The Week Ahead: March 17, 2025

Date

Europe
  • Berlin, Germany: Travel Advisory | Starting March 19 at 3:00 AM, employees of the Berlin Transport Company (BVG) will strike for 48 hours. The work stoppage will disrupt bus, tram and subway (U-Bahn) services across Berlin, though the S-Bahn rapid railway system and regional rail services will remain operational. Significant commuter disruptions are likely, particularly at major transit hubs like Alexanderplatz, Zoologischer Garten, and Ostkreuz. Associated protests are possible. Travelers should avoid any protest activity. Check availability of transport and plan alternatives. Monitor BVG announcements for updates.
  • Madrid, Spain: Protest Advisory | On March 19, protesters will gather outside the Ministry of Finance. The duration and turnout are unconfirmed. The trade union Central Sindical Independiente y de Funcionarios (CSIF) organized the demonstration to call for a new wage agreement for public-sector employees. Travelers are advised to avoid the area, plan routes accordingly and maintain heightened awareness.
  • Lisbon, Portugal: Health Advisory | On March 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM, nurses will strike across Lisbon and Oeste provinces to demand consistent salary terms for public nurses and further investment in primary healthcare. Minimum essential services will be maintained. However, due to the lack of staff and services, emergency medical care may have longer wait times. Travelers are advised to check availability of local health centers and plan alternate medical care. If necessary, seek treatment at emergency rooms. 
  • France: Protest Advisory | On March 20, protesters will gather in urban hubs across the country to demand increased welfare spending. In Bordeaux, protesters will gather at 10:30 AM at Place de l’Europe. In Paris, they will gather at Ecole Militaire metro station at 2:00 PM before marching to Varenne metro station via the health ministry. In Lyon, they will gather at 2:00 PM at Place Jean Mace before marching to 241 Rue Garibaldi. Additional protests are planned. Heightened police presence and localized disruptions are likely near demonstration sites. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid protest activity, and maintain heightened awareness.
Americas
  • Bolivia: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, ongoing rain is forecast across Bolivia, and further flooding and landslides are anticipated. The National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (SENAMHI) issued red alerts (highest on a three-tier scale) for potential flooding in Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Potosi and Santa Cruz. Orange alerts (second-highest) remain in effect for riverine areas across much of the rest of the country. Alerts will remain active until at least March 25. Travelers are advised to minimize unnecessary travel, avoid areas with risks of flooding and landslides, and prepare emergency supplies. Avoid direct contact with floodwater.
  • Bogota, Colombia: Protest Advisory | On March 18 at 9:00 AM, protesters with the Central Unitary Workers’ Union (CUT) will gather at the National Park before marching to Plaza de Bolivar to support President Gustavo Petro’s labor reforms and demand improved labor rights. Related demonstrations are likely in urban hubs across the country. Localized disruptions are expected wherever demonstrations materialize. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid protest areas, and maintain heightened awareness.
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On March 19 and 24, protesters will gather at the National Congress building. The demonstrations are planned to demand that the government provide increased support for retirees and to denounce force used by police at an associated demonstration on March 12 where several people were injured and 114 were arrested. Gathering times are unconfirmed. Demonstrations will likely be well attended and police may use force to disperse crowds. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid the area and any protest activity, and maintain heightened awareness.
  • Santiago, Chile: Travel Advisory | On March 21, transport workers from Tralusa and Aulusa-Santiago will strike to demand equal working conditions for all employees. The work stoppage is expected to disrupt bus services across the city. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to make alternative transport arrangements. Anticipate increased demand and possible shortages of available transport services. Maintain heightened awareness and avoid protest activity.
Asia & Pacific
  • Vietnam: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, travelers to Vietnam will face a higher risk of measles infection. Nearly 40,000 suspected cases have been reported since the start of 2025, already matching the total number of infections in 2024. At least five have died so far. Measles is highly contagious and spreads from person to person via respiratory droplets. Symptoms include rashes, fever, cough, runny nose, and fatigue. Those who are immunocompromised may have serious complications. Infection is prevented through immunisation. Travelers are advised to ensure vaccinations are up to date and to avoid outbreak areas. If symptoms develop, isolate and contact emergency services to notify of suspected infection.
  • Lahore, Pakistan: Protest Advisory | On March 18 at 1:00 PM, animal rights activists will gather in front of the Town Hall to denounce the illegal culling of dogs and demand increased animal protections. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and expect localized disruptions. Avoid the area and any protest activity.
  • Sydney, Australia: Protest Advisory | On March 19 at 5:00 PM, protesters will gather outside the Parliament of New South Wales on Macquarie Street to denounce a proposed abortion bill. A large turnout is expected, localized disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid protest activity, plan routes in advance, and maintain heightened awareness.
  • Karnataka, India: Protest Advisory | On March 22 from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, protesters will stage a shut-down strike across the state to denounce the alleged assault on a bus conductor. Organized by a pro-Kannada activist coalition, Kannada Okkuta, the work stoppage is one of many demonstrations expected throughout March. A large turnout is likely. Disruptions to travel and heightened security around protest areas are expected. Travelers are advised to avoid protest activity, plan alternate routes, and follow official directives. 
Africa & Middle East
  • Uganda: Health Advisory | Over the coming weeks, the risk of contracting Ebola will be elevated. The Ugandan Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of Sudan Ebola virus disease (SUDV) on January 30, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the level 2 (practice enhanced precautions) on March 12. At least 2 deaths and 14 cases have been reported so far. Affected regions include Kampala, Jinja, Wakiso, Mbale, Kabarole, Kyegegwa, and Ntoroko. Travelers should avoid outbreak areas and contact with individuals who may be infected. Follow strict personal hygiene, such as handwashing, and immediately report any symptoms to health officials.
  • Kunene Region, Namibia: Health Advisory | Over the coming weeks, travelers will be at increased risk of cholera exposure due to an ongoing outbreak in the Kunene Region. A positive case was confirmed on March 2, the first in the country in nearly ten years. Cholera spreads via contaminated food and water. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, which may lead to severe dehydration. Travelers are advised to ensure that all food and water is safe to consume. Water should be bottled, boiled, or treated with chlorine or iodine. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, and ensure all food is thoroughly cooked before consuming. Follow strict hygiene, especially washing your hands before eating. Consider vaccination if traveling to areas with unsanitary conditions, and consider carrying a water purifier. Report any symptoms to health officials.
  • Kenya: Protest Advisory | On March 18, healthcare workers with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) will protest in Nairobi. Protesters will gather at Kenyatta National Hospital before marching to the Social Health Authority Office, the health and public services ministries, and the National Treasury. The demonstration is part of an ongoing dispute over funding and staffing issues, with the KMPDU threatening a nationwide strike if demands are not met. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity, maintain heightened awareness, and plan routes in advance.
  • Jerusalem, Israel: Protest Advisory | On March 19 at 8:00 AM, protesters will gather in the Motza neighborhood before marching to the Prime Minister’s residence and various government offices to denounce the dismissal of Shin Bet director Ronen Bar. Heightened security presence and localized disruptions are likely near demonstration sites. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, maintain heightened awareness, and avoid protest activity.

Recent
Advisories

Expect significant disruption at Piata Victoriei in Bucharest, Romania, due to a demonstration on March 15.

A pro-EU demonstration is expected to cause significant disruption at Piata Victoriei in Bucharest on March 15. Demonstrators will begin assembling around 5:00 PM to express support for EU membership and democratic values, while condemning the perceived increase in far-right and pro-Russian influences. A large turnout is expected, with numbers ranging from the thousands to tens of thousands. Clashes with police and counter-protesters are also possible.

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