Europe
- Bucharest, Romania: Travel Advisory | From February 3-10, transport workers with the Free Metro Union will strike and protest outside metro stations across the city. Unless an agreement is reached, the strike will continue indefinitely from February 10. The stoppage is likely to impact metro services across the city and cause delays to additional transport due to increased demand. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely near protest sites. Travelers are advised to reconfirm services and use alternate transport as necessary. Avoid protest areas and monitor local media for updates.
- Brussels, Belgium: Protest Advisory | On February 4 at 12:00 PM, protesters will gather at Place Jean Rey before marching to the Council of the European Union. The protest is organized to urge the EU to intervene in the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s North and South Kivu provinces and to call for EU sanctions against Rwanda for its alleged support of the M23 rebels. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, exercise increased awareness, avoid protest areas, and monitor local media for updates.
- Greece: Protest Advisory | On February 4, unionized public sector workers with the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY) will strike and protest across Greece to demand increased salaries. Protesters will gather in Athens outside the Ministry of Finance at 12:30 PM. Additional demonstrations are likely across the country. The work stoppage may impact transportation, healthcare, and education. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely at any demonstrations that materialize. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, expect delays, exercise increased awareness, avoid protest areas, and monitor local media for updates.
- London, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | On February 8 at 2:00 PM, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters will protest outside 10 Downing Street to demand the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister and PTI leader Imran Khan, and to denounce alleged irregularities in the February 2024 Pakistani general election. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid protest areas, and monitor local media for updates.
Americas
- Darien Province, Panama: Health Advisory | Over the coming weeks, the risk of contracting Oropouche fever will be elevated. An outbreak of Oropouche was reported in Darien Province on January 31, with 34 cases confirmed. The virus is transmitted primarily through midge and mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, muscle and joint pain, chills, and headache, with most people recovering within a week. There is no specific treatment. Pregnant individuals should discuss the risks with their doctor and consider postponing travel. Travelers are advised to avoid insect bites by wearing protective clothing, using repellent, and staying in air-conditioned areas. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop. Monitor health and government sources for updates.
- Argentina: Travel Advisory | On February 4, unionized aviation workers will strike nationwide due to delays in resuming negotiations for a new labor agreement with Optar and Aerolíneas Argentinas. Unless averted, the work stoppage will likely cause flight delays and cancellations at airports nationwide. No specific demonstrations have been announced, though associated protests are possible. Travelers are advised to reconfirm services and expect delays. Avoid protest areas and monitor local media for updates.
- Calgary, Canada: Protest Advisory | On February 5 at 1:00 PM, protesters with the Alberta Uyghur Association will gather outside the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the Ghulja Massacre and denounce the persecution of Uyghurs. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, plan routes in advance, and monitor local media for updates.
- Peru: Travel Advisory | On February 6 from 12:01 AM to 12:00 PM, transport workers with the National Transport Alliance and additional unions will strike across the country to denounce extortion by criminal gangs. The work stoppage will affect taxi and bus services nationwide. Additional transport delays are likely due to increased demand. Associated demonstrations are possible, particularly in urban hubs. Travelers are advised to reconfirm services, expect delays, and use alternate transport as necessary. Avoid protest areas and monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
- New Zealand: Protest Advisory | From February 3-6, increased police presence, associated protests, and travel disruptions are expected due to Waitangi Day (February 6) celebrations, which commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Around 80,000 are expected to participate. Māori welcoming ceremonies will take place at Te Whare Rūnanga on February 3-4, followed by the official government welcoming ceremony on February 5. On February 6 at 11:00 AM, protesters will gather at Victoria Square in Christchurch before marching to New Brighton Pier. Travelers are advised to exercise increased awareness, avoid protest areas, and monitor local media for updates.
- Seoul, South Korea: Protest Advisory | Over the coming weeks, large-scale protests associated with the impeachment trials of President Yoon Suk-yeol and Acting President Han Duck-soo are likely to continue across the city. The next impeachment hearing for Yoon Suk-yeol is on February 4. He was indicted on January 26 for leading an insurrection with the imposition of martial law on December 3. Regular demonstrations by supporters and opponents of the president are expected, particularly near the Constitutional Court, National Assembly, and Central District Court. Travelers are advised to maintain increased awareness, avoid protest areas, and monitor local media for updates.
- Japan: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, strong winds and heavy snowfall will likely cause temporary hazards and disruptions to road, rail, air, and sea travel across northern and western Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a yellow wind-and-snow warning for Hokkaido, the lowest on a three-tier scale. Significant snowfall is forecast for February 4 in the Chugoku, Hokuriku, Tohoku, and Tokai regions. Essential service disruptions are possible. Travelers are advised to assess travel risks before setting out. Maintain awareness and exercise caution in transit. Expect delays and reconfirm transport services. Monitor local media for updates.
- Melbourne, Australia: Protest Advisory | On February 9 at 10:30 AM, pro-Palestinian activists will gather outside Parliament House before marching down Bourke Street to the State Library of Victoria. The demonstration is planned by Free Palestine Melbourne to denounce the Israeli occupation of Palestine and demand that the Australian government stop the alleged weaponization of antisemitism to justify support for Israel. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, plan routes in advance, and monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
- Nkwanta, Ghana: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, increased security measures will be in place across Nkwanta due to armed clashes on January 16 that resulted in three deaths. A nightly curfew from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM was announced on January 28 and remains in effect until further notice. Increased presence of security forces and associated travel delays are likely. Travelers are advised to exercise increased awareness, leave at the first sign of unrest, follow official directives, expect delays, and monitor local media and the Ministry of Interior website for updates.
- Rwanda: Security Advisory | Over the coming weeks, the risk of violence near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border remains high. On January 27-28, clashes between M23 rebels and DRC forces in Goma (DRC) spilled over into Gisenyi and Rubavu District (Rwanda), causing at least 9 deaths and 30 wounded. M23 now controls significant parts of North Kivu, though possible DRC counterattacks may cause further spillover. Increased security presence and associated delays are likely across Rwanda, particularly near border areas. Travelers are advised to avoid non-essential travel to border areas, exercise increased awareness, leave at the first sign of unrest, follow official directives, and monitor local media for updates.
- Kampala, Uganda: Health Advisory | Over the coming weeks, the risk of contracting Ebola will be elevated. An outbreak was reported in Kampala on January 29 after a nurse died from the Sudan Ebola strain at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Contact tracing is underway for 44 potential cases. Ebola is highly contagious and often fatal, and is transmitted through contact with living or deceased people or animals. Symptoms include headache, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal and external bleeding. Travelers are advised to avoid known outbreak areas and contact with infected individuals. Maintain strict hygiene measures. If symptoms develop, isolate and report suspected Ebola to health officials. Monitor health and government sources for updates.
- Nigeria: Protest Advisory | On February 4, various civil activist groups affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will demonstrate across Nigeria to denounce a 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs. Start times and demonstration locations are unconfirmed, though likely sites include major roadways, public squares, and outside government buildings. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely wherever demonstrations materialize. Police may use force to disperse crowds. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, exercise increased awareness, and monitor local media for updates.
