Colombia (Security threat level – 4) : Nationwide demonstrations over income inequality, police brutality and youth unemployment are expected to continue on 4 June 2021. The ongoing demonstrations, which initially began in late April over a now-annulled tax proposal, have since broadened into a demand for government action on the three aforementioned wide-reaching issues. A meeting between representatives of the government and the National Strike Committee on 3 June concluded without reaching a final agreement. However, negotiators did reach accord on 16 out of the 31 points of a pre-agreement settled on 24 May. According to representatives of the strike committee, the two sides are close to an agreement on 11 additional points, while significant discrepancies remain between the parties on the final nine points. Government and National Strike Committee representatives are expected to meet again later on 4 June. The Colombian government maintains the demand that all roadblocks be lifted before the pre-agreement can be finalized.
On 3 June protesters clashed with riot police officers at the Portal Suba metro station in the capital Bogotá. Police officers deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters, who threw stones and other projectiles at the officers. There were no reports of casualties.
Ecuador (Security threat level – 3): On 3 June 2021, authorities revised entry restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. As of 3 June, travelers arriving in Ecuador who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and present a vaccination certificate are no longer required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken within the previous 72 hours. However, travelers without documents certifying full immunization are still required to present proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. The revised entry restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
Mexico (Security threat level – 4): As of 4 June 2021, additional coronavirus-related restrictions are in place in Quintana Roo state due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. A nightly curfew is in place in the tourist cities of Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum from 0000 to 0500 local time (0500 to 1000 UTC) and all businesses in the state’s northern region are required to close by 2300 local time. Face masks are mandatory in public areas. Further restrictions may be imposed if the rate of new COVID-19 cases continues to increase in Quintana Roo.
Philippines (Security threat level – 4): On 4 June 2021, authorities in Davao City, located on Mindanao island, stated that the city will enter and remain under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) protocol from 5-20 June due to an increase in locally transmitted COVID-19 cases. According to officials, tourist activities, conferences and outdoor events will be canceled during the MECQ period. Restaurants, grocery stores and pharmacies will be permitted to operate, but at a reduced capacity. Residents are being asked to only leave their homes for essential purposes.
Taiwan (Security threat level – 1): As of 1700 local time (0900 UTC) on 4 June 2021, Tropical Storm Choi-wan had weakened into a tropical depression, was located approximately 495 km (305 mi) south-southwest of the capital Taipei, and was moving northeast at 19 kph (12 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Choi-wan was generating maximum sustained winds of 55 kph with gusts of up to 74 kph. On its current path, the storm is expected to continue weakening as it moves northeast toward Japan’s Ryukyu Islands. Choi-wan has produced heavy rains and thunderstorms across Taiwan and is expected to continue doing so through the upcoming weekend. There have been no reports of casualties or damage from effects of the storm.
United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): On 3 June 2021, the U.K. Department for Transport announced changes to the placement of countries on England’s traffic-light system for foreign travel, which will alter coronavirus-related entry requirements for inbound travelers from the affected countries. As of 0400 local time (0300 UTC) on 8 June, seven countries will be moved to the “red list,” a designation that requires travelers from those countries to quarantine at government-approved hotels for 10 days and to take two additional PCR tests — on days 2 and 8, respectively — during the quarantine period. The seven countries are: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Egypt, Sudan, Trinidad and Tobago, and Sri Lanka. At the same time, Portugal will be placed on the “amber list,” a designation that requires inbound travelers from Portugal, including those from the islands of Azores and Madeira, to self-quarantine for 10 days; the two additional PCR tests will also be required, although travelers who take a PCR test on day 5 will be permitted to leave quarantine if the test yields negative results. According to the transport secretary, Portugal’s upcoming move to the amber list from the green list was due to a notable increase in Portugal’s COVID-19 positivity rate and concerns regarding reports of the Delta (VOC-21APR-02) coronavirus variant, with further mutation of the K417N variant, being detected in Nepal. No further changes to the categorization of countries are expected until the next scheduled review of the traffic-light system on 24 June.
A full list of the countries, along with their groupings within the three categories, and corresponding restrictions for entering England can be viewed here.
Benin (Security threat level – 3): On 3 June 2021, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Advisory for Benin, upgrading the level of advice for northern Benin to “Do Not Travel” from “Reconsider Travel.” The relevant portion of the advisory reads in part as follows: “Exercise increased caution in Benin due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime. Some areas have increased risk.
“Northern Benin – Do Not Travel
“Extremist groups have carried out attacks in areas of Burkina Faso and Niger adjacent to Benin’s northern border, near Park Pendjari, Park W, and adjacent hunting zones. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Western tourists have been kidnapped in Park Pendjari, in northern Benin. Extremist groups have also operated in the northeastern border region between Benin and Nigeria, specifically in the border region north of Nikki. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Western tourists are at risk of kidnapping in this region. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Benin’s northern border areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from personal travel and must obtain special authorization for official travel to the regions described above.”
The full text of the advisory is available here.
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