Special Advisory - Egypt: Hurghada: Attack at hotel reflects militant reach; expect heightened security, travel disruption (Revised 21.50 GMT)

Latest reports suggests that three gunmen on 8 January opened fire on the entrance of the Bella Vista hotel in Hurghada (Red Sea governorate), injuring at least two foreign tourists variously reported to be Austrian, German, Danish or Swedish nationals. Some accounts suggest that the incident may have involved the assailants stabbing tourists and that the gunfire was part of the police response; one or two of the three attackers have reportedly been killed.

The security forces have reportedly sealed off the area. Details are still emerging and members should continue to avoid the hotel's vicinity and monitor developments closely.

Travel Briefing

The incident, which now appears to have ended, is very unusual for Hurghada, which in recent years has experienced minimal militant activity. As such, the security response should be expected to be stringent in the coming hours and days, both around the Bella Vista hotel and at the town's key transport hubs and vehicle entry points. Due to the security measures likely to be in place and the potential for further follow-up operations to locate at least one remaining assailant, members should avoid the affected area, minimise unnecessary local movement in the town over the coming hours and carry identification at all times.

The attackers have not been identified and there has so far been no claim of responsibility. However, the incident occurred one day after a shooting at a hotel in Giza (Giza governorate), which was subsequently claimed by extremist militants affiliated to the Islamic State (IS) movement. Security officers have told the media that the three assailants in Hurghada arrived by sea to carry out the attack. While it is unclear from where they may have travelled, the use of maritime transport in the conduct of such an attack would be a novel tactic, highlighting domestic militants' range of capabilities.

Background

Hotels have in recent years rarely been targets of militant violence in the country, and while two such incidents do not constitute a trend, the development warrants close monitoring. The tourism industry more broadly has been a periodic target for domestic militants in Egypt, and the Hurghada attack should be viewed in that context.

The sector's importance to government revenue is likely to continue to motivate militants to carry out further such attacks on a sporadic basis with the intention of harming the government by damaging vulnerable economic sectors. Other recent high-profile attacks on the tourism sector include:

• 31 October 2015: A Russian Metrojet flight from Sharm al-Sheikh (South Sinai governorate) crashed in the Sinai peninsula, killing all 224 people aboard. Russian-led investigations concluded that the aircraft had been brought down by a bomb, and the downing was claimed by the North Sinai-based, IS-affiliated Sinai Province group.
• 10 June 2015: Gunmen attempted to attack the ancient Karnak Temple complex in Luxor (Luxor governorate), a popular tourist attraction; their efforts were mostly foiled, though one suicide bomber managed to detonate his explosive vest in a car park, and four people were injured in the incident.
• 16 February 2014: A suicide bomber entered a South Korean religious tour group's bus in Taba (South Sinai) and detonated his explosive vest, killing four people and injuring up to 30 others. The attack was claimed by Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, which later changed its name to Sinai Province when it pledged allegiance to IS.

Travel Advice Summary

• Continue to avoid the vicinity of the hotel and minimise unnecessary movement in Hurghada due to the unclear nature of the situation. Any members staying at the affected hotel should remain in their room and liaise with hotel security staff.
• Expect heightened security in Hurghada and at the town's entry points in the coming days; carry photo identification to facilitate passage through any checkpoints.
• Travel to Egypt continues to require security precautions, pre-travel briefings and flexible itineraries.
• Remain vigilant, avoid potential targets for militant attacks and be prepared to leave an area immediately in the event of an incident.
• Contact your nearest Assistance Centre or visit our Egypt pages for further information and advice regarding travel to Egypt.

Special Advisory - Pakistan: Rawalpindi: Avoid vicinity of Pearl Continental hotel as clean-up operations after fire continue (Revised 6 Jan)

Members in Rawalpindi (Punjab province) are advised to avoid the vicinity of the Pearl Continental hotel on N5 Peshawar Road as clean-up operations continue following a fire that broke out late on 4 January in the basement of the building. The authorities on 6 January said the fire had been extinguished and 40 people had been evacuated; no casualties were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Travel Advice

• Avoid the vicinity of the Pearl Continental hotel as clean-up operations continue. Follow all directives issued by the authorities.
• Expect disruption in the vicinity of the hotel in coming days; allow additional time for journeys in the area.
• Monitor our travel security alerts on Pakistan for related updates.

Special Advisory - India: Manipur: Magnitude 6.7 earthquake causes damage, disruption; maintain flexible itineraries (Revised GMT)

Members in the north-eastern state of Manipur should expect disruption following a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that occurred at 04.35 (local time) on 4 January, 18 miles (29km) west of the state capital Imphal. At least six people were killed and more than 100 others injured in the temblor, which occurred at a depth of 34 miles (55km). According to the India Meteorological Department, the epicentre of the earthquake was located in the village of Noney in the state's Tamenglong district.

The temblor caused significant damage to property and disrupted power supply in Imphal. The authorities temporarily suspended rail services, while delays were reported at Imphal International Airport (IMF). However, flights are operating normally at the other international airport in the north-east, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), which serves Guwahati (Asom (Assam) state). No significant impact on telecommunications networks has been reported from Manipur. Relief operations are ongoing in the affected areas.

Travel Briefing

An aftershock of magnitude 3.6 was reported at around 11.00. Although any further aftershocks in the area are also likely to be less powerful than the initial earthquake, they can be strong enough to further damage already weakened structures and trigger landslides, posing risks to life and property. Travellers should remain alert to the dangers posed by falling debris and should not attempt to enter damaged buildings.

In addition, disruption to travel and essential services should be expected in Manipur, particularly Imphal and Tamenglong, as the authorities repair damaged infrastructure. While no major damage to roads has thus far been reported, the extent of the earthquake's impact will become clearer as further reports emerge. The region's mountainous landscape, combined with the relatively poor infrastructure, means that even moderate-intensity earthquakes have the potential to cause significant damage and disruption.

Travel Advice Summary

• Any aftershocks could pose risks to life and property and may cause further damage to already weakened structures. Be alert to the dangers posed by structural damage to buildings and bridges; do not re-enter damaged buildings. Abide by all directives issued by the emergency services.
• We do not hold information on specific flights or other transport; contact the relevant service provider to reconfirm schedules.
• Anticipate disruption to travel and essential services in earthquake-affected areas. Reconfirm the status of routes and essential services before setting out.
• Monitor our travel security alerts on India for further updates.

Special Advisory - Pakistan: Quetta: Suicide attack underlines need to avoid non-essential travel to Balochistan (Revised 14.50 GMT)

At least eight people were killed and 35 others injured in a suicide bombing on 6 February on Jinnah Road near Liaqat Park in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. The attack appears to have targeted a security force vehicle near the Quetta district court complex.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP, the Pakistani Taliban) reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing in an email to local media. The incident underlines the persistent risk posed by militancy in Balochistan and our advice to avoid non-essential travel to the province.

Travel Briefing

Islamist extremist and ethnic-Baloch militant groups are active in the province, with the former especially active in the north-east and latter in the south. Islamist militants primarily target infrastructure and personnel associated with the government and security forces, as well as religious buildings associated with minority sects, marketplaces and public transport.

The frequency and scale of militant attacks in the province means that essential visits should only be undertaken after seeking expert advice and professional security support. At least 35 people were killed in a previous bombing in Quetta on 13 January. Members on essential travel should implement robust mitigation measures, including engagement with the authorities and rehearsed contingency planning.

Travel Advice Summary

• Travel to Balochistan, including Quetta, should be for essential purposes only.
• Essential travel should only be conducted after a detailed threat assessment has confirmed viability. Robust mitigation measures are also required. This includes dedicated professional security support, engagement with the authorities to confirm the requirement for permits and/or armed escorts, rehearsed contingency planning and flexible itineraries.
• Time spent outside secure premises and around likely targets for insurgent attack, both static and in transit, should be minimised. These include: security force personnel, vehicles and checkpoints, mosques and Shia Muslim religious gatherings, and densely populated unsecured areas, such as markets.
• Comply with all directives issued by the security forces and carry relevant identification documents and permits to ease passage at checkpoints.

France Travel Advice

Latest update: Summary - industrial action in France will affect air, rail and sea travel on 31 March 2016; check with your airline or travel company for more information. 

Travel Advice India
Summary - on 31 March 2016, a flyover under construction collapsed in central Kolkata, Girish Park area; transport and other local infrastructure are likely to be disrupted; you should monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Indonesia Travel Advice

Latest update: Entry requirements section - if you’re travelling to Indonesia for tourism you can enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days at certain airports and seaports, you must also leave from one of these designated airports or seaports. 

Rwanda Travel Advice

Latest update: Entry requirements section - yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from all countries; following an increase in cases of yellow fever in the region, the Rwandan authorities announced on 28 March 2016 that travellers arriving at Kigali International Airport without a valid yellow fever certificate will have to pay $40 for a vaccination on arrival.

Travel Advice provided by Travel Security Online on behalf of the University notes:

• Travel to Belgium can resume, but members should be vigilant, and maintain flexible itineraries and consider their ability to effectively conduct business and other activities.
• We do not hold information on specific flights. Contact the relevant airline to reconfirm flight information. Members should not try to reach Zaventem airport.
• Monitor our travel security alerts on Belgium for further updates.

For more information visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.

Afghanistan: Travel risk rating raised to EXTREME countrywide due to fluid security situation; travel advice differs by region

Following our recent visit to the country, we have re-evaluated Afghanistan's travel risk ratings: the whole country will now be uniformly rated as EXTREME for travel security risks. This blanket risk rating masks notable differences in certain threats and we therefore emphasise that we are also updating our travel advice for Afghanistan as follows:

• We advise against all travel to Baghlan, Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktia, Paktika and Zabul provinces.
• Business-critical travel to the rest of the country, including the capital Kabul, remains possible with comprehensive, professional security support.

Travel Briefing

The main rationale for the risk rating change is that security conditions have become increasingly fluid and unpredictable countrywide, while the approaching Spring fighting season is highly likely to see expanding insurgency. The central, western and some northern areas have been notably less affected by militancy, but in these areas lawlessness and warlordism are often the norm; access to emergency, including medical, support is extremely limited; corruption is deeply entrenched; and foreigners would face very credible risks relating to crime and kidnapping.

The country's east, south-east, south and parts of the north are worst affected by the insurgency, particularly the provinces mentioned above to which we advise against all travel. While the intensity of the insurgency varies significantly by region of the country, the conditions for an EXTREME travel risk rating are met even in locations where the insurgency is less acute. Organised and violent petty crime, widespread gun-ownership, lawlessness, warlordism and extremely limited availability of support or emergency services all characterise most of the country, even areas where the insurgency is less active.

Mazar-e Sharif city (Mazar-e Sharif province) is such an area, with better rule of law and security infrastructure than much of the country. However, foreign visitors' exposure to many of the aforementioned threats and potential for militant activity to encroach on the city reduces the meaningfulness of a risk rating distinction. Kandahar, the Taliban's spiritual homeland and previously one of its strongholds, has recently seen greatly reduced violence under the rule of a strong police chief, but the sources of insecurity remain deeply rooted, hence our advice against travel there.

Travel Risk Summary

• We advise against all travel to Baghlan, Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktia, Paktika and Zabul provinces.
• Business-critical travel to the rest of the country, including the capital Kabul, remains possible with comprehensive, professional security support.
• Essential travel to Afghanistan requires flexible itineraries, detailed preparation and dedicated local security support: be prepared to postpone or cut short travel at short notice.
• Contact your nearest Assistance Centre or visit our Afghanistan pages for further information and advice regarding travel to the country.

Angola: Cabinda province: Clashes, rebel warning highlights continued risks posed by secessionist violence

The armed rebel Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda- Armed Forces of Cabinda (FLEC-FAC) group, an offshoot of The Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC), on 21 March issued a statement urging ‘all Western expatriates to provisionally leave Cabinda due to intense fighting'.

FLEC-FAC stated that clashes occurred in Cabinda between its forces and the army on 29 February, 13 and 16 March, and advised tourists and non-residents to avoid travel to the northern exclave due to the possibility of future security incidents. The authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the alleged attacks. We continue to advise that travel to Cabinda requires pre-travel itinerary- and profile-specific threat assessment.

Travel Briefing

FLEC is divided into a number of factions, some of which have demonstrated the capability to independently stage attacks. FLEC-FAC, the most active military wing of FLEC, on 18 February announced that it would resume the insurgency against the central government in Luanda as a result of the lack of progress in peace talks. The announcement followed a number of unconfirmed attacks on 2-12 February by insurgents in Massabi and Buco Zau, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least eight security force members and one alleged FLEC-FAC fighter.

The majority of Angola's oil is extracted in the province of Cabinda, which is one of the main factors contributing to the conflict. While some of the rebel groups operating in the exclave are demanding a greater share of oil revenue, others are calling for outright independence. The associated risks of travelling in Cabinda are likely to be primarily incidental, stemming from exposure to occasional skirmishes between the security forces and FLEC-FAC elements. However, given previous incidents and FLEC's long-standing grievances over the extractive industry's presence in the exclave, the direct targeting of foreign personnel and assets cannot be ruled out.

FLEC-FAC will continue to present a residual security threat. While travel to MEDIUM risk areas of Cabinda can continue with standard security precautions, members travelling to the HIGH risk north-east areas should seek professional security support and conduct overland movements in a convoy where possible due to the potential for insurgent activity along remote roads.

Background

FLEC was established in 1963 following a merger of three separatist organisations – the Movement for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda, the Action Committee of the Cabinda National Union and the Mayombe National Alliance. The group and its factions previously carried out attacks against foreign business premises and oil installations in Cabinda and have abducted foreign employees based in the region. A peace agreement between the government and the separatist group was signed in 2006, though attacks and threats targeting foreign personnel and assets have occurred periodically since.

Travel Advice Summary

• Travel to MEDIUM risk areas of Cabinda province can continue with standard security precautions and requires pre-travel itinerary- and profile-specific threat assessment.
• Travel to HIGH risk north-east areas requires enhanced security precautions and professional security support. Travel to Beliz and Bucozau municipalities should be for business-critical purposes only.
• Road journeys should only be undertaken during daylight hours and in convoy where possible, utilising assistance from a local security provider and by implementing a robust journey management plan.
• Exercise high levels of vigilance and be alert to any obstacles on the road or suspicious activity. If you see anything suspicious, turn around and return to a known secure area.
• Visit our Angola pages for further advice and information regarding travel to the country, and contact your nearest Assistance Centre for itinerary- and profile-specific queries.

Belgium: Brussels: Zaventem International Airport to remain close on 24 March; reconfirm flights

Members should continue to defer travel to the capital Brussels after the authorities confirmed that Brussels Zaventem International Airport (BRU) will remain closed until 24 March. Members should reconfirm flights with relevant airlines.

Travel Advice:

• Members due to travel to Brussels should defer their trips through 24 March, while those currently in Brussels can resume essential movement and follow official directives.
• We do not hold information on specific flights. Contact the relevant airline to reconfirm flight information. Members should not try to reach Zaventem airport.
• Monitor our travel security alerts on Belgium for further updates.

Belgium: Charleroi: Expect delays accessing Brussels South Charleroi airport amid security alert; flight operations not affected

Members travelling to or from the capital's Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) should anticipate travel delays as a result of an ongoing security alert as of 14.00 (local time) on 23 March, reportedly due to a suspicious vehicle in the facility's Parking Area 1. Media reports suggest that, prior to the alert, severe traffic congestion was already hampering access to the facility. Travellers should consequently allow additional time for travel to the facility. Airport and flight operations are not reported to be disrupted.

Travel Advice

• Members travelling to and from Brussels South Charleroi Airport on 23 March should expect delays in accessing the facility and allow more time to travel.
• We do not hold specific flight information. Contact the relevant airline to reconfirm any bookings.
• Monitor our travel security alerts on Belgium for further updates.

Belgium: Charleroi: Security incident over at Brussels South Charleroi airport; continue to expect travel disruption, flight operations unaffected (Revised 13.51 GMT)

Members travelling to or from the capital's Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) should anticipate travel delays as a result of false security incident at 14.00 (local time) on 23 March, reportedly due to a suspicious vehicle in the facility's Parking Area 1. Media reports suggest that, prior to the alert, severe traffic congestion was already hampering access to the facility. Travellers should consequently allow additional time for travel to the facility. Airport and flight operations are not reported to be disrupted.

Travel Advice

• Members travelling to and from Brussels South Charleroi Airport on 23 March should expect delays in accessing the facility and allow more time to travel.
• We do not hold specific flight information. Contact the relevant airline to reconfirm any bookings.
• Monitor our travel security alerts on Belgium for further updates.

Congo: Continue to minimise movement following 20 March presidential election; opposition to release unofficial results on 23 March

Members in Congo should continue to expect a heightened security force presence and closely follow all election-related developments after the 20 March presidential election. Text messaging (SMS) and mobile internet services remain suspended on 23 March as opposition groups have indicated that they would release their own, unofficial results on the day.

Members in the capital Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire (Pointe-Noire department) should continue to minimise movement after partial preliminary results released on 22 March suggested that incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso could be declared the victor. Local reports indicate that many shops and French schools remained closed on the day while a heavy security force presence was visible in southern areas of Brazzaville, known opposition strongholds.

Travel Briefing

Opposition groups have denounced the electoral process and have created their own, parallel election commission to carry out separate checks on the conduct of the poll; as they have rejected the official results released so far, their own tallies can be expected to differ from official results. The limited number of international observers deployed for the polls, partly attributable to the fact that they were called at short notice, increases the likelihood of opposition challenges to the result. Localised unrest and associated disruption are likely should opposition-led demonstrations be held when preliminary results are announced.

Should protests break out, areas of Brazzaville most liable to be affected are known opposition strongholds such as Bacongo, Diata, Makélékélé and Poto-Poto. Flashpoints in Pointe-Noire include the Lumumba roundabout (Rond-Point Lumumba) and theTié-Tié and Voungouta neighbourhoods (see maps below). The police may use tear gas but also live ammunition to disperse protesters; any such disturbances would pose significant incidental risks to bystanders. Members should avoid all protests and leave an area at the first sign of unrest.

Travellers should have alternate means of communication and radios with spare batteries to mitigate the impact of likely power cuts, which are possible due to the current rainy season. Should the security situation rapidly deteriorate, members should ensure they have sufficient water and essential supplies to be ready to stand fast at their accommodation for up to one week.

Background

Proposed constitutional changes – which were approved in the 25 October 2015 referendum and allowed President Denis Sassou Nguesso to run for a third term on 20 March – triggered in a wave of protests. At least five people were killed and dozens of others arrested during related demonstrations in September and October 2015.

Travel Advice Summary

• Members in main urban centres should continue to minimise movement. Keep abreast of key election-related developments due to the potential for disruption and localised unrest. Remain alert to your surroundings and leave an area at the first sign of unrest.
• Members arriving in the country during the election period should expect increased scrutiny upon arrival. Infrequent travellers or travellers with no permanent representation in-country may be denied entry with little or no official justification.
• Maintain stocks of essential supplies at your accommodation; preparations should include stockpiling food, water and back-up power, as well as gas and oil supplies. Ensure that communications devices are fully-charged, regularly tested and have emergency numbers pre-programmed.
• Register with your embassy and all relevant warden networks; ensure that you receive regular updates prior to and during travel.
• Monitor our travel security alerts on Congo for further updates.

Mozambique: Central provinces: Fresh gun attacks along highways highlight insurgency-related travel risks, need for precautions

Suspected members of the Renamo armed opposition movement at around 08.00 (local time) on 23 March reportedly opened fire on a passenger bus in the Honde area (Barue district), injuring at least three people. According to initial reports, the Renamo gunmen attacked the bus en-route from Chimoio, the capital of Manica province, and Tete, the capital of Tete province, after the driver refused to obey a warning to stop.

Local sources reported that the latest incident was the fourth ambush in the Honde area within a month. Similar bus shootings occurred along the EN7 road near Honde on 5 March, killing two people and injuring eight other, and along the EN1 road between Nicoadala and Zero (both Zambezia province) on 7 March. The incidents highlight the heightened direct and indirect risks associated with insurgent activity in central provinces (Manica, Nampula, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia). Members should reconsider all non-essential overland movement along remote roads both outside and currently under the security force escort regime.

Travel Briefing

The attacks are the latest in a recent spate of security incidents involving suspected members of Renamo in various parts of the central provinces. The notable increase in insurgent activity, which has consisted of clashes between armed elements and the security forces, as well as attacks on transport along roads, prompted the authorities to introduce mandatory escorts along the Save river crossing-Muxungue and Nhamapadza-Caia (all Sofala province) sections of the EN1 road; these areas have been the most acutely affected by indiscriminate attacks on vehicles. The authorities have also reportedly mobilised a large number of security force personnel to Gorongosa district (Sofala province), a known Renamo stronghold, and increased security around government buildings in the central provinces of Manica, Tete and Zambezia.

Despite such measures, attacks have continued, both along roads under the security force escort regime and those that do not yet have such requirements, including EN6 and EN7. However, urban centres in central provinces have remained largely insulated from the increasing insecurity in rural areas despite Renamo's stated intention to organise marches to district and provincial government offices as part of its stated initiative to ‘rule the central provinces by March'. While travel to the region can continue, members should reconsider non-essential road movement on EN1, EN6 and EN7 and travel by air, where possible.

A return to full-scale conflict remains unlikely, particularly in light of Renamo's recent acceptance of a government invitation to resume negotiations. However, the opposition group's commitment to dialogue relies on certain conditions relating to proposed mediators that are unlikely to be met in the near term. As such, the risk of further insurgent activity will remain high and members in central provinces should monitor developments closely and exercise heightened vigilance, especially if undertaking essential overland travel. Travellers in the region should employ thorough journey management plans, account for delays due to heightened security and carry relevant identification documents to ease passage through checkpoints.

Travel Advice Summary

• Travel to Manica, Nampula, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia provinces can continue with standard security precautions. Reconsider non-essential road movement on EN1, EN6 and EN7; use air travel, where possible. Travel to rural areas requires a pre-travel, itinerary-specific briefing on prevailing security conditions and appropriate mitigation measures.
• Reconfirm the status of routes prior to departure. If undertaking essential travel on EN1, EN6 and EN7, expect delays due to the implementation of convoy requirements and consider the timing of movement.
• Journey-management plans are essential. Travel in daylight hours only and in a convoy of at least two vehicles with an experienced local driver and reliable communications. Exercise high levels of vigilance and be alert to any obstacles on the road or suspicious activity. If you see anything suspicious, turn around and return to a known secure area.
• Anticipate heightened security along major roads and in urban centres. Carry identification to ease passage through potential checkpoints and follow all directions by those manning them.
• Visit our Mozambique pages for further advice and information regarding travel to the country, and contact your nearest Assistance Centre for itinerary- and profile-specific queries.

Tunisia: Medenine province: Further security operations likely in the coming weeks; avoid non-essential travel near Libyan border

Recent security incidents in Medenine province reflect the persistent risks from militant activity along the border with Libya. Members are reminded that travel within 25 miles (40km) of this frontier should be for essential purposes only and be conducted only after liaising with the local authorities.

A curfew imposed on 7 March remains in place in Ben Gardane from 22.00 until 05.00 (local time) until further notice, despite it having been relaxed. After the temporary closure of border crossing points with Libya following an attack on 7 March (see Background section below), the Ras Ajdir border crossing has re-opened on 22 March. Meanwhile, the authorities decided on the same day to extend a nationwide state of emergency for another three months.

Travel Briefing

While Islamist militants have so far been largely based in the mountainous areas of Jendouba, Kasserine and Kef provinces bordering Algeria, recent attacks and security operations point to extremist activity shifting further east and south. This development reflects the growing influence of the Libya-based branch of the extremist Islamic State (IS) movement, coupled with the security forces' relative lack of counter-insurgency expertise.

A number of terrorist-related incidents in recent days have occurred in the Ben Gardane area, most seriously a major attack in the town on 7 March (see Background section below). Further associated security operations are likely in the coming days. Members planning to undertake business-critical travel to Ben Gardane should enquire about local conditions prior to departure and liaise with the authorities and local contacts as security support may be required.

In response to rising militancy, Tunisia has completed a 125-mile (200km) barrier along its border with Libya with the aim of preventing jihadist infiltration; it is also in the process of installing electronic monitoring systems along the frontier. Increasing militant activity, including several attacks targeting foreigners in 2015, prompted us to raise Tunisia's travel risk rating from LOW to MEDIUM and for the Libyan border areas from MEDIUM to HIGH. Travellers should remain alert at all times in main urban centres and minimise time spent in crowded public areas and venues frequented by foreigners.

Background

ON 7 March, more than 50 people were killed when armed militants attempted to attack a military barracks and police station in Ben Gardane. At least 50 suspected jihadists were killed and eight others arrested during security operations launched in and around Ben Gardane in response to the attacks. Multiple operations were conducted in the aftermath in central areas of Ben Gardane and in the Hassi Ennour area of the city. On 20-21 March, clashes between suspected Islamist militants and security forces injured 11, including civilians; it is believed that one of the organisers of the 7 March attack was killed during the raid.

Travel Advice Summary

• Travel within 25 miles (40km) of the Libyan border should be for essential purposes only due to the risks posed by militant activity. Members undertaking essential travel to border areas should enquire about local conditions prior to setting out and liaise with local authorities as a precautionary measure as security support may be required.
• Observe local curfew hours and follow all directives issued by the authorities.
• There is an underlying threat of attack by Islamist militants in Tunisia. Likely targets include Western embassies, tourism sites, venues where Westerners are known to congregate and government or military personnel and assets. Report any suspicious behaviour or packages to the authorities and follow all directives issued by the security forces.
• The above advice is not exhaustive. Consult the Standing Travel Advice for Tunisia and monitor our travel security alerts for more information.

Turkey: Istanbul, Ankara: Closure of Dutch consulate in Istanbul highlights need to minimise time spent near potential militant targets

The Dutch consulate in the commercial capital Istanbul (Istanbul province) suspended services on 23 March due to the potential risk of militant attack. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned its citizens in Istanbul to avoid the vicinity of the consulate, which is located along Istiklal Avenue. Members are advised to minimise time spent in the vicinity of potential militant targets, including foreign diplomatic missions, government and security interests and major transport hubs.

Travel Briefing

Many diplomatic missions are located along Istiklal Avenue, the tourist shopping area which was the scene of a suicide bomb attack that killed five people and injured 36 others on 19 March. The temporary closure of embassies in the capital Ankara and consulates in Istanbul have become more common in response to the militant attacks. The German Embassy in Ankara, the German Consulate in Istanbul and the German School in Istanbul were shut for several days from 17 March due to security concerns and an unconfirmed warning of an attack.

Members should exercise heightened vigilance and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Members in Ankara and Istanbul should also expect a heightened security presence in public squares and around diplomatic missions. To facilitate movement through security checkpoints, members should carry relevant identification documents at all times and take into account potential travel disruption related to possible security operations. Normal travel to Turkey can continue with standard security precautions.

Travel Advice Summary

• Travel to Ankara and Istanbul can continue; visitors in the short term should carry identification for use at any checkpoints and factor in delays related to security operations. Treat all security force personnel with patience and respect.
• Exercise vigilance at all times. Report anything suspicious to the authorities and minimise time spent in the vicinity of potential targets such as government, security force and foreign diplomatic interests.
• Visit our Turkey pages or contact your nearest Assistance Centre for further information and advice regarding travel to the country.