AMERICAS

Brazil (Security threat level – 3) : On 7 December 2021, the minister of health announced that unvaccinated travelers entering Brazil will be required to observe a five-day quarantine period followed by a COVID-19 test after a policy disagreement between President Jair Bolsonaro and the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Bolsonaro has repeatedly criticized ANVISA for proposing that proof of vaccination be required for arriving travelers to help prevent the spread of new coronavirus variants. On 6 December the Supreme Court extended the executive branch 48 hours to publicly explain why the vaccination passport had not yet been adopted. Officials did not provide a timeline as to when the quarantine orders will commence.

Lesser Antilles (Security threat level – 1): On 8 December 2021, authorities in Martinique imposed a nightly curfew from 2000 to 0500 local time (0000-0900 UTC) due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The measure will remain in effect until 22 December. During curfew hours, individuals are required to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as medical emergencies or work.

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): Shortly before 1200 local time (1700 UTC) on 7 December 2021, multiple shots were fired at Playa Langosta, located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone in the southern Mexican state of Quintana Roo. According to the state’s police chief, gunmen arrived at the beach on three jet skis and opened fire into the air before fleeing the scene. No one was injured in the shooting. Security personnel seized the watercraft; however, the gunmen remain at large. The incident occurred amid the deployment of a significant number of security personnel, who have recently begun patrolling beaches in Cancun. Authorities deployed approximately 1,500 National Guard troops to Quintana Roo on 1 December, following gang-related shootings that raised concerns regarding the deteriorating security environment in the popular tourist destination.

ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 1200 local time (0630 UTC) on 8 December 2021, an army helicopter carrying Indian military officials, including the chief of defense, crashed near Coonoor — a mountainous town located in the Nilgiris district of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The Mi-17V5 helicopter was en route to the Defense Services Staff College in the town of Wellington from the Indian air force base in Sulur, located about 100 km (60 mi) away, at the time of the crash. The country’s military commander and 12 people aboard the helicopter, including four crew members, were killed in the crash. One officer survived with serious injuries. The cause of the crash is unknown.

EUROPE

Romania (Security threat level – 2): On 7 December 2021, the minister of health announced that the countrywide nightly ban on movement and rules requiring individuals to wear face masks outdoors will be rescinded — effective 8 December. The curfew for shops and restaurants will be extended until 2200 local time (2000 UTC) from 2100 local time. Cinemas and restaurants will be limited to 50% of maximum occupancy; such establishments had been limited to 30% of maximum occupancy. Further, outdoor events may occur without special restrictions during the upcoming holiday season on the following dates: 24-25 December, 31 December and 1 January. Proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test will be required to enter most nonessential venues; only proof of vaccination was acceptable until now. Wearing face coverings indoors and on public transport will remain mandatory. The minister stated that the relaxation of rules was set to coincide with the holiday season.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Gabon (Security threat level – 3): On 7 December 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Gabon, which reads in part as follows: “The Gabonese government has introduced a ban on flights from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Angola and South Africa, until further notice, in response to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

“Flight restrictions have eased to allow five international flights per airline, per week. Check with your travel company for the latest information.”

Gambia (Security threat level – 3): On 7 December 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Banjul issued a Security Alert regarding the potential for election-related violence, which reads in part as follows: “U.S. citizens in the Gambia should remain alert and cautious. The security situation remains fluid as some opposition parties challenge the outcome of the December 4 Gambian elections. Security forces, including the police and the army, are patrolling and maintaining order. Demonstrations may occur without notice. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence.”