AMERICAS

Brazil (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 0130 local time (0430 UTC) on 1 December 2020, an unidentified armed group blocked off entrances to central Criciúma – a coastal city in the state of Catarina located approximately 285 km (175 mi) northeast of Porto Alegre – during a coordinated bank robbery. The group, which authorities believe may have arrived in as many as 40 vehicles, took at least six hostages while robbing four banks in the city center. The group fled the area and released the hostages as authorities, including the Military Police, remained in pursuit. When members of the group reached the neighboring city of Tubarão, they set fire to the tunnel connecting the two cities. According to local officials, at least four people have been arrested in connection to the bank heist and nearly 810,000 Brazilian reais (approximately 151,000 U.S. dollars) have been seized. At least two individuals suffered injuries, including a police officer and an employee of a private security company; the condition of the injured individuals was not immediately known.

Chile / Dominican Republic / Peru (Security threat levels – 2 / 3 / 3): According to reports from 29 November 2020, the government of Chile seeks to allow non-resident foreigners to enter Chile through Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCEL/SCL), located near the capital Santiago. Travelers of all ages are required to present the following when boarding their flight to Chile: a completed “Affidavit of Traveler” (available here ) prepared less than 48 hours before boarding, a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure, and proof of a health insurance policy that provides coverage for COVID-19 as well as other health-related issues during the traveler’s stay in Chile. Additionally, travelers arriving from a country deemed high risk by the World Health Organization (WHO) — which includes the United States — face an obligatory 14-day self-quarantine period upon entering Chile, even with a negative result from a COVID-19 test. If a traveler’s final destination in Chile is outside of Santiago, officials will provide them 24 hours in which to arrive at their final destination to begin the quarantine period. Officials have stated that after 7 December, non-resident foreigners entering Chile will not be required to complete a 14-day quarantine period.

In the Dominican Republic, President Luis Abinader on 30 November extended an existing coronavirus-related nationwide curfew until at least 22 December due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The curfew runs nightly from 2100 to 0500 local time (0100-0900 UTC) on Monday through Friday and 1900 to 0500 local time on Saturday and Sunday. Essential services personnel — including health care workers, public utility personnel and commercial cargo operators as well as residents traveling for medical purposes — remain exempt from the restrictions. Individuals are required to wear a face mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces.

In Peru, authorities on 30 November announced an extension to the current state of emergency until 31 December. While a nightly curfew from 2300 to 0400 local time (0400-1000 UTC) and a ban on social gatherings remain in effect, religious buildings will be allowed to reopen, but with only a third of standard congregation capacity.

EUROPE

Germany (Security threat level – 3) : At approximately 1420 local time (1320 UTC) on 1 December 2020, a motorist veered his vehicle off the road near a Christmas market in the German city of Trier, located approximately 50 km (30 mi) northwest of Luxembourg, and drove into a pedestrian zone at a high rate of speed. The vehicle struck several bystanders, killing at least two and injuring several others. Security personnel have arrested one person in relation to the event and have seized a vehicle; emergency personnel remain on the scene. Individuals are advised to avoid the downtown area of Trier.

Turkey (Security threat level – 4): On 1 December 2020, new coronavirus-related restrictions took effect across Turkey. The new restrictions – which will remain in effect until further notice — include a nightly curfew from 2100 to 0500 local time (1800 to 0300 UTC), as well as a weekend total lockdown beginning at 2100 on Friday evenings and lasting until 0500 Monday mornings. Essential services, such as grocery stores and food delivery, are exempt from the weekend lockdown. Individuals older than 65 and younger than 20 are prohibited from using public transportation, and officials have limited weddings and funerals to 30 individuals. Additionally, New Year celebrations have been canceled nationwide.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Cameroon (Security threat level – 4): On 30 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé issued a Security Alert regarding the upcoming elections, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Population centers throughout Cameroon

“Event: Cameroon will hold regional elections on Sunday, December 6, 2020. While the Embassy is not aware of any planned demonstrations, there is always the potential for large crowds to gather, peacefully or otherwise. Additionally, host country security and law enforcement will likely have an increased presence during the elections.

“Since June 2020, multiple improvised explosive device (IED) attacks have occurred in Yaoundé, and the threat for similar attacks to occur in Douala and countrywide remains. Various armed actors may use such devices. Despite the fact that these IED detonations have to date not directly targeted U.S. citizens and the places they frequent, the possibility exists that these armed actors could at any time target Western persons and interests.”

The full text of the alert is available here.

India (Security threat level – 3): On 1 December 2020, the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad issued a Security Alert regarding municipal elections, which reads in part as follows: “The city of Hyderabad is holding municipal elections on December 01, 2020 with results expected on/about December 04, 2020. Large gatherings, road closures, and unrest may occur spontaneously throughout the week, including next weekend. Expect a considerable rise in local police presence, street noise, traffic, and congestion.”

India (Security threat level – 3): On 1 December 2020, the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai issued a Weather Alert regarding the potential for a tropical storm on 2 December, which reads in part as follows: “The city of Hyderabad is holding municipal elections on December 01, 2020 with results expected on/about December 04, 2020. Large gatherings, road closures, and unrest may occur spontaneously throughout the week, including next weekend. Expect a considerable rise in local police presence, street noise, traffic, and congestion.”