Europe
- Belgium: Travel Advisory | Starting April 7 at 10:00 PM, unionized rail workers from the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB) will strike nationwide for 24 hours. Additional strikes are planned for April 15, 22, and 29. The work stoppages were planned in response to proposed reforms, which will allegedly impact working conditions, retirement age, and pension benefits. Intercity, local, suburban, and peak train services will likely be disrupted. Other forms of transport may be delayed due to increased demand. Travelers should consider utilizing alternate methods of transport during the strikes. Allow additional travel time and expect delays.
- Budapest, Hungary: Protest Advisory | On April 7, 8, and 9, protesters will gather in Budapest. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on April 7, protesters will gather at Szabadság tér. From April 8 until April 9, protesters will gather at Erzsébet híd and Szent György u. The demonstrations were planned for a range of issues, including the amendment of assembly laws. Previous protests in early April and late March saw major traffic disruptions, road blocks, and bridge blockades. Travelers are advised to minimize travel in Budapest until April 10. Avoid the city center and closely monitor local media for updates. Anticipate sudden road closures and heightened police presence at protest sites. Avoid all protest activity and follow police directives.
- Italy: Travel Advisory | On April 8-9 and 11-12, unionized transport workers will strike nationwide in Italy. Starting April 8 at 9:00 PM, rail workers will strike for 24 hours. On April 9 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, airport workers will strike across the country, though staff at Palermo Airport will strike between 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM. Then from April 11 at 3:00 PM until 2:00 PM on April 12, rail workers from Trenitalia, Tper, and Trenord will strike across the country, impacting high-speed, long-distance, and regional train services. Associated demonstrations are possible during the strike periods. Travelers are advised to plan alternate transport, anticipate delays due to increased demand, and avoid protest activity.
- Greece: Travel Advisory | On April 9, workers from the public and private sectors will strike nationwide. The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY) have organized the work stoppage to demand increased wages and action against rising living costs. The strike will include air traffic controllers (ATCs), who have stated they will not service commercial flights. All forms of public transport will likely be impacted. Protesters will demonstrate at Syntagma Square in Athens at 11:00 AM. Additional demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to reconfirm flights and public transport services. Anticipate widespread delays and cancellations, and avoid protest activity.
Americas
- Bolivia: Health Advisory | From April 9, healthcare workers will strike for 48 hours across Bolivia. The work stoppage was planned to demand improved labor rights for healthcare workers and to denounce a proposed bill that would cut travel expense reimbursements for participation in vaccination efforts. Travelers should seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care during the strike period. Monitor local news sources for updated information.
- Argentina: Travel Advisory | On April 10, unionized public transport and airline workers will strike nationwide. The work stoppage was planned by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and Association of State Workers (ATE) to protest a variety of issues, including economic policies, worker salaries, and illegally dismissed workers, and to make several demands, including the restoration of medicine coverage for pensioners and the removal of 30-year contributions. Flight delays and cancellations, and disruptions to rail services are likely. Other forms of transport may be delayed due to increased demand. Travelers are advised to reconfirm scheduled flight and train services. Allow additional travel time and expect delays.
- Chile: Health Advisory | From April 10-11, health workers will strike nationwide. The work stoppage will likely impact all non-emergency medical services, though emergency rooms will continue to operate. The strike was organized by the Confederation of Health Workers (CONFETSACH) to demand improved working conditions and increased healthcare funding. Travellers should seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care during the strike period.
- Bogotá, Colombia: Protest Advisory | On April 11 at 11:00 AM, demonstrators will gather at Plaza de Bolívar to demand solutions to the ongoing water supply crisis across the capital. Prolonged droughts and low reservoir levels have sparked a long-term water supply crisis in the city, leading the government to impose water-rationing strategies. Travelers should avoid the area and any protest activity. Anticipate associated delays and comply with police directives.
Asia & Pacific
- South Korea: Protest Advisory | On April 4, former president Yoon Suk-yeol was formally impeached and removed from office, triggering backlash from Yoon’s supporters and protests on April 5. Snap presidential elections are to be held within 60 days of the verdict, which will be on or before June 3. Further protests, both by pro-Yoon and anti-Yoon groups, are anticipated over the coming weeks. Protests will likely occur outside government buildings, such as the Constitutional Court in Seoul, and at major public squares and monuments, particularly in Seoul. Travelers are advised to exercise heightened caution when traveling in Seoul and avoid all protest activity. Follow police directives and monitor local media for updates.
- Punjab, Pakistan: Health Advisory | On April 7, healthcare workers will strike and protest across Punjab. Participants have warned of road blockades and disruption to hospital services throughout the province. Activists will commence a sit-in demonstration outside the Punjab Assembly in Lahore. The exact meeting time is unannounced. The Grand Health Alliance group has organized the demonstrations to condemn the announced privatization of Jinnah Hospital. Police may use force to disperse crowds. Travelers should avoid engaging with protesters and follow all official directives. Avoid affected medical facilities; if required, seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care.
- Bangladesh: Protest Advisory | On April 8, pro-Palestinian protesters will demonstrate across Bangladesh to denounce the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. At 10:30 AM, protesters with the Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) will hold sit-ins outside educational institutions across the country, before staging marches at 12:00 PM. In Dhaka, participants will gather outside the U.S. Embassy. Travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations and protest activity, plan routes in advance, and maintain increased awareness in transit.
- New South Wales, Australia: Health Advisory | From April 8-10, health workers at hospitals and medical clinics across the state will strike, impacting emergency and routine medical services. The work stoppage was planned due to breakdowns in pay negotiations with the state government. Affected facilities will have reduced staff and will be postponing all non-emergency medical procedures. Emergency services will continue, though may be delayed due to resource constraints. Travelers are advised to seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care during the strike period. For any life-threatening emergency, call 000.
- India: Travel Advisory | On April 10, most businesses nationwide in India will close in observance of Mahavir Jayanti. Mahavir Jayanti is a major Jain holiday that celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira. It is a national holiday with government-run offices and services closed, Jain-owned businesses closed, and many other businesses with reduced hours. Travelers are advised to plan ahead by securing accommodations in advance and completing essential errands prior to the holiday. Due to widespread business closures and reduced operating hours, it is recommended to purchase necessary items such as groceries and medication ahead of time.
Africa & Middle East
- Maseno, Kenya: Protest Advisory | On April 4, students from Maseno University blocked the Kisumu-Busia highway to denounce the recent murder of a student. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters. Additional related demonstrations are likely in the coming days. Travelers are advised to avoid protest activity and follow official directives. Maintain increased awareness and leave at the first sign of unrest.
- Tunis, Tunisia: Protest Advisory | On April 9 at 10:00 AM, protesters will gather at Belvedere Park before marching through Avenue de la Liberte to Tunisian National Radio. The demonstration was planned to protest an upcoming mass trial against politicians, activists, lawyers, and media figures. A high turnout is anticipated. Additional protests are possible over the coming week. Heightened security is likely across the city, particularly near the Court of First Instance and near government offices. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and maintain increased awareness in transit.
- Senegal: Travel Advisory | On April 12, airline staff will strike for 24 hours nationwide. The Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASCENA) organized the strike to demand hiring of additional air navigation staff, and payment of unpaid bonuses. The work stoppage will impact regular travel, with the only exceptions being flights for government officials, military functions, medical evacuations, and humanitarian efforts. Travelers should reconfirm their flight before arriving. Allow additional travel time and expect delays.
- Senegal: Health Advisory | On April 13 and 14, healthcare workers will strike nationwide, impacting public and private facilities across the country. The work stoppage was planned by the Federation of Health Unions (F2s) to demand that the government address various health and social issues. Travelers are advised to seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care during the strike period.
