The Week Ahead: March 18, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Dublin, Ireland: Protest Advisory | On March 23 at 1:00 PM, protesters opposing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict will hold a demonstration at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin, Ireland. The protest is expected to remain peaceful, but heightened security is expected. Travelers should avoid the area surrounding the protest and monitor local media for updates.
  • Geneva, Switzerland: Protest Advisory | On March 18, at an unspecified time, there will be a protest outside the UN offices in Geneva, Switzerland. Protesters are denouncing human rights abuses against activists in Balochistan, Pakistan. Travelers should avoid the area surrounding the protest and monitor local media for updates.
  • Bilbao, Spain: Protest Advisory | On March 20, at an unspecified time, expect a demonstration for the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Bilbao, Spain. Travelers should avoid all protests and make plans to circumnavigate the area.
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Protest Advisory | On March 23 in Dam Square, Amsterdam, Netherlands, civic groups are gearing up for demonstrations to commemorate the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Demonstrations will start around 1:00 PM. Duration and turnout are unconfirmed. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas. Plan routes that bypass affected areas. Follow the instructions of authorities and immediately leave if disturbances or violence are observed.
  • Budapest, Hungary: Travel Advisory | Through March 28, expect disruptions to the rail services in Budapest, Hungary, due to maintenance. Trains between Southern Railway Station and Budapest-Kelenföld Station will experience restrictions. The South Balaton line will see disruption between Balatonmáriafürdő and Nagykanizsa and between Balatonszentgyörgy and Keszthely. Travelers are advised to confirm rail travel plans prior to traveling. Consider alternate options and allow for additional travel time. Monitor local news and media for updates. 
  • Milan, Italy: Protest Advisory | On March 22, transport workers in Milan, Italy, will strike for 24 hours. Metro, buses, and trams will be primarily affected. Travelers are advised to create alternative travel plans and to anticipate travel delays and disruptions.
Americas
  • Nationwide, Dominican Republic: Protest Advisory | From March 18 – March 19, Uber drivers across the Dominican Republic will strike. Driver grievances include unfair fare computation practices and excessive commissions taken by Uber. Related protests are expected. Travelers should also anticipate transportation shortages. 
  • Santiago, Chile: Protest Advisory | On March 22 at 6:30 PM, expect a demonstration celebrating World Water Day along Merced in Santiago, Chile. Demonstrators will gather at Plaza Italia before marching to Cerro Santa Lucia. Given the celebratory nature of the demonstration, it is unlikely that any issues will arise beyond localized traffic disruption. Travelers are advised to avoid the demonstrations. Travelers should ensure awareness during transit and plan travel routes in advance.
  • Iquitos, Peru: Protest Advisory | On March 21, at 3:30 PM in Iquitos, Peru, demonstrators will gather at Plaza 28 de Julio. The Iquitos Water Defense Committee has organized the demonstration due to multiple concerns, including the revocation of mining in the Nanay River basin. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Plan alternative routes of transportation that do not include the protest area. Continue to monitor local news updates.
  • Panama City, Panama: Protest Advisory | On March 22, unionized construction workers will protest to denounce the suspension of the union’s bank account. Travel disruptions and heightened security should be expected in the area. Travelers should avoid all protests. Plan routes that bypass affected areas. Avoid large crowds, and monitor local news for updates. 
Asia & Pacific
  • Victoria, Australia: Protest Advisory | On March 22, unionized railway controllers and conductors will be striking from 3:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Demonstrators are disputing pay, tenure, and work-life balance. Travelers should monitor local media for information about travel disruptions and avoid strike-related protests.
  • West Bengal, India: Protest Advisory | From March 18-20, expect travel disruptions due to a bus driver strike in West Bengal, India. Drivers are demanding an extension of the deadline for decommissioning diesel commercial vehicles. Bus services and other travel services are likely to be disrupted. Associated demonstrations may occur. Travelers should make alternate travel arrangements and confirm travel accommodations. Allow for additional travel time. 
  • Nationwide, Taiwan: Protest Advisory | On March 23, expect travel disruptions across Taiwan due to demonstrations by road safety groups. Events will start at 10 AM at the following locations: Hsinchu, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Taipei, Taoyuan cities, and Yunlin counties. Participants are calling for stronger traffic law enforcement and a reform to the driver education program. A related rally is planned to take place at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei starting at 2 PM. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes that bypass affected areas and allow for additional travel time. Monitor the local media for updates. 
  • New Delhi, India: Protest Advisory | On March 22 and 31, in New Delhi, India, expect travel disruptions due to ongoing agricultural protests. Following demonstration caravans on March 15 and 16, public demonstrations have been planned on March 22 and 31. These demonstrations are part of a larger protest against some of the EU’s agricultural policies. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest locations. Plan routes that bypass affected areas and allow for additional travel time. Monitor the local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
  • Nationwide, Senegal: Protests Advisory | Until March 24, demonstrations are likely to increase nationally in Senegal as a result of the upcoming presidential elections. The election was originally planned for February 25 but was delayed by the national congress. There has been widespread unrest as a result of the suspension of the presidential elections. Travelers should avoid large crowds and protests. Travelers should also monitor media outlets for updates on any planned demonstrations and maintain enhanced situational awareness when traveling through Senegal.
  • Abuja, Nigeria, Security Advisory | As of March 16, expect heightened security around Abuja, Nigeria. In a recent attack in southern Nigeria, sixteen soldiers were killed. The dispute is a result of land disputes between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in the region. Travelers should exercise increased situational awareness while traveling through southern Nigeria and monitor local media for updates on the ongoing unrest.
  • Nationwide, Sudan: Health Advisory | In March and the following months, the UN warned of extreme hunger levels in Sudan. Nearly 5 million people are at risk in Sudan due to the effect the current conflict is having on agriculture. The United Nations is calling for urgent humanitarian assistance in the country.
  • Nationwide, Ghana: Travel Advisory | In the weeks following March 16, Ghana’s internet connection will experience disruption as the country repairs subsea cables. Subsea cables, which provide the country with internet connectivity, were damaged on March 16. Officials estimate that repairs could take up to five weeks. This lack of internet has led to a disruption of bank operations, mobile phone operations, and money transfer operations in the country.

Recent
Advisories

Commercial truckers will strike across Mexico starting October 26; expect nationwide disruptions in shipping services.

Mexican trucking unions Canacar, Conatram, Indeco, Fematrac and Hamotac have called the nationwide strike to demand improved security against extortion and cargo theft, as well as better highway conditions. Strike organizers are also denouncing the Mexican Senate’s proposed cuts to tax incentives for truckers in the 2027 budget. Estimates say the strike will affect 1.2 million trucks nationwide. The strike is scheduled to last indefinitely once it begins on October 26.

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The United States updated its United Arab Emirates advisory on October 24 to include terrorism risks; reconsider travel itineraries.

The Department of State updated its travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates due to the possibility of terrorism and armed conflict related to the war with Iran. The country alert remains at level 3, ‘reconsider travel’, but this new information reflects the heightened possibility of attack that comes in tandem with Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia. Other countries whose travel advisories were updated include Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

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Turkey will celebrate Republic Day nationwide on October 28 and 29; expect large crowds, travel delays, and business closures.

Republic Day celebrates the founding of the Turkish State. Festivities begin at 1:00 PM on October 28 and continue through October 29, with parades, concerts, fireworks, and gatherings at monuments to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey’s first president. Banks, schools, and government agencies will be closed, and some bus routes will be diverted. Istanbul’s October 29 parade will close Adnan Menderes Blvd (Vatan Caddesi) from 5:45 AM until the ceremony ends.

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