Travel Safety Information News

The FCDO is currently advising against all travel to Syria, Yemen and Iran and it also have area travel warnings for many countries in the region. Whilst many parts such as the UAE, Egypt and Jordan are generally stable and prosperous this is not the case other areas. The risk of a short term, no notice conflict between Israel and Gaza is ever present, Whilst the Lebanon remains in a state of political paralysis and is struggling to recover from the August 2020 port explosion. Massive civil unrest, lead by women, has broken out in Iran following dead of an anti hajib protester. The situation in Israel is currently very tense following the killing of 7 worshippers in a synagogue in East Jersualem in late January 2023. There is a high risk of fgurthere escalation.

Current highlights:

• Israel: Rocket attacks from Gaza
• Isreal: 7 killed Jerusalem synagogue shooting
• Afghanistan - girls banned from universities
• Iran: protests continue
• Israel: Far right coalition government sworn in
• Turkey: Elections 14 May
• Yemen: Conflict continues

Travel to the Indian sub continent is relatively easy provided it is well planned. There are a multitude of different entry requirements and safety and security is an issue in a number of areas such as Kashmir and the tribal areas of Pakistan. Throughout the region the risk greatest risks are from road traffic accidents and pollution in urban areas. Myanmar continues under military rule with sporadic protests and Sri Lanka is beginning to stabilise both politically and economically following the ousting of the Rajapaska presidency. Pakistan is in a state of political chaos. 

Current Highlights:

• India: Severe fog & cold in north - travel delays
• India/China: - increased border tensions
• India- E visas reintroduces for British travellers
• Pakistan: Political unrest continues
• Sri Lanka: economy stabilises
• India: Mumbai - very poor air quality 
• India: Republic Day - 26 Jan 23
• Myanmar (Burma) FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Covid restrictions are easing across most of SE Asia although China which only reflaxed its strict no tolerance policy in late 2022 following demonstrations. China's policy complete u turn and has resulted in a surge of cases as the country has little herd immunity. The region is generally easy and safe for both the business and recreational traveller, well apart from Myanmar which remains unstable following the military coup of Feb 2021. The military have systematically crushed civil resistance and the FCDO is currently advising against all but essential to Myanmar except for Yangon.   Current highlights: 

• Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi further 7 years prison
• China - Surge in Covid cases
• Thailand: Bad pollution in Bangkok
• China: Lunar New Year holiday starts 21 Jan '23
• Thailand: Elections due by May 
• Myanmar:  Some civil unrest & conflict in many area
• Vietnam: Visa waiver system back in operaton
• Philippines:-Aviod travel to Mindanao Province

Prior to travel to the Americas, it's vital to check the Covid entry requiements, the FCDO website is a good starting point. Most countries require proof of double vaccination and the completion of a health entry form. The crime rates in many Latin American cities is higher than in Europe and since the covid pandemic many countries continue to face economic unrest. Inflation is very high in Argentina and Brazil is in a state of political unrest following the November 2022 election. In early December 2022 the Peru President Castillo was impeached and outsted from office leading to widespread street protests.

Current highlights:

• Brazil: Extreme political instability
• Bolivia: Political instability
• Peru: 30 day State of Emergency declared
• Argentina: Heat wave, 43c in BA
• Argentina: Wins World Cup 
• Brazil- Flooding in North east states 
• Colombia - talks with ELN

Travellers to the USA and Canada must ensure they have the correct entry permissions/documents. For the USA, most visitors will be able to enter on an ESTA but those who have travelled to USA restricted countries such as Yemen, Iraq and Iran must obtain a visa. The USA is certainly a more challenging country than Canada due to the ever increasing political divide, racial and religious tensions and the threat of gun violence including mass shooting which can occur in schools, cinemas and shopping areas. Some current highlights: 

• USA - California, flooding & cyclones 
• USA - Covid test for arrivals from China
• USA - Legal cases against former president Trump 
• Canada - Polar bear numbers decline Hudson Bay 

Travel to Africa should be well prepared as there are huge variation in the overall safety situation. At a high level the risk from disease, especaily malaria in West Africa and parts of southern Africa should be researched an road traffic accidents remain a constant thrreat. The Sahel is highly unstable, particulary Mali, Chad, Burkina Fasa, Niger, northern Nigeria. Parts of Somalia and Ethiopia are also in a flux of conflict. The risk from terrorism is significant in Kenya, parts of Egypt (Sinai). However, many parts of west Africa and southern Africa are stable - the key is research. Check out the FCDO but also major global risk management companies such as Sibylline, ISOS/CRG, Salamanca & Worldaware. South Africa will contijnue to have extensive power cuts for months if not years to come as the energy supply sector is broken. The state of the Zimbabwqean ecomnomy is desperate with inflation running at about 250%, daily power cuts and mass unemployment, Am election is due and Zanu-PF will do what is necedssary, including violent repression to stay in power.  

Current highlights:

• Zambia: Power cuts anticipated
• Malawi: Union strike 9 Jan 23
• Kenya: Continued risk from terrorism
• Ethiopia: Conflict with Eritrea.
• South Africa: Power cuts continue
• Zimbasbwe: Elections due July 2023

At Objective Travel Safety, we have now adapted our acclaimed Business Travel Safety Awareness training programme and are delighted to offer our course online via Skype, Zoom, Webex, Teams or any other video conferencing or webinar platform. 

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

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. 

This article was written before the 2019 Militray coup. The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to Myanmar. 

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.

I was greeted by a mask wearing immigration official who was very polite but looked completely ridiculous amongst scores of non-wearing human beings!

Courses are also available for leisure and adventure expeditions and these are adjusted according to the requirement; in fact, Objective trained Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman before both the Long Way Round and Long Way Down motor bike expeditions!