SafeAbroad

SafeAbroad travelers are advised to use a high degree of caution using dating apps when in Colombia due to a State Department report highlighting a string of recent suspicious deaths related to their use.

The U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, has alerted citizens in the country to avoid using dating apps due to a string of eight suspicious deaths of Americans between the months of November and December. This comes amid a 200% spike of reports of theft against foreign visitors, and a 29% increase in violent crime in the late stages of 2023. These deaths have either been presented as homicides or drug overdoses.

The Week Ahead: January 15, 2024

• Paris and Lyon, France: Protest Advisory | On January 14 at 3:00 PM, protesters will gather at Place de la Republique in Paris and at 2:00 PM in Place Bellecour in Lyon to protest against the “Darmanin Law,” which reforms immigration laws. Protests have the chance of escalating into violent clashes with law enforcement. Plan journeys to avoid protests. 
• Toay, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On January 14, an unknown number of protesters opposing President Javier Milei’s Decree of Necessity and Urgency will gather at 7:30pm at Plaza San Martin. Violent dispersal is possible, so it is recommended to avoid all protests and plan routes around the location.
• Nationwide, India: Protest Advisory | Through at least mid January, large protests are expected to continue across India in the wake of announced changes to the Motor Vehicles Act, which increase punishments for drivers convicted of hit-and-runs. Transportation disruptions should be expected due to roadblocks and work stoppages. Plan routes and confirm travel with drivers before departure. 
•Tunis, Tunisia: Protest Advisory | On January 14, opposition protesters demanding the release of political prisoners plan to gather at 10am at Republic Square and march to Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Demonstrations are expected to remain peaceful, but traffic disruptions are possible. Plan and confirm routes around the protest in advance.

Situation Report: Charles University Shooting

On December 21, a mass shooter opened fire at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University in central Prague, Czech Republic, killing 15 and wounding 25. Three foreign nationals were injured in the attack — two from the United Arab Emirates and one from the Netherlands. At the time of this writing, there is no indication that any American travelers were among the casualties. Expect an increased prevalence of demonstrations, such as vigils for victims, related to the shooting and heightened security on the Charles University campus and in the surrounding areas in the wake of the shooting.

2024 Annual Safety Report for International Education

Over the past year, our team has monitored the myriad of risks that impacted the health, safety, and well-being of student travelers abroad. Since January, SafeAbroad Analysts have logged over 8,000 incidents spanning travel, security, protests, health, disasters, and weather across more than 100 countries. Through this comprehensive lens, our team crafted this year’s Annual Safety Report for International Education, offering a guide for programs to navigate the risks and liabilities associated with international travel and education.

On November 30, a 24-hour strike by AMRA-affiliated doctors in Santa Fe, Argentina will disrupt healthcare and public transportation services.

Incident Details
In Santa Fe, Argentina, a 24-hour statewide strike by unionized doctors affiliated with AMRA is imminent on November 30. The strike aims to address compensation issues for medical personnel and enhance career progression. Anticipate significant disruptions to healthcare and public transportation services.

Forecast Report: Diwali Festivals 2023

SafeAbroad Analysts have assessed Diwali celebrations in major Indian cities to be relatively low-risk at this time; however, petty crime, protests, environmental hazards, and traffic-related incidents pose a moderate risk to students.

Situation Report: Pro-Palestinian Unrest

In response to Israel’s campaign in Gaza, Hamas officials called for a “Day of Rage,” to take place on October 13, encouraging terrorist attacks and unrest from supporters around the world. Several countries have reported related attacks, threats, and violent unrest on and shortly after the “Day of Rage.” In response, many countries such as France and Germany have banned related public demonstrations and deployed security personnel en masse. These severe measures have provoked public backlash and led to further demonstrations in opposition to the crackdowns.

Forecast Report: Argentinian General Elections

SafeAbroad analysts have assessed the upcoming 2023 election in Argentina will have a moderate impact on travelers in the country. The heated election is likely to create frequent and possibly intense political demonstrations in the days leading up to the vote, but said demonstrations have a low chance of turning violent. However, these risks could increase in the event of a runoff or contested election following the October 22 vote.

Situation Report: 2023 Israel-Hamas War

On October 7, Hamas militants launched an attack from the Gaza Strip, targeting dozens of locations across southwestern Israel with rocket barrages and ground attacks. More than 2,200 deaths have been reported, with thousands more wounded. Several foreign nationals, including at least twenty-two Americans, have been reported among those killed. Multiple borders and ports have been closed, while several airlines have suspended service into Israel.

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