Europe
- United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | Anti-immigration demonstrations are expected across the UK in the coming weeks with far-right groups staging rallies outside hotels which are said to house asylum seekers. These gatherings, scheduled every Friday at 12:00pm local time and in select locations on Saturdays, have drawn increased attention after violent unrest in Epping, Essex in July. Larger events and counter rallies pose the risk of clashes with police and/or opposing groups, especially in urban centers such as London, Liverpool, and Newcastle. SafeAbroad travelers should anticipate road disruptions, increased security presence, and localized unrest near the demonstration sites.
- Portugal: Travel Advisory | Ground workers associated with the Metal and Allied Industries Union (SIMA) will strike causing disruptions and delays throughout Portugal starting September 3. The first strike on September 3 at 12:00 AM will continue until September 9 at 11:59 PM. Subsequent protests will continue every weekend from Friday through Monday starting on September 12. Travelers are advised to reconfirm flights and expect residual delays from cancellations.
- Brussels, Belgium: Protest Advisory | Thousands will gather in Brussels on September 6 at 2:00 PM to mark the 60th anniversary of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran. Demonstrations are expected near key government buildings throughout the capital. The protest will feature political leaders and human rights advocates calling for democratic reforms in Iran. A heightened security presence and traffic disruptions are expected throughout the capital. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest and plan alternative travel routes around downtown Brussels.
Americas
- Cali, Colombia: Security Advisory | Further attacks are expected against government owned facilities in Cali, Colombia, over the coming weeks. Facilities including police stations and military buildings have been targeted in retaliation for the government’s renewed efforts to stomp out criminal organizations across the country. The latest bombing attack on August 21 killed six while injuring 60 outside of the Marco Fidel Suarez Air Base. Several police stations also experienced bombings on June 10. Increased security measures are expected to follow. Travelers are advised to monitor the local news for updates and to maintain increased awareness when in public.
- Brazil: Protest Advisory | Protests are likely across major cities in Brazil over the next week. Former President Bolsonaro is on trial for subverting the will of the people in 2022, which many have called a coup attempt. Large scale protests have emerged all summer in support of Bolsonaro, with more expected as his trial starts September 2. Travelers are advised to avoid protests as well as maintain increased awareness when in large crowds.
- Quebec, Canada: Protest Advisory | Protesters will gather outside the National Assembly of Quebec on September 1 at 2:00 PM to voice their disapproval of the current provincial government and legislation surrounding prayer in public places. The protest is expected to be peaceful with an increased police presence in the area. Travelers should avoid the protest and closely monitor local news outlets for updates as well as plan alternate routes around the National Assembly of Quebec.
Asia & Pacific
- Indonesia: Protest Advisory | Expect protests to continue over the coming weeks in major city centers in Indonesia. A string of violent protests have followed the killing of a taxi-motorist by a police vehicle resulting in mass unrest. Planned protests on September 2 and 3 have been delayed as security has dramatically increased, including checkpoints set up around the capital city of Jakarta. The unrest cancelled Prime Minister Prabowo’s trip to China, and even has prompted TikTok to ban its livestreaming feature in the country over the coming days. Travelers are advised to avoid any protests as well as monitor local media for news and updates.
- Beijing, China: Security Advisory | On September 3, a military parade commemorating the end of World War II will proceed along Changan Avenue and pass through Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, prompting increased security measures. Areas surrounding the parade location have been closed for rehearsals and security checks. Security checks have also increased at railway stations and airports within China. Travelers are advised to reconfirm travel routes and to maintain increased awareness among crowds.
- New Zealand: Health Advisory | Health disruptions are expected amid nationwide nurses strike in New Zealand on September 2 and 4. The New Zealand Nurses Organization has organized a strike and walkout with 36,000 workers who will walk off the job on September 2. The union claims that Health NZ has failed to address concerns regarding understaffing and government cost cutting. An estimate 13,850 patients are expected to have delayed treatment, services, and care as a result of the strike. Travelers are advised to reschedule non-emergency medical appointments and to ensure they have enough of any necessary medication to make it through these dates.
Africa & Middle East
- Israel: Protest Advisory | Protesters will continue to gather throughout Israel in the coming weeks due to the government’s planned expansion of the war in Gaza. A recent protest on August 27 saw hundreds of thousands turn out in Tel Aviv. While these protests have remained largely peaceful, there is a risk for violence due to the large divides within Israeli society. Further protests are likely to correspond with the release of more information by the government for their proposed plans. Travelers are advised to avoid these protests and to monitor the local news for any updates of escalation.
- Kenya: Health Advisory | The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has evaluated an outbreak of the Chikungunya disease in Kenya to be at level 2- practice enhanced precautions. The disease is spread by mosquito bites and is not contagious. Symptoms consist of fevers, joint pain, and rashes, and begin within 3-7 days. If traveling to this area, it is recommended by the CDC to get vaccinated, wear bug repellent, and long sleeves at all times.
- Nakuru, Kenya: Security Advisory | Recent clashes have prompted authorities to enact a seven day curfew in Nakuru, Kenya, until at least September 7. The area has historically been volatile with intercommunal rivalry which flared up again on August 30th leaving one dead and eight others injured. The curfew will be active between the hours of 7:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Travelers are advised to monitor the ongoing situation using local media as well as avoiding any further potential clashes.
