Germany
Threats: Increased risk of terrorism.
Causes: The threat of terrorism spans Europe, with terrorists carrying out attacks in various European cities. Potential targets encompass government buildings, places of worship, airports, transportation hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centers, Christmas markets, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners.
The German government operates a public terrorism alert system, with any changes in the alert level being disseminated through local media.
Jamaica
Threats: High incidence of violent crime.
Causes: Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, poses a significant challenge in major cities and tourist hotspots like parts of Kingston and Montego Bay. Tourists face the risk of opportunistic crimes, particularly theft and robberies.
Most violent crimes, particularly those involving gangs and narcotics (such as murder), include firearms, and the fact that they are easily accessible adds fuel to the fire. There is also a danger of being caught in crossfire in these areas.
Nicaragua
Threats: The political climate heightens the potential for civil unrest and criminal activities.
Causes: Nicaragua grapples with a volatile political environment. Following President Daniel Ortega’s announcement of pension system changes in April 2018, protests erupted. Post the 2021 presidential elections, government officials in Nicaragua, along with law enforcement, have harshly suppressed dissenting voices, leading to numerous fatalities and detentions.
Visitors to Nicaragua are advised against discussing political matters publicly or online, including on social media platforms, and should steer clear of any political engagements.
Vietnam
Threats: Elevated incidence of petty crimes.
Causes: Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are prevalent, especially in major cities and during significant public holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year), which falls on Saturday, Feb. 10 this year.
Criminals, either operating individually or in groups, employ various tactics to distract individuals and pilfer their belongings. They may attempt bag snatching while riding a motorbike or slash bags in crowded streets and markets.
Travellers should remain vigilant against credit and debit card fraud at ATMs or when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Cambodia
Threats: Rising instances of petty crime.
Causes: Petty crimes like phone and bag snatching occur frequently, with thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, targeting bags and valuables, including passports. Theft aimed at foreigners is common on sidewalks, motorcycles, and tuktuks (rickshaws) in major cities like the capital, Phnom Penh, notably along riverfronts and the Boeung Keng Kang area.
South Africa
Threats: Substantial levels of severe crime.
Causes: South Africa faces a severe crime epidemic, with crime posing the primary security risk to travellers. Victims of serious crimes, including rape and murder, who are foreign nationals, are common. Muggings, armed assaults, and theft are prevalent, often occurring in tourist-popular areas. Carjackings, robberies, and assaults are also common.
Moreover, the country continues to experience nationwide power shortages or rolling blackouts, known as load shedding, expected to persist through 2023 and into 2024. These blackouts have lasted up to 12 hours within a 24-hour period.