Europe
- Greece: Travel Advisory | Port and dock workers will strike for 24-hours nationwide in Greece on May 1 beginning at 12:01 AM. Port and dock workers affiliated with the Panhellenic Maritime Federation organized the strike as part of the May Day, International Workers’ Day celebrations. The strike will impact passenger ferry operations across Greece for the duration of the strike. The organizers have not announced any strike-related protests, but protests are still possible. Travelers are advised to plan alternative means of travel if they typically travel by ferry and to anticipate higher demand on other forms of transport due to displacement. Travelers should also avoid any strike-related protests.
- Spain: Health Advisory | Anticipate disruptions to healthcare from April 27 to April 30 in Spain due to a nationwide doctors’ strike. Doctors associated with the Spanish Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM) will participate, impacting healthcare facilities across Spain. The union is demanding regulation of shifts, paid leave and general improvement of incentives. This is a continuation of a series of Spanish healthcare strikes, the most recent of which lasted from April 20 until April 24 and saw 80% participation nationwide in hospitals and 50% in health centers. Also anticipate strike-related demonstrations, which were common during previous strikes. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to confirm all medical appointments. Travelers should monitor CESM’s Facebook page for updates on the strike and related demonstrations.
- Brussels, Belgium: Travel Advisory | Heavy travel will affect Brussels Airport, Belgium from April 27 to May 12. Brussels Airport expects its busiest spring holiday period since the pandemic, driven by strong leisure demand and overlapping Belgian and Dutch school breaks. Nearly 1.3 million passengers are forecast between April 27 and May 12, with May 4 expected to be the busiest day as more than 82,000 travelers pass through the terminal. Longer queues are likely at check-in, security screening, border control, and baggage drop areas throughout the holiday period. Ground transport delays, crowded terminals, and longer aircraft taxi times are also possible during peak travel windows. Travelers are advised to arrive early for departing flights and expect congestion throughout the airport. Allow extra time for check-in, security, passport control, and onward connections. Monitor local media and official airport updates for schedule changes or disruptions.
- Harz, Germany: Travel Advisory | Expect travel disruption and heightened security within the Harz region of Germany during seasonal festival from April 30 to May 1. Walpurgis Night is a major German spring festival also known as the Witches’ Night or Hexennacht. This event is similar to Halloween and is celebrated across the Harz region. This event includes bonfires and runs from the evening of April 30 to May 1. This event is expected to draw large crowds late into the evening and early the following morning, as well as bring a heightened security presence to public areas. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to monitor local news and social media for updates on this event. Travelers are also advised to remain vigilant during the duration of this festival and follow official directives from local authorities.
Americas
- Mexico: Travel Advisory | Expect increased travel demand and potential disruptions from April 27 to May 4 across Mexico surrounding Labor Day events. Labor-related demonstrations organized by the Confederation of Mexican Workers and other unions are expected on May 1 in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Puebla disrupting major roadways for 6-10 hours. In Mexico City, protests will concentrate along Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Insurgentes, and Zócalo square blocking access to the historic center and surrounding neighborhoods. Authorities project a 15-25% increase in passenger traffic at major airports including Mexico City International Airport, Cancún International Airport, and Guadalajara International Airport with Mexico City’s airport handling over 1 million passengers during this period. Travelers are advised to leave early before departure. They should also monitor traffic patterns before and during travel.
- Dominican Republic: Health Advisory | National Nursing Association nurses will strike on April 29 for 24 hours. The strike is being organized to demand better pay, better working conditions, better staffing, and remote working incentives. Clinics and hospitals around the country will be affected, including in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and La Romana. Significant disruptions to service are expected during this time. Travelers are advised to reschedule all non-urgent medical appointments. Expect longer wait times due to low staffing in emergency rooms.
- Ribeirão Preto, Brazil: Travel Advisory | Agrishow 2026 will create travel delays around Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, from April 27 to May 1. The agricultural event will draw an expected 200,000 visitors over the course of multiple days, with many international participants visiting one of São Paulo state’s largest towns. Traffic delays are expected, especially on and around Prefeito Antônio Duarte Nogueira Highway. Travelers are advised to route around Ribeirão Preto if traveling through the area. They should also check traffic patterns before departure.
- The Americas: Weather Advisory | El Niño weather events are expected to begin over the coming weeks, disrupting weather patterns across the Americas. El Niño and La Niña events occur every two to seven years on average and are marked by changing ocean surface temperatures. El Niño patterns typically bring droughts to Central America and northern South America east of the Andes, while the areas west of the Andes and in southern South America typically experience much heavier rainfall than usual. Travelers are advised to monitor local media for extreme weather forecasts. They should also prepare in advance for these possibilities.
Asia & Pacific
- Japan: Health Advisory | New over the counter drug restrictions will come into place on May 1 across Japan. Common cold medicines, antipyretics, and allergy medications will be sold only after ages are verified, with those under 18 only being allowed to purchase these items once every five to seven days. These restrictions come amid a push to reduce the abuse of these drugs. Travelers are advised to carry identification verifying age when purchasing over the counter medicine. They should also expect to have to answer several brief questions upon their purchase.
- China: Travel Advisory | Golden week travel will cause major congestion at transportation hubs from May 1-5. Most Chinese citizens get the week off and travel domestically. More domestic trips are expected this year in light of many Chinese airlines having cancelled flights to popular destinations in Southeast Asia due to higher jet fuel costs. Several celebratory events will also take place around the nation. Travelers are advised to depart much earlier than usual to account for congestion and delays. They should also reconfirm travel times before departure.
- Thailand: Health Advisory | Health concerns will remain elevated over the coming weeks in Thailand following an increase in cases of Melioidosis infections. Since the beginning of the year local health authorities have confirmed 732 cases of Melioidosis in Thailand. Cases are most common in northeastern provinces, but could spread across the country. Melioidosis is a bacterial infection found in contaminated water and soil. The infection can enter the body through inhaling the bacteria, ingestion, or an open wound. Melioidosis can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include fever, chest pain, headache and coughing. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to only consume clean drinking water. They should also seek medical attention at any sign of symptoms.
- Sanya, China: Travel Advisory | Expect travel disruptions in Sanya, China through April 30 due to a major sporting event. From April 27 to April 30, the 2026 Asian Beach Games will take place across varying locations in Sanya. The Asian Beach Games are an event held every four years, featuring 14 sports and nearly 2,000 athletes from at least 45 countries. The event will cause localized road closures, traffic congestion, and public transportation delays. Local security will increase significantly due to the event. Nearly 118,000 tickets have already been sold for the event. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to follow the guidance of local authorities. Expect delays throughout the event, especially during the opening and closing ceremonies.
Africa & Middle East
- Durban, South Africa: Protest Advisory | Expect heightened security and avoid any ‘All Immigration’ protests in the Gauteng province of South Africa on April 27-29. This upcoming Anti-Immigration protest is one in a series that have been occurring throughout the country. These protests have resulted in clashes between demonstrators and foreign nationals, resulting in property damage and multiple injuries. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all Anti-Immigration protests and follow all official directives. Travelers are also advised to monitor local news and social media for up-to-date information on protests.
- Cape Verde: Health Advisory | Health professionals will participate in a nationwide strike across Cape Verde from April 28 to May 1. Health professionals across all islands of Cape Verde, including São Vicente, Sal, Santo Antão, Santiago, São Nicolau, Maio, Boa Vista, Fogo, and Brava, have announced a 72-hour nationwide strike beginning at 8:00 AM on April 28 and concluding at 8:00 AM on May 1.The strike will involve personnel from hospitals, local healthcare facilities, and the National Institute of Public Health. Travelers are advised to postpone all non-essential medical appointments or tests. If medication or treatment is required, ensure needs are met prior to April 28.
- Lomé, Togo: Security Advisory | Independence Day events in Lomé on April 27 will draw crowds and disrupt travel. Authorities are expected to hold a large parade and related celebrations across the capital, including near the Palais du Lomé and other central venues. National holiday events in Lomé typically involve road closures, increased security deployments, and heavy congestion, while politically sensitive anniversaries have occasionally prompted small spontaneous demonstrations. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to expect delays and avoid any protests or unrest near event sites. They should maintain situational awareness in large crowds, plan alternate routes, and monitor local media for updates.
- Nairobi, Kenya: Security Advisory | The World Health Summit Regional Meeting will take place in Nairobi, Kenya from April 27 to 29. The summit will draw in various important figures, including heads of states, officials, and delegations from various countries. Multi-hour traffic delays are common in Nairobi, with this event expected to make traffic worse considering the use motorcades or other such methods of secure transportation. The summit will take place at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, indicating that the UN will coordinate security with Kenyan authorities and any additional security personnel. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan travel well in advance and anticipate delays, as many roads may temporarily close. Monitor local media for updates on disruptions and follow the guidance of local authorities.
