Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): As of the morning of 24 February 2021, members of taxi drivers’ unions are planning to hold demonstrations in the capital Guatemala City to oppose the implementation of mandatory insurance requirements for cargo, commercial, passenger and urban vehicles. The drivers are expected to congregate their vehicles and disrupt traffic in several areas of the city, including at the Tinco Bridge, on the Calzada San Juan thoroughfare, near the obelisk located in Zone 10 and in front of the Hotel Casa Grande.
Philippines (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 1800 local time (1000 UTC) on 24 February 2021, a gunbattle broke out between police officers and unidentified gunmen beneath an overpass near the Ever Commonwealth department in Quezon City, which is part of the Metro Manila area. As a precaution, authorities halted traffic along the eastbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue near the shopping center for several hours. According to officials, at least two police officers were killed and one more suffered injuries. It remains unknown whether the shooters were apprehended.
Australia (Security threat level – 2): As of 1800 local time (0500 UTC) on 24 February 2021, all travelers arriving from New Zealand to Australia’s Queensland state must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Health officials also advised that anyone who has been to New Zealand since 21 February should undergo testing and self-isolate until they receive the results. Currently, the Australian government requires travelers coming from Auckland, New Zealand – as well as those who have been there within 14 days prior to travel to Australia – to submit to a health screening before departure and present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to travel. For additional entry restrictions by state, please click here.
Austria (Security threat level – 2): On 22 February 2021, authorities extended the status of the western state of Tyrol as a restricted zone until at least 3 March due to the spread of a South African variant of COVID-19. Individuals may only leave the state if they present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the preceding 48 hours. Anyone who fails to comply with the test requirement may be fined up to 1,450 euros (1,750 U.S. dollars). Exemptions are in place for cross-border commuters. An estimated 1,000 police officers and military personnel are stationed at the state’s border checkpoints, including at border crossings with Germany and Italy.
Spain (Security threat level – 3): On 23 February 2021, demonstrators gathered for an eighth consecutive night in cities nationwide to protest the arrest of a performer on 16 February. In the autonomous community of Catalonia, hundreds of protesters demonstrated in Calafell, Reus, Sant Cugat del Valles, Vilanova i la Geltru and the regional capital Barcelona. At approximately 1900 local time (1800 UTC) in Barcelona, several hundred protesters gathered in Placa Letamendi, and subsequently moved to the Eixample district where they threw various objects at police officers and attempted to erect barricades. In the Sants area, around 700 protesters rallied against the arrest of a demonstrator, but dispersed peacefully at approximately 2130 local time. In the town of Vilanova i la Geltru — located approximately 40 km (26 mi) southwest of Barcelona – violent clashes occurred between protesters and police officers at Placa de les Cols and along the Rambla Principal located in the city center. Demonstrators threw stones and other projectiles at police officers, damaged various buildings and set fires in the vicinity of a police station along Rambla Principal.
Chad / Namibia (Security threat levels – 5 / 2): On 23 February 2021, the government of Chad extended the existing provincial curfew until at least 10 March. The curfew is in effect from 2100-0500 local time (2000-0400 UTC) in N’Djamena as well as in the provinces of Batha Est, Ennedi Est, Guitté, Guera, Kanem, Logone-Gana, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Mayo-Kebbi Est, Moyen Chari and Tandjilé, as well as the districts of Logone-Gana, Mandelia and N’Djamena Farah.
Meanwhile, on 24 February the government of Namibia extended the existing nationwide nightly 2200-0400 local time (2000-0200 UTC) curfew until at least 31 March.
Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1745 local time (1645 UTC) on 23 February 2021, several explosions occurred in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, after armed insurgents launched rocket-propelled grenades into the Adamkolo and Gwange neighborhoods — both of which are densely populated areas of the city — and reportedly also fired live ammunition near the Giwa military barracks in the Fori area. The identities of the attackers remain unknown, although they are suspected to be Boko Haram militants who were attempting to infiltrate the city when security forces responded. Clashes between troops and insurgents lasted several hours before the attackers were repelled. At least 10 people were killed and nearly 60 others were injured.
Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 4): On 24 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued a Security Alert regarding possible threats posed by militant groups in North Kivu province, which reads in part as follows: “Location: Butembo, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“Be aware of possible threats posed by Mai-Mai groups in Butembo, North Kivu Province, notably on February 24, 2021. We continue to advise U.S. citizens to not travel to North Kivu in the Travel Advisory for the DRC.”
Niger (Security threat level – 5): On 23 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a Security Alert regarding the post-election environment, which reads in part as follows:
“Event: The security situation throughout Niger remains fluid in the post-election period with the possibility of unrest and/or intercommunal clashes around the country. There may be a corresponding increase in police presence and traffic delays on major roads. Please exercise caution and plan alternate routes.
“The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to exercise caution as demonstrations can become violent. If you see a crowd forming, do not attempt to drive through it. Leave the area and use an alternate route.
“The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and provide additional information, as appropriate.”
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