The Week Ahead: August 5, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Murcia, Spain: Health Advisory | Starting August 5 in Murcia, Spain, ambulance drivers will strike indefinitely. The strikes are organized by the Central Workers’ Union over pay and working conditions. Specific timetables and an end date are unknown. Travelers are advised to confirm availability of health services and make alternate plans for medical care in case of emergency. Avoid any related protests and disruptions. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Kolubara, Serbia: Protest Advisory | On August 6 at 7:30 PM in Kolubara, Serbia, protesters will demonstrate in celebration of National Miners’ Day. Protesters also denounce the government’s recent refusal to meet trade union demands. Travelers should avoid all protests and plan alternate transportation routes. 
  • Reading, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | On August 7 at 2:00 PM in Reading, United Kingdom, there will be protests at the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation office. The demonstrations aim to highlight the Israel-Hamas conflict. Due to possible clashes between protesters, travelers should avoid the area and any related disruptions. Expect mild travel delays and monitor local media for updates.
  • Berlin, Germany: Protest Advisory | On August 10 at 12:00 PM in Berlin, Germany, there will be a protest on Bernauer Street. Protesters aim to highlight climate change and other environmental issues. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and any related disruptions. Expect mild travel delays and monitor local media for updates.
Americas 
  • Montevideo, Uruguay: Protest Advisory | On August 5 at 6:00 PM, protesters will demonstrate at Plaza Cagancha in Montevideo, Uruguay. The protest is organized to denounce the increase of violence and crime in the country. Travelers should avoid all protests, exercise increased caution, and expect an increased security presence. 
  • Paraguay: Health Advisory | From August 6-9 in Paraguay, medical workers will strike nationwide. Demonstrators are protesting legislation that requires a 12 hour maximum work week for medical professionals. Travelers are advised to consult their doctors regarding elective medical procedures and reconfirm availability of medical care throughout the strike. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Santiago, Chile: Protest Advisory | On August 7 at 10:00 AM in Santiago, Chile, protesters will demonstrate at the Baquedano metro station. The protest is organized to draw attention to issues faced by college professors. Travelers should avoid all protests, exercise heightened caution, and monitor local news for updates. 
  • Colombia, Protest Advisory | On August 7, protesters will demonstrate across Colombia in support of President Gustavo Petro’s administration. Areas near government buildings, public squares, and major roadways will be the most affected. A large turnout is expected. Travelers should avoid all protests and expect significant travel disruptions. 
Asia & Pacific
  • Manila, Philippines: Protest Advisory | On August 5, protesters will demonstrate in a caravan towards the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines. The protest is organized to oppose the suspension of a bill that would phase out outdated public transportation vehicles. Travelers should avoid all protests and expect transportation delays. 
  • Melbourne, Australia: Protest Advisory | On August 8 at 5:30 PM, protesters will demonstrate at Sandown Park, Melbourne, Australia. The protest is organized against animal cruelty, especially greyhound racing. Travelers should avoid all protests and exercise heightened caution. 
  • Osaka, Japan: Protest Advisory | On August 9 at 12:00 PM in Osaka, Japan, there will be a protest at the United States Consulate General. Protesters aim to highlight the United States’ involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest and any related disruptions in the area. Plan alternate travel routes around the consulate and monitor local media for updates.
  • Perth, Australia: Protest Advisory | On August 11 at 1:00 PM in Perth, Australia, there will be a protest at Northbridge Piazza. Protesters demand further reform and support for the rights of transgender individuals. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest and any related disruptions. Expect travel delays and plan alternate routes around Northbridge Piazza. Monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
  • Israel: Protest Advisory | Over the coming weeks, expect further anti-government protests across Israel after the killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Previous anti-government protests have attracted large numbers of participants and some have occurred spontaneously. Travelers should avoid all protests, exercise heightened caution, and expect an increased security presence.
  • Jordan: Weather Advisory | Over the next week in Jordan, the ongoing heatwave will persist. Heavily affected areas include the Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Aqaba regions. Travelers are advised to hydrate and minimize exposure to heat. Avoid outdoor activities and cramped spaces with no air conditioning like vehicles or public transportation.
  • Nairobi, Kenya: Protest Advisory | On August 8 in Nairobi, Kenya, there will be a large protest in the Central Business District, where demonstrators will call for President William Ruto’s resignation. There will likely be further protests in the coming weeks, but specific timelines and locations are unknown. Travelers should avoid the protest and any related disruptions in the area. Expect heightened security and travel delays. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Nigeria: Protest Advisory | From August 5-10 in Nigeria, there will be nationwide protests highlighting government corruption, inflation, and high cost-of-living. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid all protests. Expect significantly heightened security and travel delays. Monitor local media for updates. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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