International SOS

Burkina Faso experienced two military coups in 2022. International SOS rates the country as HIGH risk, and some parts as EXTREME. However the major urban centres of Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso are rated as MEDIUM-risk areas. International SOS’ Lead Security Analyst for the Sahel region in Africa, Rory Keith, recently returned from visiting both cities and outlines how people travelling to these...

Incidents of looting and violent unrest were reported across Papua New Guinea from 10-11 January. Our security and medical experts provide their advice and detail how International SOS supported clients during the escalated security situation.

As we advise essential travel to HIGH-risk provinces in Ecuador can resume with strict security precautions after incidents of gang-related violence across parts of the country, our experts assess the potential for further flare-ups in violence over the coming days. 

Our security and medical teams were on hand to provide support to our clients in 2023 during times of conflict or when natural disasters struck. International SOS' Global Security Director Sally Llewellyn shares her thoughts about some of the main events of the last 12 months and looks ahead to the challenges we could face in 2024.

The festive period in Sub-Saharan Africa can be associated with increased crime and road traffic accidents. For those looking to visit the region this holiday season, Salome Odhiambo, International SOS’ Lead Security Analyst for East and Southern Africa, offers an overview of some of the main risks to be aware of as well as advice to help you and your workforce to enjoy a safe festive period.&nbsp...

Voters in Congo (DRC) are getting ready to cast their ballots in a general election on Wednesday 20 December. President Félix Tshisekedi is seeking a second, five-year term in office and will face competition from more than 20 opposition candidates. Tensions are likely to increase as the campaign period comes to an end and voting begins, potentially resulting in claims of electoral irregulari...

Incidence of respiratory diseases is increasing globally, and the health ministry in India has issued notices in response to a surge in China. Here, Dr. Prabha Xaxa discusses the increase in respiratory illnesses, the drivers behind the surge and the current situation in India. We provide expert insight on the evolving situation, and recommendations on how to stay healthy.

The first ever health day was held at the COP28 Conference in Dubai, with discussions focusing on how natural hazards relating to extreme heat, air pollution and the spread of vector-borne diseases affects health. Dr Anthony Renshaw, International SOS’ Regional Medical Director for the Europe Health Consulting Practice, was there. Here, he reflects on the discussions and explains how International...

The Israel-Hamas conflict has led to an increase in social unrest and concerns about possible terrorist activity in Europe. Following the recent temporary ceasefire, hostilities have resumed between Israel and Hamas. Our Lead Security Analyst for Europe, Tarun Nijjer, offers his analysis of the current situation and an outlook as to whether terrorist activity is likely in the coming weeks.

International SOS’s medical teams are using the Global Health Agenda as a framework to address the many challenges the world is facing. In this podcast, our experts explain what is meant by the Global Health Agenda, why there is a renewed commitment to Pandemic Preparedness, and explore some of the many projects they are working on with governments and organisations to manage their risks.

Argentina has chosen its new president, right-wing candidate Javier Milei, who has promised big changes. He won around 56% of the vote in the decisive run-off, ahead of his left-wing rival, Sergio Massa, with 44%. International SOS' Lead Security Analyst for South America David Quispe assesses what will his win mean for Argentina and if its security environment will change as a result.

Further protests are expected to take place in Spain after socialist leader Pedro Sanchez was re-elected prime minister. On 16 November he secured a four-seat majority in Spain’s parliament after negotiating an amnesty deal for those involved in Catalonia’s failed 2017 independence referendum. International SOS’ Security Manager Ricardo Lenoir-Grand Pons in Madrid says these controversial negotiat...

Since the 7 October when the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated, we have been closely monitoring the evolution of the situation and supporting our clients impacted. As tensions continue along the Israel-Lebanon border, and an increase in incidents targeted at US military bases, our lead Security Analyst Polina Vynogradova gives us her assessment of the conflict and the impact it may have on orga...

International SOS recently sent a team to Pakistan, to assess the in-country security situation. The country continues to face a variety of issues including a difficult economic situation, high crime rates and a heightened terror threat. A general election is also due to take place in February 2024. In this podcast we offer an outlook for the coming months and provide tips to help keep you and you...

International SOS recently travelled to the Solomon Islands to carry out an inspection of the health facilities in Temotu province. Members of our Australasian Consulting team made the visit to assess whether the existing health services in the province meet the needs of local construction workers. Health programme adviser Victoria Dolphin explains why it was so important to travel to the remote c...

After recently returning from a security assessment trip in Madagascar, International SOS’ Security Director for Assistance Erika Weisbrod shares her on-the-ground perspective ahead of the presidential elections on 16 November. She provides advice on travelling around the island, safety tips to adhere to during the election period and also addresses preparedness measures ahead of the upcoming cycl...

Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip we’ve been assessing the implications of the situation in the West Bank. Rory Keith, International SOS' Lead Security Analyst covering the Palestinian Territories, examines the implications of increased tensions and restrictions on movement in the West Bank.

After recently deploying our Security Director - Assistance, Phil Nolan to Ukraine to assess the current operating environment on-the-ground, he advises organisations on measures that are needed for those planning to resume travel to or operations in Ukraine. For business travellers who may be interested in visiting the capital Kyiv and Lviv in western Ukraine, we share our advice on what movement...

The Rafah crossing with Egypt was partially opened for the first time in more than three weeks, allowing more than 400 people to leave Gaza. Rory Keith, International SOS' Lead Security Analyst covering Israel and the Palestinian Territories, discusses the evolving situation as more trucks carrying aid have been allowed into Gaza.

Hurricane Otis made landfall near Acapulco (Guerrero state) at approximately 00.25 (local time) on 25 October as a Category 5 hurricane (highest on a five-tier scale). With several causalities, and extensive damage to property and infrastructure, related incidents continue to be reported, particularly in Acapulco and adjacent municipalities. International SOS’ Jaime Lopez-Aranda, Senior Security a...

More than two weeks into the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the public health situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate. Some food, water and other humanitarian aid has now made its way from Egypt to Gaza, but there are concerns hospitals are running out of power. Dr Ryan Copeland, International SOS Regional Medical Director, Assistance, provides our assessment of the current h...

Amid Israel's conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, International SOS has increased its evacuation level for Lebanon due to the risks associated with a potential increase in hostilities with Israel. As a result, we are recommending that organisations we work with should evacuate all staff from Lebanon as soon as possible. International SOS' Global Security Director Sally Llewellyn explains the reaso...

Tensions remain high amid the Israel-Gaza crisis. Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and some nations have blamed Israel for a blast at a hospital, but Israel has said it was caused by a rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group misfiring. International SOS has been assessing the regional implications following the incident. 

Ecuador has chosen its new president, centrist Daniel Noboa. The run-off election passed off without incident, in contrast to the violence witnessed in July and August during the first round of the vote. Meanwhile, another presidential poll is due to get underway in Argentina on Sunday 22 October. International SOS' Lead Security Analyst for South America David Quispe assesses the security environ...

International SOS issued a Special Advisory, one of our highest-level alerts, on 3 October following a shooting at a popular mall in Bangkok, Thailand. Here, Lead Security Analyst Baani Gambhir and Security Manager Sarawut Thamjun   explain how our Global Threat Monitoring Centre and in-country teams were able to track the incident, verify information and alert clients in just a mat...