The Week Ahead: December 23, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Tirana, Albania: Protest Advisory | On December 23, protesters will gather in Tirana, Albania in support of the opposition Democratic Party. Protesters claim there is corruption within the Albanian government. Heightened security presence and travel delays are expected across Tirana during the protest.
  • Georgia: Protest Advisory | Through at least the end of December, protests are likely to occur more frequently in major cities across the country. Anti-government activist groups have been active recently, as the President has claimed the recent election results to be illegitimate. Increased security forces will be present in urban areas nationwide, causing widespread transportation disruptions and violent clashes between protesters and police.
  • Madrid, Spain: Protest Advisory | On December 23, unionized workers will gather in Madrid, Spain. Home care workers have organized the protests to advocate for increased wages. Localized disruptions are expected, although the protests will likely remain peaceful.
  • Germany: Security Advisory | Through at least January 1, heightened security measures are expected to be implemented by German authorities following the vehicle attack on December 20. The most significant security measures will focus on urban areas. Travelers should expect transportation delays across most major cities.
Americas
  • Canada: Protest Advisory | Through at least mid-January, pro-Palestinian activists will continue to hold demonstrations in urban areas across Canada. These protests are likely to take place on college campuses, outside of government buildings, and on major roadways. An increased security presence should be expected in major cities. 
  • Bolivia: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to persist across Bolivia. A severe weather alert has been issued through December 23. Travelers should use extreme caution when traveling in affected areas.
  • Santiago, Chile: Disaster Advisory | Over the coming days, government alerts and evacuation orders will remain in place for the Santiago region in Chile as a wildfire continues to impact the area. Road closures and other safety measures will remain in place until the wildfire is contained.
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On December 23, pro-Palestinian demonstrators will gather near the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A heightened police presence and major transportation disruptions are expected throughout the surrounding area.
Asia & Pacific
  • Jakarta, Indonesia: Protest Advisory | From December 26-27, protesters will gather in Jakarta, Indonesia to demand an increase to the minimum wage. This protest has been organized by multiple labor unions and other advocacy groups. Demonstrators will be concentrated outside of the State Palace. Security forces will be stationed throughout the protest area, although violence is unlikely.
  • Nepal: Disaster Advisory | Following a magnitude-5.0 earthquake in Nepal on December 21, continued disruptions and damages are expected to occur over the coming days due to aftershocks. Transportation services may be shut down temporarily as a precautionary measure and to assess damages. 
  • Japan: Weather Advisory | Through at least December 24, adverse weather conditions are expected to cause disruptions on Honshu Island. Heavy snowfall warnings have been issued, with strong winds also expected over the coming days. Transportation services may experience delays while these conditions persist. Travelers should avoid any unnecessary travel in affected areas.
  • Australia: Protest Advisory | From December 23 until January 12, port workers across Australia will continue to strike following unsuccessful contract negotiations. Multiple work stoppages are already underway or are planned to occur in numerous cities nationwide. Disruptions to transportation services and the supply chain are expected to persist through January.
Africa & Middle East
  • Kenya: Travel Advisory | From December 23 until January 5, Kenya Railways will temporarily suspend all rail services nationwide. There is currently no reason for the shutdown. Major travel disruptions are expected and demand for other forms of transportation will increase, especially in urban areas. Travelers should plan to utilize alternate transportation methods.
  • South Africa: Disaster Advisory | Following a magnitude-5.3 earthquake on December 22, authorities in South Africa may temporarily suspend transportation services to evaluate damages. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. Travelers should exercise caution when traveling in affected areas.
  • Uganda: Health Advisory | Throughout December, mpox cases have been confirmed in multiple areas across Uganda. This is the country’s first outbreak and response teams have been deployed nationwide. Travelers experiencing any symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
  • Israel: Security Advisory | Between December 25 and January 2, Israeli authorities are expected to increase security measures across the country in response to Hanukkah celebrations. Roadblocks and security checkpoints will be implemented in highly populated areas, likely causing transportation disruptions.

Recent
Advisories

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Additional violent protests are expected across France on October 24; expect heightened law enforcement activity.

French authorities deployed over 70,000 security personnel in anticipation of politically violent protests expected on October 24, following mass unrest on October 17 that resulted in two fatalities. Non-union demonstrations in Paris, along with all demonstrations in Lyon, Montpellier, and Nice, will be banned. Around 81,000 American travelers may be impacted by the protests while in Paris for the NFL game on October 25. Expect law enforcement to clash with protestors.

Read More »

Download this Report for Free