Europe
- Romania: Security Advisory | On February 10, supporters of far-right politician Călin Georgescu clashed with counter-demonstrators in Victory Square, Bucharest, following the resignation of President Klaus Iohannis. Police forcefully intervened and made several arrests. Sustained instability is expected over the coming weeks as new elections are organized. Increased security is likely across Romania, and further demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to maintain increased awareness and leave at the first sign of unrest. Avoid protest areas and monitor local media for updates.
- Athens, Greece: Travel Advisory | From February 19 at 6:00 AM, unionized taxi drivers will strike for 24 hours. The Attica Taxi Motorists’ Union (SATA) has organized the work stoppage to demand a 33% hike in minimum contract fares, permission to use bus lanes, and tougher enforcement of taxi contract rules. The strike will disrupt taxi services throughout Athens and the broader Attica region. Additional methods of transport may be delayed due to increased demand. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to plan alternate transport, maintain increased awareness, and avoid protest areas. Follow local media for updates.
- Berlin, Germany: Protest Advisory | On February 19 at 3:00 PM, pro-Palestinian protesters will gather at Leopoldplatz to demand an end to conflict in the West Bank and a halt to arms deliveries to Israel. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
- Prague, Czech Republic: Protest Advisory | On February 22 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, animal rights activists will protest at Wenceslas Square to demand that the Chinese government strengthen animal cruelty laws and consequences for offenders. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
Americas
- Santa Cruz, Bolivia: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, individuals without Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccinations will be at increased risk of infection. Since January, more than 100 cases have been reported in Santa Cruz. Pertussis is highly contagious and can be life threatening, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. The virus spreads from person to person through contact with respiratory droplets. Early symptoms are similar to a common cold, and then progress into a severe cough that can cause difficulty breathing. Travelers are advised to ensure full vaccination if in or traveling to the region. A booster vaccine may be required. Avoid sick individuals and maintain strict personal hygiene. Monitor health and government sources for updates.
- Mexico City, Mexico: Protest Advisory | On February 17 from 8:00 AM, protesters with the Union of Transporters, Merchants, and Entrepreneurs of the Mexican Republic will march from various points in Mexico City to the Zocalo for a rally. The demonstration is planned to denounce alleged extortion by authorities. Gathering points include the Mexico-Querétaro toll booth near Tepotzotlán, Ignacio Zaragoza toll booth in Cabeza de Juárez, La Marquesa Mexico-Toluca toll booth, San Cristóbal iron bridge, and Mexico-Cuernavaca toll booth. Increased police presence and travel disruptions are likely, particularly along key highways leading into Mexico City and near the Zocalo. Travelers are advised to maintain increased awareness. Plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.\
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On February 18 at 1:00 PM, protesters with the Union of Employees of the Justice of the Nation will gather outside the Palace of Courts. The demonstration is planned to demand the government to continue the investigation into the death of a federal prosecutor in 2015. Increased police presence and localized disruption on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
- Ecuador: Protest Advisory | On February 22 at 10:30 AM, animal rights groups will gather nationwide to denounce proposed changes to animal protection laws. Demonstrations are expected at public squares and major roadways in Quito, Guayaquil, Santo Domingo, Loja, Riobamba, Machala, Manta, Ambato, and Ibarra. Additional locations are possible. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Police may use force to disperse crowds. Travelers are advised to maintain increased awareness. Plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
- East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia: Disaster Advisory | Over the coming days, an eruption is possible at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, which may disrupt travel and impact air quality in the region. On February 13, the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia issued a level 4 alert (the highest level) and established an exclusion zone in East Nusa Tenggara due to volcanic earthquakes and the detection of active magma. Seismic activity remains high. Travelers are advised to avoid the immediate area and follow official directives. Monitor local media for updates and prepare to evacuate if ordered.
- Chennai, India: Protest Advisory | On February 18 at 10:30 AM, protesters affiliated with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) political party will gather near Valluvar Kottam. The demonstration is planned to denounce government failures to stop sexual offenses in the area. A moderate to large turnout is expected. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
- Bangladesh: Protest Advisory | On February 18-20 and 22, activists with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will rally in all eight divisions to discuss election issues, including law reforms. Likely demonstration sites include major roadways, public squares, and outside government buildings. High attendance is expected. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to maintain increased awareness. Plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
- Islamabad, Pakistan: Protest Advisory | On February 20, protesters with the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) will gather outside Parliament House to demand increased pay and improved benefits for government workers. The start time is unconfirmed, though the demonstration will likely begin early and last into at least the early afternoon. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
- Lusaka, Zambia: Health Advisory | On February 11, the Zambian Ministry of Health reported three suspected Mpox Clade 1b cases in Lusaka. Contact tracing is underway to identify and monitor any potential exposures. Mpox spreads through close contact with infected individuals, animals, contaminated items, or respiratory droplets. Symptoms include rash, swollen lymph nodes, blisters, fever, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Avoid contact with sick individuals, animals, and contaminated materials. Check eligibility for vaccination. If experiencing symptoms, isolate and call a doctor. Monitor health and government sources for updates.
- Kenya: Health Advisory | From February 17, healthcare workers with the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) will strike nationwide due to the Kenyan government’s alleged failure to uphold the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The exact start time and duration is unconfirmed, though could possibly last several days to weeks. Healthcare disruptions are likely at medical facilities nationwide. Travelers are advised to seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care. Avoid any associated demonstrations and follow local media for updates.
- Morocco: Protest Advisory | On February 18, public and private sector workers with the National Employment Union (SNTE) will strike nationwide and demonstrate in Rabat. Protesters will gather at the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills at 11:00 AM, and outside the Ministry of Finance at 2:00 PM. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Disruptions to education, transport, health services, and emergency services are possible. Widespread business disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas. Prepare for possible service delays, follow official directives, and monitor local media for updates.
- Senegal: Health Advisory | On February 18 and 19, health workers with the Autonomous Union of Doctors of Senegal (SAMES) will strike nationwide. Hospitals will not be adequately staffed, though minimum emergency health services will be provided. Associated demonstrations are possible, particularly near hospitals or healthcare centers. Travelers are advised to seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care. Maintain increased awareness and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
