AMERICAS

Nicaragua (Security threat level – 4): On 30 March 2019, hundreds of people gathered in downtown Managua to demand that the government release all political prisoners. The participants clashed with police officers at a commercial center. At least four people were injured when security forces reportedly opened fire to disperse the group. At least 10 other protesters were detained. The demonstration occurred one day after President Daniel Ortega had reportedly signed an agreement with the opposition coalition to affirm citizens’ right to protest.

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 1 April 2019, several major U.S. Airlines — including Delta Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines — reported that a system outage caused flight delays at several U.S. airports. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the outage had affected the Aerodata computer program. FAA officials stated at approximately 0700 Central Time (1200 UTC) that the system issue has been resolved. Travelers should contact their airlines regarding potential delays.

Venezuela (Security threat level – 4): On 31 March 2019, President Nicolas Maduro announced a plan to ration electricity for the next 30 days, as blackouts and water shortages continued to affect cities across Venezuela. In a televised statement, Maduro claimed that the plan will include an “emphasis on guaranteeing water service.” The announcement followed reports that the government will close schools and shorten the national workday, which will now end at 1400 local time, for an unspecified length of time.

That same day, crowds took to the streets to protest against the ongoing blackouts and lack of access to potable water. Protesters in Caracas erected barricades and set fire to trash in roads. Armed government supporters disrupted the protests, which took place on Armed Forces Avenue, near the presidential palace and in the neighborhood of Cotiza. According to local media sources, at least two protesters were wounded by gunfire from government supporters in central Caracas.

EUROPE

France (Security threat level – 3): On 30 March 2019, approximately 33,000 people participated in the 20th consecutive weekend of “yellow vest” protests across France. Clashes between protesters and police officers occurred in the cities of Avignon, Toulouse and Bordeaux. In Bordeaux, protesters charged police barriers and set fire to a construction site, prompting police officers to respond with tear gas. Paris’ “yellow vest” demonstrations were largely peaceful. Police officers arrested more than 100 protesters nationwide.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Comoros (Security threat level – 3): On 29 March 2019, the U.S. Department of State upgraded its Travel Advisory for Comoros to a Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) from a Level 2 (“Exercises Increased Caution”) due to civil unrest. The updated travel advisory reads in part as follows:

Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): On 29 March 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

Honduras (Security threat level – 4): On 29 March 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows:

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 29 March 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City issued a Natural Disaster Alert, which reads in part as follows:

Solomon Islands (Security threat level – 2): On 1 April 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

Security threat levels range from 1 (Very Low) to 5 (Very High) and are determined using a comprehensive system that utilizes both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The primary factors used to determine a location’s security threat level are Armed Conflict, Crime, Demonstrations/Strikes, Ethnic/Sectarian Tensions, Graft/Corruption, Kidnapping, Political Instability, Government Restriction and Terrorism.