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: Trump announces pause as talks resume
• Gaza: Hamas announce disarmament plan
• Lebanon: IDF continues attacks  
• West Bank: Four killed in Palestian/settler violence
• Yemen: Houthis attack Saudi Arabia

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 and the racial and religious tensions and threat of gun violence including mass shootings which can occur in schools, cinemas and shopping areas.

Current Highlights:

• USA: wildfires in Washington state
• Canada: Over 800 active wild fires burning 
• USA: SpaceX starship 13 due launch aborted, 2nd attempt 23rd July
• Canada: Massive wildfires in British Colombia 
• USA: Mid term elections November 

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.