Travel Information News

Travel News

India: Election counting under way
Muslims countries: Ramadam 5 May to 5 June
Venezuela: Mass protests continue
Mozambique: Cholera outbreak post Cyclone Kenneth
Sri Lanka; UK FCO now advises against all but essential
Philippines: Increased cases of Dengue Fever
DRC: Over 1000 Ebola deaths in E Tivu
Senegal: Outbreak of Dengue Fever
Brazil: Significant increase in cases of Dengue Fever in Sao Paulo

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 UK FCO advises against all travel to 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 which in turn is leading to conflict with Israel. 

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.  

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 2018 monsoon season caused extensive flooding across many parts of India, most notably Kerela and Assam.

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. 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. There is growing concern that the Ebola outbreak in Eastern DRC is now getting out of control. 

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.

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%. 

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.

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. 

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