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.
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.
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.
SafeAbroad analysts have assessed that there is a high degree of likelihood that the majority of the Milei Government’s reforms will be approved by the National Congress, at the latest by February 14. This is predicted to generate significant civil unrest throughout the country, including disruptive protests, which have a high risk of devolving into …
Forecast Report: Argentinian Reforms and Unrest Under Milei Read More »
On December 21, a mass shooter opened fire at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University in central Prague, Czech Republic, killing 15 and wounding 25. Three foreign nationals were injured in the attack — two from the United Arab Emirates and one from the Netherlands. At the time of this writing, there is no indication that any American travelers were among the casualties. Expect an increased prevalence of demonstrations, such as vigils for victims, related to the shooting and heightened security on the Charles University campus and in the surrounding areas in the wake of the shooting.
Over the past year, our team has monitored the myriad of risks that impacted the health, safety, and well-being of student travelers abroad. Since January, SafeAbroad Analysts have logged over 8,000 incidents spanning travel, security, protests, health, disasters, and weather across more than 100 countries. Through this comprehensive lens, our team crafted this year’s Annual Safety Report for International Education, offering a guide for programs to navigate the risks and liabilities associated with international travel and education.
SafeAbroad Analysts have assessed Diwali celebrations in major Indian cities to be relatively low-risk at this time; however, petty crime, protests, environmental hazards, and traffic-related incidents pose a moderate risk to students.
In response to Israel’s campaign in Gaza, Hamas officials called for a “Day of Rage,” to take place on October 13, encouraging terrorist attacks and unrest from supporters around the world. Several countries have reported related attacks, threats, and violent unrest on and shortly after the “Day of Rage.” In response, many countries such as France and Germany have banned related public demonstrations and deployed security personnel en masse. These severe measures have provoked public backlash and led to further demonstrations in opposition to the crackdowns.
SafeAbroad analysts have assessed the upcoming 2023 election in Argentina will have a moderate impact on travelers in the country. The heated election is likely to create frequent and possibly intense political demonstrations in the days leading up to the vote, but said demonstrations have a low chance of turning violent. However, these risks could increase in the event of a runoff or contested election following the October 22 vote.
On October 7, Hamas militants launched an attack from the Gaza Strip, targeting dozens of locations across southwestern Israel with rocket barrages and ground attacks. More than 2,200 deaths have been reported, with thousands more wounded. Several foreign nationals, including at least twenty-two Americans, have been reported among those killed. Multiple borders and ports have been closed, while several airlines have suspended service into Israel.
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