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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
FRANCE - Unionised air traffic controllers (ATC) are set to stage a countrywide strike in France, from 19:00 local time on 30 March until approximately 06:00 on 1 April. The action, which is has been organised in response to various work-related grievances, is expected to cause significant disruptions to flight services in the country. The upcoming strike is set to affect both international and domestic flights across France. It should be noted that, as mediation efforts are still ongoing, the upcoming strike may be cancelled or postponed on an ad hoc basis. Hundreds of flights were cancelled across the country due to similar action on 20 and 21 March. Although airport authorities are likely to implement contingency plans in order to mitigate the impact of the forthcoming work-stoppage; further such cancellations are possible between 30 March and 1 April. Persons intending make use of air transport services in France during the aforementioned period are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for updates on the status of their flight(s).
 
TURKEY - The U.S. State Department on Tuesday updated its travel warning for Turkey, saying that tourists have been "explicitly targeted by international and indigenous terrorist organizations." The warning specifically advised against travel to southeastern Turkey. As of March 29, the State Department has ordered the departure of family members of U.S, government personnel posted to the U.S. Consulate in Adana as well as of family members of U.S. government civilians in the Izmir and Mugla provinces. It has restricted official travel to Turkey to "mission-critical" travel only. U.S. citizens should avoid areas in close proximity to the Syrian border, according to the warning. They should also stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations, exercise heightened vigilance and caution when in public areas, and avoid political gatherings and rallies. The State Department also advised staying at hotels with identifiable security measures in place. The updated warning replaces the one issued on March 17, days after a car bomb exploded in Ankara, killing 37 and injuring 125. There have been four suicide bombings in Turkey this year, including two in Istanbul.
AUSTRALIA - (Update) A unionised strike, by security and customs staff at Australia's major international airports, is underway on 29 March, following its initial postponement. The strike was planned to take place on 24 March; however, was suspended in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium, on 22 March due to elevated security concerns. The Australian Department of immigration and Border Protection have issued a statement warning of disruptions until 7 April. Due to rolling stoppages expected to affect a number of airports on varying days. The upcoming strike action forms part of an ongoing CPSU-led strike that began on 20 March and had originally been called to protest against the government's recent labour policies, which have caused a number of redundancies across all sectors, including aviation. Disruptions at affected facilities should be anticipated; this includes extended immigration processes. Although it remains unclear whether protests will be staged, none have been confirmed thus far, related demonstrations cannot be discounted. Persons travelling in, to or from Australia are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned action. Clients are further advised to contact their travel provider, airport departures or airline to enquire about the status of operations at facilities countrywide.

BRAZIL(RIO DE JANIERO) - Unconfirmed reports indicate that taxi drivers in Brazil's city of Rio de Janeiro are currently engaging in a strike and associated protest on 30 March. Those participating in the strike are calling for the banning of Uber services. Information surrounding the agitation, such as how many drivers are participating and which parts of the city are impacted, remain unclear. Uber is a mobile application-based transportation network that uses a smartphone application to receive taxi ride requests from customers; ride requests are then sent to member drivers. Local taxi drivers consider this an uncompetitive practice and, therefore, a threat to their business. It is currently unclear how long the action will last. As such, disruptions to travel should be anticipated for the immediate-term. Persons currently in Rio de Janeiro are advised to monitor local media for updates. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated.

SOUTH AFRICA(DURBAN) - Reports indicate that a planned taxi strike on 30 March in numerous locations of Durban, South Africa, has turned violent; police have fired teargas to control a number of protesting taxi drivers, as well as other participants. The worst-affected area is the CBD, with additional incidents reported in Empangeni, Newcastle, Ulundi, eShowe and Amatikulu. The strike has been initiated by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and is meant to cripple transport throughout KwaZulu-Natal province. In addition, strikers are reportedly stopping taxis and busses and forcing occupants out of vehicles in the city centre and along highways. Protests and demonstrations related to political issues, labour disputes and service delivery occur frequently in South Africa. The current unrest is linked to the mass impounding of taxis over the Easter Weekend, due to their inability to secure taxi permits from local authorities. Given that the grievances triggering the protest and resultant unrest remain unresolved, further strikes and associated disruptions are possible in the near-term. Travel disruptions are expected to continue in the coming hours, although police may restore order. Persons in Durban are advised to avoid the affected areas. Clients are further advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution.

PERU(LIMA & CALLAO) - (Update) A transport sector strike in Lima and Callao, planned for 31 March, has been suspended. The strike was suspended after transport sector unions initiated a negotiation process with the local authorities. Despite the suspension of the strike, further labour agitation remains possible, should negotiations fail to reach a compromise. The strike was initially called in response to irregularities in the implementation of a new transport policy. Normal travel in Lima and Callao can continue on 31 March. Local media should be monitored for updates on the status of negotiations.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA - Political tensions have escalated in Equatorial Guinea, after the primary opposition grouping, the Democratic Opposition Front (FOD), called for a countrywide boycott of the 24 April presidential election. The FOD has stated the process and procedures for the elections to be unconstitutional. This call comes amid already heightened tensions between the government and opposition parties after the initial poll, tabled for November, was postponed until 24 April without explanation or reason from the presidency. Given the current tensions, there is a possibility of opposition-led demonstrations in the lead-up to the election, which may be met with a forceful response from security forces. In addition, the possibility of violence at all election-related events, such as campaign rallies, cannot be discounted. Clients are advised to avoid all election-related events and facilities, as well as any possible associated protests. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for more information regarding the upcoming elections.

YEMEN(ADEN) - Yemen military forces and pro-government militia have reportedly clashed with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) militants in the Mansoura area on a number of occasions between 28 and 30 March. Reports on 30 March indicate that government forces have routed the AQAP fighters and have taken control of the central prison, nearby buildings and a number of residential structures in the affected area. AQAP forces have maintained a presence in Aden for a number of months. Its fighters have been responsible for a number of clashes and acts of terrorism in the city. Despite the reported withdrawal/defeat of the AQAP force in Mansoura, it is possible that the group maintains a presence elsewhere in the city or in surrounding regions. Its ability to launch attacks in Aden remains largely undiminished. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, including Aden. Persons in or planning to travel to the city should organise travel with a security escort and reside in secure accommodation. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

SUDAN/SOUTH SUDAN - Unconfirmed reports indicate that Sudan has closed its border with South Sudan. The closure is a reversal of the 28 January decision by Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir to reopen the border between the two countries, which has been closed since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Sudan accuses its southern neighbour of backing insurgents in its South Kordofan province, following clashes between Sudanese troops and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in South Kordofan, on 29 March, resulting in casualties on both sides. Sudan has closed its border with South Sudan on numerous occasions since the later attained independence in 2011. Sudan has issued warnings in recent weeks that the border would be closed, due to the aforementioned allegations of rebel support, which South Sudan denies. The renewed clashes between the Sudanese army and the SPLM-N follow peace talks in Addis Ababa between the Sudanese government, opposition parties and several armed rebel groups, mediated by the African Union (AU). However, as the clashes demonstrate, there is a high probability of continued conflict in the near- to medium-term. Clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan, due to ongoing conflict and political instability in the country. Clients are also advised against all travel to South Kordofan state, Blue Nile state, as well as the disputed Abyei region, due to high levels of conflict, kidnapping and associated insecurity. Persons intending to travel via land into either country over the immediate-term are advised to contact the local authorities or their travel provider for further information and for travel alternatives.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(NORTH KIVU PROVINCE) - At least 16 people have been killed during ongoing clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s North Kivu province on 29 March. The violence took place in the Mpati locality, approximately 100km south west from the city of Goma, between government troops, rebels from Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and Mai Mai rebels. The clashes, which began on 27 March, are part of an operation by the DRC's army to reclaim villages in the region from the aforementioned rebel groups. At least 12 rebels and four soldiers have been killed during the clashes. The latest incident underscores the persistent security risks present in north eastern DRC, including in North Kivu province. A number of armed groups, including FDLR and other ethno-communal Mai-Mai militia, are active in the region and maintain an operational presence in large parts of the province. The groups are known to sporadically execute violent attacks targeting civilian and security forces, and engage in other acts of criminality. Given the protracted conflict in this region, further such incidents are likely to persist. Due to various security concerns, particularly the high threat of conflict, all travel to North Kivu province is advised against. Persons currently in the region should ensure that robust travel, residential and personal security measures are in place.

INDIA(CHHATTISGARH STATE) - Seven security force personnel are reported to have been killed in a suspected rebel attack in India's Chhattisgarh state, on 30 March. Rebels are said to have detonated a landmine targeting security forces, who were conducting security operations in the Malewara area of Dantewada district. The death toll may rise in the coming hours. Maoist rebels have been engaged in an ongoing insurgency in rural and remote areas of Chhattisgarh state, as well as in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal for nearly 30 years. Thousands of people have died in violence related to the groups' separatist campaign during this time. Although Maoist-related violence and associated casualties have decreased in recent years, data indicates that 120 people were killed in Chhattisgarh as a result of the conflict in 2015, a slight increase from 113 people in 2014, demonstrating that the threat of Maoist-related violence is still considerable. In light of the recent violence in the Dantewada district, a further deployment of Indian police or military personnel is probable. Rebels may also retaliate with attacks targeting Indian state facilities and personnel. Therefore, further confrontations are possible. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of Chhattisgarh due to the Maoist insurgency. If intercity travel is required, clients are advised to consider travelling by air between urban destinations. Road and rail travel are strongly advised against due to the threat of terrorism that routinely affects these forms of transport. In addition, all concentrations of security forces should be avoided.

PAKISTAN(ISLAMABAD) - (Update) Security forces have begun preparations on 30 March to end an ongoing sit-in within the Red Zone by Islamist protesters in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. Reports indicate that approximately 5,000 security force members have been deployed to disperse the protesters. This comes after a second ultimatum was given by government officials for protesters to vacate the area by 30 March. Significant disruptions to transport services have been reported, as a result of bus services in the area being halted due to protesters damaging terminals. There have been no reports of significant violence or clashes between security forces and protesters thus far. Protests began on 27 March and degenerated into violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The protesters, initially numbered 25,000, had gathered in support of Mumtaz Qadri, who killed the governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer, in 2011 over his calls to reform Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws. Qadri's 29 February execution sparked large-scale protests across the country; however, these were largely peaceful. In light of recent events, it should be noted that the risk of violence at all related protests is elevated, with protesters refusing to negotiate with government officials. The threat of violence will further escalate should security forces attempt to use force to disperse the protesters. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in light of the presence of protesters, the additional security force deployments, and the halting of bus services. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to most of Pakistan, including Islamabad. Clients in Pakistan in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for related updates. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution; the vicinity of the Red Zone in Islamabad should also be avoided.

RUSSIA(MAKHACHKALA, DAGESTAN) -  Reports indicate that at least one security official has been killed after a roadside bomb hit a police convoy near Makhachkala, capital of the Russian Republic of Dagestan, on 29 March. In addition, two policemen were injured in the blast. The blast reportedly occurred on the road connecting the city to the Makhachkala airport. Separatist fighters and Islamist militants frequently carry out low-scale terrorist bombings and armed attacks in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region, including in Dagestan. The recent incident is significant in that separatist and Islamist militant activity has been primarily focused on Russian security forces, low-level officials and local civilian targets. In light of the recent incident, increased security measures, including additional deployments of security forces, patrols and checkpoints, are anticipated in Makhachkala and in the wider Dagestan region. Due to high levels of violence, instability and terrorism, clients are advised against travel to a number of areas in the restive North Caucasus region, including Dagestan. Persons intending to travel in the region are advised to implement robust and comprehensive personal, residential and travel security measures.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC(BANGUI) - Elevated security levels are in effect in the Central African Republic (CAR)'s capital, Bangui, due to the presidential inauguration of former Prime Minster Faustin-Archange Touadera, on 30 March. The inauguration will take place at the Barthelemy Boganda Stadium on Avenue des Martyrs; a number of foreign heads of state and other dignitaries will be in attendance. Disruptions are anticipated at Bangui M'Poko International Airport, and along Avenue des Martyrs into central Bangui. In addition, the second round of legislative elections will be held countrywide on 31 March. The CAR has been chronically insecure since the overthrow of Francois Bozize's regime in 2013. Although no specific threats have been made against Touadera, the inauguration coincides with chronic insecurity in the city, stemming from ethno-religious tensions and associated violence. Elections have been delayed on several occasions due to violence and insecurity across the country. Security measures are set to be increased ahead of and during the presidential inauguration; and associated with the attendance of various foreign heads of state; such measures may include the deployment of additional security patrols, security checkpoints, random identification checks, vehicle searches and the closure of roads. In addition, possible disruptions are anticipated on 31 March with the second round of legislative elections held countrywide, although associated risks in Bangui will likely be mitigated by the extensive security presence following on from the inauguration. Clients are advised against all travel to the CAR due to political instability and associated insecurity. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly updated and reviewed. Persons currently in the country should avoid all election-related gatherings and facilities due to the threat of violence.

ISRAEL - The Arab Higher Monitoring Committee has called for a general strike in Arab Israeli communities in Israel on 30 March. The strike coincides with the annual commemoration of Land Day; which commemorates the 1976 Arab/Palestinian-led protests and associated civil unrest. These demonstrations were sparked by the Israeli government's decision to expropriate large parts of Palestinian-owned land. The resultant unrest left six people dead and 100 wounded. Associated protests are also anticipated in Arab Palestinian communities in the Galilee and Negev areas on 30 March. The primary events are scheduled in Arrabe from 16:00 local time and in Sakhnin, Deir Hanna and Kafr Kana. A protest in Umm al-Hiran in the Negev is also expected from 16:00 local time. The strike is likely to result in disruptions to business and possibly public transport in predominantly Arab Palestinian areas on 30 March. The protests, which are expected to be well-attended, may also lead to localised road travel disruptions. Clashes between protesters and the Israeli police cannot be discounted. Clients in Israel on 30 March should exercise caution in Arab Palestinian areas and should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

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