AMERICAS

Ecuador (Security threat level – 3): On 16 June 2022, leaders of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) vowed to indefinitely continue countrywide demonstrations against President Guillermo Lasso’s economic policies. Protest actions initially began on 13 June and have since escalated across the country. Roadblocks have disrupted access to the capital Quito from the northern and southern parts of the country. Clashes between protesters and police officers have also occurred in multiple locations. In Quito, protesters clashed with police officers at the central Plaza de Santo Domingo on 16 June. Protesters threw projectiles at police officers, who sprayed tear gas at the demonstrators in response. An unspecified number of protesters and police officers suffered injuries in the violence. According to the government, demonstrators have carried out several attacks on private property and damaged approximately 15 police vehicles. Authorities have arrested at least 20 people. The leader of CONAIE stated that at least 14 protesters have been injured so far. CONAIE is demanding that the government freeze fuel prices, declare a moratorium on famers’ debts and restrict the expansion of oil and mining projects.

ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): On 17 June 2022, violent demonstrations against the recently announced “Agnipath” military recruitment scheme, which would lower the average age of military personnel and reduce pension expenditures, continued for a second consecutive day and spread across multiple locations in India. In Secunderabad — located adjacent to Hyderabad, the state capital of Telangana — nearly 500 demonstrators gathered at the city’s railway station and set fire to vacant carriages of a passenger train. Police officers used batons and fired live ammunition to disperse the demonstrators, who threw rocks and other projectiles at the officers. At least one protester was reportedly killed in Secunderabad and 15 others were injured. Rail services in the Secunderabad area have been suspended due to the clashes. Meanwhile, police officers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, fired tear gas at protesters who had blockaded railroad tracks and were throwing stones at the officers. Similar violent clashes have been reported in other states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Thailand (Security threat level – 3): On 17 June 2022, health officials in Thailand announced that inbound foreign travelers will no longer be required to complete a pre-arrival registration for the Thailand Pass as of 1 July. At present, foreigners arriving in the country are required to submit vaccination certificates and insurance policies to acquire a Thailand Pass prior to their arrival. Although the pre-arrival registration mandate will be canceled, inbound travelers will still be required to show proof of full vaccination or negative results from a COVID-19 test for entry into the country. Face masks will also no longer be required outdoors except in crowded areas.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Bahamas (Security threat level – 2): On 16 June 2022, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for the Bahamas, which reads in part as follows: “From 19 June 2022, fully vaccinated adult travellers will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test for entry into and inter-island journeys within The Bahamas.”

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 16 June 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Bogota issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The second round of the presidential election process will take place in Colombia on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Colombian authorities will deploy large number of security personnel throughout the country in an effort to ensure a peaceful electoral process. The Colombian National Police Director General announced on June 14 that police will be on “maximum alert” after detecting plans by radical groups to reject the results of the election vote and commit acts of violence across the country.

“There is the potential for demonstrations, traffic disruptions, and visible police presence during the campaigns leading up to and on the day of the election. Even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to turn violent without any warning.

“Roads may be closed in major cities, including Bogota, on June 19. Land and sea borders will be closed from 6:00 pm on Saturday, June 18 until 6:00 am on Monday, June 20. Alcohol sales are restricted from 6:00 pm on Saturday, June 18 until noon on Monday, June 20.”

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 17 June 2022, the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi has received information suggesting potential drone-related threats against the U.S. Consulate General or other diplomatic or government buildings in or around Karachi. As a result of general threat reporting in May, local government officials banned all types of drones in southern Karachi. This ban remains in effect through mid-July 2022.

“During this time, U.S. government personnel in Karachi are required to seek shelter and notify Consulate security personnel if they see a drone in the vicinity of the U.S. Consulate General.”