The Week Ahead: December 30, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Belgrade, Serbia: Protest Advisory | On December 31, protesters will march from Pionirski Park and march to Student Square. Protesters are demanding the government take responsibility for the train station roof collapse in Novi Sad on November 1. Scuffles between police and protesters are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Kosovo: Health Advisory | The first case of mpox has been diagnosed in Kosovo after a local returned from West Africa. Public health directives are possible over the coming weeks. Travelers are advised to avoid skin-to-skin contact with sick people and to avoid touching potentially contaminated items. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Portugal: Transportation Advisory | On December 31 and January 1, flight delays are expected across Portugal due to an airport worker strike and overtime ban. Travelers are advised to allocate extra time for travel and confirm air travel. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • Stuttgart, Germany | Over the coming days, flight disruptions are expected following a private plane crash at Stuttgart Airport. Flights have been canceled and delayed. Travelers are advised to confirm flight details and anticipate delays. Monitor local media for updates.
Americas
  • Chile: Disaster Advisory | Over the coming days, disruptions to services and threats to life are expected due to wildfires. Last-minute road closures are expected, and disruptions to infrastructure, including power outages, are possible. Travelers are advised to plan evacuation routes ahead of time and keep electronics charged. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Vancouver, Canada: Protest Advisory | On December 31, protesters will demonstrate at Robson Square. The demonstration is in regards to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Clashes between protesters and police are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid protests and planned protest locations. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Brazil: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, heavy rain and strong winds are expected across the country. Disruptions to electricity, transportation, water, and other infrastructure are likely. Landslides have occurred, and more are possible. Travelers are advised to seek high ground if located in flood zones, and obey all evacuation orders. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Havana, Cuba: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, flooding is expected to continue in the Havana area following heavy rains on December 27. Disruption to transportation and electricity are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid non-essential travel and obey emergency directives. Monitor local media for updates.  
Asia & Pacific
  • Istanbul, Turkey: Protest Advisory | On January 1, pro-Palestine demonstrators will protest on the Galata Bridge at 8:30 AM. The event is expected to remain peaceful, but increased security presence is likely. Travelers should expect transportation disruptions and plan journeys avoiding the protest. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Muan, South Korea: Transportation Advisory | Over the coming days, expect transportation disruptions in the wake of a plane crash at Muan International Airport. The airport is closed, and operations are suspended until further notice. Travelers are advised to confirm travel arrangements and make adjustments as necessary. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • Kelantan and Terengganu, Malaysia: Weather Advisory | Through December 30, extreme rainfall is expected. Flooding has been reported near rivers, and evacuation centers have been opened. Landslides are possible. Travelers should avoid flood zones and seek shelter. Monitor local media for updates and heed all government directives.
  • Taiwan: Protest Advisory | Over the coming weeks, protesters are expected to demonstrate in regards to new legislation. Supporters of the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party are protesting against the opposition Kuomintang party. Large crowds are expected and clashes with police are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and obey security directives. Monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
  • Ndjamena, Chad: Protest Advisory | Over the coming days, unionized workers are expected to strike and demonstrate in response to logistics tensions. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and obey all security directives. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Mozambique: Security Advisory | Over the coming weeks, increased security presence and potential violence are likely following a prison break at Machava Central Prison on December 25. Travelers are advised to minimize non-essential travel and obey all security directives. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • Cairo, Egypt: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, increased security is expected following an explosion at a government weapons depot on Taha Hussein street. Disruptions to road travel and increased emergency response times are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and obey all security directives. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Jerusalem, Israel: Health Advisory | A teenager in Jerusalem has been confirmed to be infected with Polio. Travelers are advised to update their vaccinations, if not already updated. Make sure food is thoroughly cooked, and drink boiled or bottled water. Carry proof of vaccination and obey all health directives. 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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