The Week Ahead: October 28, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Antwerp, Belgium: Travel Advisory | Over the coming weeks, bus drivers across Antwerp, Belgium will continue striking, causing major disruptions to transportation. The De Lijn bus drivers have conducted strikes across the region including Turnhout, Hoogstraten, Broechem, Wuustwezel, Mol, Westerlo, Oostmalle, and Heist-op-den-Berg. The duration of the strike is unknown. ​​SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid protests related to the strike and plan alternate means of travel. Monitor the local media for updates and advisories. 
  • Portugal: Travel Advisory | Through November 3, expect railway disruptions due to a nationwide railway workers strike in Portugal. On October 31, there will be a 24-hour strike and from October 28 to October 30, strikes will last two hours each day. Travel delays and cancellations are expected across Portugal on each day of the strike. SafeAbroad travelers should allow for additional travel time and reconfirm travel plans. Monitor the local media for updates. 
  • Ireland: Travel Advisory | Construction is expected to cause rail travel disruptions from October 26-28, on Irish Rail lines spanning from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Dublin and Dundalk, Ireland. Travelers should use alternate transportation, plan routes in advance, and contact Irish Rail for trip adjustments. Monitor local media for updates.
  • London, United Kingdom: Travel Advisory | From November 1 at 6:00 PM until November 8 at 11:59 PM, rail workers will strike throughout London. The actions have been planned by rail unions to demand improved working conditions and increased wages. Significant disruptions to public transport are likely. Associated protests are possible. Reconfirm services and use alternate transport as necessary. Avoid associated demonstrations. Expect delays and exercise increased awareness in transit. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Berlin, Germany: Protest Advisory | On November 2 at 2:00 PM, protesters will gather at the Pariser Platz in Berlin, Germany. The demonstration will be in support of the global progressive movement and will call for peace around the world. Travelers should avoid all protests and demonstrations. Expect travel delays, prepare alternate routes, and monitor local media for updates.
Americas
  • Peru: Health Advisory | From October 29 to 30, thousands of healthcare workers will strike nationwide, protesting outside hospitals and the Ombudsman of Peru’s headquarters. Organized by the Federacion Medica Peruana, the strike demands increased healthcare funding and better career advancement. Hospital services will likely be disrupted, so travelers should seek emergency care or alternative medical options. Stay updated via local media and follow local officials’ guidance.
  • Argentina: Travel Advisory | On October 30, transportation workers from the National Transportation Board in Argentina will strike nationwide, demanding higher wages and better union rights. Expect significant disruptions to transportation and business, with possible demonstrations outside government buildings and clashes with police. Reconfirm travel plans, anticipate delays, and prepare alternate routes. Avoid protests and monitor local media for updates.
  • Mexico City, Mexico: Protest Advisory | On October 30 at 10:00 AM, members of the National Coordinating Committee of Education Workers (CNTE) will march from the Angel of Independence monument to the Zocalo. The protesters are demanding the repeal of education reform, salary increases, and repeal of state worker legislation. Travelers should avoid all protests and demonstrations. Expect travel delays, prepare alternate routes, and monitor local media for updates.
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On November 2, LGBTQ activists will hold a pride march in Buenos Aires to protest President Javier Milei’s policies. Participants will gather at Plaza de Mayo at 10:00 AM and march to Congress at 4:00 PM. Expect heightened security and travel disruptions, with potential clashes between police and activists. Travelers should plan alternate routes, allow extra time, and avoid the demonstration area. In case of unrest, seek shelter in secure, non-government buildings.
Asia & Pacific
  • Indonesia: Protest Advisory | Through October 31, protesters will rally nationwide in Indonesia. The protests were organized to demand higher wages for trade unions. A heightened security presence is expected, particularly in Jakarta. Traffic delays may occur. Travelers should avoid sites of ongoing protest. In case of violence, find shelter indoors. Prepare alternate travel itineraries as needed. Remain aware of heightened security presence.
  • India: Security Advisory | Until November 25, heightened security and disruptions to travel are expected across India due to elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. These elections will most likely evoke a heavy security response, rallies and protests. Travelers should avoid all protests, stay informed with local news, and change travel routes accordingly. Travelers should carry their documentation with them at all times to pass through government checkpoints.
  • Melbourne, Australia: Protest Advisory | On October 29 at 9:00 AM, activists will gather outside 501 Bourke Street during an annual meeting of the biotechnology company CSR. The demonstration is planned to demand accountability for alleged deaths from tainted blood treatments. Police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and monitor local media for updates.
  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Protest Advisory | On November 1 from 2:30-4:30 PM, activists will protest outside the German Embassy to denounce the conflict in the Middle East. Police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and monitor local media for updates.
  • Auckland, New Zealand: Travel Advisory | Through October 29, train stations across Auckland, New Zealand, will close to allow for maintenance work on the trains. During the closure, the city will utilize buses to make up for the disruptions. Travelers should plan for alternate means of travel and expect delays. Contact relevant rail operators to confirm train statuses. Monitor the local media for updates. 
Africa & Middle East
  • Nigeria: Health Advisory | Until November 2, health workers associated with the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) and Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU) will strike across Nigeria. The work stoppages are to demand increased salaries and improved working conditions. Disruptions to hospitals and medical clinics are likely across the country. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to confirm local availability and plan alternate medical care. Seek treatment at emergency rooms if necessary. Avoid any associated demonstrations, exercise increased awareness and monitor local media for updates.
  • Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South Africa: Weather Advisory | On October 24, severe flooding in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in South Africa led to mandatory evacuations. This flooding is a result of the heavy rain from October 21 to 23. At least 3,000 people have been misplaced along with 30 homes damaged. Thunderstorms will continue from October 25 to 30 causing continued flooding. Electricity and telecommunication lines are down. Travelers should seek higher ground in areas with flooding and avoid going outside unless necessary. Follow local authorities’ instructions and monitor local media for updates. Keep backup battery packs for potential outages.
  • Cape Town, South Africa: Protest Advisory | On October 28, pro-Palestinian protesters will gather outside the Cape Town High Court in South Africa at 8:00 AM. Protesters will support the South African government’s court actions against Israel’s actions in Palestine. The demonstration is likely to pass peacefully, but heightened security is expected. Travelers should expect heightened security and localized travel disruptions. Monitor the local media for updates. 
  • Ethiopia: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, the risk of contracting malaria will be elevated. Ethiopia is facing a severe outbreak, with over six million cases and 1,000+ deaths, particularly in Amhara, Oromia, and southwestern regions. Malaria, transmitted by mosquito bites, can be fatal if untreated, with symptoms including fever, headaches, and weakness. Travelers should avoid mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using repellant, and staying indoors at night. Use bed nets when sleeping, keep windows closed, and use air conditioning if possible. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms arise.

Recent
Advisories

The United States updated its United Arab Emirates advisory on October 24 to include terrorism risks; reconsider travel itineraries.

The Department of State updated its travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates due to the possibility of terrorism and armed conflict related to the war with Iran. The country alert remains at level 3, ‘reconsider travel’, but this new information reflects the heightened possibility of attack that comes in tandem with Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia. Other countries whose travel advisories were updated include Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

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Turkey will celebrate Republic Day nationwide on October 28 and 29; expect large crowds, travel delays, and business closures.

Republic Day celebrates the founding of the Turkish State. Festivities begin at 1:00 PM on October 28 and continue through October 29, with parades, concerts, fireworks, and gatherings at monuments to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey’s first president. Banks, schools, and government agencies will be closed, and some bus routes will be diverted. Istanbul’s October 29 parade will close Adnan Menderes Blvd (Vatan Caddesi) from 5:45 AM until the ceremony ends.

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Additional violent protests are expected across France on October 24; expect heightened law enforcement activity.

French authorities deployed over 70,000 security personnel in anticipation of politically violent protests expected on October 24, following mass unrest on October 17 that resulted in two fatalities. Non-union demonstrations in Paris, along with all demonstrations in Lyon, Montpellier, and Nice, will be banned. Around 81,000 American travelers may be impacted by the protests while in Paris for the NFL game on October 25. Expect law enforcement to clash with protestors.

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