The Week Ahead: May 20, 2024

Date

Global
  • Security Advisory | Through the end of June, the US State Department has advised travelers to exercise increased caution at Pride events. Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution during Pride month, even in countries that are largely accepting of the LGBT community. Monitor local media and State Department notifications for specific threats.
Europe
  • Lombardy, Italy: Travel Advisory | Through May 20, rail company Trenord will experience an engine staff strike resulting in delays of up to 24 hours. Trenord states they are trying to postpone the strike to another date. Travelers are advised to find alternative travel or request reimbursement. 
  • Tbilisi, Georgia: Protest Advisory | Over the coming weeks, violent protests are expected to continue in Tbilisi. The protests are in regard to a new bill which will threaten Georgia’s path to EU membership. Protesters have been seriously wounded and hospitalized by police. Avoid all protests and monitor local media for further updates. 
  • Italy: Travel Advisory | On May 21, taxi drivers nationwide will strike from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a sit-in occurring at 10:00 AM at Piazza San Silvestro, Rome. Travelers are advised to make alternate travel arrangements and expect travel delays. Avoid associated demonstrations. 
  • Ile-de-France Region, France: Travel Advisory | On May 21, rail workers will strike across Ile-de-France. Workers are striking over pay grievances. Travelers are advised to make alternate travel arrangements and avoid related demonstrations. 
  • Bilbao, Spain: Protest Advisory | On May 25, protesters will gather at Plaza Moyua at 6:00 PM. They will march to the city center. Protesters are opposing the establishment of Low Emission Zones, which will restrict vehicular travel in parts of Bilbao. Protesters are advised to avoid the protest area and anticipate travel delays.
  • Poland: Protest Advisory | Through the end of May, farmers are expected to continue protesting EU agricultural regulations, imports of Ukranian products, and other agricultural grievances. Past protests have involved blockades and the dumping of Ukrainian grain onto the ground. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and anticipate travel disruption. Monitor local media for protest information.  
Americas
  • Southern Mexico: Weather Advisory | Through at least May 20, severe weather is forecast across southern Mexico. Heavy rains and strong winds may cause flooding, landslides, and power outages. Travelers are advised to postpone travel until after the storm and seek shelter at higher ground. Monitor local weather reports. 
  • Porto Alegre, Brazil: Weather Advisory | The US Consulate in Porto Alegre has advised citizens to reconsider travel to the city in the midst of major flooding and landslides. The US Consulate is closed to non-emergency appointments until June 8 and the Salgado Filho airport is expected to remain closed until September 2024. Travelers should avoid the area, monitor local news, and anticipate significant travel disruptions. 
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | Over the coming days, protests over economic reforms are expected. Multiple organizations have protested at Plaza del Congreso over the past days, and gatherings have been largely peaceful with occasional scuffles. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and anticipate travel disruptions.
  • Toronto, Canada: Protest Advisory | On May 26, protesters will demonstrate outside the US consulate at 1:00 PM. Protesters are demanding an end of the American blockade of Cuba. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and expect transportation disruptions. 
Asia & Pacific
  • Jakarta, Indonesia: Protest Advisory | On May 20, protesters will demonstrate in front of the State Palace at noon. Protesters are challenging the results of the presidential election. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and anticipate travel disruptions. 
  • Noumea, New Caledonia: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, security forces will respond to violent protests in the Noumea area. The protests are in response to controversial constitutional amendments introduced by the French government. Violence so far has involved the use of firearms and Molotov cocktails. Travelers are advised to avoid protests and expect travel disruptions. Carry identification documents and obey all security directives.  
  • India: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, a heatwave is expected to continue across India. Travelers are advised to avoid going outdoors, replenish fluid loss and wear loose-fitting clothes. Learn the warning signs of heat illnesses and how to treat them.
  • Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, heightened security is expected as Kyrgyz authorities investigate the May 17 violence against foreign students. Travelers, especially foreigners, are advised to avoid the area and exercise increased safety precautions.
Africa & Middle East
  • Tunisia: Security Advisory | On May 14, the State Department issued a travel advisory in response to possible terrorist attacks in Tunisia. Do Not Travel restrictions are in place in several regions, including the Algerian and Libyan border crossings. Travelers are encouraged to exercise increased caution, follow the guidance of local authorities, and avoid large crowds and tourist areas. 
  • South Africa: Travel Advisory | On May 20, unionized truck drivers plan to strike across South Africa. The strike may include roadblocks and slow moving convoys on major highways. Travelers are advised to plan for significant travel delays and avoid associated protests.  
  • Southwestern Saudi Arabia: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, severe thunderstorms are forecast across southwestern Saudi Arabia. Storms will include heavy rain, hail, and high winds. Flooding and power outages are possible. Travelers are advised to postpone travel until after the storms and seek shelter at higher ground. Monitor local weather reports. 
  • Kinshasa, DR Congo: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, heightened security is expected in Kinshasa in the wake of a foiled coup. The New Zaire movement attempted to overthrow President Felix Tshiskedi, however the president escaped unharmed. Travelers are advised to carry identification documents at all times and obey all security directives.

Recent
Advisories

Railway workers will strike nationwide across Portugal on October 30; significant train disruptions expected.

Railway workers employed by Comboios de Portugal will conduct a 24-hour nationwide strike on October 30 over pay, career progression, staffing, and working conditions. Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, International, InterRegional, and Regional services may be disrupted, with impacts possible from October 29 to 31. Minimum service levels have not yet been announced. Affected passengers may request refunds or rebook without additional fees.

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Heightened police presence and travel disruptions remain at Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain, following violent student protests on October 24.

Youth protesters in Plaça Catalunya clashed with police on October 24 while demonstrating against the high cost of living. Participants damaged local infrastructure, looted stores, set garbage bins on fire, and threw objects at police officers. The violence led to 128 arrests and 15 injured police officers. Place Catalunya and the areas around Plaça de l’Universitat and Plaça d’Urquinaona remain closed. An increased police presence throughout Barcelona is also expected while cleanup continues.

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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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