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March 17, 2022
17-March-2022

AMERICAS

Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): On 16 March 2022, police officers and members of a teachers’ union clashed near the Ministry of Education in the capital La Paz. Protesters threw fireworks and other projectiles at police officers, who deployed tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. One police officer was injured and two protesters were arrested during the clashes. The union has been staging protests in La Paz since 7 March to demand a more extensive education budget, higher pay and increased benefits.

ASIA

Cambodia (Security threat level – 3): On 17 March 2022, the Cambodian Ministry of Health announced that it will end mandatory on-arrival COVID-19 testing for all foreign travelers, effective immediately. However, inbound travelers will still be required to show proof of full vaccination and those unable to do so will be subject to quarantine for 14 days after their arrival. Health officials continue to recommend that travelers perform rapid self-tests for coronavirus. Authorities also plan to resume issuing on-arrival visas after two years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan (Security threat level – 1): At approximately 2330 local time (1430 UTC) on 16 March 2022, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan in an area approximately 57 km (35 mi) east-northeast of the city of Namie — located in Fukushima prefecture. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at an estimated depth of 63 km. Following the tremor, tsunami waves of approximately 20 cm (8 in) struck the coasts of Sendai and nearby Port of Ishinomaki.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, authorities temporarily closed at least one runway at Tokyo International Airport (RJTT/HND), also called Haneda International Airport, to inspect for possible quake-related damage. At least 2 million households across nine prefectures lost power following the earthquake. As of last report, approximately 8,700 households in Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures still do not have access to electricity. Most rail lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area were temporarily shut down overnight on 16-17 March. No abnormalities were detected in any of Japan’s nuclear plants. At least four people were killed and more than 100 more were injured in the city of Soma, located in Fukushima, due to the effects of the quake.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

United Arab Emirates (Security threat level – 3): As of 17 March 2022, unvaccinated individuals in the capital Abu Dhabi are allowed to attend public events, visit tourist attractions and access cultural sites with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test no more than 48 hours old at the time of entry. Vaccinated individuals must present a green pass on the Alhosn app and are required to show proof of a negative PCR test only when attending large gatherings, including sporting events. Previously, entry into public spaces required a green pass on the Alhosn app, which signified that the bearer was fully vaccinated and had received a negative PCR test result in the last 14 days.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 16 March 2022, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Advisory for Mexico, which reads in part as follows: “On March 16, 2022, the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo due to security conditions. As of March 15, the Department of State is not able to offer routine consular services from the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Nuevo Laredo should monitor local news and announcements and only do so when considered safe during daylight hours.”

The full text of the advisory is available here.

Russia (Security threat level – 4): On 16 March 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “According to media sources, mass anti-war demonstrations will continue particularly on weekends in several cities throughout Russia, specifically at central squares in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Thousands of people have been detained in previous anti-war protests across Russia in recent weeks. Russian authorities prohibit such demonstrations; there are reports of widespread arrests of demonstrators. U.S. citizens are reminded that even non-participating bystanders can draw scrutiny from security forces and have been detained. Given the substantial police presence and mass arrests, U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and any demonstration-related activities.”

The full text of the alert is available here.