Dominican Republic (Security threat level – 3): On 16 February 2022, President Luis Abinader rescinded all coronavirus-related restrictions in the Dominican Republic. The requirements to wear face masks and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter public venues are no longer in effect. The announcement follows a decrease in COVID-19 cases and subsequent hospitalizations throughout the country.
Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 17 February 2022, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced that beginning in March the quarantine period for most arriving international travelers will be reduced to three days from the currently required seven-day quarantine. Travelers from low-risk countries who have also received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose will be allowed to skip quarantine. Additionally, the number of foreign nationals allowed to enter the country for purposes such as business or education, will increase to 5,000 per day from the current 3,500 per day.
Germany (Security threat level – 3): As of 17 February 2022, Storm Ylenia has caused significant disruptions in Germany, particularly in the northern and eastern areas of the country. Most long-distance rail service in the states of Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Berlin and Brandenburg has been suspended until at least mid-day. Additionally, dozens of flights at Frankfurt Airport (EDDF/FRA) and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (EDDB/BER) have been canceled. Meanwhile, downed trees have caused power outages and disruptions along roadways in the affected areas. However, there have been no reports of casualties.
United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): On 17 February 2022, the United Kingdom’s meteorological service issued a “red warning” — the highest level of weather alert — for areas of southwestern England and southern Wales due to the anticipated landfall of Storm Eunice, with wind gusts of up to 145 kph (90 mph). The red warning, which will be in effect from 0700 to 1200 local time/UTC on 18 February, includes coastal areas of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset counties in England as well as the southern coast of Wales. The storm is likely to cause significant travel disruptions, including cancellations of flights and train services, and power outages. Damage to homes and buildings is also expected due to flying debris. In Wales, all train services have been canceled for the day on 18 February and authorities have advised residents to stay indoors.
Mali (Security threat level – 5): On 17 February 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will completely withdraw military personnel stationed in Mali, citing differences with the ruling military junta. Macron stated that the withdrawal will be coordinated with Malian security forces and the U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Approximately 2,400 French troops stationed in three barracks in northern Mali are now expected to leave the country within the next six months and redeploy to other countries in the Sahel region. The French military initially deployed to Mali in 2013 and has since been leading the fight against growing Islamist insurgency.
Uganda (Security threat level – 4) : On 16 February 2022, Uganda’s Ministry of Health announced the end of mandatory on-arrival COVID-19 testing for travelers entering the country via Entebbe International Airport (HUEN/EBB). However, all incoming and outgoing travelers are still required to obtain a negative result from a COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to boarding their flight. The announcement follows reports of a decrease in COVID-19 cases detected at the airport and throughout the country.
France (Security threat level – 3): On 17 February 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Paris issued a Demonstration Alert regarding a public transportation strike scheduled for 18 February, which reads in part as follows:
“Location: Paris public transportation lines
“Event: Strike by Paris public transportation workers expected to take place on February 18, 2022, all day. The strike will affect all metro lines except lines 1 and 14, and will also affect RER A and B (including RER B services to CDG airport), and tram and bus lines. Other RER lines, as well as suburban Transilien train lines, are not affected. Metro lines 2, 3bis, 5, 7bis, 8, 10, 11, and 12 will be entirely closed. Remaining lines will operate severely reduced service and only during rush hour (6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m.) and some stations will be closed. RER A and B will run severely reduced service and operate only between 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and interconnection at Gare du Nord will be suspended, so travelers will need to change trains there. Bus and tram lines will run severely reduced service and some bus lines may be closed. More information will be available on the RATP.fr website (www.ratp.fr).”
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