Are countries dangerous during election? This November, European visitors are asking this question about our country. Election disruptions can be a travel issue. 20 European countries had or will have elections in 2024.
Unpredictable for us travelers is that election dates are scheduled differently in each country. Some are predictable, like that of the US, others are unpredictable and can be announced with little advance notice.
Some are peaceful. Some are not peaceful. Some elections come with restrictions on what a visitor can and cannot do on election day. In Mexico we found that one cannot buy liquor on election day (it was for a Women’s Travel Group party).
Some elections are accompanied by parades and interesting events. Last year before the election, Poland held a huge military parade as a show of force against Russia. In Taxco, Mexico, Women’s Travel Group saw hilarious puppets on stilts who replicated certain political figures.
In Parliamentary systems one usually knows the date a few months pre election. All seats in Parliament are elected at once. Most election days are calm, overseas sometimes people wear buttons that announce they voted. Tourist sites are open; polling stations are rarely in significant tourist venues.
But there are also snap elections, called before an official election deadline/date. 6 countries in the “Europe Desk” of our State Dept. have these snap elections: UK, Portugal, Azerbaijan, France, Croatia, Bulgaria. Elsewhere many other areas have snap elections; Japan announced one last week.
Unpredictable dates, well you already have your travel plans made? A snap election is announced, giving you mere days to investigate or reschedule plans. In most cases, you will be fine. Ask your hotel for information on demonstrations that can accompany elections. Streets might be blocked temporarily. Find a day out of town for the temporary period of a protest. (Most demonstrations in most countries are announced ahead of time and many have a specific schedule).
Should you go? Do your research.
-Of course you can look at State Dept. notices.
–Local English language papers will identify areas to avoid.
-Academic and serious political sources have information. Example, the award winning Foreign Affairs Magazine covered attacks on political candidates in the EU. They did not mention any issues that effected tourists.
-Scholarly organizations like The Carnegie Endowment for Peace publishes a list of every protest world wide, beginning ina 2017 and updated to today.
Travel Tips from Award Winning tour company for women: The Women’s Travel Group.
Our 2025 tours are posted. Our destinations are both fascinating and of course, safe. Feel free to call us 646 309 5607 or email us. No question is silly or inappropriate.
