The Week Ahead: May 27, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Paris, France: Protest Advisory | On May 28 at 2:00 PM at Place d’Italie in Paris, France, a protest will occur with demands for improving rail lines. Large crowds are expected, with possible travel disruptions and heightened security measures. Travelers should avoid protests and demonstrations, and plan alternate routes in advance.
  • London, United Kingdom: Travel Advisory | From May 31 to June 2 at London-Heathrow Airport terminals, a border staff strike will occur with a ban on overtime work until June 25. The Public and Commercial Services Union expects delays for inbound travelers during passport checks. Travelers should adjust their itineraries to accommodate for the delay, monitor news from airline operators for latest updates.
  • Athens, Greece: Security Advisory | On May 29, authorities are tightening security for the UEFA Conference League Final match being held at the OAP Arena in Athens due to fears of Islamic State terror threats. Authorities have collaborated with Europol to identify potential extremists in advance. Expect a heightened police presence in commercial areas around the capital as the event draws closer. Travelers should maintain enhanced situational awareness, monitor local news, and plan travel routes in advance. 
  • Armenia and Georgia: Weather Advisory | Because of recent heavy rainfall, account for travel delays along the Armenia-Georgia border near Bagratashen, Armenia and Sadakhlo, Georgia. Authorities have closed this border crossing, closed several roads, and delayed train routes from both countries due to the flooding of the Debed River. Travelers should avoid the Bagratashen-Sadakhlo border crossing, expect travel delays, and plan alternate routes.
Americas
  • Posadas, Argentina: Protest Advisory | Protests will likely continue through May 28, near Posadas and government offices in the area. Protests in the prior weeks caused violence and major transportation disruptions. Due to the protests, major delays between Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil are expected. Travelers are advised to avoid any gatherings and plan alternate routes. 
  • Toronto, Canada: Protest Advisory | On May 27, the University of Toronto is expected to bring legal action against protesters at King’s College Circle. The pro-Palestine protesters may be subject to trespassing citations from university security officials. Clashes with police are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid the protests and monitor the situation via local media. 
  • Mexico City, Mexico: Protest Advisory | Political protests will likely continue near government offices in Mexico City ahead of the June 2 presidential election. Recent protests occurring in the zócalo brought tens of thousands of demonstrators. Travelers are advised to avoid the area in the following weeks and plan travel accordingly. 
  • Ibague, Colombia: Travel Advisory | On May 29, taxi drivers are expected to strike in Ibague, Colombia in protest of illegal app-based transport services. Associated protests are likely, but exact details about them are unknown. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and expect travel delays. Make alternate travel plans accommodating the lack of taxi services. 
Asia & Pacific
  • Pakistan and Western India: Weather Advisory | For the coming week, the current heatwave will continue across the region. Travelers are advised to avoid going outdoors, replenish fluid loss and wear loose-fitting clothes. Learn the warning signs of heat illnesses and how to treat them.
  • Eastern India and Bangladesh: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, a cyclone will bring severe rainfall and floods. Travelers are advised to leave low-lying areas and seek high ground. Monitor local news and weather alerts for latest updates. Learn the warning signs for severe rainfall and flood alerts. Identify evacuation routes and local shelters.
  • Philippines: Weather Advisory | A tropical storm is projected to travel across the Philippines through May 31, bringing heavy rain, floods, and landslides to central and northern areas. The storm will briefly strengthen into a typhoon May 28-29. Travelers are advised to leave low-lying areas, develop emergency plans, and monitor local news and weather alerts. 
  • Kucukcekmece, Turkey: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, heightened security is expected after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated at a storefront leaving one person injured in the Inonu District of Kucukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey. Expect residual disruption and a heightened security presence as authorities investigate. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and follow the guidance of local authorities. Travelers should also monitor local news for updates.
Africa & Middle East
  • Saudi Arabia: Health Advisory | The CDC has issued a Level 1 travel notice for Saudi Arabia due to a heightened rate of Meningococcal disease cases during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. This uptick is expected to continue through the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage in mid-June. Saudi Arabia mandates that all travelers aged one year and older must have received the ACWY Meningococcal vaccine within the last 3-5 years to be granted entry. Travelers should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to Saudi Arabia. 
  • Tunisia: Travel Advisory | On May 28 and 29, rail workers across Tunisia will go on strike. Workers are striking over pay grievances. Travelers are advised to plan alternate travel and anticipate delays. Avoid associated protests. Monitor the situation via local media. 
  • Kano State, Nigeria: Protest Advisory | Throughout the rest of May, protests are likely to occur in Kano State, Nigeria in response to the state government’s decision to repeal a 2019 law that created five emirates in Kano. Travel disruptions and heightened security are possible. Travelers should avoid all protests and plan travel routes in advance. 
  • South Africa: Protest Advisory | In the runup to South Africa’s general election on May 29, protests and rallies are expected nationwide. South Africa is plagued by water and energy crises, and protests are common, elevating the anticipated fervor of political protests. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and plan travel in advance. Monitor local media for updates. 

Recent
Advisories

On November 4, a red warning was issued for Barcelona, Spain, due to torrential rain and flooding.

On November 4, red warnings were issued for Catalonia due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Currently 15 flights have been cancelled and roads leading to the airport are blocked, causing severe disruptions to El Prat Airport in Barcelona. Several highways have been closed and all commuter trains in northeast Catalonia have been suspended.  This follows storms in Valencia which has killed at least 217 people. 

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As of November 4, a volcanic eruption at Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores, Indonesia, has killed at least ten people.

On November 4, Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted, spewing volcanic materials up to 2000 meters (6,561 feet) into the air. Hot ash hit a nearby village, collapsing houses and causing at least 10 deaths. At least 10,000 people have been affected in the Wulanggitang District. Due to increased activity, authorities raised the alert level to IV, the highest level in the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia’s (PVMBG) four-tiered system. Additional eruptions are possible.

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