Travel Information News

Travel News

China: FCO advise against all but essential travel
Global - Covid-19:Cases increases faster outside China
Italy & S Korea: surge in Covid -19 cases 
Russia: Anti gov protests today
Guinea: Protests likely on 1 March
South Africa: Continued power outages
Lebanon: Protests to continue

South East Asia

Thailand has a reputation for scams, crime and drugs and therefore travellers need to be very careful. It must be remembered that there are severe penalties for drugs smuggling in all South East Asian countries, the execution by Indonesia of five foreign drug smugglers in June 2015 is a timely reminder. In China cases of Coronavirus (Covid -19) is now slowing with over 80,000 cases and over 2600 deaths as at 28 Feb 2020 and movement restrictions are in place. Approximately 1000 cases cases have occurred globally and there have been cases in Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam & Cambodia. Currently we suggest those travelling in SE Asia continue but must avoid China and montior the situation in Thailand.  As at 28 January the UK Foreign office is advising against all but essential travel to China. If you are in SE Asia you shoudl be very careful who you socailise with, washing your hands on a regualr basis and thoroughly (especially before eating) is the best virus avoidance techniques. Face masks are view as not being that effective but one might be expected to wear one as others are.  Further guidance on quarantine measures related to Covid -19 from the FCO can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas

The Middle East

The killing of the head of Iran's Republican Guards Corps, General Quassim Soliemani by a US drone strike in Baghdad on 3 Jan 20 will dramiticially increase tension between Iran and the USA. The consequences will be felt across Iraq, Lebanon and Iran. Countries across the Middle East face political turmoil following the revolutions in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, and the ongoing conflict in Syria. Libya was slowly recovering post revolution but has come highly unstable due to interfactional fighting and criminal activity, including kidnapping which is on the rise. The UK FCO advises against all travel to Iraq, Libya and Syria. The presence of IS, now very much diminished, is an issue Syria and Iraq. Power plays between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran dominate the agenda in this highly volatile regime. Iran is in the spotlight with growing protests due to economic hardship, the US reimposed sanctions in 2018 which is having a major impact on the economy but meanwhile Iran continues to assert its growing influence in Syria and the Lebanon which in turn is leading to conflict with Israel. Resentment against Iran's involvement in the region is on the rise, in October and November 2019 violent protests have occurred across Iraq and Lebanon against Iran's axis of influence namely the Shia dominated Iraqi government and Hizbollah. This comes at a times when more mass protests have also broken out in Iran following a 50% hike in fuel prices. The scale of the recent Iran unrest is under reported due to an internet black out. Protests in Lebanon have continued into 2020.

The Covid -19 Coranavirus has now affected many countries in the Middle East although Iran is the epi centre with scores of cases and at least 20 deaths, maybe more. Turkey & Iraq have implimented strict border controls and many flights to Iran across the region have been cancelled. 

Indian Sub Continent

Travellers, be they on business or for pleasure, will find the subcontinent a fascinating although an often tiring place to visit. We believe crime levels are significantly lower compared to Latin America although the risk from road traffic accidents is greater, driving in India has to be seen to be believed at times! India is a very diverse country and to be able to fully appreciate and maximise opportunities it's important that the visitor does sufficient research on the country's history, culture and multitude of religions. The 2019 monsoon season caused extensive flooding across many parts of India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

South & Central America

Most visits to South and Central America are trouble free, but the threat from crime is of concern in many of the continent's urban areas. It's essential to ensure your valuables are split up - not all eggs in one basket! In popular tourist areas across South America (Buenos Aires, Cuzco, Bogota & Quito), travellers face a significant threat of being mugged - always comply. Argentina and Brazil are both experiencing severe economic difficulties which in turn is leading to social unrest and some public protests. Venezuela is in a state of permanent unrest, the economy is collapsing and civil protests against the Maduro govenment are growing. The UK FCO currently advises against all but essential travel to Venezuela. 

Travelling in Africa

All travellers planning to go to Africa are strongly advised to check the security and health situation on the UK FCO Travel Advice site and other sites such as the US state Department, WHO and seek a variety of sources. Much of North and Central Africa is not safe. The UK FCO currently is currently advising 'Against all travel to' or  'Essential travel only' to many Sahal countries (or parts of them) including Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Chad, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Burkina Faso & much of Northern Nigeria, Yemen and Somalia. If you plan to work or visit these countries/areas we strongly recommend that a thorough travel risk assesment is made and steps put in place to mitigate the risk. There is growing concern that the Ebola outbreak in Eastern DRC is now getting out of control, the WHO declared it an international emergency in July 2019, over 1500 deaths have occurred. As of mid 2019 the situation in Sudan is stabilising with the prospect of the military government handing to a power sharing coalition betweem military and civilian rule. Heavy rains in Novemeber and December 2019 have claused extensive flooding in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

New open group course for Business Travel Safety Awareness

Objective Announces New Business Travel Safety Awareness Course

Business Travel Safety Awareness Courses provide confidence, knowledge and essential skills needed to stay safe when abroad,  plus delivering duty of care obligations for companies. 

Objective have recently increased their portfolio by launching new open group Business Travel Safety Awareness courses held near Birmingham; ideal for SMEs, educational bodies and companies with a limited number of people needing business travel safety advice.

Mongol Rally Expedition

Are you taking part in the Mongol Rally Expedition 2019?

We understand that it takes extensive planning for such a fantastic, inspiring and memorable adventure and that it is not about having a smooth, uncomplicated ride.  You will definitely be in for an extreme adventure and this is why it is so important to be prepared for every eventuality of this journey.

Myanmar Burma

Myanmar is the most wonderful country to visit and it's a good time to go at the moment due to lack of other tourists.  I had been before, in 1983 when one could only get a visa for six days and it was all rather fraught but exciting. Today Myanmar, in a semi-democratic mode, is a joy to visit and it’s relatively easy but perhaps a little more expensive than its neighbours.  The unrest in the north of Rakhine and the publicity surrounding the exodus of thousands of Rahinga Muslims has had a negative effect on the tourism trade.  Some estimates suggest that tourism may be down by up to 40%. 

Kenya & Zanibar Feb 2018

I have just returned from a short trip to Kenya and Tanzania. The former was returning to Nairobi and visiting the highland area around Nanyuki whilst in Tanzania it was a familiarisation trip to Zanzibar.Below are a few thoughts which we hope will be useful.

Japan - First visit

This was my first visit to Japan, so some first reflections and useful travel safety tips.

Objective takes the risk out of travel

Charlie McGrath discusses the increasing need for travel safety awareness for both business and leisure travellers.

Travel to Iran

Iran is the most wonderful country to visit. Getting there requires a little bit more planning that other destinations but its worth all the effort. The Iranians are perhaps the most friendly people I have come across on my very extensive travels. 

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