AMERICAS

United States (Security threat level – 2): At 2215 local time (0615 UTC) on 28 July 2021, an 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 55 mi (90 km) east-southeast of Perryville, Alaska, at a depth of 29 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The initial quake was followed by at least two dozen aftershocks in the same area. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The tsunami warning that was issued for south Alaska and the Alaskan peninsula – from 90 miles east of Seward to Unimak Pass, Alaska, to 30 miles southwest of Nikolski — has been lifted, according to the National Tsunami Warning Center. A tsunami watch issued for the state of Hawaii was canceled after approximately one hour.

ASIA

Cambodia (Security threat level – 3): On 29 July 2021, authorities in the capital Phnom Penh imposed new coronavirus-related restrictions that will remain in effect until 12 August. Under the orders, a nightly 2100-0300 local time (1400-2000 UTC) curfew is in effect, during which residents may only leave their homes for emergencies. Additionally, gatherings of more than 10 people are banned and nonessential businesses — such as bars, karaoke parlors, movie theaters, museums and gyms — are required to remain closed.

AUSTRALASIA

Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 28 July 2021, the premier of New South Wales state extended ongoing lockdown restrictions in the Greater Sydney area – including Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour – until 28 August due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Only essential travel for work, education, shopping or medical care is permitted during the lockdown. Bars and restaurants remain closed, and face masks are mandatory in public spaces.

EUROPE

United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): On 28 July 2021, the U.K. Department for Transport declared that travelers entering England from countries placed on the “amber list ” will no longer be required to observe self-quarantine, provided they were fully vaccinated in the United States, Ireland, or countries in Europe’s passport-free Schengen Area. The exemption, which will be effective at 0400 local time (0300 UTC) on 2 August, excludes travelers arriving from France. Individuals who were fully vaccinated in the U.K. and entering England from locations on the amber list have been exempt from the quarantine requirement since 19 July. The current entry requirements — applicable to all travelers arriving from countries on the amber list — which mandate that travelers present a negative result from a PCR test taken within the three days preceding travel and take an additional PCR test on or before the second day after arrival, will remain in place.

Further information as outlined by the U.K. government is available here.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): On 29 July 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City issued a Security Alert regarding planned demonstrations, which reads in part as follows: “The Embassy has received information that several planned demonstrations, which include roadblocks, will take place across Guatemala starting Thursday July 29. Several civil & student organizations seeking the resignation of the President and Attorney General of Guatemala have announced their intention to coordinate protests and road blocks throughout the many departments and localities of Guatemala.

“U.S citizens should also remain alert to the possibility of demonstrations or road closures occurring at unanticipated times and locations. Demonstrations can quickly grow in size and often move from one location to another, thus potentially disrupting movement. The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed.

“The Embassy is informing employees they may need to re-arrange or postpone travel plans from Thursday, July 29 through Sunday, August 1.”

Latvia (Security threat level – 2): On 28 July 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Latvia, which reads in part as follows: “Travellers entering Latvia, including children aged 12 and above, are required to present evidence of a negative result of a PCR COVID-19 test, taken no earlier than 72 hours before boarding or before crossing the Latvian border, or an antigen test, taken not earlier than 48 hours before boarding or before crossing the Latvian border. Passengers who are unable to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test will be denied boarding or entry into Latvia. The certification must be in English, French, Russian or in the official language of the country from where the journey begins.”