Global
- Global: Protest Advisory | Nakba protests will cause disruptions in city centers worldwide on May 15. Nakba commemorates the displacements of Palestinians by Israelis following the war in 1948. Protests usually take place in city centers. These protests vary in size but can reach significant numbers such as the hundreds of thousands who protested in London, United Kingdom, in 2025. Travelers are advised to follow official directives. They should also leave an area at the first sign of violence.
Europe
- Brussels, Belgium: Travel Advisory | Mass flight cancellations and delays will result from a strike on May 12 in Brussels, Belgium. The strike is part of a larger action taken by several unions. Around half of all flights at Brussels Airport will be cancelled with all flights cancelled at Charleroi Airport (Brussels South). Around 60% of Brussels Airlines flights will also be cancelled. Travelers are advised to reconfirm bookings and to arrive early at airports.
- Cannes, France: Travel Advisory | The Cannes Film Festival will cause travel disruptions in Cannes, France, from May 12 to 23. The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world’s most televised events, attracting thousands each year. The festival causes road closures near the Palace of Festivals and Congress of Cannes, and travel disruptions around Cannes, Nice and Monaco. Travel times around these areas can increase by 2 to 3 times during the festival. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan travel well in advance. Avoid peak travel windows and anticipate overcrowding on public transportation.
- Portugal: Health Advisory | Healthcare professionals will strike nationwide in Portugal on May 12 with disruptions to healthcare services expected. The Portuguese Nurses Union has organized a nationwide strike across the public, private, and social sectors to address difficulties with career progression and delayed back pay. The strike will last from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM on May 12. A previous linked strike on March 20 saw a participation rate of 71%, indicating this strike will have a high turnout. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to reschedule non-emergency medical appointments to another day. Travelers should also be advised that hospitals may experience delays on the day of the strike.
- London, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | Far-right activists will march through various urban centers in London, on May 16 with significant traffic disruptions expected. Far-right influencer Tommy Robinson and Unite the Kingdom have organized the march for a cultural celebration and to denounce mass immigration. The influencer’s previous demonstrations have resulted in thousands of attendees participating, and this event will likely yield similar results. The march was originally planned for Hyde Park, but as of now, the location and time will be disclosed closer to the date. Significantly heightened security measures and traffic disruptions across major urban centers in Central London are expected. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests and associated demonstrations. Travelers should plan journeys to avoid the specified protest location and monitor local media for updates.
Americas
- Ottawa, Canada: Protest Advisory | A large protest will gather on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, on May 14 from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. The protest organized by the Campaign Life Coalition will carry out an event called “March for Life.” Protesters will gather on Parliament Hill at 12:30 PM, march through downtown Ottawa at 1:30 PM, and conclude at 3:00 PM. The march coincides with a 3-day-long conference including dinners and expos. The event is expected to remain peaceful, though counterprotests are expected and crowds will disrupt traffic. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest and the areas around it. Monitor local media for updates on the protest and any potential counter protests.
- Paraguay: Travel Advisory | The Paraguayan Independence Day celebrations will take place May 14 and May 15. The event coincides with Mother’s Day and disruptions to transport and business operations are expected nationwide. Parades and concerts will cause road closures. Many businesses will be closed for the duration of the celebrations. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan alternative transportation and routes. Continue to maintain situational awareness in crowded areas and monitor local media for updates.
- Mexico City, Mexico: Protest Advisory | The National Coordinator of Education Workers have called for a strike on May 15. A protest march will also take place from the San Cosme area at 9:00 AM and march along Paseo de la Reforma towards Zócalo. The protest march and strike are in response to the government’s decision to shorten the school year to accommodate the World Cup. Public schools and some universities will close during the strike. Road closures and travel disruptions are expected. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid the protest route and plan alternative routes, allowing for additional travel time. Travelers are advised to reaffirm classes in advance.
Asia & Pacific
- Beijing, China: Security Advisory | President Trump’s visit to Beijing, China, will prompt a heightened security presence across the city from May 14-15. Security measures will be heightened, even more so than usual during official state visits, due to both the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the recently attempted attack on the President. Chinese officials have noted that a layered security presence will be deployed, which will include temporary road closures. Travelers are advised to follow official directives. They should also expect possible delays while traveling around Beijing.
- Indonesia: Travel Advisory | Ascension Day and a government acknowledged day of leave will disrupt travel across Indonesia as locals travel during the long weekend from May 14-17. Ascension Day on May 14 will be followed by a national day off, intended to boost internal tourism within Indonesia. These periods see massive spikes of tourists at popular locations across the country. Travelers are advised to arrive early to tourist sites and to expect travel delays associated with more heavily burdened transportation infrastructure.
- Tokyo, Japan: Security Advisory | The Sanja Matsuri Festival will occur in Tokyo, Japan, from May 15 until May 17. The Sanja Matsuri Festival is one of the largest festivals held in Tokyo and will occur to honor the three founders of the Sensō-ji temple. Sanja Matsuri typically attracts 1.5 to 2 million people to the Asakusa neighborhood. The festival is celebrated by portable shrines being paraded through the streets. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to exercise extra caution if viewing or participating in the parade. Travelers should expect larger crowds and anticipate delays.
- Seoul, South Korea: Travel Advisory | The Seoul Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) parade will close a significant number of routes downtown on May 16. The Lotus Lantern Festival regularly attracts around 300,000 participants with the parade as the main event. This year’s route will run from Heunginjimun Gate and end at Jogyesa Temple. Temporary road closures and bus rerouting should be expected. Travelers are advised to build in extra time for travel. They should also maintain awareness when in large crowds.
Africa & Middle East
- Nairobi, Kenya: Security Advisory | A heightened security presence will be in place across Nairobi, Kenya from May 11-12 due to the Africa Forward Summit. The summit will host heads of state and business leaders as they talk about potential business deals. UN and French security forces will supplement Kenyan authorities in securing the city during this event. Road closures will also be in place along Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road and Kiambu Road. Travelers should follow official directives. They should also anticipate disruptions when traveling through downtown Nairobi.
- Cape Town, South Africa: Weather Advisory | Dangerous weather conditions will remain likely through May 12 in Cape Town, South Africa. Authorities have issued a level 8 warning to be in effect from May 10-12. Significantly colder weather, gale winds, and disruptive rainfall are expected. Between 4-8 inches of rain are anticipated. Travelers are advised to monitor local media for updates. They should also avoid areas near low-lying bodies of water during stormy periods.
- Kampala, Uganda: Security Advisory | The presidential inauguration on May 12 will raise security concerns in Kampala, Uganda. President Museveni won the recent presidential elections in what has widely been recognized as a fraudulent victory. Before and during the elections, Museveni has shown a willingness to use his police and military forces to crack down on dissent. These same forces will be present at the inauguration and will be ready to put down any protests. Travelers should avoid the inauguration. They should also follow official directives.
- Jerusalem, Israel: Security Advisory | Jerusalem Day will raise security concerns in Jerusalem, Israel, from May 14-15. This day celebrates the unification of Jerusalem following Israel’s military success in the 1967 war. A central component of celebrations are marches where participants carry Israeli flags. These events often see violent clashes. While not all celebrations will likely see violence, such as the concert at Safra Square, others carry a heightened risk. This is especially true for any marches that go through neighborhoods with many muslim residents. Travelers are advised to maintain awareness when in public. They should also leave an area at the first sign of violence.
