Europe
- France: Security Advisory | On July 14, Bastille Day, a French national holiday, will be celebrated. The largest event that will take place is the military parade in Paris, which proceeds from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde beginning at 10:00 AM. Across the country, other military parades, Firemen’s Balls, community parties, and fireworks shows are held in celebration. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to respect local customs and traditions, expect travel delays due to road closures, and maintain situational awareness in crowded areas.
- Spain: Travel Advisory | A nationwide rail strike will occur across Spain on July 15. The Sindicato Ferroviario union have organized the 24-hour strike over freight and maintenance disputes with Renfe, the national operator. Spain’s Ministry of Transport requires minimum service levels of operation, so most Renfe metro services are expected to continue. However, some train routes, particularly those not guaranteed on the timetable, may be cancelled or delayed. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to reconfirm their rail ticket status ahead of boarding. Travelers should also anticipate higher demand for alternate transportation modes during this time and book such services in advance.
- Boom, Belgium: Security Advisory | Tomorrowland, is one of the world’s largest electronic music festivals, opens its first weekend from July 17 to 19 in Boom, Belgium. The festival draws approximately 400,000 attendees across its two weekends, with Boom, Antwerp, Bruges, and Brussels all experiencing massive spikes in visitors, public transport strain, and nightlife activity during the festival’s duration. Elevated risks include petty crime, accidental injury, and travel delays, as well as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and exposure-related medical emergencies. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan transport in advance and allow extra time between Boom, Antwerp, Bruges, and Brussels. Travelers are advised to stay hydrated and limit sun exposure. Travelers are also advised to secure valuables in crowds and follow all directions from security personnel and festival staff.
- Southport, United Kingdom: Security Advisory | The Open Championship, golf’s oldest tournament, will take place in Southport from July 16 to 19, with practice days drawing smaller crowds starting earlier in the week. The event brings extremely large crowds to the Merseyside area of England throughout the week, culminating in the four days of tournament play starting July 16. Significant traffic congestion, parking restrictions, and strain on regional transport services should be expected in the wider Merseyside area (including Liverpool). SafeAbroad travelers are advised to anticipate heavy congestion and transport delays in and around Southport and allow additional travel time in the area. Travelers are advised to avoid potential scams, especially with regard to fake tickets or unregulated transport methods and are additionally advised to maintain situational awareness in crowded areas. Travelers are also advised to stay well hydrated and avoid prolonged direct sun exposure.
Americas
- St. John’s, Canada: Security Advisory | The Churchill Park Music Festival will occur in St. John’s, Canada, beginning on July 17; heightened security and traffic disruptions expected. The Churchill Park Music Festival will begin at Churchill Park in St. John’s on July 17 from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with Kesha scheduled to headline the opening night. Thousands of attendees are expected, and the festival will continue on July 18, 24, and 25. Increased traffic congestion is likely near Churchill Park before and after the event, particularly along nearby roadways. Heightened security and an increased law enforcement presence are expected throughout the event. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to anticipate traffic disruptions and plan alternate routes. If attending, travelers are advised to maintain enhanced situational awareness.
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Security Advisory | The 2026 Corales Puntacana championship will take place at the Puntacana Resort & Club, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from July 16-19. The PGA and DP World Tour sanctioned event will host more than 120 players competing for a $4 million prize purse and 300 FedEx cup points. This event is highly prized by professionals not only by its payout, but also by its seaside layout. Due to its prize pool, it is expected the Puntacana championship will see heightened security. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to maintain enhanced situational awareness if attending the event. Travelers are advised to drink plenty of fluids and take preventive measures against the heat.
- Chile: Security Advisory | On July 16, Chile will celebrate the Day of the Virgin of Carmen, a large religious and cultural holiday that celebrates the Patron Saint of Chile. In Chile, the Virgin of Carmen is an important religious figure, representing hope and protection in times of strength and worry. To commemorate the holiday, Chileans host military parades, large masses, and festivals that blend Catholic and indigenous traditions. The largest mass is held in Santiago at the Maipú Votive Temple. In observance of the holiday, most Chilean businesses and government offices will close. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to be aware of heightened security measures, increases in foot traffic, petty theft, and road closures related to parades. Travelers are advised to be sensitive to the cultural traditions and customs of the Day of the Virgin of Carmen.
- Toronto, Canada: Security Advisory | From July 18 to July 19, Toronto’s largest International BrazilFest will take place at Earls court Park in Toronto, drawing tens of thousands for live music, cultural performances, and food vendors. Increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic is likely around the events venue and along St. Clair Avenue West between Caledonia Road and Lansdowne Avenue. Localized traffic delays, temporary parking restrictions, and intermittent road closures are likely on adjacent streets during the afternoon and evening contingent on attendee turnout. SafeAbroad travelers should allow for additional travel time, anticipate an increase in pedestrian traffic in local areas, and reconfirm transit schedules in public transportation when possible, during peak event hours.
Asia & Pacific
- Tokyo, Japan: Travel Advisory | The Sugamo Bon Odori Festival will take place between July 17 to July 19. The 3-day festival is a summer celebration featuring circle dances, traditional taiko drum music and street food. It will run daily between 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Thousands are expected to attend the event. The festival will take place outside of Sugamo Station, likely increasing pedestrian traffic in the area. Increased congestion will likely occur on festival grounds during event times. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to maintain heightened situational awareness if attending and plan alternative travel routes in advance.
- Hong Kong, China: Travel Advisory | The HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo 2026 will take place from July 15 to July 19. The multiday event features trade exhibitions from major companies and will coincide with the Hong Kong Book Fair. Approximately 900,000 attendees are expected across multiple days and the event will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Increased pedestrian and automotive traffic are expected near the vicinity of the convention center. Travelers should maintain heightened situational awareness if attending and plan alternative travel routes in advance.
- Candon City, Philippines: Travel Advisory | The6th SEA V CUP will take place in Candon City, Philippines from July 15 to 19. The event is an elite volleyball tournament that will host 6 different countries within the Candon Arena. The countries participating are the top 6 from southeast Asian places. Candon Arena sits inside Candon City, which is a city in the Philippines. The tournament will impact travel in the area and cause localized disruptions. Support from the 6 different nations will cause an influx of people into the area and likely lead to traffic delays. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to reroute travel away from the impacted area in the coming days. Travelers should check their routes before setting out.
- Shanghai, China: Travel Advisory | A Dance Circle Festival will take place in Shanghai, China, from July 16 to 20; travelers should expect potential travel delays. The five-day event is a festival celebrating bachata, bringing together dancers and artists from around the world. The festival will be held at a hotel in Shanghai where guests can attend workshops and social events all day. This festival will see people come from Asia and other countries from around the world, which will likely cause localized traffic delays. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid traveling through the impacted area during the event. Travelers should plan routes before departing and anticipate traffic delays
Africa & Middle East
- Cape Town, South Africa: Health Advisory | Cape Town authorities have announced planned water supply disruptions across multiple areas of the city from July 13-19 to facilitate scheduled maintenance on the municipal water network. Water outages will vary by location, and temporary interruptions to water service are expected throughout the maintenance period. Disruptions include but are not limited to the Steenbras Water Treatment Plant, from 8:00 AM on July 13 until 4:00 PM on July 19, Kuils River, from July 14, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Clarkes Estate and Adriaanse from July 16, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, and Epping from 9:00 AM on July 16 to 9:00 AM on July 17. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to confirm water availability with their accommodation providers and prepare for temporary service interruptions.
- Zambia, Lusaka: Security Advisory | The ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30 International Tennis Tournament in Lusaka, Zambia beginning July 15. The tournament will bring together junior tennis players, coaches, officials, and spectators from Zambia and abroad to compete in an International Tennis Federation (ITF)-sanctioned event. Localized disruptions in increased traffic and pedestrian activity are expected around the tournament venues. Public transportation and roads near the event are expected to experience short delays during peak arrival and departure periods, while accommodation providers and transport services may see slightly higher demand due to visiting athletes and officials. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan travel in advance, allowing for additional travel time when moving around the tournament venues. Travelers should maintain situational awareness in crowds.
- South Africa: Security Advisory | Anti-migrant unrest and related demonstrations are expected to continue across South Africa, following recent xenophobic mobilization that has reportedly driven displacement, violence, and at least several deaths. Tensions may be especially sensitive around Mandela Day on July 18, when public gatherings and civic events are expected nationwide. Travelers should avoid demonstrations, monitor local media, exercise caution near transit hubs and crowded urban areas, and allow extra time for movement in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town
