AMERICAS

Bahamas / Dominican Republic / Haiti (Security threat levels – 2 / 3 / 4): As of 0800 local time (1200 UTC) on 10 August 2021, Potential Tropical Cyclone Six was located approximately 170 km (105 mi) west of the island of Guadeloupe and 435 km east-southeast of Ponce, Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Six was generating maximum sustained winds of 55 kph (35 mph), with higher gusts, and was moving west-northwest at 28 kph. The storm is forecast to become a tropical storm on the morning of 11 August and pass over the island of Puerto Rico before passing along the northern coasts of the Dominican Republic, northern Haiti, Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas on 12 August.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the southern coast of the Dominican Republic. The storm is expected to produce 50-100 mm (2-4 in) of rain over the Leeward Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with isolated maximums of up to 150 mm. Potential Tropical Cyclone Six is also forecast to produce 25-75 mm of rain over the northern Windward Islands and 75-150 mm over the Dominican Republic, as well as produce swells across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on 10 August that could produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Belize (Security threat level – 3): On 9 August 2021, government authorities updated coronavirus-related entry requirements for Belize. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers over the age of 5 must present either a negative result from a PCR test taken within 96 hours before travel or an antigen rapid test taken within 48 hours prior to travel. Travelers who arrive at Philip Goldson International Airport (MZBZ/BZE) without a valid test result can be tested upon arrival for a fee of 100.81 Belizean dollars (50 U.S. dollars). Travelers seeking to enter Belize by land must pay 100.81 Belizean dollars to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test administered by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. All foreign nationals who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival to Belize are required to quarantine for 14 days in a government-approved hotel at their own expense.

Dominican Republic (Security threat level – 3): As of 9 August 2021, Altagracia province — which includes the tourist destination of Punta Cana — and the Distrito Nacional are no longer subject to the nationwide 2300-0500 local time (0300 to 0900 UTC) coronavirus-related curfew currently in place. The exemption is due to the high percentage of individuals vaccinated in the aforementioned locations. Social distancing and face mask mandates remain in effect.

Lesser Antilles (Security threat level – 1): As of 1900 local time (2300 UTC) on 10 August 2021, tourists in Martinique will be asked to leave the island and hotels will be closed along with most non-essential businesses until at least 31 August in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Hotels and seasonal rentals will be closed to all individuals except for professionals and residents of Martinique. The island will be under a stay-at-home order and residents will be required to remain within 1 km (0.6 mi) of their homes. Only food shops, pharmacies and a limited number of other essential businesses will remain open. Leisure facilities and beaches will also be closed. Businesses are encouraged to allow their employees to work from home. Authorities stated that they will reevaluate the measures in 15 days.

United States (Security threat level – 2): On the evening of 9 August 2021, severe thunderstorms forced the cancellation of more than 335 flights scheduled to operate through Illinois’ Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD/ORD). The threat of a possible tornado also prompted a ground stop at the facility for about 20 minutes following the evacuation of the air traffic control tower at approximately 1920 local time (2320 UTC). Meanwhile, a total of 26 flights were canceled at the nearby Chicago Midway International Airport (KMDW/MDW).

EUROPE

France (Security threat level – 3): On 9 August 2021, a mandate for COVID-19 “pass sanitaire” health passes went into effect. The passes are required for transit on buses, trains or aircraft, as well as for entry to restaurants and venues for scheduled events. The requirements are in effect for both residents and foreign visitors. In order to apply for a health pass, individuals must either have a vaccination certificate, a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within the prior 48 hours or a document that demonstrates proof of successful recovery from COVID-19 dated more than 11 days, but less than six months, prior to applying for the pass. Additional information regarding the pass (in French) is available here.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Poland (Security threat level – 2): On 10 August 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “A demonstration will occur in front of the Sejm on Wiejska on August 10, 2021, beginning at approximately 1800 until approximately 2300. The exact number of participants is not known but could be upwards of several thousand. Traffic congestion is expected in downtown Warsaw.”

Vietnam (Security threat level – 3): On 9 August 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued updated travel advice regarding domestic flights, which reads in part as follows: “From 8 August until further notice all commercial domestic flights to and from areas under social distancing have been suspended. Check on the status of your flight with your travel provider before travelling and be aware that flights may be cancelled or suspended at short notice.”