Travel Information News

Travel News

Kenya: Terrorist attack in Nairobi kills 14
Cote D'Ivoire: Protests expected in Abidjan on 19 Jan 19
India: Kumbh Mela festival begins
DRC: Election result announced - Felix Tshisekedi wins
El Salvador: presidential elections on 3 Feb 19
Australia: Heat wave for coming week
India: Smog in Delhi & much of N India
Egypt: Heightened security following bus bomb blast
Australia: Heatwave across country
Thailand: Elections for 24 Feb 2019 may be delayed
India: Delhi risk of winter smog
Iran: US increases sanctions, protests in Iran
Senegal: Outbreak of Dengue Fever
Zimbabwe: Economic condition worsens
Argentina: Inflation running at over 30%
DRC: Ebola outbreak in N Kivu District
Venezuela: Mass emigration as economy slides
Indonesia; Recovery operation on Lombok post earthquakes
Brazil: Significant increase in cases of Dengue Fever in Sao Paulo
Kenya: Increase in Chikungunya in Mombasa area.

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.

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 Sahel 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. Terrorism remains a significant issue in Kenya, on 15 January 2019 Al Shabab, the Somalia based Islamist group killed at least 15 people in a hotel attack in Nairobi.  

Indian Sub Continent

Travellers, be they on business or for pleasure, will find the sub continent 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 its important that the visitor does sufficient research on the country's history, culture and multitude of religions. The 2018 monsoon season has caused extensive flooding across many parts of India, most notably Kerela and Assam.

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 very severe penalties for drugs smuggling in all SE Asian countries, the execution by Indonesia of 5 foreign drug smugglers in June 2015 is a timely reminder.

The Middle East

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 FCO advises against all travel to Libya and Syria. The presence of IS, now very much diminished, in Syria and Iraq is causing tensions throughout the region. 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 reimposing sanctions and Iran asserting growing influence in Syria.

Over the summer of 2018 numerous clashes have occurred on the Israel / Gaza border, rocket attacks from Hamas and the very real prospect on another significant conflict between Israel and Hamas.  

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. So some first reflections and useful 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. 

Media articles about Objective

Press articles