Europe
- Belgium: Travel Advisory | Until March 2, rail workers will strike nationwide to demand labor and pension law reforms. The work stoppage will severely affect national train services within Belgium, and international journeys between Belgium and Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands. Additional forms of transport may be delayed due to increased demand. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to plan alternate transport and avoid protest areas. Monitor the National Railway Company of Belgium’s website for updates.
- London, United Kingdom | On February 24 at 6:00 PM, protesters will gather outside the German Embassy to denounce the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. A large turnout is expected. Increased security and localized traffic disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas.
- Sofia, Bulgaria: Protest Advisory | On February 26, protesters with the Vazrazhdane (Revival) political party will gather at the National Assembly of Bulgaria to denounce Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone and adoption of the Euro. The start time is unconfirmed. Increased police presence is likely across the city, and clashes are possible. On February 22, protesters clashed with police, including the use of Molotov cocktails and an attempt by protesters to storm the European Commission building. Travelers are advised to minimize travel in central Sofia on February 26. Avoid protest areas, remain alert and leave at the first sign of unrest.
- Venice, Italy: Travel Advisory | On February 28, ground handling workers at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) will strike. The start time is unconfirmed, though the work stoppage will likely begin at 11:59 PM on February 27 and last until 11:59 PM on February 28. Airport service disruptions are likely. Impacts to check-in and baggage handling operations may cause flight delays and cancellations. Travelers are advised to contact the relevant airline to reconfirm flight schedules.
- Greece: Protest Advisory | On February 28, public and private sector workers will strike nationwide, and protest in public squares and outside government buildings across the country. The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY), and additional unions organized the work stoppage to commemorate the third anniversary of the Tempi train collision. Most demonstrations will begin between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM, though the strike will likely cover the entire day. Healthcare facilities, transport services, schools, government offices, and private businesses will be disrupted. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas and plan for associated service delays.
Americas
- Canada: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, individuals without measles vaccinations will be at increased risk of contraction. Outbreaks are ongoing in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Dozens of infections have been reported since the beginning of February. Measles is highly contagious and sometimes fatal. The virus spreads through contact with respiratory droplets, which can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. There is no specific treatment, though vaccinations are effective at prevention. Travelers are advised to ensure they are vaccinated. Avoid sick individuals and maintain proper hygiene. Monitor health and government sources for updates.
- Brazil: Weather Advisory | Until at least February 26, a heatwave will impact Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states. The National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued an orange alert (the second highest) with temperatures forecast to reach up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels ranging from around 80% during the day to over 90% at night. Travelers are advised to stay hydrated and minimize exposure to the sun. Wear effective sunscreen and minimize strenuous physical activity. Monitor the Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology’s website for updates.
- Mexico City, Mexico: Protest Advisory | On February 24 from 11:00 AM, demonstrations will take place across Mexico City. Protesters with the Plural Movement of Merchants of Public Markets of Mexico City will gather at Martínez de la Torre Market in Colonia Guerrero at 11:00 AM, the Hidalgo Market in Colonia Doctores at 1:00 PM, and Morelia Market in Colonia Doctores at 5:00 PM. Protesters with the General Assembly of Workers of Mexico City will gather outside the Secretariat for Integrated Water Management in Colonia Cuauhtémoc at 5:00 PM. Additional demonstrations are possible. Increased police presence and localized travel disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to maintain increased situational awareness. Plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas.
- Argentina: Protest Advisory | On February 25, protesters will gather outside all National Gendarmerie Regional Command headquarters across the country. Start times are unconfirmed. The demonstrations are planned to demand increased pay and improved working conditions for non-commissioned officers in the National Gendarmerie. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations. Plan alternate routes to circumvent the protest locations and follow official directives.
Asia & Pacific
- Maharashtra, India: Health Advisory | Over the coming weeks, the risk of contracting Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) will be elevated. A severe outbreak of GBS has been ongoing in the state, with at least 11 fatalities so far. GBS is caused by Campylobacter jejuni, which is typically found in chicken or duck droppings. Symptoms include muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and paralysis. The Maharashtra State Health Department has warned that the outbreak is waterborne. Travelers are advised to boil tap water before using and use caution when eating or drinking. Report any symptoms to health officials and monitor health and government sources for updates.
- Yarang, Thailand: Security Advisory | On February 19, two police officers were killed by multiple unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred in an alley behind a vehicle inspection station in Mueang Yarang subdistrict. Security forces are still working to detain the gunman and will likely retain a heavy presence for the coming days. Travelers are advised to remain alert and report any suspicious individuals, behaviour, or items. Expect significant travel disruptions in the affected area. Carry photo identification and follow official directives.
- Japan: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, snow and ice from recent snowfall will likely remain across the prefectures of Aomori, Akita, Ishikawa, Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, Yamagata, Shimane, Yamaguchi, and part of Kyoto. The Sea of Japan coast was hit by heavy snowfall from February 22-23, receiving in some cases as much as 16 feet in mountainous areas. Avalanches are possible, particularly in low-lying areas and near mountains. Rail and road transport may be disrupted. Travelers are advised to exercise caution in transit. Assess the feasibility of travel before departing and allow additional travel time.
- Philippines: Protest Advisory | On February 25, activists will gather across the country to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution (EDSA Revolution). Event locations in Manila include the EDSA Shrine, People Power Monument, and Ortigas Interchange. Rallies are also planned in Aklan, Capiz, Cagayan and Iloilo provinces. Large turnouts are expected. Increased security and disruptions to transport are likely near associated gatherings. Travelers are advised to maintain increased situational awareness. Plan routes in advance, avoid protest areas, and follow official directives.
Africa & Middle East
- Tunisia: Protest Advisory | From February 24-26, protesters with the Tunisian General Labour Union and General Federation of Postal Service will strike and demonstrate across Tunisia. On February 25 at 10:00 AM, protesters will gather outside the Ministry of Communication Technologies and Digital Transformation in Tunis. On February 26 from 8:00 AM, protesters will gather outside regional units across the country. Increased security and localized travel disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to maintain increased situational awareness, plan routes in advance, and avoid protest areas.
- Accra, Ghana: Protest Advisory | On February 25 at 9:00 AM, protesters with the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) will gather at Obra Spot before marching to the West African Examination Council (WAEC) office. The demonstration is planned to denounce the WAEC for withholding examination results. Increased security and travel disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and avoid protest areas.
- Carolina, South Africa: Protest Advisory | On February 25 at 9:30 AM, protesters will march from Eskom Park to 28 Kerk Street. The demonstration is planned by multiple climate activist groups to demand better water quality in the city. Increased security and traffic disruptions are expected. Travelers should avoid the area of the protest and plan alternate travel routes.
- Jerusalem, Israel: Protest Advisory | On February 27 at 6:00 PM, protesters will gather at Paris Square to denounce the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal and demand increased rebuilding efforts of Jewish settlements in Gaza. Increased security and localized transport disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and avoid protest activity.
