May is traditionally the month for worker demonstrations and travellers and expats have been warned to be on alert for possible outbreaks of trouble in several countries.
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The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) publishes a daily updated list of warnings and advice for British citizens abroad.
This week, the list includes information about:
- India – A general strike is taking place in Kolkata and West Bengal. The FCO warns public transport is limited in the city, so travel will be difficult without a car. The consulate reports some demonstrations have turned violent.
To the north, aftershocks from the earthquake that shattered Nepal are still occurring in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal causing damage to buildings and casualties.
The FCO advises to stay away from these states except for travel in exceptional circumstances.
- Macedonia – Longstanding disagreements between the government and opposition parties have boiled over and clashes between their supporters are expected in the capital Skopje during May.
- Russia – Political rallies are scheduled for Moscow, St Petersburg and other cities. Most demonstrations are peaceful, but the FCO has advised keeping an eye on local media for updates.
- Italy – Demonstrations are expected against the Milan Expo, which opens on May 1.
- Bahrain – Ongoing violent street demonstrations and protests against the government are scheduled for early May.
The FCO warns expats to stay away from large crowds and points out that weapons have been involved in some protests in the past.
- Maldives – Regular protests in the capital Male have taken place since the former president was arrested in February. Tension is expected to heighten as the demonstrations are expected to intensify during May.
- Qatar – Police are enforcing local laws that stop anyone taking photographs or filming without a permit. The ban extends to photographing people without their permission in public and taking images of religious, military or construction sites.
Find latest travel warnings
- To check out the latest British government worldwide travel warnings, go to the FCO web site and select a country
- The US government also issues regular travel warnings online
- For ABTA travel information, visit their web site
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