Global
- Global: Protest Advisory | Over the coming week, activists will gather at public squares and major roadways in urban hubs worldwide to commemorate International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day (May 1). Many demonstrations will be concentrated on May 1, though gatherings to celebrate the day and protest local issues are possible throughout the week and likely over the weekend. An increased police presence and localized disruptions to travel are likely wherever demonstrations materialize. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas. Monitor local sources for information on nearby events and plan routes in advance to avoid demonstrations.
Europe
- Belgium: Travel Advisory | On April 29, public and private sector workers will strike and protest across the country. Various unions have organized the demonstrations to demand increased wages and additional career advancement opportunities. Delays and cancellations are likely to train, tram, and bus services. All outbound flights from Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) and a third of all outbound flights from Brussels International Airport (BRU) will be cancelled. Protesters in Brussels will gather at 10:00 AM at Brussels-North railway station before marching to Mont des Arts. Additional demonstrations are likely in urban hubs nationwide. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely wherever demonstrations materialize. Travelers are advised to reconfirm available services, plan alternate transport, and prepare for delays. Avoid protest areas, plan routes in advance, and exercise caution while in transit.
- London, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | On April 29, protesters will gather at Whitehall Place at 3:00 PM, then move to the National Liberal Club at 4:00 PM for a rally ending at 6:30 PM. The Save British Farming campaign group organized the demonstration to highlight the growing challenges facing British farming after Brexit and demand stronger policies to support farmers and build long-term resilience in the food and agriculture sector. Organizers have stated that it will be a reminder of wartime food insecurity. An increased police presence and localized delays are likely. Counter-protests and minor clashes are possible. Travelers should avoid the area and any protest activity. Plan travel routes accordingly and exercise caution while in transit.
- Madrid, Spain: Travel Advisory | On April 30 and May 4, unionized bus drivers will strike across the city to demand reduced working hours and improved security on public buses. The work stoppages will begin at 12:01 AM and end at 11:59 PM on both days. Regular, urban, and intercity bus operations will be affected. Additional forms of transport may be delayed due to increased demand. Travelers are advised to reconfirm available services and prepare for delays. Plan alternate means of travel during the strike periods.
- Romania: Security Advisory | On May 4, the re-run presidential election will be held amid heightened political tensions following the annulment of the November 2024 vote due to foreign interference, the resignation of former president Klaus Iohannis on February 12, and the controversial disqualification of candidate Călin Georgescu. Unrest is likely in the buildup to and aftermath of the election. Clashes between supporters of rival political parties and between protesters and police are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activities and political gatherings during the election. Minimize travel through Bucharest on May 4 and avoid polling locations. Monitor local and national media for updates.
Americas
- Villa Riva, Dominican Republic: Protest Advisory | On April 29 at 9:00 AM, protesters will gather at the bridge over the Azucey River before marching to the Alicia de Legendre Hospital. The demonstration is planned to demand the completion of works and the provision of quality health services to the municipality. Police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas. Plan routes in advance and maintain heightened awareness in transit.
- Kingston, Jamaica: Protest Advisory | On April 29 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, protesters with Jamaicans for Justice will gather at Halfway Tree Transport Centre to denounce a perceived trend of fatal police shootings. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has announced the deployment of additional police to maintain order. Counter-protests and minor clashes are possible. Localized disruptions to travel are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and any protest activity. Plan routes in advance and maintain situational awareness. Leave at the first sign of unrest.
- Guanajuato State, Mexico: Protest Advisory | On May 1, protesters will gather in León and Guanajuato city to demand that working hours be reduced from 48 to 40 hours a week. In León, participants will gather at Arco de la Calzada at 12:30 PM before marching through the city center. In Guanajuato, protesters will gather at Juarez Theater at 5:00 PM. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely at both demonstrations. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and maintain heightened awareness in transit.
Asia & Pacific
- Kathmandu, Nepal: Protest Advisory | Over the coming days, protesters with the Nepal Teachers’ Federation (NTF) will demonstrate across the capital to demand the enactment of a new education act. Protesters have been demonstrating since April 2, blocking roads in the New Baneshwor, Maitighar, and Babar Mahal areas. On April 28, protesters clashed with police near the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor. Twenty-six people, including teachers, police officers, and a journalist, were injured. Additional demonstrations are likely until demands are met. An increased police presence and disruptions to travel are likely until demonstrations subside. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas, plan routes in advance, and maintain situational awareness. Leave at the first sign of unrest.
- Vietnam: Travel Advisory | From April 30 to May 4, the Reunification Day and Labour Day holiday period will likely disrupt travel across the country. Many businesses will have reduced hours, and accommodation and local and international travel will likely see increased demand. Travel in District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City will be restricted for the Reunification Day parade on April 30, and flights at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) will likely be delayed. Travelers are advised to reconfirm available services. Expect delays and plan alternate services during the holiday period. Avoid protest areas and exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas, to reduce the risk of theft and other petty crimes.
- New Zealand: Health Advisory | Starting May 1 at 7:00 AM, doctors and health workers will strike nationwide for 24 hours. The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) organized the work stoppage to demand improved working conditions and higher wages. Approximately 5,500 senior physicians and 370 perioperative nurses are expected to participate. Services at healthcare centers and hospitals will likely be delayed nationwide. Travelers are advised to seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care during the strike period.
Africa & Middle East
- Malawi: Health Advisory | Over the coming weeks, the risk of contracting Mpox will be elevated. Four cases of Clade Ib have been confirmed, three in Lilongwe and one in Mangochi. Samples were collected on March 20 and April 9, and were confirmed as positive on April 16. Authorities have identified and are monitoring 34 close contacts. The virus is transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to humans. It spreads through contact with respiratory droplets, lesion material, bodily fluids, and contaminated materials and surfaces. Symptoms include rash, swollen lymph nodes, blisters, fever, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Travelers should avoid sick individuals, animals, and contaminated materials. If experiencing symptoms, isolate and call a doctor. Monitor health and government sources for updates.
- Ghana: Protest Advisory | On April 28, protesters affiliated with the Public Utility Workers Union will demonstrate nationwide. They aim to denounce the government’s plan to privatize parts of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company. Likely gathering sites include ECG headquarters and offices, and public squares across the country. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely wherever demonstrations materialize. Minor clashes are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas. Plan routes in advance and maintain heightened awareness in transit. Leave at the first sign of unrest.
- Tunisia: Health and Protest Advisory | On May 2, doctors, medical students, interns, and specialists affiliated with the Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors will strike nationwide. Emergency and medical services will still be delivered, though hospitals and health centers across the country will be disrupted. In conjunction with the work stoppage, protesters will march in the capital, Tunis, from the Faculty of Medicine of Tunis to the Ministry of Health. The time of the march is unannounced. The actions are planned to advocate for the rights and dignity of new health workers and to support the integrity of the education system. Travelers are advised to prepare for medical service delays. Plan alternate medical care or seek treatment at emergency rooms during the strike. Plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas.
