Europe
- Germany: Security Advisory | Until at least March 5, German authorities have advised Karneval attendees to exercise caution following a series of social media posts linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) that called for attacks targeting Karneval revelers. More than 9000 law enforcement personnel have been deployed to secure Karneval festivities. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and report unusual or suspicious behavior. Carry identification and follow official directives. Expect public transport delays, particularly in Cologne and Nuremberg. Monitor local media for updates.
- Catalonia, Spain: Health Advisory | Until March 8, health workers will strike at public healthcare facilities and clinics throughout the region, likely impacting all operations except emergency services. The Federation of Health Technicians and Professionals (FTPS), Union of Nursing Technicians (SAE), and the State Union of Senior Health Technicians (SIETeSS), planned the work stoppage to denounce the Department of Health’s alleged failure to fulfill commitments from prior negotiations. Travelers are advised to seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care during the strike period.
- United Kingdom: Travel Advisory | From March 3-7 and 10-11, First Bus Solent drivers will strike in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, and Southampton. The work stoppages are planned to demand improved pay and working conditions. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to plan alternate transport in advance and avoid public transportation on strike days. Expect delays to additional transport due to increased demand.
- Paris, France: Protest Advisory | On March 7 at 7:00 PM, protesters with the Samidoun advocacy group will gather at Place de la République to denounce the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest-related activities and plan alternative routes to bypass the protest location.
Americas
- Bolivia: Weather Advisory | Until at least March 14, a countrywide orange alert from the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology is in effect due to river overflows and possible flooding and landslides. Heavy rain affected the Beni, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Pando departments of Bolivia in late February. Landslides and road closures have already been reported in La Paz due to the heavy rainfall. Travelers are advised to be aware of road conditions before setting out. Check with local sources to ensure that routes are passable. Do not attempt to travel through flooded areas. Monitor local media for updates.
- Ecuador: Weather Advisory | Until at least March 4, strong winds and heavy rainfall will impact most of the country, leading to possible flooding and landslides. Red alerts are in effect for parts of Guayas, Azuay, Loja, Manabi, Cotopaxi, Los Rios, Santa Elena, El Oro, Canar, and Bolivar provinces. Orange and yellow alerts are in effect for most of the rest of the country. Travelers are advised to seek high ground and shelter. Avoid low-lying areas and do not travel through floodwaters. Keep emergency food and water supplies and maintain a backup power source.
- Mexico City, Mexico: Protest Advisory | On March 4 at 9:00 AM, protesters will gather at various locations throughout Mexico City, including the Angel of Independence and the Monument to the Revolution, before marching to Secretaria de Gobierno and the Zocalo at 10:00 AM. Demonstrators plan to denounce the digitalization of market procedures, which allegedly impacts farmers and agricultural workers. Traffic disruptions are likely throughout the city, particularly near demonstration sites. Travelers are advised to avoid affected areas and large gatherings. Plan routes in advance and expect associated delays.
Asia & Pacific
- Bengaluru, India: Protest Advisory | Until March 7, activists with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will gather for sit-in protests at Freedom Park to denounce the Indian government’s alleged anti-worker policies. Demonstrations will likely be well attended. Disruptions to nearby roads including Race Course Road and Seshadri Road are likely. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid the affected area and expect travel disruptions. Comply with authorities and avoid large gatherings of people.
- Yerevan, Armenia: Protest Advisory | On March 3 at 1:00 PM, protesters will gather at the International Committee of the Red Cross to support former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan. The turnout is unconfirmed, though previous demonstrations have been well attended. Travelers should anticipate traffic disruptions, plan alternate routes to circumvent the affected area, and maintain situational awareness.
- Melbourne, Australia: Protest Advisory | On March 4 at 5:30 PM, protesters will gather on Spring Street outside the Parliament of Victoria to denounce public sector job cuts across Victoria. Localized disruptions and increased presence of police are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid protest activity. Plan routes in advance and anticipate associated delays.
- Seoul, South Korea: Protest Advisory | On March 8 at 2:00 PM, protesters will gather near Exit 5 of Jonggak Station to commemorate International Women’s Day and express solidarity with women impacted by conflict in the Middle East. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and any protest activity. Plan routes in advance and expect associated delays.
Africa & Middle East
- Ethiopia: Health Advisory | On February 11, an outbreak of cholera was reported in the Gambella Region, with over 200 cases and 14 fatalities. A separate outbreak in Amhara has resulted in 5 deaths and roughly 270 cases since January 3. Cholera is spread through contaminated food and water, and thrives in unsanitary conditions. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to severe dehydration. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to only drink boiled or bottled water and only eat food that has been thoroughly cooked. Avoid consuming ice, raw fruit, and raw vegetables. Maintain good hygiene by washing hands often, particularly before meals.
- Chad: Health Advisory | Until March 6, doctors with the Union of Doctors of Chad (SYMET) will strike nationwide, disrupting hospitals and health care centers across the country. The work stoppage is planned to demand that civil servant status be integrated into Chad’s public healthcare system. Travelers are advised to seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care during the strike period.
- Tunis, Tunisia: Protest Advisory | On March 4 at 10:00 AM, protesters will gather on Bab Bnet Boulevard outside the Palace of Justice to demand fair trials and transparency during trials for more than 40 activists on charges of conspiracy. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, avoid protest activity, and anticipate associated delays.
