AMERICAS

Canada / United States (Security threat levels – 2 / 2): On 19 July 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced that U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will be permitted to enter Canada for nonessential reasons beginning on 9 August. U.S. citizens and permanent residents living in the U.S. will be permitted entry if they can show proof of negative results from a COVID-19 test that is no more than 72 hours old at the time of flight departure or arrival at the land border crossing. Travelers will also be required to submit their information, including proof of full vaccination, through the ArriveCAN portal and present a paper or digital copy of their vaccination certificate upon arrival if requested. Additionally, the Canadian government looks to permit entry to fully vaccinated travelers from all countries as of 7 September, provided that the coronavirus-related epidemiological situation in Canada remains favorable. The Canadian government has prohibited entry to most foreign travelers — with exemptions for permanent residents of Canada and their family members, along with individuals traveling for essential reasons — since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. The Canada-U.S. land border has also been closed to nonessential travel since March 2020.

Further details as outlined by the Public Health Agency of Canada are available here.

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): Demonstrations over income inequality, police brutality and youth unemployment are scheduled to take place in Bogotá on 20 July 2021, coinciding with Colombian Independence Day celebrations and the start of the next legislative session of Congress. Protesters plan to gather at the Parque Nacional, Monumento Héroes, Autopista Sur, Centro de Memoria Histórica, Monumento Sierra Morena, the Américas, Calle 80, Suba and Usme metro stations, Hotel Tequendama, as well as the intersections of Avenida Primero de Mayo with Carrera Décima and Avenida Boyacá with Avenida Villavicencio. The marches are expected to conclude at Plaza de Bolívar in the evening hours. The National Strike Committee organized the demonstrations to deliver a list of reforms to Congress. The committee suspended nationwide demonstrations that had been set for 15 June after negotiations with the Colombian government stalled.

Honduras (Security threat level – 4): On 19 July 2021, Honduran authorities announced that the existing nationwide 2200-0500 local time (0400-1100 UTC) nightly curfew will be extended until 25 July. Transit exemptions during curfew are in place for individuals who work in public transport, telecommunications, heavy cargo transport, hotel, security, health or emergency services, as well as for individuals who arrive to Honduras during an evening flight with a travel ticket for verification purposes. Supermarkets and shops are required to operate at less than 50% capacity, while bars, gyms and schools are required to remain closed.

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3): As of 1700 local time (0900 UTC) on 20 July 2021, Tropical Storm Cempaka had strengthened into a typhoon, and was located approximately 220 km (135 mi) west-southwest of Hong Kong, according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Cempaka was moving northwest at 2 kph (1 mph) and generating maximum sustained winds of 130 kph, with gusts of up to 157 kph. On its current forecast path, the storm is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province near Yangjiang during the early hours of 21 July and continue on its path before shifting toward Hainan province between 22-23 July. Authorities have warned that between 100-200 ml (4-8 in) of rainfall is likely for parts of Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan provinces, while some areas could receive up to 500 milliliters of rain.

Japan / Taiwan (Security threat levels – 1 / 1): As of 1800 local time (0900 UTC) on 20 July 2021, Typhoon In-fa was located approximately 275 km (170 mi) southeast of Kadena, Japan, and was moving west-northwest at 19 kph (12 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, In-fa was generating maximum sustained winds of 120 kph, with gusts of up to 148 kph. On its current forecast path, the storm is expected to pass over the Ishigaki and Miyao islands in southern Okinawa prefecture during 22-23 July before passing near the northern coast of Taiwan on 24 July. Strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected in areas along the storm’s path.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Mali (Security threat level – 5): On 20 July 2021, unidentified individuals attacked transitional President Assimi Goita during Eid al-Adha prayers in the Great Mosque, located in the capital Bamako. Preliminary reports indicate that two assailants attempted to stab the president, who has since issued a statement declaring that he is doing “very well.” At least one person was injured in the attack. According to the religious affairs minister, one assailant has been detained.

Analyst Comment: Assimi Goita assumed the presidency following a second coup in May, when he and military officials ousted then-interim President Bah N’Daw and interim Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. Goita and other members of the military junta accused former leaders of the transitional government of appointing officials without consulting Goita.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Oman (Security threat level – 2): On 19 July 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Oman, which reads in part as follows: “A movement ban (on people and vehicles) is currently in force between 8pm and 4am Oman time. From Friday 16 July to Saturday 31 July, no movement will be allowed between 5pm and 4am Oman time, except during the Eid Al Adha public holiday from 20 to 23 July when no movement will be permitted at all.

“There is no movement ban in Musandam governorate but residents wanting to visit must have had at least one vaccination. Non-residents wishing to visit must be fully vaccinated. The same vaccination requirements are also in force for anyone wanting to visit Dhofar governorate.”

United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): On 19 July 2021, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom, which reads in part as follows: “Do not travel to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism.

“Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the United Kingdom due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into the United Kingdom. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

“Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 related restrictions and conditions in the United Kingdom.”

The full text of the Travel Advisory is available here.

Analyst Comment: The Department of State raised its level of travel warning advice for the U.K. after the CDC issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice, its most severe advisory level, for the country on the same day that most domestic coronavirus-related restrictions in England were annulled. The restrictions were lifted despite a notable increase in new COVID-19 cases in the U.K. during the previous week; official statistics indicate a 41% increase in new cases compared to the preceding week. The Department of State previously maintained a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory in accordance with the CDC’s Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the U.K. issued on 10 May, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country.