The Week Ahead: February 26, 2024

Date

Europe
  • England, United Kingdom: Health Advisory | From February 24-28, junior doctors in England will strike over low pay, causing major disruptions in emergency departments. Travelers should prepare for longer wait times in emergency departments and reconfirm health appointments. 
  • Greece: Protest Advisory | From February 27-28, expect major disruptions in various industries across Greece as unionized workers plan to strike for several demands, including increased pay. Travelers are recommended to avoid all protests, confirm all appointments and travel plans, and avoid disorderly areas. 
  • Brussels, Belgium: Protest Advisory | On February 26 at 11:00 AM, farmers are planning a protest at the Schuman roundabout in Brussels, Belgium. Protests are part of ongoing unrest related to EU trade policies and the disruption of farm subsidies. Travelers should expect travel delays and avoid the area surrounding the protest.
  • Northern Ireland, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | From February 27-29 in Northern Ireland, transport workers will strike. This will affect both the Translink bus and rail services in the entire region. Multiple unions have planned the strike over an ongoing dispute over pay. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstration locations. Plan for alternate travel means and allow for extra travel time.
  • Cork, Ireland: Protest Advisory | On February 26 at 9:30 AM, protests are planned in front of the Cork County Council offices. Farmers have scheduled the demonstration to demand better support for agriculture. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid the demonstration and the affected areas. Plan routes to bypass the demonstration and obey instructions from officials. Monitor the local media for updates.
Americas
  • São Paulo, Brazil: Protest Advisory | On February 25 at the Museum of Art, protesters plan to gather in support of former President Bolsonaro. The event is expected to draw large crowds. Travelers should plan alternative routes in advance to circumvent demonstrations.
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On February 26, demonstrators belonging to the Confederation of Education Workers will gather at Plaza Pizzurno to denounce new education policies. Travelers are advised to stay clear of the protest area and avoid protest activity. Plan travel ahead of time, as alternative routes may be necessary. Monitor the local media for updates. 
  • Montevideo, Uruguay: Protest Advisory | On February 29 at 6:30 PM, a protest is expected at the Intendencia de Montevideo in regards to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Clashes and disruption are expected. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and large gatherings in the area. Plan for alternative transportation. Monitor the local media for updates.
  • Bolivia: Weather Advisory | Until at least March 1 in La Paz and Pando, travelers should exercise caution concerning heavy floods. Numerous neighborhoods in affected cities are under evacuation. Travelers should keep up to date with weather applications and plan alternative routes in advance to circumvent floods.
Asia & Pacific
  • Nationwide, South Korea: Health Advisory | From February 25 through March 3, travelers in South Korea should expect severe medical disruptions from doctors striking over a planned increase in the number of physicians nationwide. The medical disaster alert level has been raised to “serious,” which is the highest level on a four-tier scale. Demonstrations will likely be broken up by the police. Travelers should confirm medical appointments and plan for emergencies by noting which facilities are open. 
  • Nationwide, India: Protest Advisory | On February 26, farmers are planning protests across India in response to a protesting farmer being killed by police and additional agricultural demands. Travelers should avoid protests and monitor developments via local media. 
  • Tokyo, Japan: Protest Advisory | On February 26, protests are expected at Shinjuku Station regarding Japan’s military expansion and constitution. Localized travel and security disruptions are expected. Travelers are advised to plan alternative routes in advance to circumvent travel delays.
  • Philippines: Protest Advisory | On February 25, protests are planned nationwide regarding the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. Heightened security and localized travel disruptions are expected. Travelers should avoid all demonstrations, plan alternative routes to circumvent travel delays, and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Africa & Middle East
  • Chad: Protest Advisory | Until February 26, nationwide strikes will continue to condemn the rising cost of living. Previous protests occurred at public institutions and were dispersed by authorities with tear gas. Travelers should avoid all demonstrations and monitor the local media for updates.
  • Tindouf, Algeria: Security Advisory | From February 28-March 15, there is an elevated kidnapping threat to westerners  near refugee camps during the Sahara Marathon. Terror groups are likely capitalizing on westerners in the country for the marathon. Travelers should maintain enhanced situational awareness and avoid areas surrounding refugee camps.
  • Zimbabwe: Health Advisory | Through late February, the government has declared an outbreak of polio. Polio primarily spreads from person to person through contact with feces and respiratory droplets. Travelers should practice sanitary consumption and ensure vaccination against polio.
  • Nigeria: Protest Advisory | Over the coming days, expect travel disruption following an indefinite strike by transport associations regarding a fuel shortage. Travelers should ensure alternate means of transportation and avoid related demonstrations. 

Recent
Advisories

On November 4, a red warning was issued for Barcelona, Spain, due to torrential rain and flooding.

On November 4, red warnings were issued for Catalonia due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Currently 15 flights have been cancelled and roads leading to the airport are blocked, causing severe disruptions to El Prat Airport in Barcelona. Several highways have been closed and all commuter trains in northeast Catalonia have been suspended.  This follows storms in Valencia which has killed at least 217 people. 

Read More »

As of November 4, a volcanic eruption at Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores, Indonesia, has killed at least ten people.

On November 4, Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted, spewing volcanic materials up to 2000 meters (6,561 feet) into the air. Hot ash hit a nearby village, collapsing houses and causing at least 10 deaths. At least 10,000 people have been affected in the Wulanggitang District. Due to increased activity, authorities raised the alert level to IV, the highest level in the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia’s (PVMBG) four-tiered system. Additional eruptions are possible.

Read More »
REQUEST AN INVITE

Free Global Risk & Safety Services

A SafeAbroad Analyst will contact you shortly to provide 30 days of FREE award-winning travel safety and security services.