The Week Ahead: May 5, 2025

Date

Europe
  • Berlin, Germany: Protest Advisory | From 8:00 AM on May 6 until 12:00 PM on May 7, protesters will gather outside the Federal Chancellery to denounce Christian Democratic Union party leader Friedrich Merz, who is set to become Chancellor on May 6. An increased police presence and localized travel disruptions are likely. The demonstration will likely be well attended, though should pass off peacefully. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and all protest activity. Plan routes in advance and prepare for delays.
  • Portugal: Travel Advisory | Starting May 7 at 12:01 AM, unionized rail workers with state-owned rail company, Comboios de Portugal, will strike nationwide for 48 hours. The Transportation and Communications Trade Union Federation (FECTRANS) organized the work stoppage to demand salary increases. Passenger train services across Portugal will likely be disrupted, and other forms of transport may be delayed due to increased demand. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, reconfirm available services, and plan alternate methods of transport during the strike period.
  • Vatican City and Rome, Italy: Security Advisory | Starting May 7, a papal conclave will begin in Vatican City to choose the successor of Pope Francis. The conclave will draw journalists, pilgrims, and dignitaries from around the world, prompting heightened security and associated disruptions. An increased police presence, road closures, traffic delays, and congestion are likely across Rome and Vatican City. Travelers are advised to follow official directives and monitor local media to remain aware of associated events. Prepare for delays, plan routes in advance, and allow additional travel time.
  • London, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | On May 7 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, protesters will gather outside Liverpool Street Station near the Children of the Kindertransport monument. The demonstration has been organized by the Campaign for Ukraine to denounce Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, oppose fascism, condemn the alleged abduction of Ukrainian children to ‘re-education camps,’ and urge international intervention for their immediate return. An increased police 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.
Americas
  • Argentina: Travel Advisory | On May 6, bus workers will strike for 24 hours across the country. The Automobile and Tram Union (UTA) organized the work stoppage due to failed negotiations with the Federation of Automotive Passenger Transporters (FATAP) employers’ association. Short and medium distance buses will be affected. Other forms of public transport will likely be delayed due to increased demand. Travelers are advised to reconfirm available services. Plan alternate transport and prepare for delays.
  • Mexico City, Mexico: Protest Advisory | On May 8 at 7:00 AM, protesters will gather outside the National Palace to honor victims of enforced disappearances, raise awareness, and urge the government to act swiftly in searches, investigations, and prevention. An increased police 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.
  • Mississauga, Canada: Protest Advisory | On May 9 at 6:00 PM, protesters will gather at Celebration Square. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) have organized the demonstration to demand that the Pakistani government release all detained PTM members. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity. Plan routes in advance and maintain heightened awareness in transit.
Asia & Pacific
  • Putrajaya, Malaysia: Protest Advisory | On May 6 at 10:00 AM, protesters will gather at the Ministry of Health building before marching to the Prime Minister’s office. The march was organized by the Malaysian Medical Association to oppose a new regulation mandating that private clinics publicly display the prices of medications. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity. Plan routes in advance and maintain heightened awareness in transit.
  • Telangana, India: Travel Advisory | Starting May 7, bus workers across the state will strike indefinitely. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) organized the work stoppage due to the state government’s failure to address multiple demands, including payment of unpaid wages and protection of workers’ rights. Thousands of buses are expected to be taken out of service, resulting in major transport disruptions. Travelers are advised to plan alternate transport during the strike, prepare for delays, and avoid all associated protest activity.
  • Sydney, Australia: Protest Advisory | On May 7 at 5:30 PM, protesters will gather outside the Parliament of New South Wales to oppose the Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Health Care Access) Bill 2025. The bill seeks to mandate that all public health institutions provide abortion-related services. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity. Plan routes in advance and maintain heightened awareness in transit.
Africa & Middle East
  • Tel Aviv, Israel: Security and Travel Advisory | On May 4, a missile strike launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels injured at least eight people after defeating interception efforts and landing near Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). Airport operations were significantly disrupted, though have since resumed. Several international airlines have temporarily suspended flights to and from TLV airport until at least May 6, including Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Air France, Air India, and the Lufthansa Group (Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Eurowings, and Brussels Airlines). Travelers are advised to contact the relevant airline to reconfirm available services. Maintain situational awareness and follow official directives.
  • Rwanda: Weather Advisory | Until at least May 6, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms are forecast across the country. Meteo Rwanda has issued warnings for Kigali, Northern and Western provinces, and some parts of Southern and Eastern provinces. Districts likely to be worst affected include Huye, Kirehe, Ngoma, Nyamagabe, Rwamagana, Muhanga, and Nyaruguru. Flooding and landslides are possible, particularly in low-lying areas. Travelers are advised to seek high ground and shelter. Avoid low-lying areas and do not travel through floodwaters. Keep emergency food and water supplies and maintain a backup power source.
  • Ghana: Protest Advisory | On May 5, protesters will gather nationwide to denounce the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and oppose President John Mahama’s alleged plans to run for a third term despite constitutional two-term limits. Multiple opposition parties have announced their support for the protests. A large turnout is anticipated, particularly in Accra. Likely demonstration sites include major roadways, public squares, and government buildings. An increased police presence and localized disruptions are likely in urban hubs across Ghana. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Exercise heightened caution, plan routes in advance, and follow official directives.

Recent
Advisories

Avoid Vaksala Square in Uppsala, Sweden, after a deadly shooting killed three people on April 29.

At least three people have died in Uppsala after a shooting in a hair salon on April 29. Police are searching for the suspect, who is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle. Authorities have cordoned off the area and urged nearby residents to stay sheltered in place as the investigation continues. The motive remains unknown. Increased security in the area is likely.

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