Securely Travel Brief – 13 June 2018

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

Guatemala - Volcán de Fuego risk update

Guatemala authorities have closed off areas in proximity to Volcano Fuego, due to continued eruption and gas emission. Travel to the region is strongly discouraged. The US Embassy has issued the following advice: “As of June 12 at 7:35 a.m. Fuego Volcano continues to emit currents of hot gas and volcanic matter towards the Chimaltenango area based on direction of the winds. Guatemalan authorities discourage visiting closed areas. Avalanches have produced ash columns, which may result in ash fall in affected areas over”

#Guatemala Natural Disaster Alert: Fuego Volcano continues to emit currents of hot gas and volcanic matter towards the Chimaltenango area based on the direction of winds as of June 12 at 7:35 AM. Guatemalan authorities discourage visiting closed areas. https://t.co/ZaQpfT3R4p pic.twitter.com/xK9IgIYPNs

— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) June 13, 2018

Mexico - Hurricane Bud weakens

Accuweather has advised that Category 4 Hurricane Bud has weakened considerably and is expected to make landfall as a tropical storm on Thursday as it crosses over the lower portion of the Baja California peninsula. The storm will bring heavy rain to the central Mexico coastal cities and eastern cape areas. There will be an increased risk for flash flooding and mudslides in southern Baja California and northwestern Mexico. Cruises along the path of Bud will be affected, as noted by LA Times Travel.

Hurricane Bud disrupts itinerary of Long Beach cruise headed for Mexico https://t.co/TetAiUt5ME

— L.A. Times Travel (@latimestravel) June 13, 2018

Russia - World Cup begins 14 June

As we have noted in our guide for the World Cup 2018 in Russia, travelers should expect little/no privacy when it comes to their digital footprint. In addition, host country law enforcement has made clear their lack of tolerance for hooliganism or violence associated with football rivalries. Indeed, Russia has excluded more than 1000 individuals who have previously been identified (having been arrested) as being associated with such violence.