SafeAbroad analysts have assessed the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics to be a moderate risk at this time. With 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees competing across 41 venues, the Games promise to attract a massive audience, with an estimated 15 million visitors expected in Paris alone. Security concerns for travelers encompass a heightened risk of terrorism, geopolitical conflicts, and local tensions.
• Nationwide, Spain: Protest Advisory | Leading up to April 1, at least two Spanish airports will have staff strikes. The strikes will call for better working conditions. The exact times of walkouts are unconfirmed but will take place at Valencia Airport and Madrid Barajas Airport. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to confirm their flights in and out of Spain. Travelers should anticipate travel delays and flight disruptions.
• Nationwide, Brazil: Protest Advisory | On April 3, unionized civil servants in Brazil will go on strike. The strike has been organized to demand better wages and improved access to public services. Travelers should avoid all protests associated with the strike and monitor local media for updates. Travelers should anticipate delays in government services throughout the period of the strike.
• Auckland New Zealand: Protest Advisory | On April 5 at 3:30 PM, protesters will march from Britomart Square to the Auckland Council Building in Auckland, New Zealand. The protesters are advocating for policies to address climate change. Travelers should expect delays surrounding the march and monitor local media for updates.
• Nationwide, Morocco: Protest Advisory | Through April 3 in Morocco, healthcare workers will strike, affecting health services in the country. The National Federation of Public Health has planned this strike to call for a salary increase. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid any potential protests. If travelers require medical attention, seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan for alternate care. Monitor the local media for updates.
• Brussels, Belgium: Travel Advisory | Brussels Airlines’ cabin crews will be on strike through March 27, calling for increased salaries and better working conditions. Expect significant flight disruptions, particularly at Brussels Airport. Workers may picket at airports or Brussels Airlines offices, causing heightened security and transport disruptions. SafeAbroad travelers who are flying with Brussels Airlines should reconfirm travel plans and delay checking out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. SafeAbroad travelers should also plan for extra time at airport check-in and security due to the strike.
• Nationwide, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On March 28, air travel workers in Argentina are set to kick off a 48-hour strike seeking higher salaries. Negotiations continue, and if they are successful, the strike could be avoided. Demonstrations are expected outside of affected airports. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Airports are not expected to be operating during this period. SafeAbroad travelers should reconfirm air travel accommodations prior to checking out of accommodations and monitor local media for updates.
• Newtown, Australia: Protest Advisory | On March 31, in Newtown, Australia, expect possible travel disruptions due to a protest by LGBTQ+ activists supporting the Equality Bill, which would allow individuals to change their gender on birth certificates. The protest will begin at 2:00 PM in Pride Square. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests and should find alternate routes in affected areas.
• Nationwide, Morocco: Protest Advisory | From March 26-28, SafeAbroad travelers should expect healthcare disruptions in Morocco due to a strike by nurses demanding healthcare reforms. This strike will affect all health centers and hospitals. Emergency services will be one of the only services not affected by the strike.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
SafeAbroad analysts have assessed the current dispute between the South American countries of Guyana and Venezuela over the territory of Essequibo. While Venezuela is posturing its military on the Essequibo borders, SafeAbroad analysts have predicted that the outbreak of war is unlikely.
• Malaga, Spain: Travel Advisory | On March 13, farmers will use tractors to protest in front of the Government Sub-delegation in Malaga along the highway. Expect major disruptions along the highway due to the blockage and plan alternate travel routes.
• Nationwide, Peru: Weather Advisory | In the coming weeks, expect heavy rainfall across Peru. The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service has issued alerts for heavy rainfall throughout the country, with orange warnings indicating the second-highest level of severity and red warnings representing the highest level on a three-tier scale. The risk of flooding and landslides is elevated across the country, especially in low-lying and mountainous regions.
• Jakarta, Indonesia: Protest Advisory | Throughout this week, expect protests linked to the Indonesian general election results being announced on March 20. Protestors may gather to denounce electoral irregularities and the presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests. Plan routes that bypass affected locations and allow for additional travel time.
• Nationwide, Zambia: Disaster Advisory | Beginning March 11, the Zambian government will impose nationwide daily power cuts. The government implemented this electricity rationing due to a severe drought that has negatively impacted hydropower generation. Travelers should ensure accommodation is equipped with power generators and prioritize access to safe drinking water.
Europe Nationwide, Germany: Protest Advisory | From February 28 to March 1, ground staff for Lufthansa will strike over pay grievances. The strike will impact flight schedules but will take place away from passengers. Cancellations are not expected. Travelers should confirm flight details and enable notifications to stay updated about any changes. Nationwide, Italy: Protest …
On January 8, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency following the escape of the country’s most dangerous drug lord from prison and an increase in associated unrest nationwide, including amongst penitentiaries. The state of emergency will last for 60 days. The military will be deployed to combat criminal groups responsible for spreading violence, a curfew has been established, and the right to assembly has been paused. Law enforcement officials from the United States have been sent to Ecuador to collaborate with the government to prevent the growth of transnational criminal organizations in light of José Adolfo Macías Villamar’s escape.
From February 16 to 18, the Munich Security Conference is being held at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Various heads of state and government officials are attending the event, thus expect heightened security at train stations, road closures, and restricted parking and airspace. Additionally, protests are expected to take place surrounding the event location.
From February 16 to 18, protests are expected to occur across Bulgaria. Farmers are denouncing European Union environmental regulations and demanding increased wages. Expect major roadways to be blocked and a heightened security presence.
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