The Week Ahead: April 6, 2026

Date

Europe
  • Europe: Travel Advisory | The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) that started to roll out on October 12, 2025, will be fully operational for all 29 countries in the Schengen Area by April 10. The EES requires travelers from outside the Schengen Area, such as those from the United States or United Kingdom, to register biometric data, or verify biometric information if the traveler has already used the system. Before this full implementation on April 10, only roughly 50% of travelers had to use the EES. The new biometric collection requirements increased wait times by up to 70% in certain locations as they began to roll out the EES, causing multi-hour delays. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to anticipate delays when traveling to countries inside the Schengen Area. Monitor airport websites and sources for information on anticipated wait times. 
  • Flanders, Belgium: Travel Advisory | Public transport workers will strike in Flanders region, Belgium between April 7 and April 10; expect disruptions to public transport services. The General Federation of Public Services have organized the strike as part of an ongoing campaign to oppose the federal government’s additional budget cut of EUR 5.5 million and the planned EUR 30 million spending cut to De Lijn’s operating budget for the current year. Employees of the state-owned Flemish public transport company De Lijn will participate in a series of strikes that will affect bus and tram operation on the following location and dates: April 7, Flemish Brabant; April 8, Limburg; April 9, Antwerp; April 10, East and West Flanders. Travelers are advised to reaffirm transport and plan alternative means where needed. Travelers should avoid all strike-related protests.  
  • Italy: Travel Advisory | A national strike will affect air transport services across Italy on April 10 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The strikes will affect airports in Rome, Milan and Naples. The strike will include air traffic control and technical staff workers. Delays and cancellations may spillover into the rest of the day despite the strike ending at 5:00 PM. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to confirm all flights ahead of time. Monitor airport and air travel provider websites for updates on delays, and plan alternative means of transportation when possible. 
Americas
  • Mexico: Travel Advisory | Expect travel delays extending into the early hours of April 7 caused by a trucker strike across Mexico. Truckers began protesting at 7:00 AM this morning against insufficient safety and extortion by various criminal organizations. Major highways will be blocked by trucks, with the most expected in the north and central parts of the country. These blockages are expected to create backups that will continue to delay traffic even after the protest ends. Travelers are advised to reconfirm routes before departure. They should also avoid any associated protests.  
  • Santa Cruz, Bolivia: Health Advisory | Healthcare workers will strike on April 9 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Over 2,500 healthcare workers are expected to participate in the 24 hours strike, unless their demands are met by April 6. Healthcare workers will demand that the government pay out overdue salaries, as medical professionals have worked for two months without pay. Previous strikes in January, February and March saw long lines at hospitals and clinics and minimal services offered due to a lack of staff. Anticipate similar disruption across all healthcare services on April 9. Travelers are advised to reaffirm healthcare appointments and reschedule if needed. Continue to monitor local media for updates. 
  • Santa Fe, Argentina: Protest Advisory | Public sector employees in Santa Fe, Argentina will hold a 72-hour strike on April 8, 9 and 10. The strike will disrupt healthcare, public transport and administrative offices. Federation of Municipal Workers’ Unions of Santa Fe (FESTRAM) organized the strike to demand higher wages and denounce government actions threatening workers’ rights. Organizers have not yet announced associated demonstrations. Travelers are advised to reconfirm healthcare appointments and transportation schedules. Avoid any demonstrations. 
Asia & Pacific
  • ​Thailand: Travel Advisory | Sinhala and Tamil New Year will cause nationwide disruptions from April 12 to April 13 as families travel to their ancestral homes and celebrate traditional ceremonies. The Aluth Avurudda festival marks the traditional New Year with public holidays. Colombo will experience a mass exodus on April 12 as residents travel to Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, and other cities. The Colombo-Kandy highway and Southern Expressway to Galle will face severe congestion. Bandaranaike International Airport will experience peak passenger volumes with extended check-in times. Banks, government offices, and most businesses will be closed April 13-14, with many extending closures through April 15. ATMs may run out of cash due to holiday demand. Travelers are advised to withdraw sufficient cash before April 12. They should also avoid scheduled meetings or appointments due to the hotel and cultural sites being fully booked. 
  • Taipei, Taiwan: Protest Advisory | Additional protests are expected over the coming weeks following the incarceration of a former political leader. More than 80,000 protesters gathered in Taipei on March 29 in response to the incarceration of the former leader of the Taiwan People’s Party (TTP). Likely hot spots for future protests include government buildings, key intersections, and large public squares. Heightened security may be present in these areas and travel delays are likely if demonstrations occur. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and plan alternate routes to circumvent demonstration locations. Monitor local media for more information on active protests and transportation schedules to ensure they remain on time. 
  • Kerala, India: Security Advisory | Upcoming elections on April 9 will bring a heightened security presence in Kerala state on April 9. An expected increased security presence at polling stations, government buildings, and political offices. The recent attack against a Kerala state politician will put security on high alert. Police will likely disperse any unauthorized gatherings under the Model Code of Conduct. Travelers are advised to avoid all demonstration. They should also follow all official guidance from state authorities.  
Africa & Middle East
  • Africa: Protest Advisory | Further protests are expected over the coming weeks across the continent due to fuel shortages, which has threatened the operational status of infrastructure. The Middle East supplies the majority Africa’s fuel, which has been increasingly limited due to military activity and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Civil fuel restrictions could be enacted this week, which would cause increased social unrest and could disrupt transportation services. Some areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa, are already experiencing disruptions to essential services, including power outages. Travelers are advised to exercise caution in the area. Monitor local media for developments and evaluate travel plans as needed. 
  • Kenya, Africa: Weather Advisory | Anticipate continued disruptions over the coming weeks to travel, public services and public safety in Kenya following deadly flooding. Kenya has experienced massive flooding conditions resulting in the deaths of up to 100 individuals. Torrential rain has continued to worsen the overall conditions in the area, with local government bodies issuing evacuation orders and rescue measures. These floods have swept away hundreds of vehicles, destroyed roadways, and impacted overall travel. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all non-essential travel and navigate to areas where safety is ensured. Travelers should continue to monitor local media to remain informed on the status of disruptions. 
  • Djibouti: Protest Advisory | Political protests and rallies across urban centers will take place leading up to the presidential elections in Djibouti on April 10. Djibouti’s President Guelleh is seeking a sixth term and facing domestic opposition that alleges democratic backsliding. Rallies and protests have caused localized disruptions, primarily organized by the opposition leader Mohamed Samatar’s rival group. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests. They should also maintain awareness when in large crowds.  

Recent
Advisories

The British Grand Prix will take place at the Silverstone Circuit in Towcester, United Kingdom, from July 3-5.

The British Grand Prix will take place at the Silverstone Circuit, in Towcester United Kingdom, from July 3 to July 5, and is expected to cause road closures and delays. The British Grand Prix draws over 500,000 visitors annually, resulting in increased traffic causing delays and pressure on bus services to Towcester, surrounding villages and towns. Heightened security will be present around the circuit. Authorities recommend getting to the Silverstone Circuit using the dedicated shuttles services..

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