AMERICAS

Honduras (Security threat level – 4): On the afternoon of 15 March 2022, officials at Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (MHLM/SAP) — which serves the northern city of San Pedro Sula — briefly suspended flight operations after a twin-engine aircraft skidded off the runway upon landing at the facility. At least two flights were delayed due to the incident but there were no reports of flight cancellations. The Piper PA-34 Seneca aircraft, with registration TG-TAH, left the runway and came to a halt in an adjacent grassy area after the aircraft’s front landing gear reportedly malfunctioned. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, escaped unharmed. The aircraft had arrived from Tegucigalpa’s Toncontín International Airport (MHTG/TGU).

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 15 March 2022, Mexican officials deported the suspected leader of the Northeast cartel to the U.S. after his arrest in the border city of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. The arrest provoked indiscriminate attacks in Nuevo Laredo overnight on 13-14 March, during which gunmen hijacked vehicles and set up at least 13 barricades throughout the city. The gang’s retaliatory actions also led to the temporary closure of southbound traffic routes at the Mexico-U.S. border crossing bridges of Gateway to the Americas and Juarez-Lincoln, both of which have since reopened. The U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo remains closed after gang members fired shots at the building. The detained gang leader, who is a U.S. citizen, faces charges related to terrorism, homicide and extortion in Mexico as well as conspiracy to launder money and traffic drugs in the U.S.

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3): On 16 March 2022, the Civil Aviation Administration of China rescheduled and diverted a total of 106 international flights from Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport (ZSPD/PVG) and Hongqiao Airport (ZSSS/SHA) to other airports in the country amid increased travel restrictions due to the city’s COVID-19 containment strategy. Passenger flights initially scheduled to operate through the two airports from 21 March to 1 May will be diverted to at least 12 airports in other major cities, including Chengdu, Dalian, Fuzhou and Hangzhou. Although authorities have not placed Shanghai under a citywide lockdown, passenger train arrivals and departures have been restricted and residents have been urged not to leave the city.

Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 16 March 2022, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that all domestic coronavirus-related restrictions in Tokyo and 19 other prefectures will be rescinded on 21 March amid a decrease in local coronavirus cases. All businesses and restaurants will then be allowed to operate under pre-pandemic business hours. Additionally, beginning in April the government will allow up to 10,000 daily arrivals in Japan, up from the current allowable number of 7,000.

AUSTRALASIA

New Zealand / Australia (Security threat levels – 1 / 2): On 15 March 2022, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced new dates for the reopening of New Zealand’s borders to international travelers. Beginning on 12 April, fully vaccinated Australian residents will be allowed to travel to the country and remain exempt from quarantine requirements. As of 3 May, fully vaccinated travelers from visa-waiver countries will be allowed to enter New Zealand. Additionally, New Zealand visa holders residing in countries not included on the visa-waiver list will be allowed to enter New Zealand as of 1 May.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Namibia (Security threat level – 2): On 15 March 2022, President Hage Geingob repealed several coronavirus-related restrictions for residents and international travelers amid a decrease in local coronavirus cases. Residents will no longer be required to wear face masks in public places; however, authorities encourage wearing face masks on public transportation and at indoor meetings. Additionally, fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in the country.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Timor-Leste (Security threat level – 3): On 15 March 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Dili issued a Security Alert regarding upcoming presidential election rallies, which reads in part as follows: “Timor-Leste’s presidential candidates, supporters, and political parties are planning large campaign events as the election campaign period comes to an end on March 16 ahead of the March 19 presidential election.

“The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens remain alert to the possibility of large unannounced and announced campaign activities and exercise caution at or near any public gatherings. Crowds and electoral events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Election-related activities may disrupt transportation, limiting the response ability of emergency services. Heavy traffic is anticipated in Dili on March 15 and March 16, including in the areas of the airport and Tasi Tolu, which may block main roadways.”