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.
NATIONWIDE DEMONSTRATIONS
Travelers in the US in the coming hours should exercise caution and anticipate further demonstrations over issues involving the November 3 General Election and police reform. There are persistent underlying risks associated with such events due to the emotive nature of the issues and the potential presence of firearms, counter-demonstrators and extremist individuals. Travelers near protest venues should anticipate disruption and possible clashes between protesters, counter-demonstrators, and police. Travelers attending related gatherings should be aware of their surroundings, maintain access to reliable means of communication, and leave at the first sign of unrest.
OUTBREAKS OF E. COLI
Investigations are underway to determine the source of two outbreaks of the bacteria E. coli, which has infected more than 60 people in at least 20 states. No food source has been identified yet. E. coli spreads through contaminated food, as well as from one person to another. It can cause gastroenteritis, with symptoms of abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Most people recover without treatment. Some people, especially young children and the elderly, can develop serious complications. To prevent infection, pay attention to hygiene, ensure all fruit and vegetables are washed in safe water, and any meats are thoroughly cooked before consumption. Avoid raw milk, other unpasteurized dairy products, and unpasteurized juices. Cooked foods are safest.
CALIFORNIA
Travelers in California should reconfirm the status of routes and follow official directives amid multiple ongoing wildfires which have killed at least 32 people and caused more than 300,000 others to be evacuated. While most of the fires have been largely contained, residual disruption is possible in affected areas.
COLORADO
Travelers in Colorado Springs, CO should exercise caution and follow official directives related to the “Bear Creek” wildfire that started on November 19 in the Bear Creek area. The fire remains completely uncontained, and Evacuation Orders have been issued for around 235 homes in the vicinity of Bear Creek Park. No injuries have so far been reported. Portions of Bear Creek Road are closed, as well as roads near North Cheyenne Canon and Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
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 urban centers should avoid further protests over the November 19 killing of an Afro-Brazilian man in Porto Alegre. The man was allegedly beaten to death by security guards at a grocery store following an argument with workers at the checkout counter. Violent protests have since continued daily outside the retail store in Porto Alegre, prompting the deployment of the military.
COLOMBIA
On November 30, travelers in Bogota should plan journeys accounting for disruption during protests denouncing violence against children. Demonstrations are planned at 5:00 AM local time at Plaza de Bolivar.
GUATEMALA & HONDURAS
Travelers in Guatemala and Honduras over the coming days should continue to plan journeys accounting for disruption caused by flooding. Rains on November 21-22 exacerbated the impact of former hurricanes Eta and Iota, which affected much of Central America. In some areas, flooding and landslides have caused significant infrastructural damage and rendered major roads impassable. Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes before undertaking road travel, follow official directives and allow additional time to complete journeys.
GUATEMALA
Travelers in Guatemala City should avoid further protests in the coming days over the 2021 budget. On November 23, the government suspended the referred budget and have until November 30 to announce a new budget. Demonstrations demanding political reforms and the resignation of the President Alejandro Giammattei have been planned at squares, parks and government buildings on November 28. Earlier, demonstrators on November 21 forced their way into the Congress building and set fire to part of the facility, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse crowds. All associated gatherings should be avoided due to the risk of unrest.
MEXICO
Throughout November, travelers in urban centers, particularly Mexico City, should plan journeys accounting for disruption during anti-government demonstrations. The National Anti-AMLO Front group, which is calling for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s resignation, plan to stage a major rally in Mexico City on November 21. Related gatherings may also take place in the interim and may disrupt travel. Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes prior to departure.
PARAGUAY
Travelers in Asuncion over the coming hours should anticipate local disruption during ongoing demonstrations by farmers’ groups. Protesters demanding improved land distribution policies are rallying at the Supreme Court building. Demonstrators on November 24 removed police barricades and blocked several intersections. Over 7,000 people have shown up to protest agrarian reforms in the region. These groups in the past have set up encampments in lasting up to 40 days. Travelers should plan journeys accordingly.
PERU
Essential travel to Peru can resume following an itinerary- and profile-specific review that accounts for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Political tensions have subsided to an extent after Francisco Sagasti assumed the presidency, but travelers should continue to monitor developments and avoid all related protests due to the risk of unrest. While sporadic demonstrations may continue, protests have become increasingly peaceful as they have largely shifted from outrage over former President Martin Vizcarra’s removal to the condemnation of police brutality. Demonstrations can still degenerate into violence and be forcibly dispersed by police, posing incidental risks to bystanders. In-country travelers should avoid all protests as a precaution.
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.
CAMEROON
Through December 4, travelers in Douala should exercise heightened caution around the Tribunal de Premiere Instance in the Bonanjo district. The Cameroon Bar Association has called for protests against alleged police brutality towards lawyers and the recent conviction of two lawyers in connection with a related November 10 demonstration. During this period, lawyers will refuse to wear their robes as a symbolic protest. While details of related gatherings are unclear, protests around the court building should be anticipated, and avoided as a precaution. Such events may be forcibly dispersed by police, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
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. The campaign period began on November 21. 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.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Travelers should monitor developments and prepare to minimize movement in Bangui ahead of the Constitutional Court’s announcement, now expected on December 3, of the final candidate list for the December 27 Presidential Election. The announcement is liable to trigger protests from supporters of respective candidates. On November 21, gunfire, though no injury, was reported during an incident between former President Francois Bozize (in office 2003- 13) and President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s security detail in Bangui. Further security incidents are possible in the coming weeks, amplified by controversy over Bozize’s eligibility in the upcoming polls. In-country travelers should exercise caution in the coming weeks.
COTE D’ IVOIRE
Through November 30, travelers should continue to exercise caution and avoid protests linked to the October 31 Presidential Election amid an extended ban on gatherings. On November 9, the Constitutional Council confirmed the victory of incumbent Alassane Ouattara after the opposition on the same day called for nationwide protests, reigniting fatal unrest on November 9-10 in several locations and opposition strongholds. On November 11, Ouattara met with opposition leader and former President Henri Konan Bedie to restore dialogue. Although negotiations appear to have successfully started, further protests are likely and should be avoided due to the risk of unrest.
GHANA
On November 30, travelers in Accra should plan routes avoiding a commemorative march planned to begin at 6:00 AM local time from Obra Spot towards Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) party has announced the march after suspending an earlier call for demonstrations on November 26. The NDC’s march will commemorate its deceased founder, former President Jerry John Rawlings, and call for integrity and accountability in the December 7 General Election.
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.
GUINEA
On December 3, travelers should continue to exercise caution and avoid protests over the results of the October 18 Presidential Election. The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy (ANAD) and the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) opposition parties have organized a so-called “dead city” protest on December 3 in Conakry over allegations of electoral fraud, perceived government oppression, and the excessive use of force by police. Several activists were reportedly injured and arrested during protests following President Alpha Conde’s victory. Further demonstrations are due to be announced shortly.
KENYA
Several recent bandit attacks underline the need to adopt enhanced security precautions for travel in high risk areas of Kenya. At least two people were killed, and one injured in two separate incidents of banditry on November 23 in Baragoi. Community leaders have called for heightened security in the area. The incidents underscore the high travel risk associated with Kenya’s northern counties due to the threats posed by banditry in rural areas.
LEBANON
Through December 4, travelers should anticipate disruption due to adverse weather conditions. On November 28, heavy rain flooded major routes, with reports indicating the Nahr al-Kalb Tunnel, north of Beirut and the Jal al-Dib area being particularly affected. In addition, northern areas of Lebanon have lost electricity following a fire at the Qadisha power plant. A spokesperson for the plant announced that the damage was severe and it would be some time before they can fully restore operations. Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes and transportation before setting out.
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.
On November 30, travelers in the Orile Agege district of Lagos should exercise caution following clashes between members of a cult group. According to local sources, police have dispersed the group known as the Awawa Boys and the situation remains calm. Sources also report that passers-by and motorists were targeted during the clashes.
On December 1, travelers in the Etche local government area should plan journeys bypassing a protest against poor road conditions. Local youths operating under the name “Concerned Etche Youths” are gathering at 7:00 AM local time at the Umuede Mba school opposite the Adventist Church. While the protest is expected to pass off peacefully, any resultant unrest may pose incidental risks to bystanders.
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.
SOUTH AFRICA
On December 3, travelers in Polokwane should plan routes bypassing a planned march to minimize disruption. Participants will gather at SABC Park at 9:00 AM local time and march towards the Office of the Premier. The demonstration is being organized by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) as part of an initiative against gender-based violence. Related gatherings are likely in the coming days. Although they are likely to remain peaceful, demonstrations may cause local disruption.
SUDAN
Throughout November, travelers in Khartoum and other urban centers should anticipate and avoid further antigovernment protests over socio-economic issues. Protesters gathered over the weekend of October 31-November 1 in Atbara, and previously on October 26 and 29 in Khartoum and other cities, in protest of the latest hike in fuel prices. The protesters are denouncing worsening socio-economic conditions, including bread and fuel shortages and inflation. Police may forcibly disperse demonstrations, which poses incidental risks to bystanders. Travelers should monitor developments and avoid areas experiencing unrest.
TUNISIA
Travelers in Beja in the coming hours should plan journeys bypassing an ongoing protest outside the governorate’s headquarters. They should also reconfirm existing travel arrangements and account for disruption during a 24-hour general strike organized by the Tunisian General Labor Union. Train journeys to and from Tunis, Jendouba and Ghardimaou are particularly likely to be disrupted. Employees across various sectors in the governorate of Beja are striking against the marginalization of their region by the Tunisian government.
UGANDA
Throughout November, travelers in urban centers should anticipate and avoid further rallies in support of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party. NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu was recently certified as a Presidential candidate in the 2021 elections. Campaign rallies by Kyagulanyi are under way despite being commonly denied authorization from officials. These events are well attended and often forcefully dispersed by police due to being unauthorized. On November 11, police deployed tear gas, among other measures, in Gulu and Kitgum districts during unauthorized pro- Kyagulanyi rallies.
Travelers in Uganda should avoid further protests over the arrest of opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (popularly known as Bobi Wine) on November 18. Recent related nationwide unrest has left at least 45 people dead, and more than 800 arrested. Security forces used heavy-handed tactics, including tear gas and live ammunition, to disperse protesters who were blocking roads and burning tires following the arrest. Ssentamu has since been released on bail.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
AFGHANISTAN
On November 30, a bomb detonated at around 8:00 AM local time in Kabul’s Pol-e-Hassan area. No casualties were reported, though an army vehicle was damaged. Two days earlier, at least seven people were injured in two separate explosions in Kabul. A vehicle bomb detonated at around 7:10 AM local time in Khair Khana, injuring four people. Another blast occurred at around 7:40 AM local time in Omid-e-Sabz Township, injuring three people. No group has yet claimed responsibility. Travelers should reconfirm the feasibility of movement before setting out.
CHINA
Travelers in China should continue to defer non-essential travel to areas of Shanghai and Tianjin municipalities where restrictions have been tightened following increases in COVID-19 cases. More than 200 flights were reportedly cancelled at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on November 22, after the detection of COVID-19 cases among cargo handlers. The airport remains operational. The risk rating for some residential communities in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang, Zhoupuand Zhuqiao towns have been raised to ‘medium’ (middle on a three-tier scale), while Yingqiancun will be downgraded to ‘low’ (lowest on the scale) from November 24. Travelers should monitor developments and reconfirm related restrictions before departure.
FIJI
Travelers in Greater Suva area, including Suwa and Lami town, should anticipate disruption to water supply in the coming days due to shortages. The Water Authority of Fiji announced on November 25 that the water cuts, caused by a water treatment plant malfunction, have left thousands of residents without tap water, and that efforts are being undertaken to restore supply. Affected areas include parts of Colo-i-Suva, Dokanisuva, Nagatugatu, Tacirua and Tamavua reservoir areas. Intermittent water shortages have previously occurred in Fiji, particularly during bouts of rainfall, which can cause power cuts at treatment plants and block supply lines with debris.
HONG KONG
Travelers in Hong Kong (China SAR) should continue to monitor developments amid rigorous police enforcement of the National Security Law (NSL) and against illegal assembly. The National Security Department initiated investigations into an unauthorized gathering on November 19 at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), held to commemorate the November 2019 protests. Separately, high-profile activist Joshua Wong was taken into custody on November 23 after he pleaded guilty to charges of organizing an unauthorized assembly in June 2019. Underlying tensions continue to exist within activist circles and may drive small-scale gatherings which travelers should avoid as a precaution.
INDIA
Through December 4, travelers in New Delhi and the wider National Capital Region (NCR) should continue to anticipate disruption during protests by farmers’ groups against new agricultural reforms and avoid them as a precaution. Participants have called for blockades of entry points to New Delhi on November 30, while farmers’ groups from other states intend to intensify related demonstrations beginning December 1. Farmers in New Delhi have refused to move to the Nirankari Samagam Ground, previously designated as the protest venue by the government, and have demanded to rally at Ramleela Maidan or the Jantar Mantar monument, which are more central.
INDONESIA
Travelers in Indonesia over the coming weeks should plan journeys accounting for disruption caused by heavy rain and flooding. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has forecast that intense rain will affect most parts of the country during November. Such conditions have previously resulted in flooding and landslides. These have affected thousands of people and damaged infrastructure in several areas, including Jakarta. Travelers should reconfirm the feasibility of journeys with local contacts before setting out.
Travelers in Indonesia over the coming weeks should avoid gatherings linked to the December 9 local elections, as a precaution. Despite COVID-19-related government directives to minimize in-person campaigns, gatherings continue to take place in cities and towns where polling will take place. Such events can be expected to increase in frequency as the elections approach, especially until the end of the campaign period on December 5.
Through December 4, travelers in Lembata should closely monitor developments and follow official directives amid increased volcanic activity at Mount Ile Lewotolok. The volcano erupted on November 29, triggering the closure of Wonopito Airport (LWE). There have been no reports of injuries or damages. Authorities have raised the alert level to Level III (the second-highest on a four-tier scale) and established a 2.5-mile exclusion zone around Lewotolok.
KAZAKHSTAN
Through December 2, travelers should plan journeys accounting for potential disruption due to adverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, fog and strong winds. Poor weather is forecast to continue through December 2. The Kazakh Meteorological Center (Kazhydromet) has issued Storm Alerts for Akmola, Atyrau, Jambyl, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Mangystau, North Kazakhstan, and Turkistan provinces. Adverse weather conditions may prompt shortnotice road closures and disruption to public utility and emergency response services. Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes before setting out.
PAKISTAN
Through December 13, travelers in urban centers should continue to avoid protests by opposition parties. The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has vowed to continue anti-government protests despite a COVID-19- related ban on large gatherings. A fresh protest is scheduled for November 30 at the Qilla Kohna Qasim Bagh Stadium in Multan. Police have been deployed and have erected roadblocks there. Authorities have threatened to arrest protesters. Scuffles between protesters and police are possible.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Throughout December, travelers in Papua New Guinea, especially Port Moresby, should anticipate heightened security and avoid any gatherings related to the ongoing political crisis. On November 27, the Supreme Court unanimously declared that Prime Minister James Marape’s election in the 2019 polls was valid, rejecting the opposition’s legal challenge to the results. Another case against the incumbent administration is currently under deliberation. Police have deployed additional officers to Port Moresby and established roadblocks around the court and Parliament House as a precaution against protests. Other flashpoints include Morauta House and Government House.
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Travelers should continue to defer all travel to the Solomon Islands amid an extension of COVID-19 measures under a nationwide State of Emergency until March 24, 2021. Currently, all entertainment zones and non-essential markets are closed. Public gatherings remain banned, though religious or sports-related gatherings may proceed subject to Ministry of Health approval. Solomon Airlines has extended by two months the suspension of all scheduled international flights until January 10, 2021.
TAIWAN
Through December 4, travelers in Taipei should plan journeys accounting for disruption during further protests over the lifting of a ban on US pork and beef imports. On November 22, thousands of people rallied near the Presidential Office and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters in Taipei. The ban is due to expire on January 1, 2021, and labor groups and other organizations have expressed concerns that such imports will contain banned additives. The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party is likely to support further demonstrations.
THAILAND
Travelers in urban centers should continue to monitor developments and avoid all gatherings in the coming days. Anti-government protesters plan to rally on November 24 from 5:00 PM local time onwards at Chinese Embassy near the Thailand Cultural Center MRT Station in Bangkok. A warning of harsher police tactics issued on November 19 by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to demonstrators has increased the likelihood of clashes between protesters and police; this is especially the case during key anti-government demonstrations.
EUROPE
Travelers in Armenia and Azerbaijan should continue to monitor developments following the signing of a peace agreement related to the conflict in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The agreement was signed overnight on November 9-10 by Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Prime Minister Pashinyan earlier announced a cessation of hostilities with immediate effect as of 1:00 AM local time. Protests calling for the resignation of Pashinyan have been ongoing in Armenia’s capital Yerevan following the announcement of the peace agreement. Travelers in Armenia’s urban centers should anticipate further protests in the coming days.
ARMENIA
Travelers in urban centers in the coming weeks 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.
FRANCE
Travelers on essential travel to France should abide by measures related to a nationwide lockdown in place until at least December 1 and a State of Health Emergency in place until at least February 16, 2021. Only essential movement for proven work-related reasons, health reasons or emergencies is allowed, with a mandatory certificate. All public gatherings are banned. Travelers are advised to reconfirm region- and city-specific measures as there is a potential for sudden changes in local restrictions and containment measures.
Through December 4, travelers should plan routes bypassing further protests over controversial national security legislation due to the risk of local unrest. Disturbances were reported on November 28 during well-attended demonstrations in Paris and other urban centers. The National Assembly has voted in favor of adopting the draft legislation and it will go to the Senate for debate in January 2021. Recent incidents of perceived police brutality are likely to increase turnouts at related gatherings.
Travelers in Paris in the coming days should anticipate and avoid further demonstrations in solidarity with migrants. Protests were held on November 23-24 at Place de la Republique over a dismantling of a migrant camp on November 17 in Saint Denis. Tensions have also been heightened over the perceived excessive use of force by police while dispersing the November 23 rally.
GERMANY
Travelers in urban centers in the coming weeks should avoid all demonstrations over COVID-19-related restrictions. Protests against these restrictions, organized by the ‘Querdenken’ group, continue to take place with isolated episodes of unrest. Counter-demonstrations calling for tighter restrictions have also been reported. Police may use tear gas and water cannon to disperse participants. All rallies should be avoided as a precaution.
ITALY
Through December 4, travelers in southern regions should continue to plan journeys accounting for potential disruption due to adverse weather conditions. An Orange Alert (second highest on a four-tier scale) remains in place for eastern areas of the Sardinia region due to ongoing heavy rain and flooding. Yellow Alerts (second-lowest) are in effect for Basilicata, Puglia, and parts of the Abruzzo and Calabria regions. At least three people have been killed in flooding in Sardinia. Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes and transportation before setting out.
NETHERLANDS
Through December 5, travelers in urban centers should avoid demonstrations against the controversial Christmas character, Zwarte Piet. The character appears in parades every November, but his traditional blackface costume make-up has been accused by the UN and anti-racist groups of perpetuating racist stereotypes. There is a risk of minor disturbances if counter-protests are held in close proximity.
NORTH MACEDONIA
Through December 4, travelers in urban centers should plan journeys bypassing further anti-government protests as a precaution and to minimize delays. Well-attended nationwide rallies and caravan protests demanding Prime Minister Zoran Zaev’s resignation have occurred recently. These have been called by opposition leader Hristijan Mickoski of the VMRO-DPMNE party. While further protests are expected to pass off peacefully, significant traffic disruption is likely.
POLAND
Through December 4, travelers in urban centers should anticipate and avoid further protests over a controversial court ruling restricting abortion rights. Weekly protests are usually held on Mondays, though sporadic rallies before then are possible. Previous related demonstrations have attracted large turnouts, with participants often blocking key roads and clashing with rival protesters. Police may forcibly disperse further rallies, particularly given an ongoing COVID-19-related ban on gatherings. Protests are likely to continue over the coming days and should be avoided due to the risk of unrest.
PORTUGAL
Through December 2, travelers in Madeira should monitor developments and anticipate disruption during the passage of low-pressure weather system Clement. The Portuguese Meteorological Agency (IPMA) has issued an Orange Weather Alert for Madeira, warning of heavy rain and strong winds with gusts of up to 60 miles per hour in the coming days. On November 30, ferry services between Madeira and Porto Santo Island have been cancelled due to forecast high waves.
SPAIN
Through December 4, travelers in urban centers should plan journeys bypassing demonstrations over a controversial education law. The “Mas Plurales” alliance of student associations, labor unions, and civil society groups have held a series of gatherings in recent days. While these have passed off peacefully, significant traffic disruption was reported, including in Madrid.
UNITED KINGDOM
Authorities will lift a nationwide lockdown in England and revert to a three-tier COVID-19 alert system of local restrictions on December 2. People are advised against all non-essential travel to and from all “Tier 3” (very high risk) areas. Northern Ireland will remain under lockdown through December 11. Separate regulations apply for Scotland and Wales. Travelers should confirm region and city-specific measures.
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.
