Europe
- Belgium: Travel Advisory | Labor union workers will strike nationwide on February 12 for 24 hours, disrupting public services. The Front Commun Syndical coalition is opposing government socioeconomic reforms, including wage freezes, retirement age increases, and abandonment of a 10 billion Euro austerity package. The strike will impact multiple sectors, including government offices, schools, public transportation, and healthcare facilities. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to seek alternate transportation, avoid strike-related protests. They should also confirm public service availability before travel.
- Italy: Security Advisory | Heightened security is expected to become increasingly vigilant across northern Italy over the coming weeks. Several events have prompted additional security concerns for the Winter Olympics including a large-scale protest and potentially sabotaged trainlines that delayed travel plans for thousands. In response to these events, the Italian government passed a measure that would allow for the detention of individuals suspected of agitation for up to 12 hours. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests. They should also maintain awareness when in large crowds.
- Spain: Travel Advisory | Train workers will strike across Spain from February 9-11 limiting available trains. Members of the union Semaf, which is the largest rail union in Spain, have called the strike to demand more safety resources after a series of high-profile train crashes last month. Despite guaranteed minimum services, over 25% of all high-speed/long distance trains and 35% of medium distance train trips are liable to be canceled. Travelers are advised to confirm train availability before departure. They should also build extra time into their schedules for travel.
Americas
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Security Advisory | Carnival celebrations will bring millions to the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil beginning February 14. Carnival runs until February 18, where massive celebrations include both block parties and designated events. Attendees can expect a heightened security presence in public during this period. Travelers are advised to maintain awareness when in large crowds. They should also keep valuables secured on the front of their person and well-protected.
- Argentina: Protest Advisory | A large-scale protest by members of multiple labor unions will demonstrate in downtown Buenos Aires, Argentina. Union members are protesting a proposed labor reform bill. Protesters will gather at Plaza del Congreso around 3:00 PM in addition to other smaller protest sites throughout the city. Previous demonstrations have seen major turnouts. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests. They should also avoid interacting with the protesters.
- Brazil: Weather Advisory | Heavy rainfall is expected to create dangerous conditions in southern Brazil from February 9-10. Southern Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, is projected to receive up to around 4 inches of rain and around 60 mph winds according to Brazil’s National Meteorological Agency (INMET). This significantly increases the risk of flooding and landslides. Travelers are advised to avoid low-lying areas near bodies of water. They should also monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
- Australia: Protest Advisory | Additional large-scale protests are likely until February 12 across major Australian cities due to the Israeli President’s visit. Large scale protests broke out on February 9 due to the visit of Isaac Herzog, with the largest gathering demonstrating in Sydney. Australian police used teargas and pepper spray in some cases during these protests. Herzog is set to visit Melbourne and Canberra before his departure, making these cities likely to see additional protests. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests. They should also leave an area at the first sign of violence.
- Philippines: Weather Advisory | Heavy rainfall and adverse weather across the Central Philippines from February 9-11 may cause floods and travel disruptions. Heavy rainfall is forecast for the Eastern Visayas, Bicol, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa regions between February 9 and 11. These conditions are linked to the former tropical depression Basyang, which resulted in 12 deaths. The worst affected areas may receive an additional seven inches of rain. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to minimize non-essential movement and reconfirm all itineraries. They should also avoid low-lying or coastal areas.
- India: Protest Advisory | A nationwide strike is expected to disrupt services across most sectors in India on February 12, including transportation and education. The strike has been called in protest against proposed labor legislation. Publicly owned transportation is expected to have limited service. Most Kerala state colleges are also expected to be closed, with education in other states impacted by student boycotts and protests. Travelers are advised to build in extra time for travel. They should also monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
- Senegal: Health Advisory | Healthcare workers will strike nationwide from February 10 to 13, disrupting hospital and clinic operations. The Alliance of Autonomous Health Unions (ASAS) is conducting the 96-hour work stoppage over unresolved grievances, including pension concerns and disputes over promised social housing. Emergency care remains operational, but broader access to healthcare services will be limited. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan for alternate medical care.
- Madagascar: Weather Advisory | Tropical storm Gezani is expected to make landfall on February 10, bringing intense rainfall and strong winds to much of Madagascar. Meteo Madagascar projects that the storm will remain across the island until February 11. Winds of around 100 mph and around 6 inches of rain will bring concerns of flooding and infrastructural damage. Travelers are advised to monitor local media for updates. They should also charge all electronic devices in advance.
- Israel: Travel Advisory | A nationwide protest on February 10 is expected to disrupt travel along Israel’s major highways. Protesters attempted to block highways on February 8 to voice anger against Arab violence in communities across Israel, but effects were limited by police intervention. Demonstrators plan to protest again by blocking highways on February 10. Travelers are advised to build in extra time for travel into their schedules. They are also advised to avoid any associated protests.
