Europe
- Lisbon, Portugal: Travel Advisory | A military parade will cause travel disruptions through downtown Lisbon, Portugal on November 25. The parade is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM at Praca do Comercio in central Lisbon, and will commemorate the failed military coup d’état against the post-Carnation Revolution governing bodies of Portugal on November 25, 1975. Authorities will implement localized road closures, traffic restrictions, and heightened security measures around Praca do Comercio and nearby streets, with several high profile political figures, including President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expected to attend. These measures are likely to cause congestion, delays, and increased security screening in parts of the city, particularly around the waterfront and downtown area. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to reconfirm routes and transport schedules before departure, and allow extra time for journeys.
- Europe: Protest Advisory | Women’s advocacy groups and trade unions will hold demonstrations against gender-based violence in urban centers across France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain on November 25 to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Notable events include gatherings from 6:30 PM at Placa Universitat in Barcelona, 4:00 PM at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, 5:30 PM at Dublin City Hall, 6:30 PM at Largo de Intendente in Lisbon toward Largo Sao Domingos, from 6:30 PM along Alcala-Gran Via and 7:00 PM at Atocha train station in Madrid toward Plaza de Jacinto Benavente, 6:00 PM at 8 Rue du Calvaire in Nantes, and 7:00 PM at Plaza de la Virgen in Valencia. While demonstrations are expected to remain largely peaceful, they are likely to draw significant turnout and cause localized road closures, congestion, and a heightened security presence around march routes and central districts. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to exercise caution near the demonstration sites and reconfirm routes before departure.
- Belgium: Travel Advisory | Trade unions will hold a three-day national strike in Belgium from November 24 to 26, disrupting public transport and public services. Departing flights at Brussels Airport (BRU) on November 26 have been canceled. Related protests are scheduled during this period, including a major demonstration at Place Jean Jacobs in Brussels at 2:00 PM on November 23 over gender-based violence and perceived government austerity measures. These actions are likely to cause significant disruptions to local and intercity travel. Safeabroad travelers should expect short-notice route changes and a heightened police presence around protest sites and key transport hubs.
Americas
- Mexico: Travel Advisory | A nationwide protest by transportation workers will block multiple highways on November 24, creating massive travel delays. The workers are protesting unsafe highway conditions and are standing in solidarity with farmers who are demanding increased prices for their agricultural goods. Highways across the country will be blocked by large vehicles, including the Mexico-Querétaro Highway, the Mexico-Puebla Highway, and the Pan-American Highway (Mexico-Nogales). Similar travel disruptions have taken place across Mexico over the past few months leading to huge delays in transportation. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to seek alternative travel routes and methods of transportation. Travelers should also refrain from engaging with demonstrators and frequently monitor local news and media for updates on the protest.
- Panama: Health Advisory | New cases Oropouche continue to pose a threat to travelers in Panama. 17 new cases this last week from seven different regions bring this year’s running total to 657 cases. Oropouche is a virus transmitted by biting midges that results in flu-like symptoms. Most cases occur in heavily forested regions, but some have also affected metropolitan areas. Travelers are advised to wear long sleeve shirts when in rural areas and to monitor themselves for symptoms.
- Americas: Protest Advisory | Demonstrations will cause disruptions across capitals in Latin America on November 25 coinciding with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The majority of protests will take place near government buildings. Capitals expecting demonstrations include: Brasilia, Asuncion, Lima, Mexico City, Panama, Quito, San Jose, and Santiago. Travelers are advised to avoid interacting with protesters and to monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
- Quezon City, Philippines: Protest Advisory | The Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM) protest on November 30 is expected to cause massive disruptions again in the Philippines. Demonstrators are voicing their anger over allegations of extreme government corruption. Protesters are expected to march from various locations to the People’s Power Monument. TPMM’s previous rally in September brought between 80,000-120,000 people to the streets, with similar numbers expected again. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest and to monitor local media for updates.
- Kagoshima, Japan: Travel Advisory | On November 16, Mount Sakurajima erupted multiple times (1:00 AM, 2:30 AM, and 8:50 AM), resulting in ash clouds reaching 2.7 miles above the crater. Because of this, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has elevated the warning to level three warning (on a five-tier scale), restricting access to the volcano and barring entry to nearby non-residential areas. 30 flights in and out of Kagoshima Airport were cancelled due to ashfall and related reasons. The primary danger remains the ejection of rocks and ash leading to injury. Expect further eruptions and intermittent, short-notice travel disruptions to air traffic in the area. Travelers are advised to monitor the JMA website for immediate updates. They should also contact flight providers to check scheduling and reschedule as necessary.
- India: Protest Advisory | Coinciding nationwide protests on November 26 will cause disruptions throughout the country. Farmers are marking a 5 year anniversary since deadly protests against agricultural legislation, while demanding further protections. Multiple trade unions are protesting against new official labor codes calling them deceptive. Demonstrations are expected to cause large disruptions near government buildings in district and state centers. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests. They are also advised to monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
- Khomas, Namibia: Health Advisory | Authorities have declared an outbreak of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in the Khomas region as of November 23. CCHF is a severe, potentially fatal viral disease transmitted through tick bites, contact with infected livestock, or exposure to the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort, and bleeding. Individuals working with animals, traveling through areas with ticks, or caring for infected patients face the highest risk. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid tick exposure by wearing long sleeves and pants, avoiding tall grass and wooded areas, and applying insect repellent. Travelers should also avoid direct contact with animals and animal tissues, and strictly avoid contact with sick individuals and bodily fluids. Anyone who experiences a tick bite or develops symptoms after potential exposure should seek immediate consult with a medical professional.
- Ethiopia: Health Advisory | A recent outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) has been declared following reported cases in Ethiopia’s southern provinces. MVD is a hemorrhagic fever that is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected materials. Five deaths from the disease have been confirmed, with an additional 130 people under monitoring. The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the risk as high due to limited information, unsupervised burials, and possible occupational exposure for medical professionals. Travelers are advised to monitor themselves for high grade fevers, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. They should also monitor local media for further updates on the situation.
- Nairobi, Kenya: Protest Advisory | Teachers will protest outside of the parliament building in Nairobi, Kenya on November 25 causing disruptions in the capital. Demonstrators demand an increased role in legislation pertaining to the education sector. The protest is expected to pass peacefully, but can rapidly turn violent as Kenyan police have been known to harshly put down demonstrations before. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest and to plan alternative routes around parliament.