Europe
- Davos, Switzerland: Security Advisory | Expect heightened security in and around Davos, Switzerland January 19-23 during high level meetings by world and economic leaders. World leaders including heads of state, their delegations, and CEOs of some of the world’s largest and most influential companies will meet to discuss economic and financial issues. To protect the event, local police have been reinforced with an additional 5,000 officers, random ID checks will be instituted on the Landquart–Davos rail line, and road closures will be put in place in Davos. Travelers are advised to follow official directives. They should also build in extra time for travel if they plan to travel nearby Davos.
- Athens, Greece: Travel Advisory | Taxi drivers will strike for 48-hours in Athens, Greece from January 20-21 disrupting transportation. Drivers are striking in protest of a recent mandate that requires them to transition to electric vehicles in the coming years, which they argue significantly raises their costs. Only around 80-85 taxis out of the usual 14,000 are expected to be operating at this time. Travelers are advised to find alternate means of transportation such as by rail or rideshare. They should also expect increased demand for these alternatives and book in advance.
- Italy: Travel Advisory | A rail worker strike by employees of Italian State Railways will cause disruptions across train services in Italy on January 20. This action is part of a series of strikes by rail workers, including the 8-hour walkout by railway operators on January 10 that caused severe disruptions. Long distance, connecting, and intercity trains are liable to be delayed and cancelled by the strike. Travelers are advised to find alternate transportation if feasible. They should also confirm their scheduling to see if they are impacted.
Americas
- Guatemala: Security Advisory | The government has declared a 30-day state of siege that will increase security operations and limit civil liberties throughout the country until February 18. The declaration followed mass attacks against prison security by gang members, which prompted President Arevalo to declare the measure. Measures within the directive are relatively unlikely to affect travelers, however the increased anti-gang operations are likely to increase violence within the nation. Travelers are advised to monitor local media for updates. They should also follow all official directives.
- Mexico City, Mexico: Travel Advisory | Transportation workers will strike on January 21 disrupting trolleybus and light rail services. Workers are demanding a salary increase amidst stonewalling by the Mexican government. The strike is expected to put strain on alternative public transportation. Travelers are advised to find alternative travel means ahead of the strike. They should also avoid any associated protests that take place.
- Chile: Weather Advisory | Additional wildfires are likely over the coming weeks in southern Chile. Wildfires have been burning massive swathes of land in southern Chile, occasionaly impacting its major cities. The Chilean government declared a state of catastrophe in the Ñuble and Biobío regions on January 18 after fires forced over 50,000 people to evacuate. Travelers are advised to monitor local media for warnings and updates on fire risks. They should also follow official directives.
Asia & Pacific
- New Delhi, India: Security Advisory | An increased security presence will be in place around Kartavya Path in New Delhi, India all week in preparation for Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Rehearsal marches for the event are already taking place centralized around Kartavya Path. Many additional cameras have been added to the area, guest verification in hotels near the area are taking place, and metro security has ramped up. Travelers are advised to carry their identification on them at all times and to follow official directives. They should also expect these measures to remain in place through Republic Day.
- Hanoi, Vietnam: Security Advisory | Expect heightened security measures outside in downtown Hanoi, Vietnam January 19-25 during meetings by top level officials. The Communist party of Vietnam opened its congress to elect members of the politburo, who in turn will select the country’s next leader. Security measures have tightened around the National Convention Center where the event is taking place. This includes a heavy police and military presence, phone signal deadspots, and road closures. Travelers are advised to avoid the immediate area if possible. They should also follow official directives.
- Japan: Weather Advisory | Heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected to cause disruptions across the North and West Japan from January 21-25. The Japanese Meteorological Agency has put in place advisories for many prefectures across the regions of Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Hokuriku. Disruptions to travel by rail and road are likely. Travelers are advised to confirm any train bookings they may have in the affected regions. They should also monitor local media for updates about the snowfall.
Africa & Middle East
- Senegal: Health Advisory | Healthcare workers will strike across Senegal from January 21-23 limiting access to doctors. Healthcare workers are protesting against the government’s lack of investment in infrastructure that meets required standards across the country. Medical services will be more difficult to receive than in previous strikes, due to the deliberate lack of minimum services as an escalatory move. Travelers are advised to consult with their healthcare provider to see if they will be impacted. They should also seek to receive services ahead of time.
- Uganda: Security Advisory | Expect police and military members to maintain a heightened presence in public spaces over the next week following protests against a disputed election. President Museveni claimed victory in what’s largely alleged as a rigged election which prompted protests; these protests were put down forcefully. Many shops and businesses remain closed amidst the deployment of security forces throughout the capital Kampala. Travelers are advised to avoid any protests that pop up. They should also follow official directives.
- Accra, Ghana: Protest Advisory | Protesters will gather outside of the U.S. embassy in Accra daily starting January 20 for an indefinite amount of time. Demonstrators are demanding the extradition of former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta for his corruption charges. Around 2,000 protesters are expected to show up around the embassy daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Travelers are advised to avoid the protests. They should also avoid interacting with protesters.
