Europe
- Belgium: Travel and Protest Advisory | On May 20, unionized public sector workers will strike and protest nationwide to denounce austerity measures proposed by the federal government. The action is organized by the General Federation of Public Services (CGSP/ACOD) in response to planned budget cuts, pension reforms, and reductions in public service funding. In Brussels, protesters will gather at 10:00 AM outside the Federal Pensions Service office. Additional demonstrations are expected in urban centers across the country. A heightened police presence and localized disruptions to travel are likely near protest sites. Significant disruptions are expected to rail, tram, and bus services nationwide, with only partial service in some areas. Travelers are advised to reconfirm available services, plan alternate transport options, allow extra time for travel, and avoid all protest activity.
- Budapest, Hungary: Protest Advisory | On May 20 from 4:30 PM to 6:45 PM, protesters will gather at District V, Ferenciek tere 5. The demonstration is organized to oppose recent legislation restricting LGBTQ+ rights, freedom of assembly, and government transparency. A heightened police presence and localized disruptions are likely near the protest site. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and all protest activity, plan routes in advance, and maintain heightened awareness while in transit.
- The Hague, Netherlands: Protest Advisory | On May 24 at 2:00 PM, protesters will gather outside the International Criminal Court. The demonstration is organized to denounce the Syrian transitional government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa for alleged state-sponsored impunity and ongoing human rights violations. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are likely near the ICC, particularly along Maanweg and surrounding access roads. Travelers are advised to avoid the area, plan routes in advance, and maintain heightened awareness while in transit.
- Madrid, Spain: Protest Advisory | On May 25 at 12:00 PM, protesters will gather at Plaza del Doctor Marañón, Plaza del Callao, Atocha Station, and outside Hospital La Princesa before marching to converge at Plaza de Cibeles. The demonstration is organized by more than 100 civic and neighborhood associations to demand urgent improvements to the public healthcare system, including increased staffing, reduced wait times, and a reversal of privatization policies. A heightened police presence and disruptions to travel are likely in central Madrid, particularly along Gran Vía, Paseo del Prado, and around Plaza de Cibeles. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, plan routes in advance, and maintain heightened awareness while in transit.
Americas
- Argentina: Protest Advisory | On May 19 and 20, unionized teachers affiliated with the National Federation of University Teachers and other education unions will strike nationwide to denounce reductions in government funding for public universities. The strike is expected to significantly disrupt academic activities at universities and higher education institutions across the country. Associated demonstrations are likely in major urban centers, particularly near university campuses and government buildings. On May 22 at 11:00 AM, protesters will gather at Plaza Houssay in Buenos Aires before marching to Palacio Sarmiento, the headquarters of the Ministry of Education. A heightened police presence and localized disruptions to travel are likely near protest sites. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, plan routes in advance, and maintain heightened awareness while in transit.
- Mexico City, Mexico: Protest Advisory | On May 19 and 20, unionized education workers will strike and protest across Mexico City and surrounding areas. The National Coordinating Committee of Education Workers (CNTE) organized the action to demand improved salaries and benefits. On May 19, protesters will gather at toll booths at the Queretaro exit on the Mexico State–Querétaro highway, the Cuernavaca exit on the Mexico State–Cuernavaca highway, and the San Marcos exit on the Mexico State–Puebla highway. On May 20, gatherings are planned at La Raza, Auditorio, General Anaya, and Boulevard Puerto Aéreo metro stations. A sit-in at the Zócalo, ongoing since May 15, will likely see increased participation during the strike period. A heightened police presence and localized disruptions to road and pedestrian travel are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, follow official directives, plan routes in advance, and maintain increased awareness.
- Toronto, Canada: Protest Advisory | On May 24 at 2:00 PM, protesters will gather at the north lawn of Queen’s Park. The demonstration is organized by the Iranian Democratic Association to commemorate the execution of political prisoners during the rule of the former Shah and under the current Iranian regime. A heightened police presence and localized disruptions to road and pedestrian travel are likely near the protest site. Travelers are advised to avoid the area, plan routes in advance, and maintain heightened awareness while in transit.
Asia & Pacific
- Seoul, South Korea: Protest Advisory | On May 20, protesters will gather outside City Hall subway station. The demonstration is organized by the National Coalition for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) to advocate for stronger protections of the rights of individuals with disabilities. A heightened police presence and localized disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest area, plan routes in advance to bypass the location, and maintain heightened awareness while in transit.
- Indonesia: Travel and Protest Advisory: On May 20, unionized transport workers will stage a 24-hour nationwide strike and protest at 1:00 PM at the Ministry of Transportation building, the Presidential Palace, and the People’s Representative Council building in Jakarta. The Indonesian Transportation Workers Union (SPAI) organized the action to denounce an app-based ride-hailing service accused of violating transport regulations. The demonstration in Jakarta is expected to be well attended, with additional associated protests possible in urban centers across the country. Transport disruptions are likely, particularly affecting motorcycle ride-hailing services, though other public and private transport options may also experience delays or reduced availability. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are expected in protest areas. Travelers should plan for delays, avoid protest sites, and consider alternative transport options where possible.
- Australia: Protest Advisory | On May 24, protesters will gather across Australia in a coordinated action to denounce U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and to call on Australia to cut ties with the United States. The demonstrations are organized by groups including the Australian Friends of Palestine Association and Students for Palestine. Protests are scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM at the State Library in Melbourne, King George Square in Brisbane, and Town Hall in Sydney; and at 2:00 PM at Northbridge Piazza in Perth, Crown Street Mall in Wollongong, and the Parliament Steps in Adelaide. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended. An increased police presence and localized disruptions to roads and walkways are likely in protest areas. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity, plan routes in advance, and exercise heightened awareness while in transit.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Protest Advisory | On May 24 at 2:30 PM, protesters will gather in front of the Sogo shopping complex on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. The demonstration is organized by a coalition of Malay-Muslim NGOs, including PERKASA, to denounce the government’s perceived failure to safeguard the rights and interests of the Malay-Muslim community. A heightened police presence and localized disruptions are likely in the area. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest area, plan routes in advance to bypass the location, and maintain heightened awareness while in transit.
Africa & Middle East
- Abuja, Nigeria: Protest Advisory | On May 19, protesters will gather outside the Ministry of Education building. On May 20, protesters will demonstrate outside the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) headquarters in Bwari. The demonstrations are organized to denounce technical issues and a high failure rate among candidates of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which reportedly affected hundreds of thousands of candidates. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity, plan routes in advance to bypass protest locations, and maintain heightened awareness while in transit.
- Tel Aviv, Israel: Protest Advisory | On May 25 at 8:00 PM, protesters will gather at Hostages Square. The demonstration is organized to call on the Israeli government to negotiate the safe return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and end the conflict. Protesters gathered across Israel on May 17, with some lighting fires and blocking roads in Paris Square, Jerusalem, and on Begin Road in Tel Aviv. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office announced on May 18 that negotiations had resumed, with an Israeli delegation remaining in Doha, Qatar, for ongoing talks. Unless an agreement is reached, the May 25 protest is likely to be well attended. A heightened police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Additional demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, plan routes in advance, and exercise heightened awareness in transit.
