AMERICAS

Costa Rica / Mexico (Security threat levels – 3 / 4): On 22 February 2021, Costa Rican authorities announced that amended coronavirus-related restrictions will go into effect on 1 March. Vehicular restrictions will be simplified to prohibit all vehicles from operating daily during 2300-0500 local time (0500-1100 UTC); previously, the restrictions were based on the last digit of a vehicle’s license plate number. An exception is in place for the capital San José, where the driving limitations based on license plate numbers will remain in place. For more information, please click here (in Spanish). Costa Rica’s land borders will remain closed until at least 31 March.

On 22 February Mexican officials eased select coronavirus-related restrictions in the capital Mexico City. Restaurants may now operate with up to 20% of indoor seating capacity if they have reached their outdoor seating capacity, which is limited to 40%. Commercial art galleries, historical archives and libraries may open by appointment.

EUROPE

France (Security threat level – 3): On 22 February 2021, officials in Alpes-Maritimes department announced new coronavirus-related restrictions. Face masks are now mandatory in public areas throughout the department, and all nonessential business facilities larger than 5,000 square meters (5,980 square yards) must close. Additionally, weekend lockdowns from 1800 local time (1700 UTC) on Fridays until 0600 local time on Mondays will be in effect for coastal areas between Menton and Théoule-sur-Mer, which includes Nice and Cannes, from 26 February until 1 March and during 5-8 March. During the lockdowns, residents may leave their homes for one hour and may only travel up to 5 km from their households. Authorities will continue to enforce the nationwide nightly 1800-0600 local time curfew during the week.

Georgia (Security threat level – 3): During the early morning hours of 23 February 2021, police officers arrested the leader of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) at the party’s headquarters in the capital Tbilisi. Scuffles broke out between UNM supporters and police officers during the raid and some UNM supporters barricaded themselves inside the building. Multiple reports indicate that police officers forcibly dispersed protesters with pepper spray when entering the building and made multiple arrests. On 17 February a court ordered the UNM leader’s arrest for allegedly not posting bail for charges relating to another court case. In response to the arrest, demonstrators have gathered outside the parliament building and have announced plans to hold a protest march from the Georgian National Philharmonic Hall in Tbilisi beginning at 1500 local time (1100 UTC) on 26 February.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Oman (Security threat level – 2): On 22 February 2021, officials announced that as of 0000 local time (2000 UTC) on 25 February, new entry restrictions will be in effect for at least 15 days in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. During that time, travelers who have come from – or transited through within the preceding 14 days – Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Lebanon, Nigeria, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Tanzania, may not enter Oman. Exceptions exist for Omani citizens, health care workers and diplomats.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): On 22 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “According to media reports, veterans of Guatemala’s armed forces will hold a demonstration at the Casa Presidencial, Zone 1, Guatemala City tomorrow, Tuesday February 23, 2021, starting at 6:00 am.

“There is potential for protests and roadblocks in other municipalities in Guatemala. The timing, size and duration of planned demonstrations can change.”