Europe
- Italy: Security Advisory | The Winter Olympics start on February 6, and will bring increased security measures throughout northern Italy. The games will take place at several venues across Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. Crowd control measures, restricted areas, and screening are some of the measures expected to impact transportation hubs and host cities. Travelers are advised to adjust their itineraries to be flexible amid disruptions. They should also maintain awareness in large crowds.
- Attica, Greece: Travel Advisory | Taxi drivers will strike in Attica, Greece from February 3-4 limiting transportation options. Drivers are protesting EV mandates due to the cost of transitioning to electric vehicles. Recurring 48-hour strikes have been taking place over the last few weeks as part of an indefinite protest. Travelers are advised to find alternate means of transportation. They should also expect larger crowds at transportation hubs in Athens due to demand.
- Italy: Travel Advisory | Rail workers of Trenord will strike causing train disruptions throughout Lombardy, Italy from February 2-3. Rail workers of Trenord, which services the Lombardy region, will strike causing train cancellations and delays. This is expected to have a dramatic impact on wait times as spectators begin flocking to Milan for the start of Winter Olympics in Milan. Guaranteed services are set for between 6:00 AM-9:00 AM and 6:00 PM-9:00 PM. Travelers are advised to find alternate transportation. They should also build in extra time when traveling throughout Lombardy.
Americas
- Córdoba, Argentina: Protest Advisory | Major protest marches will bring disruptions to downtown Córdoba, Argentina on February 4 and 5. Public workers are voicing opposition to labor and pension reforms. The march on February 4 will depart from Avenida Colón at the 4000 block before marching throughout various points in downtown Córdoba. The march on February 5 will end outside the government house. Travelers are advised to avoid these protests. They should also plan to travel around downtown Córdoba during these two days.
- Mexico City, Mexico: Travel Advisory | Transportation workers will strike in Mexico City, Mexico on February 4 causing travel disruptions throughout the city. Trolley, cablebus, and light rail workers are protesting to demand increased salaries. An associated protest will march from the metro Balderas station to the Zócalo. Travelers are advised to seek alternate forms of transportation in advance. They should also avoid the protest march.
- Lima and Callao, Peru: Security Advisory | Expect heightened security measures to remain in place through February 20 in Lima and Callao, Peru. The Peruvian government extended the state of emergency that applies to the nation’s capital to combat crime. The measure means that the armed forces will continue to support the national police to control internal order, which includes maintaining a visible presence on the streets. Travelers are advised to follow official directives. They also are advised to maintain awareness when in public.
Asia & Pacific
- Thailand: Security Advisory | Expect heightened security leading up to, and during, Thailand’s general elections on February 8. National police have stepped up anti-crime operations in the last few weeks to prevent possible violence during the elections. They are also activated at a heightened state of awareness to ensure a peaceful election period, which is expected at this time. Travelers are advised to follow official directives. They should also maintain awareness when in large crowds.
- South Asia: Health Advisory | Screening for Nipah Virus will likely remain in place across South Asian airports over the coming weeks. An outbreak of Nipah Virus, a high-fatality virus, in the West Bengal state of India has caused concern throughout the region. Despite the screenings, the World Health Organization (WHO) says the risk to the general population is low and small outbreaks are not uncommon. Travelers are advised to follow official directives. They should also practice everyday hygienic measures, such as washing their hands when dirty.
- Kerala, India: Health Advisory | Kerala medical college doctors will strike indefinitely starting February 2. Doctors are striking to address several issues including owed-backpay and doctor shortages. Outpatient services will be unavailable during the duration of the strike, with emergency services still available. Travelers are advised to seek non-emergency medical services from other providers. They should also monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
- Mozambique: Health Advisory | Mozambique is experiencing a spike in cases of their ongoing cholera outbreak, raising health concerns. The outbreak has been ongoing since last September, with Tete province being the most affected. Cases have been rapidly rising in the last few weeks; 135 new cases were reported including 49 hospitalizations in Mozambique on January 28 alone. Travelers are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms. They should also implement heightened hygienic measures.
- Nairobi, Kenya: Travel Advisory | Another Matatu strike will cause massive travel disruptions in downtown Nairobi on February 9. On February 2, a strike by Matatu (large bus) drivers caused gridlock conditions in downtown Nairobi. Police officers were deployed at key junctions throughout the city, with some even deploying tear gas. Travelers are advised to find alternate means of transportation. They should also avoid any and all protests to the best of their ability.
- Abuja, Nigeria: Protest Advisory | Union-associated protesters will bring disruptions to downtown Abuja, Nigeria on February 3. Protesters are signaling their solidarity with striking workers of the Federal Capital Territorial Association (FCTA) union. Demonstrators will gather outside of the Federal Capital Development Authority building. Courts have ordered that the proceeding protest be cancelled, which raises concerns of forcible police intervention. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest. They should also monitor local media for updates.
