Europe
- France: Protest Advisory | The “Block Everything” protest is set to take place across France on September 10. These protests are in response to the government’s attempted budget cuts which would pulling funding away from public services. Block Everything will see protesters boycott shopping, blocking roads, and gathering in front of government buildings. French intelligence estimates at least 100,000 are likely to participate, with the largest effects on the regions of Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse, and Lyon. Travelers are advised to avoid these protests and monitor local news for updates.
- Athens, Greece: Travel Advisory | Taxi Drivers, a part of the Taxi Drivers’ Union of Attica (SATA) , will go on a 48-hour strike in Athens on 9-10 September. The protest is in response to the Joint Ministerial Decree allowing vans to operate within the public transport system. SafeAbroad travelers should anticipate travel disruptions and difficulties acquiring a taxi. They should plan for an alternative form of transportation and avoid any protests in the capital.
- London, United Kingdom: Travel Advisory | Members of the Rail, Maritime And Transport union (RMT) are continuing their five-day walkout until Thursday September 12 in London. The RMT is protesting low wages and long shifts. Expect little to no service on the Tube to be available. SafeAbroad travelers should anticipate major traffic disruptions and plan an alternative form of transportation. Travelers are also advised to avoid demonstrations at Tube stops.
Americas
- Brazil: Protest Advisory | Demonstrations and potential unrest expected over the coming weeks across major Brazilian cities in response to the ongoing trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The trial is due to last until 12 September. Due to potential lengthy prison sentences, a conviction will likely cause unrest among Bolsonaro supporters. Venues for demonstrations include buildings associated with the government and Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party. Travelers should expect heightened security around protest sites and avoid the sites when possible.
- Toronto, Canada: Protest Advisory | On September 13, anti-immigration demonstrators will gather at Christie Pits Park in Toronto from 1 PM to 4 PM. The park holds historical significance as the site of the 1933 Christie Pits riot, when a violent clash erupted between Nazi supporters and Jewish and Italian youths after a swastika was displayed. The upcoming “Canada First Patriot Rally” is expected to face a counter-protest by pro-immigration groups beginning at 12 PM. Tensions between opposing groups will likely lead to confrontations. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest areas, anticipate increased police presence, and monitor local media for updates.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | Anti-government protests are expected to continue in Buenos Aires and other cities, where retirees gather every Wednesday at Plaza del Congreso to oppose President Javier Milei’s economic policies. Unions and civic groups have also joined these demonstrations by staging coordinated strikes and rallies, including a 24 hour judicial workers strike on August 29. Authorities have previously dispersed protests with tear gas, water cannons, and batons. Travelers should avoid protest areas and any roadblocks set up by demonstrators. They should also prepare for travel delays caused by these protests.
Asia & Pacific
- Auckland, New Zealand: Protest Advisory | On September 13, tens of thousands of protesters are expected to gather at Stafford Park at 9:30 AM to begin their “March for Humanity” rally. The route will cross over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and continue to Victoria Park. This protest is being organized by a coalition of Palestinians, Aotearoa for Palestine, who are calling for sanctions to Israel for their actions in Gaza. Travelers are advised to avoid the demonstration and arrange travel plans accordingly. Travelers should also monitor local news and media for real-time updates.
- Australia: Protest Advisory | On September 13, protests will take place in major cities throughout Australia. Indigenous activists called for the protests after a hate crime incident occurred on August 31, where an indigenous protest site in Melbourne was attacked. The protests are intended to be a national call to action against racism, and are expected to draw a large attendance. Travelers are advised to avoid these protests and be aware of the possibility of escalation. Travelers should monitor local news for updated and additional information.
- Indonesia: Protest Advisory | Further protests are likely over the coming days following the government’s economic changes. Recent protests have resulted in mass unrest across major Indonesian cities over the last weeks. The initial cause of the protests were over government worker wages, which have been reduced following the unrest. These protests have ended for the time being but are liable to start up again following the personnel change which replaced key financial and security minsters in the government. Travelers are advised to avoid these protests and to monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
- Jerusalem, Israel: Security Advisory | Expect heightened security over the coming days in Jerusalem following a recent shooting. Palestinian attackers were responsible for a shooting on the morning of September 8 that killed six and injured others. Increased security is expected following the attack. Travelers are advised to maintain increased awareness when in public and to plan for delays during travel.
- Ghana: Health Advisory | Ghana has seen a recent spike in Mpox cases over the last month. The country now has almost 500 confirmed cases of the disease. Mpox is a viral disease that’s transmissible through direct contact. Travelers are advised to consult with their personal physicians to see if the Mpox vaccine is right for them.
- Israel: Travel Advisory |On Sunday September 7 a drone launched from Yemen hit Ramon Airport in southern Israel resulting in delays and cancellations. Houthi rebels in Yemen claim responsibility for the attack which delayed and cancelled flights. Damage and injuries that resulted from this recent strike were limited. Travelers are advised to plan for residual delays to flights over the coming days and to reconfirm with their flight providers.
