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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

MEXICO / CANADA (VISA REQUIREMENTS) - The Canadian Prime Minister has announced the government's intention to lift the visa requirement for Mexicans traveling into Canada beginning Dec. 1. Until Nov. 30, the requirement is still in place, and until it is officially lifted Mexican citizens must continue to apply for a visa to visit, study or work in Canada. Canadian and Mexican officials are working on final details.

PORTUGAL (AVIATION STRIKE) - Countrywide disruptions to flight services are expected in Portugal due to a strike by unionised ground-handling staff. Staff affiliated with aviation union, the Union of Workers of Aviation and Airports (SITAVA), are set to observe a three-day strike action from 1 July, in protest against current working conditions and wages. The strike action is set to affect airports countrywide, with the Lisbon Portela Airport in the capital, Lisbon, and Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport, in the coastal city of Porto, set to be worst affected. As negotiations between the union and aviation transport authorities are reportedly still possible, the possibility of the strike being cancelled or postponed cannot be dismissed. The affected airports are expected to implement contingency plans to limit disruptions; however, disruptions to flight services, including delays and cancellations, are anticipated, should the strike action proceed. Persons in Portugal during the aforementioned strike period should anticipate disruptions to flight services. Clients are also advised to monitor local media regarding the strike action and contact their airline or travel provider to enquire about the status of flight services.

UNITED KINGDOM (SCOTLAND - RAIL SECTOR STRIKE) - Unionised rail workers employed by rail operator ScotRail are set observe a 48-hour strike action in the UK from 3 July. The strike has been called with regard to a number of labour-related concerns, including the decision to reduce the role of conductors on trains, and wages. The action is set to affect all inner-city and regional ScotRail services throughout Scotland. The industrial action is the latest to be called amid long-running negotiations with the rail operator and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT). Recent related strike actions by the union have resulted in significant disruptions. The impact and extent to which the upcoming strike action will be supported is currently unclear; nonetheless, should it go ahead, significant disruptions to ScotRail services are anticipated. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected. Persons planning to utilise ScotRail (https://www.scotrail.co.uk/) services are advised to contact the rail operator directly, or their travel provider, to confirm the status of services. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for developments and information on the upcoming strike.

GERMANY (BERLIN - QUDS DAY) - Rival rallies and demonstrations marking International Quds Day are expected in Germany's capital, Berlin, on 2 July. Rallies and associated protest gatherings are scheduled to take place along Kurfurstendamm and Joachimstaler streets, with participants set to gather from 12:30 local time and proceed through the streets from 14:30. An associated protest is also expected in the vicinity of the Adenauerplatz station at 14:30. International Quds Day is an annual event and is typically held on the last Friday of the Ramadan period (6 June to 7 July). While the events are expected to conclude peacefully and will take place amid an increased police presence, it should be noted that events related to religious or ethnic issues in Germany carry an elevated threat of violent unrest. As such, the possibility of the upcoming events being marred by isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. The rallies and associated demonstrations are expected to be well attended; localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the event locations. Persons in Berlin on 2 July are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces. Clients are further advised to make allowances for extended travelling time in the vicinity of event sites.

UNITED KINGDOM (LONDON - QUDS DAY) - Rival demonstrations marking International Quds Day are expected in the UK's capital, London, on 3 July. A march will take place through the city, with participants expected to gather on Duchess Street at 15:00 local time and proceed to Grosvenor Square. Zionist and pro-Israel groups are set to stage rival demonstrations in the vicinity of Grosvenor Square; further details regarding this demonstration are currently unavailable. International Quds Day is an annual event and is typically held on the last Friday of the Ramadan period (6 June to 7 July). In London, pro-Palestine organisations have held the International Quds Day march annually for the past ten years. Previous marches have been well attended and resulted in moderate to severe disruptions to road travel in the vicinity of the march route. The upcoming actions are also expected to be well attended and conclude without major incident. However, the possibility of the events being marred by isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Persons in London on 3 July are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the march route and related demonstration-affected sites.

UNITED KINGDOM / FRANCE (COMMEMORATIVE EVENT) - Commemorative events and parades will be held in France and the UK on 1 July, to mark the centenary anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, which began on the same day in 1916. In France, the main commemorative event will be held in Thiepval, at the Thiepval Memorial from 12:00 local time. In the UK, main events and parades will be held in Manchester, first with a military parade through the city, then a memorial service at the Manchester Cathedral from 15:00, and then a concert at Heaton Park from 19:30. Associated events are also expected in other locales of the aforementioned countries; further details are unavailable. Numerous dignitaries, including members of the British monarchy, are expected to attend the commemorative events in both countries. Accordingly, the events are set to be accompanied by an increased police presence; as such, heightened security measures are expected to be significantly disruptive in the affected areas. Although the events are expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the commemorative venues, events, parades and related gatherings. Persons in the United Kingdom and France are advised to monitor local media for updates on commemorative events and associated security measures. In addition, clients are advised to avoid any large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

UNITED KINGDOM (SOUTHAMPTON - PROTESTS) - Far-right and anti-fascist groups are set to hold rival demonstrations in Southampton, in the UK, on 2 July. The demonstrations have been called in solidarity with and in protest against the EU referendum vote results, as well as to express renewed rival sentiments regarding asylum seekers and expatriates in the country. Both demonstrations are expected in the vicinity of the Bargate from 11:00 local time. The protests come amid elevated tensions regarding the outcome of the EU referendum vote and reports of an alleged increase of attacks on asylum seekers and foreign nationals, following the announcement of the withdraw results on 24 June. While the demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Due to the current emotive and divisive nature of the results and the ongoing European migrant crisis, further associated protests are anticipated for the short- to medium-term, at least. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the affected sites. Persons in Southampton on 2 July are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings.

FRANCE (PARIS - LGBT PARADE) - LGBT activists and civic groups are set to hold a pride parade in France's capital, Paris, on 2 July. The parade, dubbed 'Marche des Fiertes' is scheduled to begin at The Louvre from 14:00 local time and proceed to the Place de la Bastille, where a concert will be held from 16:00 to 21:00. The parade is expected to be accompanied by an increased police presence. Although the parade is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of counter-demonstrations and isolated hate crimes marring the upcoming gathering cannot be dismissed. The event is expected to be well attended; as such, localised traffic disruptions are likely in the vicinity and along the parade route, as well as related gathering sites. Persons in Paris on 2 July are advised to expect increased security in the city centre, and avoid the vicinity of the parade route and associated gatherings, as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for extended travelling time.

CHINA (LANDSLIDES, SEVERE RAIN WARNINGS) - One person has been killed and at least 20 more are reported as missing, possibly dead, in China's Guizhou province, on 1 July due to a landslide. The incident occurred in the village of Pianpo and was caused by heavy rain in the area. Elsewhere, on 30 June, the China National Meteorological Administration issued an orange alert for flooding, the second highest on a four-tier scale. The provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, Hubei and Hunan are forecast to be the most impacted by severe rain and high winds, while Liaoning province and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) may be impacted by severe hailstorms. The rain coincides with China's annual monsoon season, which generally runs from May to September, although the majority of rain falls in the two-month period from the end of May. However, due to the presence of a stronger-than-normal El Nino weather pattern, the rainfall during China's 2016 annual rainy season is heavier than usual. As such, landslides and severe flooding in affected areas is taking place. This has led to hundreds of casualties, large-scale population evacuations, and disruptions to power supply and public transportation (air, road and rail), including at major airports in Shanghai and the capital, Beijing. It should also be noted that flooding in towns and cities is often exacerbated by urban sprawl and poor drainage infrastructure. Clients in China are advised to monitor local media, including the China national Meteorological Administration (http://www.cma.gov.cn/en2014/), for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated areas. Motorists should avoid travelling through flooded roadways. Persons relying on public transport should regularly check the status of services.

KENYA (MANDERA COUNTY, KENYA - ATTACK) - At least six people, including a Kenya Police Reservist, were killed when suspected al-Shabaab militants attacked two busses on 1 July. A number of people were also wounded in the attack, which took place while the busses were travelling between Wargadud and El Wak. The attack follows the deaths of five Kenyan policemen in Mandera County after their vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) while escorting a bus. Low-level shooting and bomb attacks by al-Shabaab militants have increased in frequency in recent years due to Kenya's military involvement in Somalia since 2011. Mandera County is often affected due to its location along the shared border with Somalia. Due to the ongoing nature of the conflict, further reprisal attacks in the region should be anticipated. These are likely to include low-level shooting and bombing attacks, as well as kidnappings. Further incidents near the shared border are likely. Attacks can also occur further inside Kenyan territory. Clients are advised against all travel to areas within 50km of the Somali border, including Mandera County, due to heightened threats of terrorism and kidnapping. Non-essential travel to wider Mandera County is advised against due to the associated insecurity in the region.

SOUTH AFRICA (SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG - DEMONSTRATION) - A protest action by anti-Israel activists is expected in Sandton, located towards the north of Johannesburg in Gauteng province, on 1 July. The protest is scheduled to begin at 14:00 local time, at the corner of West Street and Fredman Drive, opposite the Fedsure Towers. Anti-Israel protests are generally well attended; at least 400 people are expected at the agitation in Sandton on 1 July. The protest may result in significant traffic disruptions along West Street and Fredman Drive. The risk of widespread civil unrest at the event is considered low; however, protests and demonstrations in South Africa have been known to escalate into skirmishes between police and participants. Given the emotive nature of the issue and the likelihood of a considerable police presence around the gathering, the possibility of minor confrontations cannot be discounted. Persons in Sandton, Johannesburg on 1 July are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of all street gatherings, which should be avoided as a standard precaution.

SOUTH AFRICA (CAPE TOWN & JOHANNESBURG - DEMONSTRATIONS) - Various activists and civil society members are set to stage demonstrations outside of the offices of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in Cape Town (Western Cape province) and Johannesburg (Gauteng province), in South Africa, from 08:00 local time on 1 July. The protest action has been called in response to the recent suspension of three senior SABC journalists, who are said to have questioned controversial directives by the chief operations officer of the state broadcaster, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Although the upcoming demonstrations are expected to conclude peaceful, there is a credible risk of skirmishes between protesters and police at protest gatherings. Such unrest may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Moreover, the demonstrations are likely to impact on local travel and business services in the affected areas. Persons in Cape Town and Johannesburg on 1 July are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest actions, as well as related advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstrations.

HUNGARY (BUDAPEST - PROTEST) - A number of groups representing health care workers have called for a 12-hour sit-in demonstration in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, on 1 July. Participants are expected to gather in the central Kossuth square, near Parliament, from 18:00 local time. Although the upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, there is a credible risk of skirmishes between participants and police at protest gatherings. Such unrest may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Moreover, the demonstration is likely to impact on local travel in the affected area. Clients in Budapest on 1 July are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration.

INDIA / PAKISTAN (QUDS DAY) - International Quds (Jerusalem) Day is being commemorated on 1 July in Pakistan and India. The day was instituted by the Iranian government in 1979 in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people and against Israel's control of Jerusalem. Rallies are typically held in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, and focus on the summer capital, Srinagar. Although organisers have stated that they intend this gathering to be peaceful, a similar rally commemorating International Quds Day in 2012 degenerated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police. In Pakistan, rallies are often attended by hundreds of thousands of people in urban centres following Friday midday prayers. These events, which are attended by a considerable proportion of Pakistan's Shiite Muslim minority, are a prominent target for Sunni extremist groups to carry out attacks. During International Quds Day commemorations in 2010, the banned Sunni Muslim extremist group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, carried out a bombing on a Shiite gathering in Balochistan province's capital, Quetta, killing 73 people and leaving 160 injured. Due to these threats, security has likely been heightened in Jammu and Kashmir state in India and across Pakistan; however, it has likely been particularly elevated in Quetta due to the considerable minority of Shiites present in that city. Such measures may include increased security force deployments, roadblocks and the suspension of mobile phone services. In the event of violence at any rallies in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities may respond with the imposition of a curfew. Due to a number of ongoing concerns, clients are advised against non-essential travel to most of Pakistan and all travel to the rest of Pakistan and against all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) in India. Clients currently in areas likely to be affected are advised to avoid all related demonstrations as a precaution, particularly in areas identified as carrying an elevated risk of violence.

IRAN / ISRAEL / PALESTINE (QUDS DAY) - Anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests are expected in parts of the Middle East on 1 July, including in Iran, Israel and Palestine, to commemorate International Quds Day. Quds Day is typically held on the last Friday of the Ramadan period (6 June to 7 July). In Iran, rallies are expected to be well attended and are likely to occur in major cities, including in the capital, Tehran. In Israel, related gatherings are expected in predominantly Arab/Palestinian areas and in Jerusalem. Demonstrations in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are also anticipated. The rallies in Iran are likely to pass without major incident; however, road travel disruptions are possible near potential rally sites (public squares, city centres, government buildings and mosques). In Israel and Palestine, the risk of violence is elevated and increases further should protesters march towards Israeli security force positions or Jewish settlements. Clients in Iran, Israel and Palestine on 1 July are advised to monitor local developments closely in their area of travel and should liaise with their local contact or security provider about potential rallies. All related gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. In addition, please note that due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip and against all non-essential travel to the West Bank. Furthermore, all non-essential travel to East Jerusalem, including the Old City, is advised against. Heightened caution is advised in western Jerusalem.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DEMONSTRATIONS) - The Republican Front for the Respect of Constitutional Order and Democratic Change (FROCAD) and Congo Democracy Initiative (IDC) opposition groups have called on their members and supporters to observe a month of civil disobedience in the Republic of Congo, from 1 July. Opposition activists have accused incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso and his administration of corruption and political intimidation; the aforementioned protest campaign has been organised to demand his resignation as a result. Although further details regarding the agitation have not been disclosed, it may take the form of demonstrations and/or general strikes. It is currently unclear how well the call for civil disobedience will be supported; however, it should noted that emotive and anti-government undertone of the protest campaign may see related events being forcefully dispersed by security forces. Moreover, there is a credible risk of violence at all politically motivated gatherings in the country. Precedent suggests that the capital, Brazzaville, and other major urban centres, such as Pointe-Noire, are likely to serve as focal points for any opposition unrest. Persons operating in the Republic of Congo in the coming month are advised to monitor local media for updates on the FROCAD-IDC protest campaign, as well as associated advisories from the authorities. All demonstrations and strike-related activities should be avoided as a standard precaution. Finally, clients are reminded that heightened caution is advised in the Likouala and the Pool departments, due to general insecurity in these regions.

ARGENTINA (BUENOS AIRES - DEMONSTRATION) - A mass demonstration is anticipated in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, on 2 July. The demonstration has been organised against the decision by Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi, to resign from international football. Participants are expected to gather at the Obelisk monument at 18:00 local time. At least 45,000 supporters are expected to attend the gathering. In light of the large number of people expected to attend the event, localised disruptions in the vicinity of the Obelisk should be expected. While the risk of violence at the upcoming demonstration is assessed to be low, the possibility of low-level confrontations cannot be discounted. Clients in Buenos Aires on 2 July are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made to accommodate the anticipated travel disruptions.

LATIVA (RIGA - COMMEMORATIVE MARCH) - A march commemorating the victims of the Holocaust will be held in Riga on 3 July; the event is set to commence at 11:00 local time. Police are expected to implement elevated security measures, including increased deployments and numerous road closures. Roads set to be affected by the closure include Liknas, Ludzas and Gogol streets. In addition, public bus services are also set to be disrupted by the demonstration. The upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; however, demonstrations associated with the Second World War often prompt counter-demonstrations in Latvia. Accordingly, an elevated police presence and related security measures are expected in the vicinity of the event. Furthermore, the memorial and related road closures are also expected to result in localised travel disruptions. Clients in Riga are advised to avoid all associated gatherings as a precaution. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions.

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