AMERICAS

Venezuela

All travel to Venezuela should be deferred in the coming days, while travelers in country should minimize non-essential movement amid an ongoing political crisis. The situation is exacerbated by sporadic power outages and shortages of food, water and fuel. Juan Guaido, the National Assembly-recognized interim President, has called for nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, March 30 and April 6 to demand the removal of President Nicolas Maduro from power and to denounce recent power outages. In-country travelers should continue to avoid all political gatherings due to the risk of unrest and harsh measures from security forces and pro-government militias known as “colectivos.”

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Regional

Today, travelers using the Namanga border crossing between Tanzania and Kenya should reconfirm its status before setting out. Yesterday, residents on the Kenyan side of the border blocked the border crossing. The protest came in response to the arrest of a Kenyan resident by Tanzanian authorities. Residents said they would continue protesting until the arrested individual was released.

Comoros

Travelers should anticipate and avoid protests following the announcement of the provisional results of the March 24 Presidential Election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Tuesday, March 26 that President Azali Assoumani has won the election with 61% of votes, securing another term. Defeated opposition candidates have denounced the results; yesterday, they announced the creation of a National Transitional Council to challenge the results. Related protests against Assoumani’s victory are therefore likely.

Congo (DRC)

Today, travelers in Beni should avoid a rally by the LUCHA (“Fight for Change”) civil society group. Participants will march at 10:00 AM local time from Tribune du 8 Mars to the local office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). The rally is being held to appeal CENI to prevent any electoral fraud during the March 31 elections in Beni, Butembo, and Yumbi.

Kenya

Today, travelers in Kiambu should avoid a demonstration over alleged grabbing of land belonging to the Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Organizers have called for a peaceful gathering in the streets of Kiambu.

Malawi

Non-essential travel to Chikwawa, Machinga, Mangochi, Nsanje, and Phalombe districts should be deferred through April 2. This follows the passage of former Tropical Cyclone Idai, which exacerbated recent flooding and significantly damaged transportation and electricity infrastructure. Chikwawa and Nsanje districts remain inaccessible by road, while the Makhanga area has also been badly affected. Rainfall is forecast to continue through today

Maldives

Travelers should monitor political developments and avoid all gatherings associated with the April 6 Parliamentary elections. Rallies are expected to increase in frequency as Election Day approaches. While the elections are expected to pass off peacefully, the potential for sporadic low-level violence remains. Political demonstrations take place regularly, typically in the evenings, mainly in Male and Addu City. On the rare occasions that protests take place on other atolls, they tend to focus on police and government facilities and do not affect tourist resorts. Although turnouts are usually in the low hundreds, demonstrations could cause significant disruption.

Mauritania

Today, travelers in Nouakchott should avoid a sit-in from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM local time outside the Mali Embassy as a precaution. The gathering is being held to denounce recent violence targeting members of the ethnic-Fulani community in Mali’s Mopti region.

Nigeria

Today, travelers in Adamawa should exercise caution and avoid all political gatherings around the re-run of Gubernatorial Elections. On Tuesday, March 26, the State High Court in Yola ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to proceed with voting in the state. The ruling comes after the Election Committee declared the results of the election held on March 9 in Adamawa as inconclusive.

Somalia

Today, travelers should avoid the vicinity of Makkah al-Mukarramah Road following an explosion and ongoing gunfire near the Hotel Weheliye and Sayidka Junction.

South Africa

Today, an ongoing protest has blocked Allandale Road in the Midrand suburb of Johannesburg. Today, unruly protests are reported to be ongoing along the N3 Highway between Mooi River and Estcourt. The highway is closed in both directions between the two towns.

Sudan

Today, travelers in Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman should avoid planned protests due to the risk of unrest. The Sudanese Professional Association is staging protests to demand improved living conditions. Participants will gather at 1:00 PM local time at various locations, including Shambat, Al-Safyia, Al-Danagala, and AlShabiyya, Aburof, Wad Nubawi and Al-Ghemayer. While locations have not been announced for Khartoum, protesters are likely to gather near the Presidential Palace. Spontaneous demonstrations may occur elsewhere in Khartoum.

Uganda

Travelers Kampala and Entebbe should avoid further possible protests by matatu (commuter taxi) operators against the drivers’ association leadership. On Tuesday, March 26, demonstrations disrupted traffic at Namulanda on the Entebbe Road between Kampala to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Protesters stopped matatus and ordered passengers to disembark. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters; at least 15 people were arrested. Similar tactics were used to break up a related protest on March 22 in Kitooro taxi park in Entebbe. All related gatherings should be avoided due to the potential for unrest.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Bangladesh

A large fire has broken out at a building on Kemal Ataturk Avenue in the Banani area of Dhaka. Emergency services are at the scene.China Today, travelers in Shenyang should exercise caution and anticipate traffic disruption around the Shenyang Public Security Bureau following an arson and homemade bomb attack. Three people were injured in the incident, which occurred at around 1:50 PM local time. The motive of the assailant, who was killed by the explosive device, remains unknown; investigations are ongoing.

Kyrgyzstan

Today, travelers in Bishkek should anticipate heightened security and associated disruption related to an ongoing visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin. An official welcome ceremony will be held at the Presidential Residence. Other locations on Putin’s itinerary are not known, though he may visit the Russian Embassy. Disruption is possible on roads to/from Manas International Airport (FRU), which serves Bishkek, as the Russian President departs.

Solomon Islands

On April 3, non-essential travel to the Solomon Islands should be deferred due to General Elections. Low-level violence, including brawls, stone-throwing, vandalism and isolated acts of arson, is possible on Election Day in some areas, such as Honiara and Gizo. The announcement of results and appointment of the Prime Minister could also trigger unrest, including extensive rioting and looting. Travelers in the country over the election period should minimize movement, closely monitor developments, and avoid any related gatherings.

EUROPE

Georgia

Travelers in Tbilisi should avoid further protests by taxi drivers due to the potential for disturbances. Yesterday, taxi drivers marched from Station Square to Rustaveli Avenue. Low-level clashes occurred between protesters and police when the former blocked Rustaveli Avenue. The drivers are protesting a taxi reform initiated by the City Administration, calling for it be postponed until 2025.

Iceland

Passengers of WOW AIR should make alternate arrangements after the airline abruptly ceased operations today. All WOW AIR flights have been canceled.

Russia

On Sunday, March 31, travelers in urban centers should anticipate and avoid opposition protests. The unregistered “Other Russia” opposition party has called on supporters to rally against the government’s privatization policy. Authorized rallies will take place at 7:00 PM local time at the Monument to the Heroes of 1905 Revolution in Krasnopresnenskaya Zastava Square in Moscow, and at 3:00 PM local time in Markin Square in Nizhny Novgorod. Gatherings are also expected in other urban centers, including St Petersburg.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS