AMERICAS

Canada (Security threat level – 2): Protest actions organized to demand the repeal of mandatory vaccinations for cross-border truck operators and other coronavirus-related health measures are ongoing in Canada as of 11 February 2022. In the capital Ottawa, where a “Freedom Convoy” has occupied streets in the city center for the past two weeks, approximately 70 vehicles staged a “go slow” protest near Ottawa International Airport (CYOW/YOW) during the morning of 10 February. The protesters drove around the facility for about two hours, disrupting traffic in the area. Meanwhile, in the province of Manitoba, approximately 50 vehicles began a blockade on Highway 75, which connects the province to the U.S. state of North Dakota. The blockades of the Ambassador Bridge — which connects Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan — as well as the Coutts border crossing connecting Alberta to Montana have also continued.

The shutdown of the Ambassador Bridge in particular has affected the automotive industry in both Michigan and Ontario, forcing manufacturers to halt some production. In order to prevent significant economic impact, U.S. officials have urged the Canadian government to use federal authority to end the blockade. In addition, the mayor of Windsor has stated that officials are prepared to forcibly remove the protesters from the site if necessary. According to the Windsor Police Department, additional police officers from other jurisdictions are being deployed near the Ambassador Bridge in order to peacefully resolve the demonstration.

Chile (Security threat level – 2): As of 11 February 2022, more than 100 truck drivers continue to block highway routes in the northern cities of Antofagasta and Iquique with their vehicles to protest the murder of a truck driver the previous day on Ruta 1 in Antofagasta. Protests began on the evening of 10 February following the killing. Protesters have blocked portions of the Ruta 1 and Ruta 5 highways in Antofagasta, causing major traffic disruptions. Meanwhile, in Iquique, protesters have blocked portions of Ruta 1 and Ruta 16, disrupting access to Diego Aracena International Airport (SCDA/ IQQ). Flight cancellations have occurred at the airport as a result of the roadblocks. There have been no reports of arrests or clashes.

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3): On 11 February 2022, government officials in Hong Kong announced that the travel ban on incoming flights from Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the U.K. and the U.S. will be extended until 4 March due to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Additionally, the same prohibition will be enacted for inbound flights from Nepal during 12 February-4 March. All passengers who have visited the aforementioned countries for more than two hours within the past 14 days will be denied entry into Hong Kong.

EUROPE

United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): As of 0400 local time/UTC on 11 February 2022, inbound travelers who possess proof of vaccination with a complete course of an approved vaccine are no longer required to take a COVID-19 test for entry into the U.K. Additionally, the requirement to take another COVID-19 test after arrival is also no longer in effect for fully vaccinated travelers, although all travelers must complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours preceding arrival. Meanwhile, travelers who are not fully vaccinated need to show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test (PCR or LFT) taken within two days before departure for the U.K. and take a PCR test on or before the second day after arrival. The self-quarantine requirement now applies to only those who test positive on their second day PCR test. Further information as outlined by the U.K. government is available here.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Ukraine (Security threat level – 4): On 10 February 2022, the U.S. Department of State issued a renewed Travel Advisory for Ukraine, which reads in part as follows: “Do not travel to Ukraine due to the increased threats of Russian military action and COVID-19; those in Ukraine should depart now via commercial or private means. If remaining in Ukraine, exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and potential combat operations should Russia take military action. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

“On January 23, 2022, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. direct hire employees (USDH) and ordered the departure of eligible family members (EFM) from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action. U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine, and those in Ukraine should depart now using commercial or other privately available transportation options.”

The full text of the advisory is available here.