AMERICAS

Mexico

Tomorrow, travelers in Guadalajara should plan journeys avoiding a demonstration by the Colectivo Lesbico Tapatio at 5:00 PM local time. The group is protesting over violence against gay women. Demonstrators will gather at the Andador Escorza before marching to Plaza Liberacion. The demonstration is expected to be well attended, resulting in local disruption.

Nicaragua

Tomorrow, travelers in Managua and other urban centers should avoid antigovernment protests due to a credible risk of violence. In Managua, demonstrators will gather at 6:00 PM local time at the city’s roundabouts, likely including Centroamerica, Ruben Dario, Jean Paul Genie and Cristo Rey. Additional protest flashpoints include Metrocentro and the Pan-American Highway, as well as the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN) and Central American University (UCA) campuses.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Algeria

Travelers should be prepared to stand fast for at least 72 hours in urban centers, and up to two weeks in rural areas if necessary, during continued protests against the President and those around him remaining in power. On Tuesday, March 26, Army Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid Salah called for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to be declared unfit for and removed from office, invoking a constitutional provision that would allow this; however, protesters have not been placated by the army chief’s move, and nationwide gatherings are set to continue today. Travelers should monitor developments closely, maintain flexible itineraries, and avoid all gatherings.

Bahrain

Today through Sunday, March 31, travelers should anticipate heightened security and avoid protests around the annual Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix racing event at the Bahrain International Circuit. Opposition groups have called for demonstrations against the race. Small protests mostly occur in the suburbs and Shia-majority villages outside Manama and are typically dispersed by security forces. According to reports yesterday, security forces fired tear gas at protesters in Shakhurah and Abu Saibah; protests also occurred in Ma’ameer.

Comoros

Results of the recent Presidential Election released by the Electoral Commission showed incumbent Azali Assoumani victorious with 61% of the vote, and his inauguration is scheduled for April 24; however, the opposition has alleged electoral fraud and unrest has followed the poll, particularly on Anjouan Island. Most recently, the arrest of a senior opposition figure yesterday prompted gunfire in Moroni.

Jordan

Today, travelers in Amman should plan routes avoiding the Grand Husseini Mosque due to an ongoing demonstration. Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in solidarity with Palestinians after an escalation in tensions at the al-Aqsa Mosque/ Temple Mount complex in Jerusalem earlier this month. While the protest is likely to be peaceful, the rally has attracted a large crowd and is liable to cause disruption in the area.

Nigeria

Travelers in Adamawa state should avoid all political gatherings following the release of the Gubernatorial Election results. Today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Ahmadu Fintiri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had won the election. He defeated incumbent Governor Jibrilla Bindow of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Polio cases due to a strain of “circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2” (cVDPV2) have been detected in Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Kwara, Taraba, and Yobe states. Additionally, environmental samples have tested positive in Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Yobe. The cVDPV strain can emerge in under-vaccinated populations. Polio is a contagious viral illness that causes paralysis and death. The infection is spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or directly from an infected person. Travelers should prevent infection by ensuring polio vaccinations are up to date.

There is a measles outbreak in Nigeria. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. The illness can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure they are fully immunized against measles.

South Africa

Today, travelers in Pretoria should avoid a protest at 10:00 AM local time outside the Health Professions Council of South Africa building on Madiba Street. The South African Emergency Personnel’s Union has organized the gathering to demand improved administrative procedures. The event is likely to pass off peacefully, though it may cause local disruption.

Today, travelers in Pretoria should avoid a march at 10:00 AM local time from Caledonian Stadium to the Union Buildings. The Democratic Alliance has organized the event in protest at recent rotating scheduled power outages, locally known as “load shedding,” by state-owned power provider Eskom. Although the event is likely to pass off peacefully, travelers should plan routes bypassing the march to minimize delays.

Tunisia

Today, travelers should anticipate disruption and reconfirm the status of flights during a nationwide strike by air traffic control staff. The air navigation technicians’ union has announced the walkout to demand the implementation of an agreement between the union and the Civil Navigation Authority. If it goes ahead, the strike will likely cause significant disruption to all flights traveling through Tunisian airspace.

United Arab Emirates

Today, passengers transiting Dubai International Airport (DXB) should reconfirm flight schedules before setting out. Thick fog and resultant poor visibility this morning has caused flight delays and cancellations.

Zimbabwe

Today, travelers in Chinhoyi should anticipate possible disruption from a planned rally by teachers from Chinhoyi Park to the local Public Service Commission offices. Members of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe are calling on the government to pay teachers in US Dollars, among other things. At least 200 people are expected to attend; their gathering point is adjacent to the A1 Highway, some five miles from the Chinhoyi Caves National Park.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Australia

Today, passengers transiting Sydney Airport (SYD) should anticipate residual delays following the temporary evacuation of the air traffic control tower. The tower was evacuated at around 11:40 AM local time after smoke was detected. Air traffic officers have since been allowed to return following an all clear by firefighters. While operations have resumed, delays are possible as airlines work to clear the backlog of flights. Travelers should reconfirm schedules prior to setting out.

An outbreak of measles has been declared in Darwin, Northern Territory. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. Measles can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure that they are fully immunized against measles.

India

Travelers should expect heightened security and avoid political gatherings related to the General Elections, which will be held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. The first four phases will take place on April 11, 18, 23 and 29; the remaining three phases will be held on May 6, 12 and 19. Disruption should be anticipated during the election period due to gatherings which also have the potential to result in low-level unrest, posing incidental risks to bystanders. On March 25, authorities in Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa increased security measures around establishments associated with the Jewish community after reportedly receiving intelligence on potential terrorist attacks. The information is said to suggest that the Islamist militant al-Qaida and Islamic State (IS) groups may target such locations in retaliation for the February 15 terrorist attacks in Christchurch. The tightening of security is likely to be a routine precaution and is not indicative of an imminent attack. Travelers should remain alert and report any suspicious behavior to authorities.

Pakistan

Polio cases have been detected in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh provinces. Additionally, environmental samples have tested positive in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provinces of Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh. Some of these samples were collected in major cities including Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. Polio is a contagious viral illness that can cause paralysis and death. It is spread through contaminated food or water, or directly from an infected person. Travelers should prevent infection by ensuring polio vaccinations are up to date.

Philippines

Today, security will be heightened around the 50th anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). The date is a flashpoint for violence, including attacks on security forces in NPA strongholds. The recent termination of peace talks between insurgents and the government increases the likelihood of such clashes. Travelers in insurgency-affected locations should remain vigilant and take stringent precautions.

EUROPE

France

Today, more than 180 people were evacuated after a fire broke out at the Four Seasons Hotel in Megeve. No injuries were reported.

Germany

Today, travelers in Berlin should plan routes bypassing an ongoing climate protest to minimize inconvenience. Thousands of students gathered at Invalidenpark and are proceeding to the Brandenburg Gate to demand the state takes further steps towards tackling climate change. The event is due to last until 3:00 PM local time, and bus services in its vicinity have experienced disruption. Weekly “Fridays for Future” climate protests have been well-attended and have taken place in various locations across the country.

United Kingdom

Today, travelers in London should avoid a planned right-wing rally and counter-protest as a precaution. UK Independence Party (UKIP) supporters will gather at Parliament Square at 4:00 PM local time to demand the UK exit the EU without delay.

The rally is co-organized by far-right Democratic Football Lads Alliance and For Britain groups. Counter-protesters from human rights and anti-fascist organizations are planning to gather outside Whitehall at the same time. The events are likely to be well-policed, but scuffles between rival activists cannot be ruled out.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS