Europe
- Berlin, Germany: Travel Advisory | Until January 28 at 3:00 AM, transport workers affiliated with the Verdi union will strike to demand increased wages and improved working conditions. The work stoppage will impact Berlin Transport Company (BVG) services across the city, affecting U-Bahn (subway), bus, and tram operations. Additional transport services may be delayed due to increased demand. Travelers are advised to expect delays, reconfirm services, and use alternative transport if necessary. Exercise increased awareness and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
- Athens, Greece: Protest Advisory | On January 28 and 30, activist group SYKAPRO will protest to demand the release of two members arrested at a refugee rights protest in 2024. On January 28 at 12:00 PM, protesters will gather outside the Attica General Police Directorate. On January 30, they will gather at the Evelpidon Courthouse, though the time is unconfirmed. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely at both demonstrations. Minor clashes between police and protesters are possible. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid protest areas, exercise increased awareness, and monitor local media for updates.
- London, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | On February 1, supporters of far-right activist Tommy Robinson will gather to demand his release from prison. The location is yet to be confirmed. Counter-protesters from anti-racism groups including Stand Up to Racism will gather on St. James’s Street at 11:30 AM to oppose Robinson’s anti-Islamist views and demand his continued detention. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Minor clashes between protester groups and with police are possible. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid protest areas, exercise increased awareness, and monitor local media for updates.
- Portugal: Protest Advisory | On February 1 at 2:00 PM, protesters will march in Lisbon and Porto to show solidarity with Mozambicans opposing the October presidential elections and denounce alleged electoral fraud by the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo). In Lisbon, protesters will gather at Marquis of Pombal Square before marching to Praca do Comercio. In Porto, they will march from the O’Kilo store on Rua de Santa Catarina to Avenida dos Aliados. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid protest areas, exercise increased awareness, and monitor local media for updates.
Americas
- Panama: Health Advisory | On January 27, medical workers with the Social Security Fund (CSS) will strike nationwide to demand payment of unpaid wages and bonuses. Unless averted, the work stoppage will likely impact operations at public healthcare facilities and clinics managed by CSS across the country. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to plan alternate medical care or seek treatment at emergency rooms. Avoid protest areas and monitor local media for updates.
- Argentina: Travel Advisory | On January 28, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, rail workers with the union La Fraternidad will strike nationwide to demand salary increases from Ferrocarriles Argentinos Sociedad del Estado (FASE). The stoppage will likely impact rail services across the country, leading to additional transport shortages due to increased demand. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to expect delays, reconfirm services, and use alternate transport if necessary. Avoid protest areas and monitor local media for updates.
- Lima, Peru: Protest Advisory | On January 30 at 9:30 AM, protesters affiliated with the Workers General Confederation of Peru (CGTP) will gather at Campo de Marte to advocate for labor rights and oppose employer abuse. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid protest areas, and monitor local media for updates.
- Mexicali, Mexico: Protest Advisory | On January 31 at 6:00 PM, activists will protest in front of the Benito Juárez monument to demand increased government efforts and assistance in locating people who have gone missing in the area. Increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid protest areas, and monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
- South Korea: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, heavy snowfall will likely cause temporary hazards and disruptions to road, rail, air, and sea travel across the country. Heavy snow warnings are in place for January 27 in Seoul, as well as several regions including Gyeonggi, Gangwon, North Chungcheong, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, Incheon, and Jeju Island. Snowfall is expected to range from 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 centimeters). 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.
- Regionwide: Travel Advisory | From January 28 to February 4, Lunar New Year celebrations will likely cause significant travel and business disruptions in China, Hong Kong, Macao, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Heightened security measures are expected at airports and major transport hubs, as well as disruptions to travel and commercial activities. The risk of opportunistic crimes, such as theft, will be elevated. Travelers are advised to exercise increased awareness, carry identification at all times, and follow official directives. Reconfirm services, arrive early, and expect delays. Monitor local media for updates.
- Bangladesh: Travel Advisory | From January 28, rail workers will strike indefinitely nationwide to demand revised benefits for pensions and mileage-based compensation. Unless averted, the work stoppage will impact rail services across the country and will likely cause delays to additional transport due to increased demand. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to reconfirm services and plan alternate transport. Exercise increased awareness and avoid protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
- Metro Manila, Philippines: Protest Advisory | On January 31, protesters will gather across Metro Manila to call for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, and demand that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. address rising costs and human rights violations. Protesters will gather at the People Power Monument in Quezon City at 9:00 AM and at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila at 1:00 PM. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, plan routes in advance, and exercise increased awareness. Monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
- Nigeria: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, the risk of contracting Lassa fever will be elevated. On January 23, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported an outbreak in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, with 143 confirmed cases and 22 deaths since December 30. Lassa fever is a rare, often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals and rodents. Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, chest or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, cough, and diarrhea. Travelers are advised to wash hands thoroughly, avoid contact with rodents and infected individuals, and monitor local media for updates.
- Israel: Security Advisory | Over the coming weeks, increased security measures will be in place across Israel due to ongoing tensions with Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Health accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of firing on protesters in southern Lebanon on January 26. The ceasefire agreement has been extended until February 18, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the IDF will remain in Lebanon past the agreed date. Associated attacks remain possible across Israel. Travelers are advised to maintain increased awareness and follow official directives. Monitor local media for updates.
- Kenya: Protest Advisory | From January 27, anti-government protesters will likely demonstrate in urban centers across the country during weekly shutdown strikes to demand the resignation of President William Ruto. Protesters plan to stage nationwide strikes every Monday until Ruto resigns. Increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely wherever demonstrations materialize. Minor clashes between protesters and security forces are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas and protester roadblocks. Follow official directives, exercise increased awareness, and leave at the first sign of unrest. Monitor local media for updates.
- Tanzania: Health Advisory | Over the coming month, the risk of contracting Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) will be elevated. The government confirmed an outbreak in Kagera on January 20 after a suspected sample tested positive. A second positive sample was confirmed on January 24. At least nine deaths have been reported. Marburg virus spreads through contact with infected individuals, bats, primates, or bodily fluids, and causes hemorrhagic fevers with a high fatality rate. Travelers are advised to avoid contact with sick individuals and bodily fluids. Monitor health and government sources for updates. If symptoms develop within 21 days of travel, isolate and call a doctor.
