Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
UNITED KINGDOM / VIETNAM (VISA EXEMPTION) - The government of Vietnam has announced that it is extending its visa exemption program for UK passport holders for single-entry stays of up to 15 days, until June 30th, 2017. The policy, which was first introduced on July 1st, 2015, also applies to French, German, Spanish and Italian nationals. The extension of the visa exemption program comes just after the introduction of Vietnam Airlines' daily non-stop services between Heathrow and Vietnam - a new Thursday flight to Hanoi was added to the national flag carrier and SkyTeam member's existing six flights per week schedule on June 23rd this year. FRANCE (AIR SECTOR STRIKE) - Countrywide disruptions to flight services are expected in France due to a strike by unionised air traffic controllers from 4 to 6 July. The Air Traffic Control Services strike reportedly began at 18:00 GMT on 4 July, and will continue until 05:00 GMT on 6 July. The strike is likely to significantly affect international and domestic flight services at all airports. It is currently unclear how well the action will be observed;however, disruptions, including delays and cancellation of flight services are anticipated. It should be noted the action my be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. The strike is the 53rd French air traffic controller strike in seven years, which has led an Irish carrier to launch a "Keep Europe's Skies Open" petition designed to have the issue of French ATC strikes addressed by the European Commission, due to the extensive travel disruptions that the strike action has caused over the years. Persons intending to transit through airports in France during the aforementioned affected period are advised to contact their travel provider or airline to enquire about the status of their flight(s). Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and additional information on the upcoming strike. GREECE (ATHENS, PATRAS & THESSALONIKI - RAIL SECTOR STRIKE) - (Update) Disruptions to TrainOSE intercity and regional rail services are anticipated in Greece's capital, Athens, as well as within and from Patras and Thessaloniki, due to strikes by unionised rail workers on 4, 5 and 6 July. On 4 and 5 July, workers are set to observe a series of three-hour work stoppages, from 05:00 to 08:00, 13:00 to 16:00 and 21:00 to 23:59 local time. A 24-hour strike is scheduled for 6 July. The action has been called in protest of the privatisation of public transport services and associated operators, which is likely to result in a number of redundancies. This is the latest action by TrainOSE unionised rail workers in recent weeks, with associated actions having taken place on 3 June and 28 June. Previous strike action has resulted in significant disruptions to TrainOSE services; associated disruptions are expected as a result of the upcoming action. An increased demand for alternative modes of transport should also be expected in affected areas. It should be noted that the action may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Clients intending to utilise TrainOSE services during the strike-affected period are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the strike action. Clients are further advised to confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.
POLAND (WARSAW - 2016 NATO SUMMIT) - The 2016 NATO Summit will be held in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, from 8 to 9 July. Preliminary meetings and consultations will take place in the days prior to the summit, which will be attended by scores of senior diplomats, heads of state and high-ranking officials. The summit will take place at the National Stadium; however, a meeting of senior diplomats is also scheduled to take place at the Presidential Palace during the course of the summit. Increased security measures and related travel restrictions are anticipated in central districts of the city including, Czyste, Ochota, Wola and Praga-Poludnie. Associated protests and demonstrations are also expected outside key venues, both prior to and during the summit. On 9 July, an anti-war protest is set to commence in the Ronda de Gaulle area at 12:00 local time. NATO summits are extraordinary meetings of representatives from the military alliance's member states, which take place periodically. The event is typically accompanied by protests and demonstrations by social and anti-war activists. Protests ahead of the upcoming summit are likely to focus on issues such as the foreign intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq, instability in Ukraine, and other socio-economic and political grievances. Given the emotive nature of these gatherings and the heavy security presence, the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. In addition, events of this nature are attractive targets for terrorist organisations, and the possibility of an attack cannot be entirely dismissed. Persons in Warsaw should expect increased security measures, travel restrictions and associated traffic disruptions in the coming days. Clients are also advised to avoid all protest gatherings during this period as a precaution.
POLAND (BORDER CONTROLS) - Authorities in Poland are expected to implement temporary restrictions at all border crossing points from 4 July until 2 August. The restrictions are scheduled to be implemented as a precaution ahead of the NATO Summit, expected to take place in the capital, Warsaw, on 8 and 9 July. In addition, other high-profile events, including the Papal visit in late July and World Youth Day, expected to take place in Krakow from 25 until 30 July, have prompted the increased border security. The restrictions are expected to be implemented on both internal Schengen borders, as well as Poland's shared borders with Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine. Temporary border controls are frequently implemented as a precaution against various security threats ahead of significant or high-profile events in European Union (EU) member states. Localised disruptions to travel should be anticipated near the affected sites for the duration of the temporary border controls, and possibly beyond this period. Persons intending to travel via Poland's land borders over the near-term are advised to check the status of their crossing prior to travel with the relevant authority. Furthermore, allowances should be made for possible travel disruptions resulting from the increased security measures. FRANCE (LYON & MARSEILLE - SEMI-FINALS UEFA EURO 2016) - (Update) The semi-finals of the 15th UEFA European Championship (UEFA Euro 2016) are set to take place in France, on 6 and 7 July. The first semi-final, between Portugal and Wales, will take place in the Stade de Lyon, which is located approximately 12km east of Lyon city centre, at 21:00 local time on 6 July. The second semi-final, between France and Germany, is scheduled to take place at the Stade Velodrome, which is located approximately 4km south of Marseille city centre, from 21:00 on 7 July. Elevated security measures, including increased police deployments and patrols, are expected in the vicinity of both venues, on the respective days, as well as near fan arenas, tourist attractions and transport hubs. The tournament, which began on 10 June, was initially marred by several incidents of unrest and violence between rival sets of fans. Following the implementation of several restrictive measures in host cities, including banning the sale of alcohol in some stadiums and closing public viewing areas early, incidents of football-related violence have not been reported. Several pertinent security concerns remain in France. Most notably, the threat of terrorism is considered to be particularly acute due to the persistent threat posed by Islamist militant groups, which has been illustrated by the recent mass-casualty attacks in Paris and Brussels. As a high-profile event, the championship presents a credible target for militant groups. The elevated security posture will not eliminate the threat but will reduce the likelihood of a successful attack. Ongoing widespread anti-labour reform campaigns, including general strikes and protest activity, are expected to persist for the duration of the championship. Furthermore, travel and business disruptions as a result of the increased security measures and possible protest/strike action are likely during the tournament. NICARAGUA (ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & UPCOMING ELECTION) - The US Embassy in Nicaragua's capital, Managua, has issued a travel warning for foreign nationals intending to travel to Nicaragua during the upcoming election cycle. Nicaragua is set to hold its next general election on 6 November. The local authorities may require special notification for official travellers, particularly those from the US, who hold diplomatic or official passports. The authorities also require advance coordination for medical teams, charitable groups or volunteer groups intending to operate in Nicaragua. The embassy has warned of heightened sensitivities by Nicaraguan officials to certain subjects and activities, including elections, the proposed inter-oceanic canal, volunteer or charitable visits and topics deemed sensitive or critical by the government. The local authorities have denied entry to, detained, questioned, or expelled foreign nationals for discussions, written reports or articles, photographs, and/or videos related to these topics. Further incidents of this nature are possible over the coming months, including after the election. Foreign travellers, particularly persons working in large groups or travelling to the country to cover political developments or state-related projects, should reconfirm entry requirements with their Nicaraguan diplomatic representations. Persons already in the country should enquire with their local embassy. GLOBAL (EID AL-FITR) - Muslims will commemorate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, known as Eid al-Fitr, on 6 or 7 July. Exact dates may vary depending on location. In many states the Eid period is a public holiday, and can span a number of days. Eid al-Fitr is a major religious period in Muslim states and Muslim-majority areas across the globe. During this period, observers will typically travel home to their families to commemorate the end of Ramadan. The large movement of people often results in transportation disruptions and delays. Given the public holidays which frequently correspond with the period, disruptions to business and state operations are also expected at times. Clients operating in Muslim majority states and regions during the Eid period should reconfirm all transport services with their travel provider or transport authority prior to departure. BANGLADESH (EID AL-FITR - HEIGHTENED THREAT OF ATTACKS) - There is a heightened threat of attacks across Bangladesh for the Muslim commemoration of Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, which falls on or around 6/7 July. However, a nine-day public holiday period will begin countrywide from 6 July. The threat of terrorism is rated as medium in Bangladesh; however, the country has been subject to a number of religiously motivated attacks, which in the past three years have left approximately 40 people dead. These attacks have been relatively unsophisticated, and generally have involved low-level knife or machete attacks on Shiite, Christian or Hindu individuals, or against LGBT or secular activists. More recently, on 1 July, the country suffered its most severe and high-profile attack in recent years, when Islamist extremists stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in the upmarket Gulshan area of the capital, Dhaka. Following a ten-hour siege and hostage situation, security forces stormed the premises. In the aftermath, 20 civilians, two security force members and six of the seven attackers were killed. The attack has been claimed by the Sunni extremist Islamic State group, but this was subsequently denied by the government, who claim it was carried out by militants from a local Islamist group, Jamatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). In light of this incident, security forces are likely to be on a considerably heightened alert status, especially over the Eid al-Fitr period. These measures may include an increase in security checkpoints and security force deployments at higher-risk locations such as key ports of entry, strategic state interests, places of worship, marketplaces, shopping malls, transport hubs and other crowded areas. Clients in Bangladesh over the aforementioned period should remain vigilant, avoid all religiously motivated gatherings and report any suspicious persons, packages or activities to the authorities immediately.
AFGHANISTAN / PAKISTAN (EID AL-FITR - HEIGHTENED THREAT OF ATTACKS) - There is a heightened threat of attacks across Afghanistan and Pakistan for the Muslim commemoration of Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, which falls on 6 or 7 July, although dates may vary locally. Although local officials in Pakistan or Afghanistan have not released any information pertaining to an actual threat of terrorist attacks, there is an extreme threat from terrorism in both countries, and bomb attacks, both actual and attempted, are regularly reported. The threat is posed by Islamist extremist groups who have carried out targeted attacks against symbols of the Pakistani and Afghan state, as well as against religious minorities, particularly Shiite Muslims in Pakistan. This threat is further heightened on religiously-significant holidays such as Eid al-Fitr. Possible targets include foreign diplomatic representations, markets, major hotels, restaurants, transport hubs and Shiite events and mosques, and there is likely to be a visibly heightened security presence at such locations; additional security checkpoints along major routes are also likely. Due to a number of ongoing concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan, and to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces in Pakistan, as well as all non-essential travel to the rest of the country. Persons currently in either country should remain vigilant, avoid all religiously motivated gatherings and report any suspicious persons, packages or activities to the authorities immediately.
ALGERIA (EID AL-FITR - HEIGHTENED THREAT OF ATTACKS) - Algeria will commemorate its Independence Day on 5 July. The day precedes Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) commemorations on 6 and 7 July. Associated public gatherings and events are expected between 5 and 7 July. An elevated security presence is anticipated in major cities ahead of and during this period. The anticipated elevated security is precautionary and in response to the threat posed by Islamist extremists. There are a number of militant groups operating in the country, including those linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Islamic State (IS), which pose a risk to the state and could conduct attacks during the forthcoming period. The increased security may be accompanied by additional patrols and checkpoints on major roads in the country. Clients in Algeria are advised to adopt a heightened level of personal security awareness and should avoid all related gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be closely monitored for updates and advisories from the authorities. Persons travelling outside of main cities in the north should contact their security provider for itinerary specific assessments prior to departure. NIGERIA (LAGOS - TERRORISM THREAT) - The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria issued a security message on 5 July warning of terrorist attacks in Lagos, southern Nigeria, during the Eid al-Fitr (known locally as Id el Fitri) holiday on 5 and 6 July. The message reads '...groups associated with terrorist activity might be planning attacks against hotels in Lagos frequented by international visitors, including those located on waterfronts...'. Further information regarding the threat has not been provided. The warning coincides with the end of Ramadan and a spike in Islamist extremist-related violence in a number of states across the globe. Many of these incidents have been attributed to the Islamic State (IS). In Nigeria, the most significant terrorist threat stems from the IS-linked Boko Haram, also known as Wilayat Gharb Ifriqiyyah (Islamic State West Africa Province). Boko Haram activity outside of the north east of the country has been limited and has decreased further in response to counterterrorism operations by the Nigerian military and its regional allies in recent months. However, Boko Haram maintains an operational presence in Nigeria and its threat extends nationally. In light of the US warning, the security forces in Lagos may deploy additional personnel to areas where foreigners congregate in the coming days, including hotels. Clients are advised to exercise heightened caution in Lagos and consider travel with a security escort. Travellers should reside in secure accommodation, preferably facilities with 24-hour security in place. Suspicious persons and packages should be communicated to the authorities. Travellers should also request regular itinerary specific guidance from their security provider. UNITED KINGDOM (LONDON - PROTEST) - Education sector union, the National Union of Teachers (NUT), is expected to embark on a protest march and associated rally in the UK's capital, London, on 5 July. Participants are scheduled to assemble outside Portland Place at 11:00 local time and proceed to Parliament Square by 13:30, where an associated rally is expected to take place. The protest action has been initiated to demand increased funding in the educational sector, better working conditions for teachers and renewed negotiations regarding employment contracts and working hours. The protest march and rally are expected to pass without significant incident, although as with all protest action in the UK, an elevated security force presence will be present, and the possibility of low-level scuffles cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated at all the protest march-affected sites. Clients in London are advised to monitor local media for developments; all protests should be avoided as a standard precaution on 5 July. Itineraries should be adjusted for potential delays amid the upcoming march and rally. FRANCE (DEMONSTRATION) - The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) has called on its members and supporters to observe countrywide anti-labour reform demonstrations in France, on 5 July. Although specific details regarding the agitations have not been closed; the upcoming actions will reportedly coincide with ongoing discussions regarding the proposed labour bill in Parliament on the day. Precedent suggests that major urban centres such as the capital, Paris, will serve as focal points for related events on the day. The agitations will likely be accompanied by an increased police presence. The upcoming demonstrations are set to be the latest in a series of anti-labour reform protests that have been held in the country in recent months, with the most recent protests having taken place on 28 June. Due to the expected high attendance and elevated security measures associated with these protests, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration sites. As the debates regarding labour reforms are set to continue, further related agitations are expected to continue in the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in France on 5 July are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations, as well as concentrations of security forces, as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the agitations and related advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest-affected sites. GREECE (ATHENS - PROTEST) - The Anti-Capitalist Left Cooperation for the Overthrow (ANTARSYA) group is set to hold a demonstration in Greece's capital, Athens, on 5 July. The demonstration has been called against the country's economic crisis and associated proposed economic reform packages. The demonstration will be held at Syntagma Square, with participants set to begin gathering from 19:00 local time. The upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. The gathering is set to be well attended and accompanied by an increased police presence. As such, localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites. Persons in Athens are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings. MEXICO (MEXICO CITY - PROTESTS) - (Update) A protest march organised by supporters of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) is expected in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, on 5 July. Participants are expected to gather at the Angel of Independence Monument at 16:00 local time, and proceed to Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo). Meanwhile, it should be noted that a sit-in protest of an indefinite period remains ongoing in the vicinity of Plaza de la Ciudadela. Furthermore, teachers affiliated with Seccion 9 of the CNTE, which includes Mexico City, will join the ongoing protest elsewhere in the country, on 5 July as well. The protests take place amid ongoing disruptive and violent protests by CNTE members against government education reforms; these protests have affected numerous states, including Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacan and Chiapas, since mid-May. The agitation saw a marked escalation following the arrests of two CNTE leaders on 12 June. There remains a possibility that other activist groups, organisations and unions may participate in the agitation to voice their own respective concerns with the government; the protests may also spread to other states in Mexico. In addition to being disruptive, the risk of further violence at any upcoming protests is assessed to be elevated, particularly for events that carry a strong anti-government sentiment. Clients in Mexico over the coming days are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Persons in the strike-affected states over the near-term should monitor local media for updates on related developments and protests, and should confirm the status of roads prior to travelling. Furthermore, it should be noted that heightened caution is advised across Mexico due to the threats of crime and kidnapping, and the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict.
COLOMBIA (DEPARTMENTS OF BOYACA, CASANARE, ARAUCA, SANTANDER, NORTE DE SANTANDER, VICHADA, GUAINIA AND META, CUNDINAMARCA AND DISTRICT CAPITAL - STRIKE) - Truck drivers have called for a 72-hour strike in various departments in Colombia, from 06:00 local time on 5 July, to 06:00 on 8 July. The affected departments include Boyaca, Casanare, Arauca, Santander, Norte de Santander, Vichada, Guainia and Meta, Cundinamarca and the Capital District, which includes Bogota. The strike has been organised over the government's failure to meet various demands made by the truck drivers. The upcoming strike forms part of an ongoing agitation since early June, and is expected to be well observed. While the work stoppage itself is unlikely to affect foreign travellers, it should be noted that striking truck drivers are likely to erect road blockades in the affected departments as part of the agitation. These have the potential to cause significant disruptions to travel. As with all protests in Colombia, the risk of violence cannot be discounted. Clients in the affected areas during the strike period are advised to avoid all street protests and road blockades as a standard precaution. Furthermore, clients intending road travel should confirm the status of roads with the local authorities and plan for delays. It should be noted that clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of Colombia, specifically to areas outside of secure urban and tourist centres (Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Medellin and Santiago de Cali), due to high levels of insecurity.
BOLIVIA (EL ALTO & LA PAZ - STRIKE) -Truck drivers in Bolivia have called for a protest on 5 July, over the imposition of fines and customs tax by Chilean authorities, as well as the alleged mistreatment of truck drivers in Chile's port cities of Antofagasta and Arica. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of the customs office in El Alto at 08:30 local time, and proceed to the Chilean Consulate in La Paz. The upcoming protest is expected to be well attended and will likely result in disruptions to travel between El Alto and La Paz. The risk of violence is low; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in the impacted areas are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made to accommodate potential disruptions.
CHILE (SANTIAGO - DEMONSTRATION) - (The CONFECH students' union has called for a protest march in Chile's capital, Santiago, on 5 July. It should be noted that the upcoming event has not been sanctioned by authorities, who assert that another CONFECH event has already been authorised for 10 July. The union has indicated that the 5 July demonstration, which has been organised to demand education reforms, would take place regardless. Although further details regarding the agitation have not been disclosed, precedent suggests that the Plaza Baquedano (Plaza Italia) or the Plaza los Heroes may serve as focal points for unrest. Education sector protests and strikes take place frequently in Chile. Clients should note that there is a credible risk of isolated incidents of violence at all education-related protests in Chile, as past demonstrations have been affected by low-level clashes between protesters and police. The event is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest area. Persons in Santiago on 5 July are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and any associated street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the event, as well as related advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration.
ZIMBABWE (PUBLIC SECTOR STRIKE) - The Apex Council, which represents all civil servant unions in Zimbabwe, has called for a countrywide public sector strike on 5 July. The agitation has been organised in response to unpaid June salaries, and is set to continue until such a time as workers have received remuneration. The association has indicated that it does not intend to hold related demonstrations during the strike; however, this may be subject to change in the future. Although it is currently unclear how well the strike will be supported, disruptions to public services should be anticipated for the duration of the industrial action. Given that negotiations between the government and Apex Council are ongoing, the action may be suspended or cancelled at short notice. Persons in Zimbabwe in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action, as well as related advisories from the authorities. All strike-related activities should be avoided as a standard precaution. Furthermore, disruptions to public services should be anticipated for the duration of the strike period.
CHINA (XINJIANG UIGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION - HEIGHTENED SECURITY) - Heightened security measures are expected to be implemented in China's Xinjiang Autonomous Uighur Region (XUAR) due to the anniversary of the 2009 Urumqi riots on 5 July. Increased security measures are expected to be particularly concentrated in Urumqi; security force deployments have been reported at transport hubs and public areas, such as Renim Square. The 2009 Xinjiang riots were a period of ethnically motivated unrest, and clashes between the region's Han and Uighur communities, which centred primarily on Urumqi, left more than 200 people dead and hundreds injured. This was the most significant period of unrest experienced in the XUAR, which is affected by a secessionist campaign by the Uighur ethnic minority. The Muslim-majority Uighur community claims to be politically, economically and religiously oppressed by the country's government and ethnic Han Chinese majority. Tensions are particularly elevated this year as the anniversary coincides with the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. As such, there is an elevated threat of violence, should any protest activity occur on the day. In addition, the increased security presence is likely to remain in place on 5 and 6 July. Associated disruptions such as road closures and checkpoints should be anticipated on the day. These may result in localised travel disruptions. Furthermore, the possibility that China may restrict access to the XUAR over the 5 July anniversary cannot be discounted. Clients in the XUAR are advised to avoid all demonstrations, government buildings and security force concentrations as a precaution, as well as to anticipate localised travel disruptions. Persons intending to travel to the area in the near-term should confirm with their travel provider that access into the XUAR is permitted on the date of travel.
VENEZUELA (INDEPENDENCE DAY) - Venezuela is expected to commemorate Independence Day on 5 July. The national holiday is usually associated with parades, political speeches and associated public events. While commemoration events are expected to take place across major urban centres in the country, the main events will be concentrated in the capital, Caracas. In Caracas, a military parade is expected along Paseo Los Proceres and a related event at the associated monument. Further details regarding the commemorative events are currently unavailable. Independence Day marks the 1911 establishment of Venezuela as an independent state. This year's national holiday comes amid the country's ongoing political and economic crises. Due to the current heightened political and economic tensions, the possibility of protests and demonstrations at commemorative events are anticipated. In addition, while previous Independence Day events have concluded without major incident, the possibility of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Additional police and military deployments are therefore anticipated in urban centres, particularly Caracas. Lastly, disruptions to travel and possibly business operations should be anticipated on the day. Persons in Venezuela are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the vicinity of all commemorative events, and to avoid all gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel as a standard precaution. Furthermore, clients are advised to monitor local media for more information regarding associated gatherings or protests. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions. Lastly, due to ongoing political instability and related insecurity, all non-essential travel to the country is advised against.
ARGENTINA (RIO NEGRO PROVINCE) - The Association of State Workers (ATE) is set to launch a 24-hour province-wide strike in Rio Negro, Argentina, on 7 July. The strike has been called over issues relating to salaries. A related protest will also be held on the bridge between Cipolletti city in Rio Negro province and Neuquen in its eponymous province, from 10:00 local time. ATE has held numerous strikes and associated protests in recent months, usually over issues relating to President Mauricio Macri's economic policies. The upcoming protest is expected to be well attended and will likely result in significant disruptions along the bridge between the two affected cities. Although the protest is expected to proceed peacefully, the risk of low-level confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Persons in Rio Negro on 7 July are advised to avoid protests or associated gatherings as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, clients are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.
INDIA (PURI - JAGANNATH RATH YATRA FESTIVAL) - Thousands of police and security officers will be deployed across Puri, in India's Odisha state, in preparation for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra festival, to be held between 6 and 15 July. The festival, celebrating the Hindu deity, Lord Jagannath, is attended by millions of devotees every year. The festivities will include a large procession in which several sizeable chariots are pulled from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, approximately 2km away. After staying there for nine days, the procession returns to the Shree Jagannath Temple. Platoons of armed police, thousands of home guards and the Rapid Action Forces (RAF), as well as several tactical units have been deployed for the event. Other security arrangements include manned watchtowers, bomb squads and dogs, as well as CCTVs mounted along the route. As with all significant religious events in India, the possibility exists that celebrations may be targeted by domestic and/or regional terrorist or insurgent groups seeking to highlight their cause; as such, security has been tightened. It should be noted that the large number of people attending the event and associated road closures are likely to severely impact on road travel; delays to public transport and an increased demand for services should be anticipated. There is also an increased risk of petty street crime, as the crowds at various festivities will provide ample cover under which petty thieves may operate. Clients in Puri until 15 July, as well as the days following the festival, are advised to anticipate severe localised travel disruptions, exercise heightened caution due to the increased threat of petty crime, and report all suspicious people, packages or activities to the authorities. Finally, due to the ongoing Maoist insurgency, all non-essential travel to the remote and rural areas of Odisha is advised against.
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