Global
- Worldwide: Protest Advisory | In the coming week, pro-Palestinian activists will demonstrate in urban hubs worldwide to commemorate Nakba Day (May 15), the anniversary of the beginning of the Arab-Israeli War in 1948 and mass displacement of Palestinians. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely wherever demonstrations materialize. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Maintain heightened awareness and anticipate associated delays.
Europe
- Portugal: Travel Advisory | Until May 14, unionized rail workers affiliated with the state rail operator Comboios de Portugal (CP) will strike nationwide. Multiple unions, including the National Union of Portuguese Railway Drivers (SMAQ), and the Itinerant Commercial Railway Review Union (SFRCI), have organized the work stoppage to oppose inadequate salary increases, demand collective negotiation for fair wages, and ensure the agreed-upon salary scale restructuring is implemented. Train services across the country will be disrupted, with no minimum levels of service maintained. Other forms of transport, including buses and public and app-based taxi services, may be delayed due to increased demand. Associated demonstrations are possible, particularly near urban hubs. Travelers are advised to plan alternate transport during the strike period and avoid all protest activity. Prepare for delays and maintain heightened awareness in transit.
- France: Protest Advisory | On May 13, public sector workers will strike and demonstrate nationwide. The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), Fédération Syndicale Unitaire (FSU), National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions (UNSA), French Confederation of Management – General Confederation of Executives (CFE-CGC), and Union syndicale Solidaires have organized the work stoppage and demonstrations to denounce possible job cuts in the public sector and demand increased pay and improved working conditions. In Paris, protesters will gather at Bercy Station at 2:00 PM. Additional demonstrations are planned nationwide, with start times ranging between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Education, healthcare, and public transport will likely be disrupted. A heightened police presence is expected across France. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity. Anticipate associated delays and exercise heightened awareness.
- London, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | On May 17 at 12:00 PM, pro Palestinian activists will march to commemorate Nakba Day (May 15) and denounce the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. They will gather at the Embankment tube station, move south to Big Ben, cross the Westminster Bridge, head north to Waterloo, cross the Waterloo Bridge, then head southwest ending at 10 Downing Street. A large turnout is anticipated. An increased police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways along the march route are likely. Travelers should avoid all protest activity, plan routes in advance, and maintain heightened awareness in transit.
Americas
- Ecuador: Health Advisory | On May 1, the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador announced pertussis (whooping cough) and yellow fever outbreaks. The pertussis outbreak has 321 cases, mainly in children, and effective since May 5, a 60-day mask mandate requires masks in schools and public spaces. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread through coughing or sneezing. Yellow fever, with four cases in Amazonian provinces, is a potentially severe viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. From May 12, travelers who spent more than 10 days in Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, or Brazil, will require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival. Travelers should ensure vaccinations are up to date, wear masks, practice good hygiene, use insect repellent, and follow local health directives.
- Mexico State, Mexico: Travel Advisory | Until May 16, transport workers will strike in the Eastern Zone, Toluca Valley, and the Valley of Mexico. A representative of 30 public transport companies announced the work stoppage to demand that the Ministry of Mobility approve a 4-peso fare increase. Bus, van, and truck departures will be significantly reduced. Public and app-based taxi services may be delayed due to increased demand. Associated demonstrations are possible, particularly near transport hubs. Travelers are advised to plan alternate transport during the strike period, prepare for delays, and avoid all protest activity.
- Guatemala City, Guatemala: Protest Advisory | On May 12 at 9:00 AM, education workers will gather under the Erick Barrondo bridge in Zone 18 before marching via Jocotenango Park and San Sebastián Park to the Governmental Department Office. The Guatemalan Education Workers Union (STEG) organized the march to demand increased wages and improved working conditions. An increased police presence and disruptions along the march route are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas, plan routes in advance, and exercise heightened awareness in transit.
- Peru: Protest Advisory | On May 14, activists will strike and protest nationwide against gang violence and extortion, and demand increased action from President Dina Boluarte and Congress. This follows the discovery of 13 gold miners’ bodies on May 4, after they were kidnapped by a gang at La Poderosa gold mine in Pataz, La Libertad. The kidnappers demanded a $1.1 million USD ransom, which the mine owners refused to pay. Various groups including the General Confederation of Workers of Peru and the Peruvian Transport Workers’ Guild Committee organized the strike in response. Activists from various sectors including education and transport are expected to participate. Protesters will gather at 3:00 PM at Plaza San Martin in Lima. Additional demonstrations are likely in urban hubs nationwide. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity. Expect delays, plan routes in advance, and exercise heightened awareness.
Asia & Pacific
- Bengaluru, India: Protest Advisory | On May 14, protesters will gather at Freedom park. The demonstration is organized by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) party to denounce inflation and the increased costs of living. The start time has not been announced, though it will likely start early and last into the night. A large turnout is expected. An increased police presence and disruptions on nearby roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and all protest activity. Plan routes in advance and maintain heightened awareness in transit.
- Australia: Protest Advisory | On May 15 and 18, pro-Palestinian activists will gather to commemorate Nakba Day (May 15) and denounce the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. On May 15 at 6:30 PM, protesters will gather outside the Town Hall in Sydney. On May 18 at 12:00 PM, they will gather outside the State Library in Melbourne, at 1:00 PM at King George Square in Brisbane, and at 2:00 PM outside Parliament in Adelaide. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely. Additional demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and exercise enhanced awareness in transit.
- Tokyo, Japan: Protest Advisory | On May 18 at 12:30 PM, protesters will gather at the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station. The New Socialist Party of Japan has organized the demonstration to demand the dissolution of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee, which oversees the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and all protest activity. Plan routes in advance and maintain heightened awareness in transit.
Africa & Middle East
- Togo: Protest Advisory | Over the coming weeks, protesters will gather nationwide to denounce recent constitutional reforms. On May 3, Togo implemented a new constitution that transformed the country into a parliamentary republic. Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé assumed a new role as President of the Council of Ministers, with greatly expanded powers and the possibility of unlimited 6-year terms. On May 4, various groups released a joint statement calling for national protests. The opposition Dynamics for the Majority of the People party has called for a major mobilization in the capital Lomé on May 17. The start time has not been announced. Additional demonstrations are likely in urban hubs nationwide. Police may use force to disperse crowds. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity. Plan routes in advance, maintain heightened awareness, and leave at the first sign of unrest.
- Nairobi, Kenya: Weather Advisory | On May 11, heavy rainfall led to flooding across Nairobi City. Various key roads and walkways were rendered impassable. The Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment blamed the flooding on the construction of structures on top of drainage systems. Further rainfall is forecast for the coming week. Additional floods are possible. Travelers are advised to seek high ground and shelter. Avoid low-lying areas and do not travel through floodwaters. Reconfirm the status of routes and assess the feasibility of travel before setting out.
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Protest Advisory | In the coming week, protesters will likely gather across the city to denounce the detention of CHADEMA party chairman Tundu Lissu, and the ineligibility of the party to participate in the October general elections. Lissu’s next hearing is scheduled for May 19, which he has been ordered to attend in person and can be attended by the public. Previous trial dates have coincided with demonstrations and have led to clashes between protesters and police. Possible demonstration sites include the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, government buildings, public squares, and CHADEMA offices. A heightened security presence is likely leading up to and during the hearing. Police may use force to disperse crowds. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity. Plan routes in advance and exercise heightened awareness. Leave at the first sign of unrest.
