Europe
- Greece: Health Advisory | Doctors will strike for 24-hours nationwide across Greece on March 18. Doctors affiliated with the Federation of Hospital Doctors’ Association of Greece (OENGE) will strike in response to ongoing grievances regarding low wages and chronic understaffing in Greece’s public hospital system. OENGE, is the main association of hospital physicians in the Greek National Health System and represents tens of thousands of doctors and nurses in Greece’s public hospital systems. Disruptions to healthcare services are expected, emergency departments will remain open although delays should be anticipated due to reduced staffing levels. Travelers are advised to reaffirm appointments and reschedule where necessary. Travelers seeking medical care should consider visiting emergency departments or arrange alternative medical services during strike period.
- Dublin, Ireland: Travel Advisory | Road closures will occur on March 17 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. The parade is one of Ireland’s largest public celebrations and typically attracts tens of thousands of spectators and participants each year. The parade route passes through several major streets in central Dublin, and the associated festival events are expected to draw large crowds throughout the day. Road closures, pedestrian congestion, and increased police presence may cause travel delays and disruptions to public transportation near the parade route and surrounding city-center areas. Travelers are advised to allow additional travel time when moving through central Dublin. Travelers should monitor the Dublin City Council website to review the official traffic management plan for the latest road closure information.
- Spain: Travel Advisory I Significant travel disruptions are expected through March 26 in Valencia and Alicante in Spain due to a series of planned strikes by railway workers. Workers that are associated with the SEMAF Union will strike, demanding improved work conditions, compensation, and training. The current strikes In Valencia (Metrovalencia) are on the following dates at varying times: March 15–19, March 24, and March 26. In Alicante (Tram) the current strikes are expected to occur on the following dates at various times: March 16, March 18, March 20, March 24, and March 26. Travelers should plan contingency routes to ensure safe transportation in conjunction with the strikes. They should also monitor local media for updates on the strikes.
- London, United Kingdom: Travel Advisory I Significant travel disruptions are expected in London from March 19 to March 22 due to an organized bus driver strike. The trade union Unite is organizing strikes among bus drivers employed by both Coach Company and East London Bus, in response to the overworking of employees and excessive shifts without a provided rest period. The strikes are expected to impact services across various parts of central London, East London, Essex, and surrounding areas. The bus transportation routes that are expected to be affected are: 8, 25, 205, and 425. Travelers should plan contingency routes in advance to prepare for these disruptions. Travelers are further advised to monitor local media to remain updated on disruptions to buses and other public services.
Americas
- Argentina: Travel Advisory | An aviation worker strike will cause severe flight disruptions in Argentina from March 18-24. The State Workers Association (ATE) has called for a strike after the government failed to pay a previously agreed upon salary raise. Work stoppages will occur between 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The strike is expected to affect commercial flights and airport services. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to reconfirm their travel itineraries and rebook their flights as needed. Continue to monitor local media for updates on the strike.
- Tijuana, Mexico: Travel Advisory | Blockades will occur at entry points into Tijuana, Mexico from March 18-20 due to a major union strike. The blockades will begin on March 18 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. On March 19, the strike will block toll booths along Playas de Tijuana and on the Tijuana–Tecate highway and will block the Transpeninsular Highway on March 20. The goal of these protests is to halt border crossings into Mexico in protest of a 2007 law that was not repealed and that significantly affected the benefits of state workers. A state representative for the strike said 2,000 to 3,000 people are expected to participate. It is currently unclear how police and officials will react to these blockades. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to reconfirm any travel plans through affected highways and entry points. Monitor local media for updates on potential blockades or increased police presence.
- Mexico City, Mexico: Protest Advisory | Teachers will march in downtown Mexico City on March 18 at 9:00 AM demanding repeal of the 2007 pension law. The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) organizes the march from the Angel of Independence Monument as part of a 72-hour nationwide strike by education workers. Demonstrators demand the repeal of the 2007 pension reform affecting public sector workers. CNTE protests in Mexico City often draw large crowds and have previously blocked major avenues and access to government buildings, causing significant traffic disruptions in central districts. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas and surrounding avenues. They should allow additional time for travel and monitor local media for updates.
- San José, Costa Rica: Protest Advisory | Pension reform protesters will march in San José, Costa Rica, on March 16 at 10:00 AM in large numbers bringing disruptions to the downtown area. Demonstrators will march from Central Avenue near Hospital San Juan de Díos toward the Legislative Assembly to demand the return of funds from the Régimen Obligatorio de Pensiones (ROP), Costa Rica’s mandatory supplementary pension system. The protest takes place amid an ongoing national debate over proposed legislation that would allow early withdrawals from pension accounts. Similar demonstrations related to pension reforms in Costa Rica have drawn large crowds in central San José and caused traffic congestion near government buildings. The protest is expected to pass peacefully. Travelers are advised to avoid the demonstration route and allow additional time for travel. They should also monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
- India: Protest Advisory | Opposition parties are expected to continue protesting rising fuel prices and LPG cylinder shortages in Indian urban over the coming weeks. The shortage is caused by the conflict in the Middle East, as India imports over 60% of its LPG. Opposition parties, such as the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party), have staged protests calling for a rollback of LPG price increases, subsidies for the poor and middle class, and a clear plan to control inflation. Expect more protests and resulting traffic disruptions in the coming weeks as the energy crisis in India continues. The protests typically happen near government buildings and national landmarks. Travelers are advised to maintain awareness in large crowds and avoid all protests. They should also continue to monitor local media for any potential protests and short-notice gatherings.
- Japan: Travel Advisory | Travelers should expect severe transportation delays and disruptions across Japan due to the beginning of the Cherry Blossom season starting on March 20. Japan’s Cherry Blossom season is one of its oldest and most popular cultural events that attracts thousands of visitors each year. This contributes to extensive overtourism on the island, resulting in severe travel delays and crowded areas. The Cherry Blossom season will begin in Nagoya and Fukuoka on the 20th, then spread to Kochi, Tokyo, and Hiroshima on the 21st, and will continue throughout the month of April. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan for travel delays and exercise vigilance when in public areas. Travelers are also advised to follow the directions of local authorities and monitor local news for traveler safety and advice.
- Bali, Indonesia: Travel Advisory | Expect travel disruptions in Bali, Indonesia, from 5:59 AM on March 19th through 6:00 AM on March 20th due to an island-wide shut down for Nyepi. Nyepi is a key event in the Saka New Year calendar and is also known as “Bali Day of Silence,” where the entire island comes to a 24-hour standstill that will halt travel (including flights from the international airports), restrict noise and light usage, and mobile data services in Bali will be temporarily disabled, while WIFI will still be operational through accommodations. Violators of these directives may face warnings, community service, fines, or even deportation. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to follow all directives given by local authorities pertaining to the rules surrounding the holiday. Travelers are also advised to plan arrivals and departures around the 24-hour shutdown, as most transportation will be suspended.
- Queensland, Australia: Weather Advisory | Severe weather disruptions will continue across Queensland, Australia over the coming days. Due to major rainfall, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued warnings for the Burnett River, Flinders River, and upper Balonne River. The risk of flooding and landslides in the affected areas are high. Areas between Bundaberg and Brisbane have already experienced four to twelve inches of rain. Flood-related road closures, power outages, and evacuations are possible. Travelers are advised to monitor weather patterns and local reports on travel conditions. Reconfirm travel plans with service providers in case of potential delays. Check local news for updates on damage and follow any official directives.
Africa & Middle East
- Middle East: Travel Advisory | Major international carriers, including the Lufthansa Group and Emirates, have extended flight suspensions to hubs in Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Amman (AMM), and Beirut (BEY) through at least March 28. This follow-on disruption stems from the ongoing military conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which has triggered “Depart Now” orders from several Western governments. Travelers should expect extreme mobility constraints starting March 20–21 as the region transitions into the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, causing widespread closures of government offices and businesses. If currently in the region, prioritize securing commercial transport immediately or prepare to shelter in place as consular assistance may be limited during the holiday period.
- Eastern and Southern Africa: Weather Advisory | High-risk flood warnings are in effect for the week of March 16–22 across South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique due to sustained seasonal rainfall. Critical inundation in the Sudd wetlands and rising river levels in central Mozambique have begun to compromise major ground transportation routes and bridge stability. Travelers are advised to anticipate significant delays in regional logistics and the potential cancellation of domestic flights at smaller regional airports. It is highly recommended to monitor local meteorological reports and avoid non-essential travel to low-lying areas or river catchments until the system clears later in the week.
- Turkey: Protest Advisory I On March 21st the Kurdish New Year, will take place in Turkey and parts of the Middle East, Newroz. Historically, this day has seen large demonstrations for Kurdish rights in cities like Ankara and Istanbul, which leads to heightened security presence in those areas. Demonstrations are likely across Turkey. Travelers are advised to avoid all related protests and plan alternate routes around demonstration areas. Monitor local media for updates.
- Johannesburg, South Africa: Security Advisory | Anticipate heightened security measures during an anti-crime operation in Johannesburg, South Africa, until April 30. On March 11, Cyril Ramaphosa deployed the army to Johannesburg to combat illegal mining and gang violence hotspots. Military personnel will aid police across Gauteng until at least April 30, though some deployments may remain until March 2027. The anti-crime operation will likely involve raiding suspected criminals’ residences and checking citizens’ identification documents. Travelers are advised to carry identification documents on their person at all times. Travelers should also anticipate a heightened security presence and monitor local news and social media for updates.
