or more DEET and wear protective clothing to cover exposed skin.
Peru has extended its state of emergency for 60 days in specific regions: the provinces of Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, Huánuco, Huancavelica, Ica, Moquegua, and Pasco, effective 31 March, and in certain districts of provinces, including Ãncash, ApurÃmac, Cusco, Huancavelica, Lima, Loreto, and San MartÃn, effective 2 April. This decision was made in response to the significant damage caused by heavy rains.
Residents and travellers are advised to stay vigilant and refer to local meteorological and emergency updates via television, radio, and local alerts. Extreme caution is advised while driving in adverse weather conditions to minimize the risk of traffic accidents. It's recommended to avoid travel to the affected areas whenever possible, as there may be substantial damage to infrastructure, including roads, transportation, and communication systems.
Europe
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported 67 deaths due to infections with the West Nile Fever virus in European nations. Although the risk of infection remains low for the general traveller, more people than expected have been infected in new areas where the virus has not been found previously. Travellers who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or who will be in areas with a lot of mosquitoes are at increased risk of exposure to the West Nile irus. The risk of exposure for the general traveller is quite low.
However, in a small number of infected people, the West Nile virus can cause serious neurological illnesses, including death. Since there is no vaccine or treatment for West Nile fever, travellers to areas where this virus has been found can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
On 1 April, new legislation partially legalizing the possession of marijuana came into effect in Germany. Individuals aged 18 and above are permitted to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and cultivate up to three marijuana plants. However, consumption in the presence of minors or by minors themselves remains strictly prohibited. According to the law, smoking is banned within 200 meters of schools, playgrounds, and sports fields.
Smoking marijuana in pedestrian zones between 07:00 and 20:00 hours (local time) is also prohibited. Starting in July, non-commercial cannabis clubs can be formed, with a maximum membership of 500 adult residents of Germany, each having access to specified quantities of cannabis. Police unions have expressed concerns about potential uncertainties stemming from the new law, and related demonstrations may occur. Adherence to these regulations is crucial to avoid penalties under local laws, as violators may face fines.
On 1 April, officials on the island of Rhodes opened a new vacation visa terminal for Turkish visitors as part of a diplomatic effort to ease long-standing tensions. The limited-access visa will allow Turks to visit 10 Greek islands for up to a week without having to apply for full access to the European Union’s passport-free travel zone, known as the Schengen area. Granted at participating Greek ports, the new visa will cost 60 euros and will include a passport check and fingerprint recording, while visitors will not be allowed to travel to other EU member states.
The islands in the vacation visa program include Lesvos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi, and Kastellorizo, with the smaller islands due to join in June. For additional information, travellers are advised to contact their travel agents or the respective embassy prior to airline and accommodation bookings. Plan ahead to avoid inconveniences. Follow local laws. Overstaying a visa may result in consequences like fines or imprisonment.Â
Middle East and Asia PacificÂ
On 4 April, militants launched coordinated attacks on Revolutionary Guard posts in Rask and Sarbaz towns, along with a coast guard station in Chahbahar city. The assaults resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals, including 10 soldiers and 18 militants. Additionally, hostages were seized at two separate locations and later freed during ensuing gun battles.
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Jaish ul-Adl claimed responsibility for orchestrating these attacks. It is advised to refrain from all travel to Sistan-Baluchestan Province at this time. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid travelling to Iran altogether due to the unpredictable and unstable safety and security situation prevailing in the region.
On 5 April, a devastating dam breach occurred along the Ural River in Orsk, sparking widespread flooding and necessitating immediate evacuations. Due to persistent rains, more than 100 roads and 47 bridges were closed throughout the affected area. As of 7 April, emergency operations were ongoing, with over 6,000 individuals displaced so far. Approximately 4,500 areas, including homes and schools, are submerged in severe flooding. Additionally, the overflow of a river in Yelshanka (Volgograd) and elevated water levels in the Samara River and Buzuluk have intensified the crisis.
Anticipating further flooding in the Ural region of Kurgan and the Siberian region of Tyumen, authorities have issued flood warnings and evacuation orders. The federal emergency status in Orenburg remains in force, with floodwaters projected to recede after 20 April. Considering the extensive damage and ongoing hazards, non-essential travel to the affected regions is strongly discouraged. It is advised to avoid contact with floodwater to minimize the risk of contamination. Travellers in the impacted areas are urged to secure access to suitable shelter and essential services for their safety and well-being.
In the past month, 16 people were admitted to the Zion Hospital & Research Centre in Dimapur due to infection with the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus. Of these, four people died from their infection. The risk of Japanese encephalitis is low for most travellers in Asia, particularly for short-term visitors to urban areas. However, the risk varies according to season, destination, travel duration, and activities. Travellers to areas where this virus is circulating can reduce their risk of exposure to the Japanese encephalitis virus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The USA Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices recommends JE vaccination for persons moving to a JE-endemic country to take up residence, longer-term travellers to JE-endemic areas (for example, greater than or equal to one month), and frequent travellers to JE-endemic areas. The vaccine should also be considered for shorter-term travellers (for example, less than one month) with an increased risk for JE based on planned travel duration, season, location, activities, and accommodations, and for travellers to JE-endemic areas who are uncertain about their specific travel duration, destinations, or activities. The JE vaccine is not recommended for travellers with very low-risk itineraries, such as shorter-term travel limited to urban areas or outside a well-defined JE virus transmission season.
Between 3 and 15 April, airports in the UAE, particularly Dubai and Qatar's Hamad International Airport, expect a massive influx of travellers during the Eid Al Fitr holiday period, potentially resulting in extensive queues at baggage check-in and security points. Additional security personnel may be deployed at airports to tackle large crowds and reduce delays.
Similar holiday rushes can be expected at airports across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Travellers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3–4 hours before departure, complete online check-in beforehand, minimize baggage to skip the drop-off counter, and ensure all necessary documentation is in order to avoid further delays.
On 3 and 4 April, widespread GPS jamming was reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other parts of central Israel. Navigation applications like Google Maps, Waze, and other local systems displayed incorrect locations, causing disruptions to cab/taxi services, payment apps, etc. The GPS jamming could be a result of heightened air defence by the Israeli Defence Forces, who are anticipating a retaliatory airstrike by Iran following the death of several high-profile Iranian officials in Syria in a suspected Israeli attack.
If travelling in the affected regions, look out for air-raid sirens and seek shelter immediately. Exercise increased caution if travelling near high-risk localities in Israel. The situation in these regions is constantly changing and can be unpredictable. Stay informed about the latest security situation by monitoring the local media. Contact your respective country's diplomatic mission for immediate emergency assistance. SITATA advises against all travel to the region due to the ongoing situation.Â
Until 15 May, the Royal Government of Thailand is offering a visa waiver for Cambodian travellers in the form of the Re-Entry Permit, applicable to those travelling to and from Thailand. This waiver extends to Cambodians holding passports for overseas work (including those employed in Thailand in certain cases) and possessing a Non-Immigration LA visa valid beyond 15 May.
Additionally, minors under 18 years old certified as dependents and permitted to remain in Thailand after 15 May are also covered. Check with the country's embassy or your travel agent for detailed information.  Â
Until 28 May, regulated power supply shutdowns will occur at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The disruptions are being made to allow the replacement of deteriorated medium-voltage switchgear in eight substations. The interruptions will affect the terminal's parking, substations in the south and north concourses, as well as the main substation of the terminal. Maintenance work will commence around 00:00 hours (local time) when the least number of flights are scheduled. Standby generators will be made available at each substation.
Passengers may experience reduced air-conditioning supply as well as malfunctioning escalators from time to time in some parts of Terminal 3. Keep yourself updated on any changes or announcements regarding the maintenance work and its impact on terminal operations. Check the airport's official website, social media channels, or contact your airline for the latest information. Ensure your electronic devices are fully charged before arriving at the airport.
AfricaÂ
Although many countries in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt continue to report sporadic cases of meningitis, three districts have reached epidemic levels of meningitis transmission. The affected areas include Niamey in Niger, and Nafada and Jama'are in Gombe and Bauchi states in Nigeria. The risk of exposure for the general traveller will vary from place to place, but it may be high in some localities.
Travellers to African countries in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, e.g., Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Togo, and Uganda during the dry season (December to June), can reduce the risk of exposure to meningitis by obtaining a vaccination against meningitis prior to travelling in these countries.
Disclaimer: This newsletter and all of the information it contains are provided “as is†without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The newsletter is a summary of travel and health-risk events in the world on a given date and is provided as a service to our customers or readers. Sitata Inc. and its affiliates and/or subsidiaries are not responsible for the accuracy of the reporting. The use of this information is at your own risk. Â