Canada (Security threat level – 2): Late on 13 February 2022, the Ambassador Bridge — which connects Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan — fully reopened to vehicular traffic after police officers removed protesters from the site, ending a six-day-long blockade. The protesters had gathered on the Canadian side of the bridge to demand the repeal of mandatory vaccinations for cross-border truck operators and other coronavirus-related health measures. Police officers arrested at least 25 people and towed away about a dozen vehicles while clearing the site. Meanwhile, disruptions have continued at Alberta’s Coutts border crossing into the U.S. state of Montana as well as at another border crossing connecting British Columbia to the state of Washington.
In Ottawa, Canada’s capital, more than 400 trucks participating in the “Freedom Convoy” continue to occupy streets in the city center. In response, the premier of Ontario declared a province-wide state of emergency on 11 February, authorizing fines of up to 100,000 Canadian dollars (nearly 79,000 U.S. dollars) and one year of imprisonment for those unlawfully blocking roads, airports and other critical infrastructure. While no agreement has been reached to end the protest action in downtown Ottawa, the city’s mayor sent a letter to the president of Freedom Convoy 2022 — one of the protest organizers — asking that the vehicles leave residential areas in the city center by 1200 local time (1700 UTC) on 14 February.
Chile (Security threat level – 2): As of 14 February 2022, truckers continue to block highways in northern Chile to protest the 10 February murder of a truck driver during an altercation with Venezuelan migrants on Ruta 1. However, the Antofagasta Transport Union announced on 13 February that it will end the protests and lift roadblocks on Ruta 5, D28 and D40 starting at 1200 local time (1500 UTC) on 14 February after reaching an agreement with the Chilean government. Sky Airlines has announced that all passenger flights to Iquique Airport (SCDA/IQQ) will operate normally as scheduled on 14 February.
On 13 February LATAM Airlines officials suspended an additional 10 flights between Santiago and Iquique amid protests and highway blockades near Iquique Airport (SCDA/IQQ). Elsewhere in Chile, demonstrators lifted a highway blockade along Route 68 — which connects Santiago to the coastal city of Valparaíso — after government officials pledged on 12 February to provide additional safety support for truck drivers.
Vietnam (Security threat level – 3): On 13 February 2022, authorities announced an end to coronavirus-related restrictions on a number of international passenger flights beginning on 15 February. International commercial flight capacity is set to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Administration. Officials previously reduced the quarantine requirement for inbound fully vaccinated travelers to three days of self-isolation.
France (Security threat level – 3): On 11 February 2022, authorities announced plans to ease nationwide coronavirus-related restrictions. Foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to provide a negative coronavirus test result upon entry into France as of 12 February. Additionally, as of 28 February, authorities will lift the face mask requirement in enclosed public areas, where proof of vaccination is mandatory — such as at bars, cafes, restaurants, and cinemas. Authorities also announced a multi-phase plan to ease face mask requirements for students in the coming weeks.
France (Security threat level – 3): On 12 February 2022, police officers fired tear gas to disperse protesters near the Arc de Triomphe on Champs-Élysées Avenue in central Paris amid demonstrations against coronavirus-related regulations. Restaurant patrons in the vicinity were forced to leave outdoor dining areas to avoid inhaling the tear gas. Earlier the same day, police officers removed demonstrators who were attempting to block traffic in the roundabout surrounding the Arc de Triomphe. Security personnel prevented a convoy of approximately 500 vehicles from reaching the city center. At least 54 people were arrested during the demonstration and more than 300 parking citations were issued. Emergency personnel treated several people at the scene for smoke inhalation.
France (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 0700 local time (0600 UTC) on 14 February 2022, police officers shot and killed a man who attempted to attack the officers with a knife at the Gare du Nord station in Paris. The two police officers at the scene suffered minor injuries, but no one else was harmed. Train services through the station were temporarily disrupted due to the event. The French transport minister stated that the attack was not thought to be terrorism-related.
Ukraine (Security threat level – 4): On 13 February 2022, the Ukrainian National Air Traffic Controller issued an advisory warning aircraft operators to avoid flying over the Black Sea and the Sea of Avoz due to ongoing Russian military exercises in the area. Reports indicate that international aircraft insurance companies are considering denying insurance coverage for commercial aircraft flying in Ukrainian airspace, potentially limiting the number of commercial flights to and from Ukraine in the coming days. Later the same day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyal announced an allocated fund of 16.6 billion hryvnias (592 million U.S. dollars) to ensure the continuation of flights over Ukrainian airspace.
Tunisia (Security threat level – 3): On 13 February 2022, thousands of protesters gathered in the capital Tunis to oppose a controversial presidential decree that allows President Kais Saied to unilaterally dismiss judges and block judicial appointments. Approximately 2,000 people, many waving Tunisian flags and chanting pro-democracy slogans, took to the streets of downtown Tunis to denounce the order. The demonstration concluded peacefully. The decree dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council and will establish a temporary 21-member council, nine of whom will be directly chosen by the president. Protesters claim that the president’s move is aimed at ending the democratic system of checks and balances in the country.
Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 4): On 12 February 2022, approximately 5,000 elite Republican Guard combat troops marched through the streets of the capital Kinshasa in support of President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration following the arrest of the president’s special security advisor over allegations of undermining state security. Although military officials referred to the march in the capital as an endurance exercise, soldiers established several checkpoints near government buildings. The arrest and subsequent military march in a show of support for Tshisekedi follow reports of an alleged attempt to oust the incumbent government.
Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 11 February 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá issued a Security Alert regarding potential disruptions related to the upcoming presidential election, which reads in part as follows:
“The Presidential election process will take place in Colombia through August 7, 2022. There is the potential for demonstrations, traffic disruptions, and visible police presence during the campaigns leading up to the elections. Roads may be closed in major cities, including Bogota, on May 29 and June 19. During past election cycles, alcohol sales have been restricted and ciclovía has been cancelled in some cities. The National Civil Registry has announced the electoral calendar for 2022 as follows:
Ukraine (Security threat level – 4): On 11 February 2022, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Ukraine, which reads in part as follows:
“The FCDO now advises against all travel to Ukraine.
“British nationals in Ukraine should leave now while commercial means are still available.
“Since January 2022, the build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s borders has increased the threat of military action.
“Due to the growing threat from Russia, the FCDO has taken the decision to temporarily withdraw some Embassy staff and their dependants from Kyiv. The Embassy remains open but will be unable to provide in-person consular assistance. British nationals should leave while commercial options remain.”
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