AMERICAS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): Anti-government demonstrations are scheduled nationwide for 26 August 2021, as officials debate a new tax reform bill. Most demonstrations are expected to begin at 0900 local time (1400 UTC). In the capital Bogotá, protesters plan to gather at the Parque Nacional and march to the Plaza de Bolívar, with additional demonstrations expected at other locations — including at the Portal de las Américas, Portal de Norte and Portal de Suba metro stations and the Monumento a Los Héroes. In Bucaramanga, protesters plan to gather at the Puerta del Sol and march to the Parque García Rovira. In Cali, protesters plan to march from Avenida Estación to the Plazoleta San Francisco. In Cartagena, protesters plan to march from the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas to the Plaza de la Aduana. In Medellín, protesters plan to gather on Avenida Guayabal at 1000 local time and at the Parque de las Luces at 1600 local time.

ASIA

Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1810 local time (1340 UTC) on 26 August 2021, an explosion occurred near the eastern gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport (OAKB/KBL) in Kabul. The event took place as foreign governments continue to evacuate their nationals and approved Afghan citizens from the airport and thousands of Afghan nationals attempting to evacuate the country remain outside the facility’s gates amid a deteriorating security environment. Local media reports indicate the blast was caused by a suicide bomber who detonated their explosives, causing multiple injuries and deaths. Earlier in the day, the U.S., U.K. and Australian embassies issued warnings advising their citizens to avoid the Abbey Gate, the East Gate and the North Gate of the airport due to a credible threat of a terrorist attack targeting foreign nationals. A Turkish official stated that Taliban leaders have requested technical support from the Turkish government at the airport after the departure of foreign militaries by the 31 August deadline. Elsewhere in the country, Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport (OAKN/KDH) — also known as Kandahar International Airport — has reopened for international flights; however, foreign governments have not yet been given permission from Taliban authorities to operate flights from Kandahar.

India (Security threat level – 3): On 26 August 2021, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) lifted a ban on the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The DGCA originally grounded the aircraft in March 2019 following the crashes of Lion Air flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 in Indonesia and Ethiopia, respectively. The low-cost carrier SpiceJet, the largest operator of 737 MAX aircraft in India, announced that it expects to resume operations involving the aircraft in late September.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Oman (Security threat level – 2): On 24 August 2021, authorities announced revised entry restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19, which will remain in effect from 1 September until further notice. Under the restrictions, all travelers are required to present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in Oman for flights shorter than eight hours, or a PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before arrival for flights longer than eight hours. Travelers without proof of a negative PCR test will be tested upon arrival, and required to wear an electronic tracking bracelet and self-isolate until they receive a negative test result. Additionally, travelers are required to download the Tarassud+ smartphone application and upload proof of vaccination and PCR test results prior to arrival as well as provide proof of insurance that covers at least 30 days of COVID-19 treatment.