The Week Ahead: April 8, 2024

Date

Europe

  • London, UK: Protest Advisory | From April 11 to 14, over 600 UK Border Force officers will strike due to working conditions at Heathrow Airport in London, causing delays in immigration control and passport checks. The PCS union stated that the strike has been prompted by many officials’ belief that the border patrol is unprofessional and inhumane. Travelers flying into Heathrow from international destinations should plan their travel accordingly and anticipate delays. Ensure all necessary documentation is prepared for border checks before arrival.
  • Nationwide, Italy: Protest Advisory | On April 11th, unionized employees from both the public and private sectors of the Italian General Workers’ Confederation will go on a nationwide strike for four hours. They are calling for higher wages and protesting against public health and tax reforms. The strike is expected to cause disruptions in transportation, government operations, healthcare, and education. Security measures will be implemented if the strikes turn violent. Travelers should plan for alternative travel routes and expect disruption to traffic. Avoid large crowds and keep notifications on.
  • Nationwide, Greece: Protest Advisory | From April 8 to 12, unionized customs officers in Greece are planning a nationwide strike. The purpose is to demand the removal of some labor regulations. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid any potential demonstrations that may occur. Plan routes that bypass affected areas. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Nationwide, France: Protest Advisory | On April 8, an indefinite nationwide strike over pension reform issues by unionized port workers is expected. This could prompt port transport disruptions and protests at port facilities. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all related demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.

Americas 

  • Rio Negro, Argentina: Travel Advisory | From April 9-13, San Carlos de Bariloche Airport in Argentina will close for repairs, causing flight cancellations. Around 160 flights are expected to be impacted during this closure. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to reconfirm flights before traveling to the airport.
  • Bogota, Colombia: Protest Advisory | On April 9, expect disruptions due to protests commemorating National Day of Memory and Solidarity with Victims. Protesters will gather at Parque Nacional in Bogota at 9:00 AM and then march to Plaza de Bolivar. Other protests around Colombia are expected to take place as well. SafeAbroad travelers should avoid all protests. Travelers should re-confirm routes before traveling. Travelers should monitor local news for current updates.
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On April 8, unionized bus drivers will strike. The workers are demanding that the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA) bus companies comply with the Ministry of Transportation’s compensation ruling. Transportation disruptions are likely throughout the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. Travelers should monitor local media for updates and avoid areas impacted by demonstrating bus drivers.
  • Nationwide, Paraguay: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, severe storms across the country are expected to cause flooding, travel disruptions, and power outages. Travelers are advised to seek shelter during storms and monitor local media for updates and safety directives. 

Asia & Pacific

  • China: Weather Advisory | Through April 12, severe weather is expected throughout China’s southern and central regions. This includes severe thunderstorms and strong winds in addition to heavy rainfall of 1-7 inches. This will likely cause floods and landslides, disrupting transportation and businesses. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to monitor local media for updates, plan travel in advance to avoid travel delays, and plan for electricity outages.
  • Nationwide, Taiwan: Disaster Advisory | Major travel disruptions are expected over the coming weeks after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan on April 3. The earthquake occurred near Hualien City, and recovery efforts are still being made. Travelers should monitor local media for updates and plan travel routes to account for disruptions.
  • Iwate Prefecture, Japan: Disaster Advisory | From April 2nd until April 9, expect travel disruptions after a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit the Iwate prefecture in Japan. No damage has been reported but infrastructure inspections are likely to continue over this period. Travelers should monitor local news and media for updates and prepare for aftershocks that may occur. 
  • Nationwide, Philippines: Weather Advisory | On April 4th and in the following summer months, the Red Cross in the Philippines issued a warning about the increasing temperatures impacting the region. Recent heat indexes have indicated health hazards. Travelers are advised to maintain hydration, avoid sugary drinks, remain in air-conditioned or well-ventilated areas, and wear lightweight clothing to mitigate the risks associated with the extreme heat. Travelers should monitor the weather for any extreme changes or alerts and heed all directives and recommendations.

Africa & Middle East

  • Nationwide, Kenya: Weather Advisory | Through April 8, multiple regions in Kenya will experience heavy rainfall, potentially resulting in flooding and travel disruptions. Travelers should prepare for severe weather and monitor local news for weather updates. Disruptions in travel, communications, and access to food and water may occur.
  • Nationwide, Togo: Protest Advisory | From April 11 to 13, political groups are calling for nationwide protests in regards to the postponement of elections. Protests will likely take place in main urban centers and will prompt heightened security and localized travel disruptions. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all related protests, plan travel in advance to avoid travel delays and monitor local media for updates.
  • Medenine Governorate, Tunisia: Protest Advisory | In the coming days, expect further protests regarding the border closure with Libya, primarily the Ras Ajdir checkpoint. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid the area due to heightened dangers and potential clashes with authorities, as well as monitor local media for updates.
  • Eastern and Western Cape. South Africa: Weather Advisory | Until April 9, expect disruptions as a result of inclement weather in Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa. South Africa has issued an orange (moderately significant) level 6 out of 10 warning in coastal areas and a yellow (mildly significant) level 4 out of 10 warning in the areas surrounding the capes. Travelers should take appropriate precautions while traveling through the areas impacted by the inclement weather. Travelers should monitor local media for updates.

Recent
Advisories

On November 22, South Africa declared foodborne illness a national disaster with 900 cases and 20 fatalities since September.

On November 22, South Africa declared foodborne illness a national disaster after 900 cases and over 20 deaths since September. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, and vomiting. The specific cause of the illness remains unknown. Authorities have imposed stricter food handling practices, food safety guidelines, and inspections.

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