AMERICAS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 16 November 2021, the government imposed a nationwide requirement for patrons and attendees of certain businesses and events to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 before being allowed to enter the respective venues. The measure applies to anyone above the age of 18 attempting to enter bars, casinos, concerts, movie theatres, museums, nightclubs, restaurants, sporting events, amusement parks, or exhibition and trade shows. The measure will remain in effect until further notice.

EUROPE

Armenia / Azerbaijan (Security threat levels – 4 / 4): On 16 November 2021, significant border clashes occurred between Armenian and Azerbaijani military forces. Armenia’s Defense Ministry claims that Azerbaijani forces initiated the clashes by firing on Armenian positions along the border, while Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry is claiming that Armenian forces initiated the clashes by firing on the southwestern districts of Kelbajar and Lachin. Armenian officials report that at least four Armenian soldiers were injured and 12 others were captured; they also claim to have destroyed a dozen Azerbaijani armored vehicles in retaliation. Azerbaijani officials report that two of their soldiers were injured in the clashes. Amid the clashes, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling for Russia to help defend Armenia’s territorial sovereignty.

Belgium (Security threat level – 3): On the morning of 16 November 2021, protest actions by members of four police unions caused severe transit disruptions in the downtown Brussels area and at Brussels Airport (EBBR/BRU). Participating officers – who were protesting a delay in wage negotiations with the government – engaged in a “punctuality action,” a type of labor action in which workers perform work functions with extreme thoroughness to cause significant delays. These actions resulted in severe congestion along the Rue de la Loi traffic ring in downtown Brussels and on the A201, which is the access road to Brussels Airport. At the airport, the punctuality action resulted in approximately 200 people missing their flights and caused delays for 30 flights. While the protest action has officially ended and operations at the airport have since normalized, travelers in the Brussels area should verify that transit routes are free of significant disruptions before travel.

Poland / Belarus (Security threat levels – 2 / 3): On 16 November 2021, Polish border guards clashed with migrants attempting to breach the Kuznica border crossing from Belarus. According to Polish officials, migrants threw stones and stun grenades at security forces, prompting border guards to fire water cannons and tear gas in response. One police officer reportedly suffered injuries during the unrest, while details of injuries to migrants remains unknown. Polish authorities have also accused Belarusian security personnel of supplying the migrants with weapons such as stun grenades to use while attempting to cross the border.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Uganda (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 1000 local time (0700 UTC) on 16 November 2021, three suicide bombers detonated explosives outside the Central Police Station and near the Parliament building along Parliamentary Avenue in the capital Kampala. Meanwhile, authorities arrested a fourth attacker before he could detonate his explosives. At least three civilians were killed, and approximately 30 more suffered injuries in the attacks. Police officers have cordoned off areas throughout downtown Kampala while they search for additional explosives and have warned that the threat remains active. A police spokesman blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) – a militant group with alleged ties to the Islamic State – for the attacks, but no group has claimed responsibility. The ADF previously claimed responsibility for a bombing at a restaurant in Kampala’s Komamboga suburb on 23 October. The most recent attack follows at least three smaller attacks around Kampala in late October. However, it indicates a possible escalation by militant groups, as it was the largest such attack to date and appears to have been more sophisticated in its execution than were the previous attacks.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

France (Security threat level – 3): On 15 November 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Paris issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Several security companies have announced a strike at airports across France, including Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly airports, for November 16, possibly extending until November 18.  The strike is excepted to impact departing flights, most directly affecting check-in, outbound (departures) immigration, security screening, and departure gates.”

Slovakia (Security threat level – 2): On 16 November 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Slovakia, which reads in part as follows: “A number of gatherings, marches and demonstrations are expected in central Bratislava on 17 November to mark the Day of Freedom and Democracy. These have the potential to escalate and cause a threat to public order. You should avoid large political gatherings.”