Travel Safety Information News

The FCDO is currently advising against all travel to Syria, Yemen, Iran and much of isreal and 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 ongoing war beteween Israel & Iran has further de-stabilised the area although Iran and it's proxies; Hamas and Hezbollah have been servely damaged by Israel's military actions since the Hamas 7th October attack on Israel civilains. As a result of that attack the IDF have carried out a massive atack on Hamas's positions in Gaza, the result if that perhaps at least 20,000 civlians have been killed and there is a ongoing humanitarian crisis. The IDF have also reduced Hezbollah's fighting capacity and it's note worthy that Hezbollah has not joined Iran in atacking Israel following the IDF attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities in June 2025.  

Current highlights:

• US/Iran: MIlitary action begins 
• Syria: Mosque attack in Homs kills 8 
• Israel: Increase in IDF ops in southern Lebanon
• Iraq: Power cuts in central and southern areas 
• Israel: UK, France & Canada recognise Palestian state
• 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 politically and economically unstable and 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/Afghanistan: Fighting erupts, cross border strikes
• Bangladesh: National pary wins election 
• Pakistan: Opposition leaders call for national strike 
• India: Worsening polution in cities due to winter
• Afghanistan/Pakistan: Ceasefire in place
• Nepal: New PM appointed & elections 5 March 26
• Afghanistan: Earthquake kills over 800
• India: Trump to impose 50% trade tariffs
• India: Increased cases of Dengue Fever in Kamataka
• Sri Lanka: Increased risk of Denge Fever
• Myanmar (Burma): FCDO advises against all but essential travel

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. In mid April 23 Sudan descended into open civil war between the government/Army and the Rapid Suppoert Forces (RSF).  A coup in early August 23 disposed the elected goverment in Niger but the region into further crisis.  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 continue 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:

• DRC: Over 200 dead in mine collapse
• Uganda: Mouseveni relected again 
• Senegal: Wins Cup of African Nations 
• Nigeria: US attacks IS targets in NW
• Ethiopia: Marburg outbreak
• Tanzania: Samia wins presidentail elections with 98% majority - violence reported 
• Tanzania: UK FCDO now advises against all but essential traval due to unrest
• South Africa: G20 meets Jo'burg 22-23 November
• Mali: EU contires advice citizens to leave due to worsening security situation 
• Kenya: heavy rains in some areas, landslide kills 20
• Madagascar: Reports that president has fled country
• Sudan: RSF capture town of El-Fasher & thousands flee
• Kenya: Street protests following opposition leader death (in India) 
• Sudan: Increase political clashes between SAF & RSF
• Angola: Protests due to fuel costs rising
• South Africa: USA imposes 30% tariffs on goods to US
• Zimbabwe: Power outages until at least December
• Mali: Increased attacks on military bases  
• Mali: Islamist attack on town of Boulikessi
• Zimbabwe: Shops shutdown as protests against president
• Sudan: Army recapture Khartoum presidential palace
• DRC: M23 rebels enter Bukavu
• Botswana: Flooding on border with South Africa
• Ivory Coast: French troops to withdrawl
• MPox: spreads to DRC, Kenya, Uganda, 14,000 cases
• Rwanda: Outbreak of Marburg disease
• Nigeria: increase in cases of Chlorea
• Zimbabwe: Accute drought conditions
• Mozambique: Elevated malaria risk
• Zambia: Power cuts anticipated
• Kenya: Continued risk from terrorism
• South Africa: Power cuts continue

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, however, 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.