Securely Travel Alert - 04 October 2019

SUMMARY:

1. Ecuador - State of Emergency
2. Nigeria - Yellow Fever outbreak
3. Guinea-Bissau - Reconsider travel

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Today’s travel brief is culled from global travel warnings and alerts.

Ecuador - State of Emergency

Ecuador’s president, Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency as nationwide protests over the end of fuel subsidies, as his administration moves to undertake fiscal reform within the government.

Previously we had warned travelers to avoid the area along the Columbia border. These protests, the largest which are in Quito and Guayaquil can be expected to continue for sometime, as police and rioters clash. Travelers should stay abreast of events via local media and heed their embassy’s travel advisories (UK - Advice || Canada - Alert).

Nigeria - Yellow Fever outbreak

The government of Canada advises that a yellow fever outbreak is ongoing and that all travelers entering the country must have proof of vaccination, no less than six weeks prior. While in Nigeria, strive to protect yourself from insect bites.

The U.S. CDC noted that yellow fever has been prevalent in Nigeria since 2017, and highlights that in August 2019 evidence of polio has also been detected (We have noted previously how the Philippines (25 September) and Ghana ( 17 September) were also dealing with the return of Polio).

3 - Guinea-Bissau - Reconsider travel

The U.S. Department of State raised the threat level for Guinea-Bissau to Threat Level 3 - Reconsider Travel. The rationale as explained in the warning: Violent crime is common in Guinea-Bissau. Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and occasionally criminals target foreigners at the Bissau airport and other crowded areas, especially Bandim Market in the center of the capital. Local police lack the resources, capacity, and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.