Europe
- Portugal: Travel Advisory | Until April 9, pilots at Portugália Airlines will strike across the country between 3:00 AM and 9:00 AM each day, disrupting flights nationwide. The Independent Union of Airline Pilots (SIPLA) planned the work stoppages to denounce allegedly unacceptable contracts and external contracting regulations. Associated demonstrations are possible, though none have been announced. Travelers are advised to contact relevant airlines to confirm flight schedules. Expect associated delays and avoid any protest activity.
- Brussels, Belgium: Travel Advisory | On March 31, operations at Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) will be significantly impacted due to a union strike by transportation workers. The General Labour Federation of Belgium (FGTB) and additional unions organized the work stoppages to denounce proposed labor and pension reforms. All passenger flights have been cancelled during the work stoppage due to high participation by airport personnel. Travelers are advised to contact relevant airlines and confirm flight schedules. Monitor the BRU and CRL websites for updates.
- France: Health Advisory | On April 1, healthcare workers will strike nationwide. The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), Confédération Française Démocratique du Travail (CFDT), and additional unions called for the work stoppage to demand increased wages and denounce budget restrictions in healthcare. Private and public healthcare services will be affected by the strike. Emergency services are expected to remain operational, but non-urgent services will likely be disrupted. Travelers are advised to seek treatment at emergency rooms or plan alternate medical care during the work stoppage.
- Dublin, Ireland: Protest Advisory | On April 4 at 2:30 PM, protesters will gather outside the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to demand details on the location, legal status, and wellbeing of Egyptian-Turkish poet Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, and to call for his immediate release. Al-Qaradawi was sentenced in absentia in Egypt for inciting terrorism, detained in Lebanon on December 28, and then extradited to the UAE on January 8. An increased police presence and localized disruptions to travel are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance. Avoid the immediate area and any protest activity.
Americas
- Neuquén, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On April 1 at 6:30 PM, protesters will meet at the intersection of Calle Cornelio Saavedra and Calle Fray Luis Beltrán before marching to Calle Cacique Purrán. The demonstration was organized to demand justice for a journalist who was murdered in an armed robbery in Neuquén’s La Sirena neighborhood. Travelers should avoid the area of the demonstration and plan travel routes accordingly.
- Mexico: Travel Advisory | On April 2, starting at 8:00 AM, truck drivers plan to blockade major roads in Mexico City and the State of Mexico. Participants are also planning a convoy from the State of Mexico Government Palace in Toluca to the National Palace in Mexico City. The Association of Transporters, Merchants, and Annexes of the State of Mexico (ACME) organized the demonstrations due to claims of political persecution, repression, and the fabrication of charges. Travelers are advised to prepare for associated delays across Mexico City and the State of Mexico. Maintain caution during transit in the affected areas.
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Protest Advisory | On April 6 at 9:30 AM, civic activists will gather along Mexico Avenue to denounce the rising cost of living. Demonstrators plan to demand reduced prices for food and medicines. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions near the protest area are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance. Avoid demonstration areas and protest activity.
- Brazil: Protest Advisory | On April 6 at 2:00 PM, protesters will gather on Avenida Paulista in São Paulo to oppose the court ruling requiring former president Jair Bolsonaro to face trial. Additional demonstrations are possible across the country. Traffic delays and police intervention are likely. Previous pro-Bolsonaro protests in 2023 resulted in riots and over 1,500 arrests. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and any protest activity. Exercise heightened caution when traveling in major cities, especially near government buildings and large public squares. Leave upon the first sign of unrest.
Asia & Pacific
- Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Protest Advisory | Until April 2, protesters with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will gather outside the Adiala Jail to pressure the government into making concessions for imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Authorities have implemented a special security plan, including increased police presence and the installation of several additional checkpoints near the jail. Travelers should avoid the area, plan travel routes accordingly, and expect delays. Follow official directives, maintain increased awareness, and leave at the first sign of unrest.
- Karnataka, India: Protest Advisory | On April 2, members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will launch a series of protests against the increase in prices for essential goods and the suspension of the party’s state legislative assembly members from attending sessions for six months. An overnight sit-in protest will be held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru starting at 11:00 AM. On April 4, protesters will rally outside all district headquarters in the state, and on April 5, protests will take place in various towns and villages across Karnataka. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest areas and plan alternate routes. Avoid large gatherings and maintain situational awareness.
- Tokyo, Japan: Protest Advisory | On April 5 at 3:00 PM, protesters will gather at Hirokoji Exit Square at Ueno Station. Demonstrators plan to demand reduced fees for at-home care services in the region to improve access to essential care for the elderly and disabled. An increased police presence and localized travel disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to plan their routes in advance, avoid the area, and steer clear of any protest activity.
- Australia: Protest Advisory | On April 5 and 6, pro-Palestinian protesters will demonstrate in Perth, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Sydney to denounce the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. On April 5, protesters will gather at 3:00 PM at Northbridge Piazza in Perth, and at 4:30 PM at the intersection of Esplanade and Elkhorn Avenue in the Gold Coast. On April 6 at 12:00 PM, demonstrators will gather at the State Library in Melbourne and at Hyde Park in Sydney. An increased police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance to circumvent demonstration areas and avoid protest activity.
Africa & Middle East
- Botswana: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, the risk of contracting malaria will be elevated. The Botswana Ministry of Health has reported a significant increase in malaria cases over the past month, including in non-endemic areas such as Gaborone, Francistown, Ghanzi, Serowe, and Mahalapye. Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites and can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cough. Travelers are advised to wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, stay indoors during nighttime, sleep under bed nets, keep windows closed, and use air conditioning if available. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms arise.
- Lagos, Nigeria: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, travelers will be at increased risk of diphtheria infection. Lagos State has recorded 10 confirmed cases between January 1 and March 27. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated items. It can be fatal if untreated, especially in unvaccinated individuals. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, swollen neck glands, and violent coughing. Severe cases may lead to toxins spreading through the bloodstream, affecting other organs. Travelers are advised to ensure their vaccinations are up to date. If symptoms arise, isolate and seek immediate medical attention.
- Ethiopia: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, the risk of contracting cholera will be elevated. Ethiopia has reported a rapidly spreading cholera outbreak, with over 1,500 cases and 31 deaths since the start of the year in the Gambella region alone. Several regions, including Oromia, Somali, and Sidama, are also heavily affected. Cholera spreads via contaminated food and water. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, which may lead to severe dehydration. Travelers are advised to use bottled, boiled, or treated water, avoid raw fruits and vegetables, and ensure all food is thoroughly cooked. Follow strict hygiene practices. Consider vaccination and carrying a water purifier. Report any symptoms to health officials.
