Europe
- Italy: Travel Advisory | Expecttransportation delays as Rail Metro workers plan to strike on September 15 across cities in Italy. This strike involves operational personnel, to include ticket office workers. Autolinee Toscane notes that services are guaranteed from 4:15 AM-8:14 AM, and from 12:30 PM-2:29 PM. Service reliability and ticket office staff availability will depend on the size of the strike. The strikes are expected to take place in Naples, Florence, Pisa and Prato. Expect travel delays and heightened law enforcement activity, specifically in the Florence metropolitan area near metro stops. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan alternate travel arrangements, allowing for additional travel time. Continue to monitor local media for updates and alerts.
- Munich, Germany: Security Advisory | Oktoberfest will draw millions to Munich, Germany, from September 19 to October 4; Expect large crowds and minor travel delays. Over the course of 2 weeks, between 5-7 million people will visit Munich for the annual beer festival. The primary celebrations will take place at the Theresienwiese fairground. After 10:00 PM, partygoers disperse via U-Bahn or other forms of transportation to various afterparties hosted by establishments around the city. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to be aware of crowds gathered near Theresienwiese. Travelers taking the U4, or U5 U-Bahn line should plan for delays, especially around Theresienwiese station.
- Prague: Travel Advisory | “Zažít město jinak” (Experience the City Differently) will take place across Prague on September 19, with localized transportation disruptions and increased pedestrian traffic expected. The annual street festival will take place at various locations throughout the city, with streets and public spaces used for cultural activities, performances, and community events. Temporary road restrictions, increased pedestrian activity, and localized traffic congestion is expected around participating neighborhoods. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to allow additional time when traveling through affected areas and monitor local transportation updates for changes to routes or access. Maintain situational awareness when traveling through crowded areas.
Americas
- Guatemala City, Guatemala: Security Advisory | Guatemala will hold two days of Independence Day celebrations on September 14-15. Guatemala’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 15, with festivities beginning on September 14. On September 14, the Antorcha de la Libertad (Torch of Liberty) will begin in La Mesilla in the morning and travel toward Guatemala City, ultimately arriving at the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura. On September 15, a military parade will begin at 9:00 AM along Avenida Las Américas before proceeding to the Plaza de la Constitución. The day will feature performances and various activities, concluding with fireworks in the evening. Expect disruptions throughout the festivities, including traffic congestion, road closures, and heightened security. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan ahead to anticipate delays. Travelers are also advised to follow local directives.
- Lima, Peru: Travel Advisory | Mototaxi drivers in Lima, Peru, are expected to strike on September 15 in protest of violence and extortion against them. Mototaxi drivers in other cities may also join the strike. Access to transportation is expected to be severely impacted. The duration of the strike is unknown. Large, affiliated protests are possible and may cause further disruptions. SafeAbroad travelers should avoid all strike activities and plan for delays and difficulties with public transportation. Travelers should monitor local media for updates
- Mexico: Security Advisory | Mexican Independence Day celebrations to occur throughout Mexico on September 15-16. Exercise increased caution and expect travel delays. On September 15 and 16 each year, people across the country celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Expect large crowds, parades, and celebrations. Various roads will be closed for military parades and floats. Public squares are likely to host the biggest crowds. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to exercise caution in crowded spaces where pickpocketing is more common. Follow local transportation announcements to be aware which roads in your city will be closed. Avoid any political demonstrations.
Asia & Pacific
- Philippines: Travel Advisory | Nationwide travel disruptions in the Philippines as Manibela organized a strike on September 14-15. Jeepney drivers affiliated with Manibela are expected to stage a nationwide strike for up to 48 hours. The strike is meant to demand government action on rising fuel prices. Affiliated protests are expected. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan travel in advance and allow for additional time. Travelers should also avoid any protest activities.
- Thailand: Security Advisory | Thailand will cut visa-free stays in half for international travelers on September 15. The Thai government is reducing the length of visa-free stays for international travelers from 60 countries (including the United States) from 60 days to 30 days starting on September 15. Travelers may make a one-time application for a 30-day extension, conditional on the approval of the Thai Immigration Bureau. The new policy on visa-free stays applies specifically to tourism — visitors on business or international students will require a visa to stay in Thailand once the policy takes effect. Travelers are advised to contact their country’s Thai embassy to confirm their eligibility for a visa if their stay in Thailand would be affected by the visa-free stay reduction. Monitor further announcements from the Thai government to remain updated on relevant policy information.
- Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan: Security Advisory | The Asian Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, expect heightened security and crowds. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place in Nagoya. Heightened security and increased police presence is expected in areas surrounding the Games. Road closures, public transportation delays, security checkpoints, random searches, and travel disruption are all expected throughout the cities. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to always comply with the instruction of security forces and to carry photographic identification. Travel disruptions should be expected; consult local media and news organizations for up-to-date information on road closures, public transportation reroutes, and security concerns. Maintain situational awareness when in crowded areas.
Africa & Middle East
- Tshwane, South Africa: Security Advisory | The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo is scheduled to take place from September 16 to September 20 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Tshwane, South Africa, with heightened security and increased traffic expected in the surrounding area. The event is Africa’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition and is expected to attract international military and government delegations, exhibitors, trade visitors, and members of the public. Heightened security measures and increased police presence are expected around the venue and surrounding areas due to the presence of military facilities and international delegations. Road closures, traffic congestion, security checkpoints, and travel delays are possible throughout Tshwane, particularly near Air Force Base Waterkloof. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to comply with instructions from security personnel and avoid entering restricted areas surrounding military facilities. Travelers should expect localized travel disruptions. Maintain situational awareness when traveling near the event and avoid photographing military facilities or security personnel.
- Casablanca, Morocco: Security Advisory | The L’Boulevard Festival will take place from September 17-20 at the R.U.C. Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, with increased crowds and localized travel disruption expected in the surrounding area. The 24th edition of L’Boulevard will feature Moroccan and international artists across rap, hip-hop, rock, metal, fusion, and other contemporary music genres, alongside a creative market and cultural activities. The festival is free to attend, and activities will begin from approximately 4:00 PM each day, likely resulting in increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic around the venue, particularly during evening performances. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to expect localized congestion and delays when traveling near the R.U.C. Stadium and to allow additional time when traveling through the Oasis area. Travelers should maintain situational awareness in crowded areas, secure personal belongings, and follow instructions from event security personnel.
- Nairobi, Kenya: Travel Advisory | The World Health Expo (WHX) Nairobi will take place from September 16-18 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), with increased traffic and localized travel disruption expected in central Nairobi. The event is expected to attract more than 5,500 attendees and 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, bringing international healthcare professionals, government representatives, and industry participants to the city. Increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic is expected around the KICC and surrounding areas during the event. Travelers are advised to allow additional time when traveling through central Nairobi and expect localized congestion and delays near the event venue. Travelers should monitor local traffic updates and follow instructions from event personnel and security officials when traveling near the KICC.
