Global

• Protest Advisory | Protests will take place in major cities across the world from October 7-12 causing mass disruptions and potential violence. October 7 marks the two year anniversary of the start of the war in Gaza. Last year’s anniversary protests saw mass turnouts; 40,000 protesters marched in London alone. This conflict has also been known to inspire violence and counter-protests. Travelers are advised to monitor local news for updates and to plan travel routes around city centers.

• Frankfurt, Germany: Protest Advisory | On October 7, a pro-Palestinian demonstration is planned in Frankfurt’s Paulsplatz at 4:00 PM coinciding with Europe-wide protests marking the two-year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The significance of the date is expected to draw large crowds, increased security, and transit disruptions. Last year’s protest saw arrests and vandalism. SafeAbroad Travelers should anticipate road closures, crowded public spaces, and heightened police presence. They should also take care to avoid protest zones and plan alternate routes.
• Athens, Greece: Protest Advisory | Protesters will gather in Athens, Greece, on October 10 at 7:00 PM to oppose conflicts in the Middle East. The protest was organized to call attention to the Israel-Hamas conflict and denounce Israel for its ongoing actions in Gaza. Tensions are amplified by a recent protest that saw demonstrators take the streets after Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, which attempted to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The protest will take place in front of the Panormou metro station. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest area and to avoid interacting with the demonstrators.
• London, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | Demonstrators will demand government action on the Israel/Hamas conflict in London on October 11. Previous protests on October 4 saw large turnouts where approximately 500 demonstrators were arrested. The upcoming demonstration will march around London’s downtown Thames riverfront causing major disruptions. Travelers are advised to avoid the protests and to plan alternate routes around the city center.

• Costa Rica: Weather Advisory | Additional rainfall over the coming days may cause further disruptions across Costa Rica. Authorities have issued Orange alerts (second-highest) for San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, and Puntarenas, with Limón under a Yellow alert. Recent downpours have already flooded areas of Alajuela, Puntarenas, and San José. Heavy rain could further trigger flash flooding, landslides, power interruptions, and short notice transportation delays nationwide, especially on rural and mountain roads. If rainfall persists, cleanup operations and residual disruptions may extend beyond the immediate forecast window of October 8. SafeAbroad travelers should avoid flood prone areas, reconfirm road conditions before departures, and defer non-essential trips on affected roadways, especially after dark. They can also monitor the National Emergency Commission (CNE) for further updates.
• Baja California, Mexico: Weather Advisory | Tropical Storm Priscilla is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Baja California on Friday October 10. The storm is currently heading in a northwest direction paralleling Mexico’s Pacific coastline. Priscilla is forecasted to reach a level 2 hurricane status over the next few days. Travelers are advised to monitor the storm’s development and to follow official directives.
• Ecuador: Protest Advisory | Violent protests are expected to continue over the coming weeks in Ecuador. Demonstrations resulting in violence have been ongoing since the government’s decision to end a fuel subsidy on September 12. An initial state of emergency was declared in seven provinces, which has been expanded to ten. These protests will continue to cause significant disruptions to traffic, public transportation. Demonstrations and road blockages can happen with little notice. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations to minimize the risk of exposure to incidental violence.

• South Korea: Travel Advisory | Expect increased security measures and frequent travel disruptions between October 6 and 12, as celebrations for the major Korean mid-autumn harvest festival, known as Chuseok, will be taking place. Roughly thirty-two million people are expected to travel around the country during this time period, resulting in severe congestion and crowds at various transport hubs, major roads, and markets. Due to the anticipated large turnouts nationwide, an uptick in traffic-related delays and petty crimes is expected. Travelers are advised to allot themselves extra time for travel as well as exercise caution when in large, crowded areas. Travelers should also monitor local media outlets for further updates and directives.
• Guangdong, China: Travel Advisory | Residual travel delays are expected over the coming days following the passage of Typhoon Matmo. The typhoon hit southern China in the early afternoon of Sunday October 5. Hundreds of thousands were evacuated in anticipation of the storm, which went on to bring high winds and flooding. Travelers are advised to reconfirm travel routes before departing amid the cleanup efforts, as well as to expect delays to transportation services.
• Thailand: Security Advisory | Tensions at the Cambodia-Thailand border remain high, making continued military activity over the coming weeks likely. Both countries have accused one another of ceasefire violations as well as encroaching on the other’s land. Following reports of gunfire along the border at Chong An Ma on September 27, the government of Thailand announced that it would be deploying additional security personnel and ministry officials to the border. Travelers are advised to refrain from traveling within thirty miles of the Cambodia-Thailand frontier. Travelers should also exercise increased caution on planned journeys and monitor local media sources for real-time updates and directives.

• Morocco: Protest Advisory | Youth-led protests are expected to continue over at least the next week across Morocco. A youth activist group called “Gen Z 212” has been engaging in large short notice demonstrations scattered throughout the country demanding reforms to education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors. The group has led protests everyday since September 27. Hundreds of protestors have been arrested with sporadic reports of violence. Travelers should expect a heightened security presence in urban areas with government buildings and large public gathering spaces. They should also avoid any spontaneous protests and avoid interacting with the demonstrators.
• Israel: Security Advisory | Negotiations between the Israeli government and Hamas have to potential to cause widespread unrest across Israel this week. A renewed effort at talks has produced some initial success over the weekend. Protesters have been gathering consistently in large numbers over the last few months demanding the return of the hostages and end of the war. If no deal is reached, it is extremely likely that larger than usual mass protests will take place across major Israeli cities. The protests will also be fueled by the anniversary of October 7. Travelers are advised to monitor local media and maintain increased awareness when in public areas.
• Senegal: Health Advisory | Senegal has been experiencing an uptick in Rift Valley Fever (RVF) cases, presenting a health threat to travelers. There have been 78 reported cases since September 21 with 11 of those resulting in deaths. RVF has been spreading throughout Northern Senegal, primarily in the Saint Louis region. The disease can be spread both through direct contact of blood as well as through mosquito bites. Travelers are advised to use bug-repellent spray when in the area, as well as monitor themselves for potential symptoms.