Travel Safety Information News

A range of risks occur for travellers, the top three are generally from crime, road traffic accidents and disease/illness. In most of the large South American and African countries, crime will be the main risk. In South East Asia, it would be road traffic accidents and more recently, urban pollution. The best sources of global news are the BBC, Reuters, The Economist and The Guardian.  Currently the war in Ukraine and increasing demonstrations in Iran are focusing world attention. The fall of the despotic theocratic regime of Iran has been forecast for many years, the current uprising has a different energy and feel to it.  
 

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:

• Argentina: Increased risk of Dengue Fever
• Ecuador: Earthquake south of Guayaquil
• Brazil: Gang violence in Grande do Norte state
• Argentina: Inflation hits 100%
• Peru: Cyclone Yaku hits north  
• Brazil: Floods around Sao Paulo kills 36
• Peru: Increased risk dengue fever in lowland areas
• Brazil: Carnival season 18 - 25 Feb
• Bolivia: Political instability
• Bolivia: Santa Cruz area - increased risk of dengue fever
• Peru: 30-day State of Emergency declared
• Peru: Machu Picchu reopens
• Chile: Wild fire in central area
• Argentina: Heatwave, 43c in BA 
• Brazil: Flooding in North East States 
• Colombia: Talks with ELN

Covid restrictions are easing across most of South-East Asia, although China, which only relaxed 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. ravel to the Chinese mainland for toursim and some busienesses opened up again on 15 March 23. The region is generally easy and safe for both the business and recreational traveller, apart from Myanmar which remains unstable following the military coup of Febrary 2021. The military have systematically crushed civil resistance and the FCDO is currently advising against all but essential to Myanmar except for Yangon.   Thailand holds electoins on 14 May, sone unrest is likely.

Current highlights: 

• Thailand Kings dissolves parliament ahead of 14 May election
• Myanmar: Armed forces day 27 March
• China: Reopens to tourism
• Thailand: Bad pollution in Bangkok
• Cambodia: Election planned for July 23
• Myanmar: Some civil unrest & conflict in many area
• Vietnam: Visa waiver system back in operaton
• Philippines: Aviod travel to Mindanao Province

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, however, 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 shootings which can occur in schools, cinemas and shopping areas.

Current highlights: 

• USA: Over 25 dead from tornado, Rolling Fork, Mississippi
• USA: Heavy adverse weather NW
• USA: California, storm flooding
• USA: Covid test for arrivals from China 
• Canada: Polar bear numbers decline Hudson Bay 
• USA: Political theatre over possible Trump arrest

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 and 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 and 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 Zimbabwean economy is desperate with inflation running at about 250%, daily power cuts and mass unemployment, An election is due and Zanu-PF will do what is necessary, including violent repression to stay in power.  

Current highlights:

• Zambia: US vice president visit, 31 March - 1 April
• Malawi/Mozambique & Madagscar : Cyclone Freddie extensive damage and 400 deaths
• Zambia: Power cuts anticipated
• Kenya: Continued risk from terrorism
• Ethiopia: Conflict with Eritrea
• South Africa: Power cuts continue
• Zimbabwe: Elections due July 2023

The FCDO is currently advising against all travel to Syria, Yemen and Iran and it also has 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 seven worshippers in a synagogue in East Jersualem in late January 2023. There is a high risk of further escalation. At least 34,000 people were killed in the February 2023 earthquake on the Turkish/Syrian border.

Current highlights:

• Israel/W Bank: Increased tension
• Israel: Mass protests against judicial law changes
• Turkey/Syria: Earthquake kills over 36,000 people
• Iran/ Saudi: Diplomatic relations improve
• 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 (Burma) 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 politially and economically.

Unstable but also threatened by growing violence in the NW from the TTP (Tehreek - e - Taliban Pakistan) Islamist group. This group claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing in Peshawar on 30 January 2023 which killed over 100 security forces officers and associates.

Current Highlights:

• Pakistan: Police clash with Imran Khan supporters
• Indian Ocean: Cyclone Freddie aproaches Mauritious
• India/China: Increased border tensions
• India: E-visas reintroduces for British travellers
• Pakistan: Political & economic unrest continues
• Sri Lanka: Economy stabilises
• India: Mumbai - very poor air quality 
• Myanmar (Burma): FCDO advises against all but essential travel

The region of Austalasia covers Australia, New Zealand and some of the neighbouring Pacific islands. From a security perspective both Australia and New Zealand are generally safe in comparison to other parts of the World. Environmental dangers are a concern.

New Zealand is an active seismic area with up to twenty earthquakes a day, most are small and are not felt. In recent years Australia has swung from extreme drought and devasting wild fires to torrential rains in the east and west coast in 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. 

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!