Europe
- United Kingdom: Health Advisory | Expect disruptions to healthcare services in the United Kingdom due to a nationwide strike from December 17-22. Around 55,000 resident doctors will participate across National Healthcare Service locations to demand. The strike will affect all locations of the nation’s biggest healthcare provider following a rejection of a counter offer by the government. Emergency services will still be available. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to reconfirm medical appointments and prepare for long delays/cancellations if they cannot reschedule.
- Italy: Travel Advisory | A four hour strike on December 17 across Italian airports will cause disruptions and delays. The strike will involve multiple airlines, ground handlers, air traffic controllers. Despite the short duration of the strike, the participation by workers who make possible multiple air travel functions is expected to compound what would have been shorter delays. Italy’s national air carrier, ITA Airways, will be one of the airlines participating. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to reconfirm their transportation. They should also seek to rebook if necessary ahead of time, due to the increased demand surrounding the strike.
- France: Protest Advisory | Expect farmer protests to continue to cause disruptions throughout France over the coming days. The protests followed a mass cull of cows as a preventative measures against the spread of disease, which farmers claim was unnecessary and too extreme a measure. Several highways have been blocked in the Southwest of France with localized protests taking place across the nation. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid the protests. They are also advised to reconfirm travel routes before departure.
Americas
- Lima and Callao, Peru: Travel Advisory | A transportation strike in Lima and Callao will bring disruptions and delays to travel from December 17 through 18. Unions representing transportation workers have called the strike due to the government’s inability to protect these workers from extortion. The strike will last 48 hours and will take place despite an outstanding state of emergency for the cities, which is supposed to stop mass protests such as this. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid any protests. They are also advised to build extra time in for travel.
- British Columbia, Canada: Weather Advisory | Further flooding and disruptions are likely over the coming days in British Columbia, Canada. Recent rainfall has caused flooding, road closures, and raised the risk of landslides. Significant areas are under official flood watches and flood warnings with more rain expected over the coming days. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow official directives.
- Asunción, Paraguay: Travel Advisory | Transportation workers will strike in Asunción, Paraguay from December 16 through 17 disrupting travel. Workers have moved up the original start day of the strike following a falling out during talks with the government where transportation workers claim they are not being consulted on any possible reforms to the sector. The 48 hour strike will limit transportation within the capital. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to seek alternate forms of transportation and to monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
- Cambodia/Thailand: Security Advisory | Expect further clashes near the border areas of Cambodia and Thailand over the coming weeks. Renewed border clashes have continued to cause disruptions and are lasting longer than previous ceasefire violations. Border travel between the two nations has been closed down. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all travel within 50 km of the shared border. They should also monitor local media for updates.
- National Capital Region, India: Health Advisory | Air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) has continued to worsen over the last few weeks and will create health concerns over the coming weeks. Falling temperatures, stagnant wind conditions, and increased pollution has contributed to the worsening air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for the NCR has recently started hitting “severe” levels. Poor air quality has created smog dense enough to even limit air travel due to visibility concerns. Travelers are advised to avoid strenuous outside activity and to limit outdoor exposure.
- Western Australia, Australia: Weather Advisory | A heatwave is expected across southern Western Australia (WA) state from December 15 to 17. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology indicates low to severe heatwaves are possible, with temperatures reaching up to around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Southern coastal areas, including Esperance, will likely be most affected. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to limit exposure in affected areas.
Africa & Middle East
- Nigeria: Protest Advisory | Protests will cause localized disruptions in cities nationwide across Nigeria on December 17. The National Labour Congress (NLC) cites growing insecurity as the reason for the protest. All of the party’s affiliates and state councils will participate in these protests. It is expected that they will remain largely peaceful. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid the protests and to monitor local media for updates.
- Monrovia, Liberia: Protest Advisory | A nationwide protest has been called for December 17, with the largest turnout expected in Monrovia. The organizing group calls for mass demonstrations against economic hardship and alleged government corruption. A previous protest by this group drew hundreds of participants last July to Monrovia. Following a suspicious fire within the political organization’s headquarters, it is likely that more protesters will be inspired to participate. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests. They also are advised to avoid interacting with the protesters.
- Safi, Morocco: Weather Advisory | Further flooding is likely near Safi, Morocco through December 16. Heavy rainfall on the night of December 14 caused flash floods that left 37 dead and 32 more injured. Local schools have closed and cleanup efforts have begun throughout the coastal town. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to follow official directives and to monitor the weather for further rain. They should also avoid low-lying areas near bodies of water.
