Malaysia and Thailand Warn Citizens About European Protest Unrest
Malaysia and Thailand have advised citizens to avoid protest areas in France and other European Union countries and to reconsider nonessential travel amid demonstrations in October 2026. Malaysia’s foreign ministry urged postponing nonessential travel to France, while Thailand warned about unrest in France, Italy, Portugal, and Belgium. The advisories stop short of blanket bans but highlight safety concerns and disruptions to transport and travel services.
Malaysia’s foreign ministry issued an 18 October notice asking citizens to defer nonessential trips to France and stay away from protest or riot zones. It said officials were tracking events, reported no Malaysian injuries at that point, and urged caution in crowded places and transport hubs.
Thai authorities used consular channels on 19 and 21 October to warn about unrest in France, Italy, Portugal and Belgium. Citizens in Europe or planning visits were told to follow local updates, register with consular services and avoid protest flashpoints. Neither advisory imposed a blanket EU travel ban.
The advisories could affect tourists, expatriates, students and business travelers from Malaysia and Thailand, along with European hotels, transport operators and insurers serving them. Some travelers may delay trips or alter routes, while businesses near demonstration areas may see short-notice cancellations and slower transfers. Consular services may face more registration and assistance requests. The guidance may also encourage more careful pre-trip checks, though it does not itself prevent travel.