ASIA

China (Security threat level – 4): On 28 June 2022, China’s National Health Commission announced a reduction in the mandatory quarantine period for international travelers in government facilities from 14 days to seven. Health officials stated that international travelers will also be required to complete a three-day home quarantine period in an accommodation of their choosing. At the end of the three-day home quarantine, travelers will be subject to medical observation to determine if additional isolation is required.

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 27 June 2022, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) ordered the immediate reinstatement of the mandatory face mask requirement for passengers traveling on domestic flights, or on trains and buses. According to the NCOC, it is reinstating the mandate due to a recent significant increase in COVID-19 cases in Karachi, the country’s largest city, where the rate of positive coronavirus cases rose 21% in June compared to the national average of 2.8%. The NCOC has given no indication as to how long face masks will remain mandatory for domestic travel.

MIDDLE EAST

Jordan (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1800 local time (1500 UTC) on 27 June 2022, a chlorine gas tank exploded after being dropped during its transfer onto a ship at the port of Aqaba, resulting in the release of 25 tons of toxic chlorine gas. At least 13 people were killed and approximately 250 more were hospitalized. Authorities have closed the roads leading to the main port and evacuated a 5 km (3 mi) radius around the port. Approximately 2,500 individuals were deployed to the port area to assist with casualties and the cleanup of the port. The port is expected to resume normal operations over the next few days.

Kuwait (Security threat level – 4): On 27 June 2022, the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry announced that, effective immediately and until further notice, it is suspending the issuance of “visit visas” – a categorization that includes family and tourist visas – while newly developed visa mechanisms, regulations, and procedures are being tested. The Residency Affairs department will handle all changes to the Kuwaiti visa application and issuance system. No timeframe has yet been given regarding the resumption of visa services.

NORTH AMERICA

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 27 June 2022, at least eight passenger cars of an Amtrak train derailed near the city of Mendon, Missouri, after the train hit a truck on the tracks. The train, which was en route from the city of Los Angeles to the city of Chicago, had approximately 275 passengers and 12 crew members aboard when the derailment occurred. At least three passengers were killed and 50 injured in the derailment. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is launching an investigation into the event.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Australia (Security threat level – 1): On 27 June 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Canberra issued a Demonstration Alert on multi-city demonstrations in protest of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on abortion rights, which reads in part as follows: “Demonstrations are scheduled from Monday, June 27 through Saturday, July 2, 2022. The groups intend to protest the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.”

The full text of the Demonstration Alert — including dates, locations and times — can be found here.

Tunisia (Security threat level – 4): On 28 June 2022, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice regarding crime in Tunis, which reads in part as follows: “There have been several recent reports of assaults and theft in Tunis. Harassment of foreign women in Tunis is also reported to have increased. These have occurred in a variety of areas, including busy public places at night, and quieter public parks and beaches during the daytime.”