AMERICAS

Bahamas (Security threat level – 2) : On 24 May 2021, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis imposed a lockdown for Cat Island and the North and Central districts of Andros Island until 7 June to curb the spread of COVID-19. Under lockdown measures, only essential businesses such as supermarkets and pharmacies will continue to operate, while all in-person activities are banned. Additionally, travel to and from the affected islands is prohibited, with exceptions in place for essential workers.

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): Nationwide demonstrations over income inequality, police brutality and youth unemployment are expected to continue for a 29th consecutive day on 26 May 2021. Authorities in the capital Bogotá have suspended operations at the Biblioteca, Parque, Tunal and Usme metro stations due to roadblocks. The National Strike Committee has organized new nationwide demonstrations for 26 and 28 May despite reaching a preliminary agreement with government representatives on 24 May.

Demonstrations are scheduled to occur at various times in major cities across the country. In Bogotá, protesters are planning to gather during the morning hours at a number of locations, including the Parque Nacional at 0900 local time (1400 UTC), Pedagogical University at 0800 local time, the intersections of Calle 13 with Calle 97 at 0900 local time, Carrera 30 with Calle 26 at 0900 local time, Calle 2 Sur with Calle 10 at 1400 local time, and South Highway with South Terminal at 1400 local time. In Medellín, demonstrators are expected to gather at Parque del Poblado at 1000 local time and march along Avenida El Poblado to Parque de Envigado before concluding at Parque del Artista. In Barranquilla, demonstrators will gather at the intersection of Calle 19 and Carrera 18 at 0900 local time, while demonstrators will also gather at the Autonomous University of the Caribbean at 1400 local time before marching down Carrera 46 to conclude at the Plaza de la Paz. In Cartagena, demonstrators have blocked access to the Mamonal industrial zone since 0500 local time.

On 25 May, police officers deployed tear gas to disperse protesters gathered near the Portal de Las Americas in Bogotá, injuring at least eight people. In the city of Tulúa, protesters set fire to the city’s municipal court building and clashed with police officers. At least one person was killed in the clashes.

Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): On 25 May 2021, Guatemalan authorities announced a ban on foreigners who have been in Brazil, the U.K. or South Africa within 14 days prior to arriving in Guatemala. Exemptions are in place for individuals who can prove they have been vaccinated, and also for aircraft crew, humanitarian workers and members of the diplomatic corps.

Mexico / United States (Security threat levels – 4 / 2): On 25 May 2021, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded Mexico’s air safety rating to Category 2 from Category 1. The decision was made after the FAA conducted a reassessment of Mexico’s Civil Aviation Authority. Under the new designation, Mexican air carriers will be permitted to continue operating existing routes in the U.S., but will be prohibited from launching new ones. The official declaration issued by the FAA is available here.

Puerto Rico (Security threat level – 2): On 24 May 2021, Puerto Rican officials amended coronavirus-related restrictions, including ending an islandwide nightly curfew that had been in effect since March 2020. The curfew most recently ran from 0000 to 0500 local time (0400 to 0900 UTC). Additionally, unvaccinated visitors to the island must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before arrival or face a fine of 300 U.S. dollars. Vaccinated travelers can upload their COVID-19 vaccination card via the Discover Puerto Rico online portal to receive a QR code to present upon arrival at the airport. Beginning on 28 May, arriving travelers at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (TJSJ/SJU) in San Juan can receive the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine in Terminal B, should they choose to do so. Finally, businesses can operate at 50% capacity instead of 30% and mask mandates no longer apply to vaccinated individuals at beaches or in parks.

ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): During the morning of 26 May 2021, Tropical Cyclone Yaas made landfall along the border of Odisha and West Bengal states. Strong winds damaged at least 20,000 homes and buildings in West Bengal. Coastal areas of both states also experienced flooding due to heavy rainfall and high tidal surges. In related developments, authorities suspended operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (VECC/CCU) in Kolkata until 1945 local time (1415) on 26 May and at Biju Patnaik Airport (VEBS/BBI) in Bhubaneswar — the capital city of Odisha state — until the morning of 27 May. There have been no reports of storm-related injuries or fatalities.

Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 25 May 2021, authorities announced that revised coronavirus-related quarantine procedures will be in effect for travelers from Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka from 28 May until further notice. Under the new measures, travelers who have been to the aforementioned countries within 14 days prior to traveling to Japan must quarantine for 10 days at a government-approved facility rather than the current six days. During the quarantine period, travelers will also be tested three times for COVID-19.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Bahrain (Security threat level – 3): On 26 May 2021, the Bahraini government announced plans to impose new nationwide coronavirus-related restrictions. From 27 May to 10 June, all nonessential commercial activity will be prohibited, along with all sporting events. Additionally, all schools will be closed, all private parties and celebrations will be banned and public sector offices will be limited to 30% capacity.

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): On 25 May 2021, Iraqi security forces opened fire on anti-government demonstrators in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square. The protesters were demonstrating against Iranian militia activity and accused Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi of failing to oversee adequate investigations into recent assassinations of civil society activists. At least two people were killed during the demonstrations and 14 others were injured.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Israel (Security threat level – 4): On 26 May 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “As security incidents often take place without warning, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Due to the potential for security incidents there, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from entering Jerusalem’s Old City through Damascus Gate until further notice.”

Lesotho (Security threat level – 3): On 26 May 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice regarding protests in the capital city Maseru, which reads in part as follows: “Protests by factory workers in the Ha Thetsane industrial area of Maseru in recent days have included the blocking of main roads with burning tyres and reports of looting and violence. If you have to travel through this area check local news for recent updates, stay alert for signs of disturbances, and avoid travelling after dark.”