The Week Ahead: July 20, 2026

Date

Europe
  • Italy: Travel Advisory | Aviation, public transport, and rail unions will engage in several isolated strikes between July 20 and July 25. Localized transport strikes will take place across various cities, including Florence and Genova, while nationwide strikes will occur on July 21 and 24. The strikes are expected to cause widespread public transit delays, reduced service, cancellations, and heightened demand for alternative modes of transit. Travelers are advised to reconfirm transit schedules before departure, allot additional travel time, or secure alternate means of transport in advance. 
  • Brussels, Belgium: Security Advisory | On July 21, Brussels, Belgium, will celebrate Belgian National Day with a parade, fireworks, and concerts. A Belgian National Day parade will begin at 4:00 PM along Botanical Garden Boulevard, attracting tens of thousands of spectators, including the royal family. At 8:00 PM, a concert and fireworks display will be held in Cinquantenaire Park. Due to crowds and the attendance of high-profile officials at festivities, heightened security measures will be in place throughout Brussels. City officials have advised against driving within the city due to limited parking and road closures and have added additional bus and rail services. Travelers are advised to expect heightened security measures, crowds, and business closures. 
  • Glasgow, Scotland: Security Advisory | The 2026 Commonwealth Games will begin on July 23, bringing more than 3,000 athletes, officials, and tens of thousands of spectators to Glasgow through August 2. Competitions will be concentrated across several venues, including the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Emirates Arena, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Scotstoun Stadium, and Tollcross International Swimming Centre, increasing demand on transportation networks throughout the city. Heightened security, venue screening, temporary road closures, and traffic management measures are expected, particularly around competition sites and Glasgow Airport. Congestion is likely on the M8, M74, M77, and M80, while rail services and public transportation may experience significant crowding before and after events. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to allow additional travel time, use public transportation where possible, and monitor official transport updates before departing.
  • Palma de Mallorca, Spain: Protest Advisory | A large anti-tourism demonstration is scheduled to take place in Palma on July 26, as activists protest overtourism, rising housing costs, and the expansion of short-term vacation rentals. Organizers have called for widespread participation and have stated they intend to disrupt normal activity in the city center. Thousands of demonstrators are expected to gather around Plaça d’Espanya before marching through central Palma, prompting an enhanced police presence, temporary road closures, public transportation disruptions, and localized business interruptions. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to expect congestion throughout central Palma and delays to airport transfers during the late afternoon and evening. Avoid demonstration areas, monitor local traffic updates, and allow additional time when traveling to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI).
  • Budapest, Hungary: Travel Advisory | The Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix will take place at the Hungaroring in Mogyoród from July 24-26, attracting hundreds of thousands of international spectators to the Budapest metropolitan area. Heavy traffic is expected on major highways connecting Budapest to the circuit, particularly during morning arrivals and after daily racing sessions. Public transportation, shuttle buses, railway stations, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), hotels, and taxi services are also expected to experience significantly increased demand throughout the race weekend. Authorities will implement enhanced security screening, traffic control measures, and temporary access restrictions around the circuit. SafeAbroad Travellers are advised to reserve transportation and accommodations in advance, use public transportation where possible, and allow substantial additional time for journeys to and from the Hungaroring.
Americas
  • Fortaleza, Brazil: Security Advisory | From July 22 to July 26, over 1 million people will attend the Halleluya Festival in Fortaleza, Brazil. The annual Catholic festival includes Eucharistic Adoration, confessions, music, and other cultural and religious activities. Up to 300,000 people attend the festival each day, leading to increased congestion in the streets and on public transportation in the vicinity of the event. Heightened security is present for the duration of the festival. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to maintain situational awareness in crowded areas and expect travel delays. 
  • Guayaquil, Ecuador: Security Advisory | On July 24 and July 25, the city will commemorate Simón Bolívar Day and Foundation Day. Simón Bolívar Day is a national holiday commemorating the birth of the independence leader, while Foundation Day commemorates the founding of the city. Parades and street festivals are held around the city on both days. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to expect traffic delays due to road closures. Travelers are also advised to maintain situational awareness in crowded areas and follow all directions from security personnel. Due to crime and terrorism, the U.S. Department of State advises all travelers to not travel south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue in Guayaquil. 
  • Colombia: Travel Advisory | On July 20, Colombians across the country will gather to celebrate Independence Day. Street parades, military exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events will take place throughout the country to showcase national pride. Major cities, including Bogotá and Medellín, will feature the nation’s largest parades and military exhibitions in the city centers. Outgoing President Gustavo Petro will also be delivering his farewell address on July 20 and has called for nationwide mobilizations across public squares to demand the continuation of social reforms in the wake of his succession to hard-right, conservative President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. SafeAbroad travelers should expect heightened security, high pedestrian traffic, and road closures in city centers across the country and plan alternate routes to avoid delays. Scattered social reform protests are likely to occur throughout the day; travelers should avoid all protest sites and activities. 
  • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Security Advisory| The 25th Central American and Caribbean Games (the event’s centennial), will be held in Santo Domingo beginning on July 24 and lasting until August 8. Approximately 6,000 athletes from 37 nations will compete in over 450 events at venues throughout the capital, including at the Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez (which will host the opening ceremony on July 24), the Centro Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte, and the Estadio Quisqueya. High attendance, road closures, and heightened security are expected throughout the games, with the most intense congestion coinciding with the July 24 opening ceremony. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to anticipate road closures, transport delays, and large crowds near competition venues. Travelers are advised to allow for additional travel time, secure valuables, and maintain situational awareness in crowded areas.
Asia & Pacific
  • Manila, Philippines: Security Advisory | From July 20 to July 24, the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) will be held in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), in the Pasay city district of Manila, Philippines. The meetings will be held daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Prominent diplomats, such as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will be in attendance. Sensitive topics within Southeast Asia such as the South China sea territorial disputes and a Myanmar peace deal will be discussed at this meeting. Heightened security and security checkpoints throughout Manila are likely. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to maintain enhanced situational awareness while traveling near the event and carry identification. Travelers are advised to plan alternate routes to avoid traffic congestions around the event.
  • Osaka, Japan: Security Advisory | From July 24 to July 25, the Tenjin Matsuri festival will be held in Osaka, Japan. The festival originated in the 10th century and honors the Tenmangu Shrine and its principal deity of scholarship: Suguwara Michizane. The event will kick off on July 24 at 7:45 AM with a prayer in the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and end at 10:00 PM with open food stalls. On July 25, events will resume at 11:00 AM with a summer purification ritual and end at 10:00 PM with participants returning portable shrines via the Osaka River back to Tenmangu Shrine. Since a majority of the event will take place along the Osaka River, it is likely that there will be traffic congestions around Sakuranomiya Park and Temmabashi bridge. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to maintain enhanced situational awareness throughout the festival. Travelers who are not attending are advised to plan alternate routes around the festival to avoid traffic congestions. 
  • New Delhi, India: Protest Advisory | Farmers and labor groups will protest in New Delhi, India, on July 21; disruptions and heightened security expected. A coalition of farming, labor, and other civic groups has organized a demonstration at Kisan Ghat in New Delhi on July 21 to protest a proposed U.S.-India trade agreement and demand legally guaranteed minimum support prices for crops. Organizers have not announced a start time for the demonstration. Large crowds and heightened security are expected near Kisan Ghat, with localized traffic disruptions likely throughout the surrounding area. Previous farmer-led demonstrations in New Delhi have attracted significant participation and caused transportation disruptions. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid the demonstration area and allow additional travel time near Kisan Ghat. Travelers should also follow directions issued by local authorities.
  • Johor, Malaysia: Security Advisory | On July 21, the state of Johor in Malaysia will observe the public holiday, Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan Iskandar. The holiday occurs on the anniversary of the passing of the previous sultan and is a day of prayer for people of the Muslim faith. The current Sultan and religious leaders will perform an important ceremony at the Royal Mausoleum, which will be attended by most government officials and other high-profile Malaysian figures. During the ceremony, heightened security measures will be in place surrounding the Royal Mausoleum. Schools, government offices, and businesses in Johor will close or offer reduced hours on July 21. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to be aware of heightened security measures and closures of businesses and government offices. Travelers are advised to be sensitive to the solemn and reflective nature of the holiday.
Africa & Middle East
  • Nairobi, Kenya: Travel Advisory | From July 22 to July 24, the Africa Technology Show (AFTS) will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The event is expected to attract approximately 7,000 attendees to Nairobi, Kenya. The event will consist of 100 exhibitors, 10 different participant countries, and 20 industry speakers concentrating on AI, cybersecurity, and fintech. It is expected that this event will cause extended congestion in airports and public transportation in Nairobi. Travelers are advised to plan alternative travel routes in advance and monitor local media for updates about transit delays. 
  • Cape Town, South Africa: Security Advisory | From July 22 to July 24, the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Biennial Conference & Exhibition will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The event will run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, and will gather over 2000 delegates, water sector professionals, government officials, and approximately 150 exhibitors. This event is likely to cause localized travel delays to public transport in Cape Town and the Cape Town International airport, specifically, around peak commuting times, the area around CTICC, and the Victoria and Alfred waterfront. Travelers are advised to avoid travel during the beginning or end of the workday. Travelers should monitor local news reports for updated travel information.  
  • Accra, Ghana: Security Advisory | From July 20 to July 30 the US Embassy in Accra, Ghana, is expected to suspend consular services for maintenance. The US Embassy reports that routine consular services will not resume until July 31 and maintenance efforts will start again on August 3. Access for walk-in services, notaries, and Consular Reports of Death Abroad will be limited during this time period. If travelers are anticipating pending passports or Consular Report of Birth Abroad, they can pick up the documents from the Embassy on Thursdays between 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Passport for renewals for adults will continue to be processed and can be submitted through the Embassy dropbox. Travelers are advised to reschedule appointments, submit proper documentation in advance and monitor the Embassy website for
  • Botswana: Travel Advisory | On July 20, Botswana will celebrate its President’s Day across the nation. There will be parades and celebrations throughout the streets of the nation. People will dance and celebrate the culture of the nation. The celebrations and events within the streets will likely lead to travel delays across the country. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to anticipate delays when traveling. Travelers should plan routes before traveling.

Recent
Advisories

Wildfires continue to burn across northern Ontario, Canada; expect evacuations and transportation disruptions.

More than 180 wildfires are burning across northern Ontario, forcing mandatory evacuations in several communities. Fire hazards remain with hot, dry, and windy conditions continuing to fuel wildfire activity. In addition to large-scale evacuations, localized disruptions such as road closures, reduced visibility from heavy smoke, power outages, transportation delays, and interruptions to essential services are expected as emergency crews work to contain the fires.

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The Tenjin Matsuri Festival will draw approximately 1.3 million attendees to Osaka, Japan, on July 24–25; expect heavy congestion.

Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s “Three Great Festivals”, will be taking place in Osaka beginning on July 24 and culminating on July 25. The celebration is expected to bring over a million attendees over its two days. The festival peaks on its second evening, centering around a multi-thousand person land and boat precession and ultimately a fireworks display. This event will bring road closures, extreme pedestrian congestion, spikes in public transport demand, and potential crush risks. 

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The 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) will be held in Manila, Philippines, from July 20-24; expect heightened security.

The 59th ASEAN AMM will take place at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila, Philippines, from July 20-24. The sessions will run daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Approximately 7,000 security personnel have been assigned to ensure safety. Notable diplomats, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will attend the event. Enhanced security measures and checkpoints will be set up around the venue.

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