On March 11, the World Health Organization officially classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, indicating that every location is likely to be affected, though the exact timing and impact cannot be predicted. Non-essential international and domestic travel should be deferred due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global logistical environment, healthcare systems in all locations, the global economy, the potential for second-order security issues in the short, medium and longer term, as well as the risk of infection with COVID-19. A new virus, SARS-CoV-2, is the cause of COVID-19 disease. The WHO is still learning about the virus and the illness it causes. The disease is spreading from person to person, through contact with infected respiratory droplets. The disease is a mild illness for most; however, it can be severe or fatal to high risk groups.
For more information on confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, refer to the latest Situation Report on the World Health Organization (WHO) website by clicking here. For more general information on the outbreak and WHO’s response, click here.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IMPLEMENTED WORLDWIDE
A number of countries have relaxed some restrictions that aimed to contain the spread of COVID-19. This includes the relaxation of restrictions on internal movement, reopening of businesses and a resumption of some domestic and international travel. Nevertheless, strict measures remain in place, or are being reimposed, in some locations where there is increasing case activity. In some locations all travel should continue to be deferred, while for others essential travel can resume after undertaking an individual risk assessment of the COVID-19 situation and entry restrictions, including the potential for sudden changes.
Countries around the world are implementing entry restrictions in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. For the most upto-date information on current entry restrictions, please visit IATA’s “Government Measures Related to Coronavirus (COVID19)” website by clicking here.
FROSCH TRAVEL RESOURCES
AMERICAS
UNITED STATES
Travelers should monitor developments and follow all official directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most states have begun to lift restrictions on mobility and non-essential businesses, though some have halted reopening plans due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases within at least 40 of the 50 states. The varied impact of the outbreak and local pressure by constituents has led state governors to reopen businesses and lift stay-at-home orders; however, some have issued mandates on wearing masks in public places and quarantining when returning from certain states with high case numbers. More than 3.8 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the United States, with increased activity in the South and West.
CALIFORNIA
Travelers in California should reconfirm the status of routes and follow official directives linked to an ongoing wildfire. The Bond Fire in Orange County remains uncontained. It has spread to an area of nearly 11 square miles and is expected to advance further over the weekend. Mandatory Evacuation Orders are in place for communities in the affected area, and thousands of residents are currently without power. The Willow Fire in San Diego County has been contained. All Evacuation Orders have been lifted and all roads have been reopened.
Travelers in California state should anticipate outages on December 7 due to weather conditions conducive to wildfire activity. A Public Safety Power Shutoff has been scheduled due to the risk of wildfire conditions. Around 92,000 customers in 15 counties are expected to be affected with Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Napa, Nevada, Palmer, Tuolumne and Yuba counties likely to be worst hit.
COLORADO
Travelers in Colorado should continue to plan journeys accounting for disruption due to ongoing wildfires. The two remaining fires, the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires, have become the first and second largest in the state’s history. They have also prompted the closure of several major roadways in Larimer and Grand counties. Travelers in affected areas should reconfirm the status of routes and follow all official directives.
NEVADA
Travelers in Washoe County, NV should plan journeys accounting for disruption due to an ongoing wildfire. The Pinehaven Fire began on November 17 in the county seat Reno, near Pinehaven Road and Sierra Pine Drive, and has prompted mandatory evacuations for Washoe residents, particularly west of Reno. Parts of South McCarran Boulevard are closed. The Mayor of Reno has signed an emergency declaration and urged people to avoid affected areas. Power in multiple neighborhoods in affected areas has been cut as a precaution.
WYOMING
Travelers in Wyoming should continue to plan journeys accounting for disruption due to multiple ongoing wildfires which have prompted the closure of several major roads, as well as mandatory Evacuation Orders and PreEvacuation Notices for multiple counties. Travelers in affected areas should reconfirm the status of routes and follow all official directives.
BRAZIL
Travelers in the southern states of Parana, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Sao Paulo in the coming days should anticipate disruption due to forecast severe storms. Travelers should plan journeys accordingly. The southern region has experienced significant rainfall over the past few days. Brazil’s weather agency, MetSul, has issued an alert for these southern areas in anticipation of flooding and potential mudslides. A cyclonic storm has been positioned off the coast of southern Brazil since last weekend, causing heavy rains and strong winds.
ECUADOR
Throughout December, travelers in Guayaquil should anticipate heightened security amid an ongoing police operation to combat a recent increase in violent crime. 500 police officers have been deployed to the city to focus on crimes associated with drug trafficking and territory control. Authorities are also considering deploying the National Guard. Travelers should monitor developments and abide by all official directives. Police operations can develop into confrontations with criminal groups, which would pose incidental risks to bystanders.
HAITI
Throughout December, travelers in Haiti, particularly Port-au-Prince, should anticipate disruption and avoid demonstrations associated with upcoming Presidential, Legislative, and Local Elections to be held in January. While President Jovenel Moise confirmed that elections will take place in January, a specific date has not been announced. Opposition elements in the country have denounced the notion of holding elections while Moise remains in power. The protracted political crisis has caused many unruly demonstrations, which are likely to continue in the lead-up to and in the aftermath of the elections.
HONDURAS
Travelers due to travel via Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP), which serves San Pedro Sula, should reconfirm flights and make alternative transport arrangements. Flooding and damage linked to the recent passage of weather systems, including tropical storms Eta and Iota, has prompted the closure of the airport until at least December 31. Local reports suggest the closure may persist into January-February 2021. All scheduled flights are being rerouted to other Honduran airports.
MEXICO
Travelers in Morelos, Puebla and Tlaxcala states, as well as Mexico City, should monitor developments and follow official directives linked to increased activity at Popocatepetl Volcano. According to the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED), volcanic gas and ash emissions reaching 20,000 feet above sea level were recorded on November 29-30. While no Evacuation Orders have been issued, a “Yellow Phase 2” Alert remains in force (second highest on a three-tier scale, ‘prepare for possible evacuation’). A seven-mile exclusion zone is also in place around the volcano.
Travelers in Ciudad Juarez should reconfirm routes if crossing to the US via the Zaragoza-Ysleta land border on December 7. Local truckers plan to intermittently block outgoing commercial lanes of the border crossing throughout the day to protest allegedly long wait times. The measure is liable to cause disruption at the border and to potentially result in delays impacting both travelers and commercial transporters. Travelers should allow additional time for travel and aim to complete journeys during daylight hours. The US-Mexico border remains closed to non-essential travel until at least December 21 due to COVID-19-related restrictions.
PERU
Travelers in or planning travel through Junin region in the coming days should expect and avoid protests and reconfirm the status of routes near La Oroya due to ongoing rallies by metal workers over payment-related issues. Demonstrations accompanied by intermittent roadblocks on the 3S/Carretera Central Highway, which connects Lima and Huancayo, have occurred since December 4 in La Oroya. Clashes were reported on December 4 between demonstrators and police. Further demonstrations are likely in the coming days; clashes between protesters and police would pose incidental risks to bystanders.
Travelers should continue to avoid all protests and reconfirm the status of routes near Ica City on the Pan-American Highway, amid protests involving intermittent roadblocks by agricultural workers since November 30. Although an agrarian law which they opposed was revoked on December 4, their demands for a wage increase remain unmet. Some groups that had carried out a strike over the issue have called for the lifting of the measures; however, many workers continued to protest and block the highway on December 5. Attempts by police to forcibly disperse gatherings or dismantle roadblocks are likely to prompt clashes with protesters, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
VENEZUELA
Throughout December, travelers should avoid demonstrations linked to the upcoming National Assembly Elections due to the risk of unrest. The elections, to be held on December 6, have been denounced by domestic opposition, various foreign governments, and the Organization of American States as fraudulent. Opposition leaders have declared their intent to boycott the vote and have likewise organized various demonstrations, including a national day of protest on December 12. Associated demonstrations carry significant risk of unrest, including potential clashes between participants and security forces or pro-government paramilitaries. Travelers in country should exercise caution and minimize movement during related events.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Travelers in the Middle East should closely monitor developments following the high-profile killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, an Iranian scientist credited as a key player in that country’s nuclear program, on November 27. The incident will further heighten regional tensions between Iran and the US and its allies, as Iranian leaders have suggested foreign involvement and have vowed to respond. A direct military conflict between Iran and the US remains unlikely in the short-to-medium term, though Iran is likely to respond to the killing over the coming weeks through cyberattacks against Israeli interests.
Travelers should monitor developments around a new wave of desert locust infestation across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania. The swarms’ destruction of crops is likely to displace thousands of people and aggravate food insecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This, in turn, could exacerbate existing communal tensions, potentially resulting in an increase in unrest.
CAMEROON
Through December 7, travelers in Cameroon should exercise caution and monitor developments ahead of the upcoming December 6 Regional Elections. Tensions are increasing ahead of the polls, which will be the first Regional Elections held in the country, particularly in Northwest and Southwest regions where an ongoing insurgency by Anglophone separatists persists. Insurgent groups have called for “dead cities” protests from December 5-7. Travelers should avoid all associated gatherings due to the risk of local unrest and exercise a heightened degree of vigilance as low-level violence aimed at disrupting the polls is likely to occur in both Anglophone regions.
Travelers in Yaounde and Douala should continue to exercise caution following the December 6 regional elections. A series of small explosions occurred in the run-up to the vote, including a bombing in the Bonaberi neighborhood of Douala that injured two people overnight on November 18-19. In the Nsam district of Yaounde, a similar explosion on November 1 injured nine people. Further such incidents are possible ahead of the release of election results.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
On December 3, the Constitutional Court disclosed the final list of candidates in the December 27 Presidential Election. The exclusion of former President Francois Bozize (in office 2003-13) is likely to trigger protests by his supporters in Bangui and Bozize’s home town of Bassangoa, where looting has also been reported. The Presidential Guard has pre-emptively cordoned off northern areas of Bangui’s PK11 and PK12 districts, and deployed around Bozize’s residence. Travelers should exercise caution and closely monitor developments ahead of the December 27 General Election. Those in Bangui should minimize movement as a precaution.
CHAD
Throughout December, travelers in Kabbia Department should abide by a local curfew following recent communal violence. Dozens were killed on November 23-25 in fighting between farmers and semi-nomadic cattle herders. Although a reconciliation ceremony took place on December 1, local authorities have extended the 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM local time curfew through December 15.
CONGO (DRC)
Travelers in Goma over the coming days should anticipate and avoid further protests against insecurity in the city, due to the risk of unrest. A local student union has announced an associated strike as well as multiple marches and rallies until December 8, though no details have been released yet. On December 5, residents of the city’s Ndosho district erected roadblocks to denounce the killing of seven people in the area by unidentified gunmen on the previous day. The demonstration was forcibly dispersed by police. Fresh gatherings are likely to elicit a similar response, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Travelers in Kinshasa over the coming hours should avoid the Palais du Peuple (the seat of the National Assembly and Senate) as a precaution due to the risk of unrest. Supporters of rival political parties engaging in local scuffles have been reported, despite a significant police presence in the area. The developments follow President Felix Tshisekedi’s announcement that he would be leaving the ruling alliance with the Common Front for Congo (FCC) parliamentary bloc and seeking to form a new coalition government.
GHANA
Through December 7, travelers in main cities should continue to avoid all campaign events linked to the General Election as a precaution. Twelve candidates are contesting the Presidential Election, most notably incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his predecessor John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). While the electoral period is expected to pass off without major incident, travelers in country should remain apprised of developments. Low-level security incidents, such as targeted attacks or clashes between supporters of rival parties, are possible.
Travelers in Kasoa in the coming hours should exercise caution and anticipate a heightened police presence following a security incident amid the ongoing elections. At least two people have been injured in a shooting earlier on December 7 at the Church of Christ polling station, where unidentified gunmen attacked the convoy of a National Democratic Congress candidate.
IRAQ
Travelers in Suleimaniyah governorate (Kurdistan Region) in the coming days should avoid further protests by teachers and other civil servants over unpaid wages. Protesters on December 6 reportedly vandalized several political party offices in Piramagroon; one police officer was injured during the unrest. Earlier on December 2-3, at least 25 people were injured during related demonstrations in Suleimaniyah after the security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and a water cannon to disperse crowds. Further gatherings remain possible over the coming days. Travelers should avoid all protests due to the risk of local unrest.
LIBERIA
Travelers should closely monitor developments and avoid gatherings linked to the December 8 Senatorial Election and constitutional referendum as a precaution. Major political opposition parties have formed the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) alliance to boost their chances of securing a majority against the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). Political tensions may rise closer to Election Day and trigger further anti-government demonstrations, including by the Council of Patriots (CoP) activist movement.
NIGER
Travelers in Niger should monitor developments and avoid all gatherings linked to the election campaign beginning December 5. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities intend to go ahead with the Legislative and Presidential Elections on December 27. A total of 30 candidates will compete in the first round of the Presidential vote. The threat of militant attacks during the election campaign and around the time of the vote will be heightened. Travelers should avoid all political gatherings as a precaution.
NIGERIA
Travelers in Lagos should expect significant travel disruption during repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge that began on November 21, and plan journeys accordingly. Until February 22, the Adekunle to Adeniji Adele end section of the island inbound lane of the bridge will be partially closed, during which traffic will be diverted.
Until at least December 7, travelers in the Rumuokoro district of Port Harcourt should exercise caution and abide by a 24-hour curfew. During the curfew, all movement, gatherings and trading activities are banned. The measure was announced on November 22 following an upsurge in violence associated with cult activities and highlights the need for robust security precautions and to avoid non-essential travel to the city.
A yellow fever outbreak affecting over 220 people in Enugu, Delta, Bauchi Benue and Ebonye states has been reported. Yellow fever is a potentially severe viral illness spread via mosquito bites. It can be prevented through vaccination and by avoiding mosquito bites. There is a risk of yellow fever throughout Nigeria. Vaccination is recommended for everyone over 9 months of age. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry for anyone over 9 months of age.
SOMALIA
Travelers in Somalia should monitor developments following an announcement on December 3 by President Donald Trump that US troops would withdraw from Somalia by January 15, 2021. The 700 US military personnel stationed in Somalia will be redeployed to neighboring countries. The announcement comes ahead of Somalia’s upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections tentatively set for December 2020 and February 2021 respectively. In-
SOUTH AFRICA
Throughout December, travelers should exercise caution amid a wave of nationwide attacks on freight truck drivers by unknown groups. This has come amid calls by the National Truck Drivers Founders and All Truck Drivers Foundation (ATDF) for foreign drivers to vacate their jobs. Related protests have intensified since the ATDF’s ultimatum expired on December 1. Further such gatherings accompanied by bouts of unrest can be expected along major freeways. Further attacks on drivers are also likely.
Travelers in Vanderbijlpark in the coming hours should avoid the vicinity of Vaal University of Technology due to an ongoing unruly protest. Security forces are at the scene. Clashes between protesters and police can be expected.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA
Throughout December, travelers should account for Fire Danger Warnings related to ongoing bushfires and follow all official directives. On December 1, bushfires continued to affect most parts of the Fraser Islands. A complete Fire Ban is currently in effect across seven regions in Queensland and New South Wales. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries and be prepared to defer or change plans at short notice.
Travelers in Australia until at least the end of February should continue to plan travel accounting for fire danger warnings related to ongoing bushfires and follow all official directives. As of December 7, bushfires continue to affect most parts of Fraser Island. Meanwhile, a complete fire ban remains in effect in parts of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia states. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries and be prepared to defer or change travel plans at short notice.
CHINA
Travelers in China should continue to defer non-essential travel to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR)’s Hulunbuir region and areas of Shanghai where COVID-19-related restrictions remain stringent. Two more areas in IMAR have been rated as ‘medium risk’ (middle level on a three-tier scale). While Shanghai’s Zhoupu town will be downgraded to ‘low risk’ starting December 5, Zhangjiang and Zhuqiao towns remain ‘medium risk’ areas. Normal movement can resume to Tianjin, where all areas have been re-classified as ‘low risk.’ Travelers should continue to monitor developments and reconfirm related restrictions before departure.
INDIA
Since early October, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) intermittently recorded “Poor” to “Very Poor” levels on the Indian pollution measurement scale. Since then, air quality has been dipping frequently to “Severe” levels in some areas. Polluted air can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes and nose. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with underlying heart and lung disease (high-risk groups) are particularly vulnerable. To lessen the risk of potential health problems, travelers are advised to reduce exposure by decreasing time and physical activity outdoors.
Travelers in urban centers in the coming days should continue to expect significant disruption during ongoing farmers’ protests over new agriculture laws. Multiple border crossings between New Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh states have been closed due to ongoing protests. A nationwide bandh has been called for December 8, during which protesters plan to block the remaining roads to and related protests will be held by unions and opposition parties in urban centers nationwide. Meanwhile, around 10,000 farmers are expected to participate in a related protest in Bangalore from December 7-15.
INDONESIA
Throughout December, travelers in Indonesia should plan journeys accounting for disruption caused by heavy rains and flooding. Heavy rains are forecast to affect various parts of the country throughout December, including Jakarta. Adverse weather conditions may cause flooding and landslides. More recently, flooding and landslides have occurred in several areas, including North Sumatra and Central Java provinces. Travelers should reconfirm the feasibility of journeys before setting out.
Travelers in Lembata regency should monitor developments and follow official directives in the coming days amid continued volcanic activity at Mount Ile Lewotolok. Although the intensity of the activity has decreased since November 29, eruptions continue to affect nearby communities. Alert Level 3 (the second-highest on a four-tier scale) and a 2.5 mile exclusion zone remain in place around Lewotolok. Travelers should anticipate short-notice transport disruption, including at Wonopito Airport (LWE), in the event of an increase in this volcanic activity.
Travelers in Jakarta should monitor developments and avoid any protests over ongoing investigations into the leader of the hardline Front Pembela Islam (Islamic Defenders Front, FPI) Muhammad Rizieq Shihab (also known as Habib Rizieq). Tensions between authorities and Rizieq’s supporters are likely to increase following fatal clashes between both groups overnight on December 6-7. Further protests in light of these developments and ongoing investigations are likely in the coming days.
MALAYSIA
Travelers should continue to defer travel to Malaysia amid stringent COVID-19-related restrictions. The government recently announced that the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in Putrajaya and Labuan federal territories, as well as in most areas of Penang, Perak, Kelantan, and Negeri Sembilan states, will be lifted on December 7. However, in other parts of these states, as well as in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah state and certain districts of Johor and Selangor states, the CMCO will be extended from until December 20.
NEW CALEDONIA
Throughout December, travelers in urban centers continue to anticipate disruptive protests over the planned sale of a large nickel plant in Goro. Further talks between various stakeholders are expected in December, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. The influential USTKE trade union plan to hold a 24-hour strike, though further details have not yet been announced. Further short-notice demonstrations by various groups opposed to the sale remain likely. Travelers should avoid all related gatherings as a precaution.
PAKISTAN
Poor air quality has been recorded in several cities including Lahore. Polluted air can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes and nose. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with underlying heart and lung disease (high-risk groups) are particularly vulnerable. To lessen the risk of potential health problems, travelers are advised to reduce exposure by decreasing time and physical activity outdoors.
Travelers in urban centers in the coming weeks should continue to avoid opposition protests. Opposition parties plan to hold a series of rallies in Lahore from December 7, leading up to a large-scale demonstration on December 13 at Greater Iqbal Park to mark the end of the first phase of opposition protests. The December 13 gathering is expected to proceed despite a ban by authorities. Traffic disruption and heightened security measures can be expected around protest venues. While most of the protests are expected to be peaceful, scuffles between protesters and police remain possible.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Throughout December, travelers in Papua New Guinea, especially Port Moresby, should continue to expect heightened political tensions and avoid gatherings related to the ongoing political crisis. On November 30, the Supreme Court postponed the substantive hearing on the government’s and opposition’s competing claims over the recent Parliamentary suspensions until December 3. While no protests have yet been announced, additional police officers have been deployed and roadblocks have been established around the court and Parliament House as a precaution. Other flashpoints include Morauta House and Government House.
Travelers in Papua New Guinea are reminded to exercise stringent security precautions following recent criminal incidents. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured, on December 6 in an attempted robbery against university students at Tokua Airport (RAB). Additionally, a series of killings occurred along Hiritano Highway earlier in November. Travelers in the country should be fully confident of their security, accommodations, communication, and transport arrangements.
TAIWAN
Travelers in northern Taiwan until at least December 13 should anticipate disruption to rail services due to ongoing restoration on the lines connecting Taipei and the east coast, including Yilan. The Taiwan Railways Administration has suspended the Shen’ao Line, which runs through Ruifang in New Taipei and Zhongzheng in Keelung, due to an earlier landslide between Ruifang and Houtong train stations in New Taipei. Train delays were also reported on the Pingxi line in New Taipei. Meanwhile, replacement bus services are in operation.
VIETNAM
Throughout December, travelers in central and southern provinces should plan journeys accounting for disruption in areas affected by heavy rains and flooding. Persistent heavy rains since November 28 have flooded several areas in Khanh Hoa province. Authorities in Nha Trang evacuated around 2,400 people from residential zones due to flooding in low-lying areas. Disruption to road and rail services was also reported in Nha Trang and adjoining regions. The Khanh Le Pass and Nha Trang Railway Station remain blocked due to flooding. There have been four confirmed deaths in the province’s Van Ninh district.
EUROPE
ARMENIA
Throughout December, travelers in urban centers should continue to avoid further gatherings linked to the signing of a peace deal with Azerbaijan, due to the risk of unrest. Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace deal on November 10 to end a conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Protesters have since been gathering at Freedom Square in Yerevan. They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan over his perceived capitulation in the conflict. Security forces have occasionally used heavy-handed tactics to disperse and detain protesters. Travelers should abide by ongoing martial law provisions.
Throughout December, travelers should continue to monitor developments and follow all official directives following an amendment of the current martial law. The government announced the easing of several restrictions beginning December 3 and until further notice, which includes lifting the ban on protests, removing a special regime around entering and exiting the country, and easing restrictions on local media publications. Martial law was imposed in the country on September 27 following an escalation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and remains in effect despite the announcement.
BELARUS
Travelers in Minsk and other urban centers should avoid planned anti-government protests in the coming hours. Security forces have been reportedly deployed throughout the city center of Minsk, including Independence Square and the House of Government. Several transport services and accesses in have been temporarily closed, including the Oktyabrskaya, Kupalovskaya and Nemiga metro stations. Organizers have also called on people to demonstrate in their local areas. While the gatherings are expected to pass off peaceful, security forces have resorted to heavyhanded measures in the past, including the use of water cannons and stun grenades, to disperse protests. Indiscriminate arrests are also possible.
Travelers should continue to exercise caution and avoid all protests calling for fresh elections, the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko, and the release of political prisoners. On November 13, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announced the formation of a so-called ‘People’s Tribunal’ and encouraged security force personnel to defect and provide evidence of crimes against civilians. She also said that the largest demonstration yet will be held on December 20. Large protests continue each Sunday in Minsk and other urban centers, while smaller daily gatherings also take place. Security forces are likely to disperse such events and may make indiscriminate arrests.
BELGIUM
On December 10, the FGTB labor union will stage demonstrations in defense of the right to strike. The event, which will coincide with International Human Rights Day, is in response to a recent court ruling against FGTB members for “malicious obstruction of traffic” during a general strike in 2015. The times and locations of demonstrations have yet to be released, though the union said gatherings in at least five symbolic locations are planned. All such gatherings should be avoided due to the risk of local clashes between participants and police, which would pose risks to bystanders.
Travelers in Brussels on December 10 should plan routes bypassing a protest against the US embargo on Cuba to minimize inconvenience. The Cuban community in Belgium has called on participants to gather in front of the central train station from 4:30 PM local time. The event is expected to be well-policed and peaceful, but may result in local transport disruption.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Travelers in urban centers on December 7 should anticipate disruption during demonstrations in support of independent media and plan journeys accordingly. The rallies have been called by civil society groups to denounce the recent dismissal of the Czech Television (CT) supervisory board. In Hradec Kralove, protesters will gather at 5:30 PM local time in Masaryk Square before marching to the local CT offices. Participants in Jicin will assemble from 5:30 PM local time in Valdštejnovo Square. Related events are planned in other urban centers on the day. While the rallies should pass off peacefully, traffic disruption is likely.
FRANCE
Travelers in France over the coming days should anticipate and avoid further protests over controversial national security legislation, due to the risk of local unrest. More than 90 demonstrations were reportedly held across the country on December 5. Disturbances were reported during well-attended demonstrations in Paris and other urban centers on the day. The National Assembly (lower house of Parliament) has voted in favor of adopting the draft legislation and it will go to the Senate (upper house) for a debate in January 2021. Recent incidents of perceived police brutality are likely to increase turnouts at related gatherings.
GERMANY
Through December 28, travelers in Saxony should abide by official directives following the imposition of new restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten out of 13 counties in the state so far have recorded more than 200 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants per week. In these counties, residents are only allowed to leave their accommodation for essential purposes.
Travelers in urban centers in the coming days should plan journeys bypassing a protest over COVID-19-related restrictions organized by activists of the Querdenken (Lateral Thinking) movement. On December 12, a march will start and end outside the central station in Frankfurt. Several counter-demonstrations have been planned. Previous gatherings organized by the Querdenken have resulted in violence and breaking of COVID-19 restrictions. Travelers in the area should avoid all protests as a precaution.
NORTH MACEDONIA
Travelers in urban centers over the coming days should anticipate and avoid further anti-government demonstrations, as a precaution and to minimize travel delays. Well-attended nationwide rallies and protest convoys organized by the main opposition VMRO-DPMNE party have been held to demand Prime Minister Zoran Zaev’s resignation. A fresh gathering is scheduled for December 7 in Skopje. Participants at 5:30 PM local time will gather separately outside the Boris Trajkovski and Jane Sandanski sport centers, before marching towards the government building, where the two groups will merge at 6:00 PM local time. While related protests have passed off peacefully, significant traffic disruption is likely.
PORTUGAL
Travelers in Lisbon on December 10 should plan journeys bypassing a protest against COVID-19-related measures to minimize delays. Protesters from the hospitality and catering sectors will gather at 11:00 AM local time outside the Ministry of Labor to denounce restrictions on business operating hours. The demonstration is expected to pass off peacefully, but is liable to cause local traffic disruption.
RUSSIA
Travelers in Khabarovsk should continue to avoid unauthorized protests over the arrest of regional governor Sergey Furgal in connection with business-related murders in the early 2000s. Protests have been taking place since July, with the largest of these attracting up to 2,000 participants. Recent demonstrations, however, have seen significantly smaller turnouts of around 100-150 people. Although protests have been largely peaceful, riot police on December 5 reportedly detained six activists. Heightened police presence should be anticipated around further protests due to the potential for local unrest. Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes before travel.
UNITED KINGDOM
On December 14, 17 and 18, passengers transiting London Heathrow Airport (LHR) should anticipate disruption and reconfirm flight schedules during a planned strike by airport employees. Ground staff will observe a 24-hour walkout on each strike day over proposed pay cuts. Airport authorities have announced that the airport will remain open and operational on strike days.
From December 24 through January 3, travelers planning rail travel to or from London should account for disruption at Kings Cross Station due to maintenance work. No trains will run via the station on December 25-30, though replacement bus services will be available. Services will also operate on reduced schedules on December 24, as well as December 31 through January 3.
Travelers in the UK should monitor developments and abide by all government guidelines related to the country’s withdrawal from the EU. Following the end of the transition period on December 31, new entry and exit restrictions will come into effect from January 1, 2021. These changes are expected to increase border-crossing delays due to stricter document-checking procedures and will impact the requirements of EU citizens relocating in the UK. Travelers in the EU should remain apprised of wider policy adjustments, including changes to mobile phone services and travel insurance policies, as well as access to the National Health Service.
Travelers in London on December 10 should plan journeys bypassing a protest outside the High Commission of India. The rally has been called by members of the Sikhs for Justice group in solidarity with ongoing farmers’ protests in India. Details of the event have yet to be announced, but the rally is expected to be well attended and to cause traffic disruption in its vicinity.
Travelers in London on December 7 should plan journeys bypassing a protest by hospitality workers to minimize travel delays. Participants will gather at 11:00 AM local time at Parliament Square to denounce COVID-19-related restrictions, particularly those affecting restaurants and pubs in areas under ‘Tier 2’ and ‘Tier 3’ lockdown measures. A similar protest held on October 19 was notably attended by around 600 people. The upcoming demonstration is expected to draw even larger crowds and will likely result in local traffic disruption.
