International SOS

Our security and medical experts recently travelled to Peru to carry out an in-country assessment of the security situation following recent protests. International SOS’s Lead Security Analyst for South America, David Quispe, addresses the rising levels of crime in some parts of the country, including the capital Lima and our Medical Director for the Americas, Dr Albert Castano, discusses how the...

Tropical storm Bret is expected to bring heavy rain and winds of around 70 mph across the eastern Caribbean islands as the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season gets under way. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted there will be up to 17 named storms and nine hurricanes this season. Josh Dozor, International SOS's General Manager, Assistance Operations for the Americas, and Di...

Following a security incident in the United Kingdom city of Nottingham, we wanted to offer insight into how International SOS's security experts monitor developing incidents and how we check and verify information to best support our clients. Security Specialist, Charly Anderson and Security Director, Holly McGurk also explain what is involved in our key decision-making processes as part of our pr...

What are the long-term security implications of natural disasters in Vanuatu given climate change? And how do residents prepare for the frequent cyclones, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that hit the small South Pacific country, and stay safe when they occur? Alex Murray, Security Manager for the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region at International SOS, recently travelled to the capital P...

In a world of time space compression, our reliance on digital devices can bring about certain risks. For young students travelling abroad, personal security requires mindfulness in online and offline sharing. But in reality, how often do we actually practice digital hygiene and situational awareness? In the final episode of Safeguarding Tomorrow's Future, we are joined by security expert Kareena S...

The journey of venturing abroad as a student and immersing oneself in a new environment is undeniably exhilarating. However, amidst all the excitement, there exists a lesser-discussed reality—the vast range of emotions and challenges that young individuals may encounter while overseas, and more significantly, the profound impact such experiences can have on their mental well-being. In this enlight...

People in North America are being warned to anticipate further travel disruption in the coming days due to smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada. The incident is also leading to poor air quality and people are being advised to wear N95 face masks when outside. MedAire’s Global Security Manager, Aviation & Maritime, Jeremy Knochel and International SOS’s Regional Medical Director Dr Mark Fisch...

The capital Kyiv continues to be frequently targeted by Russian drone and missile strikes, and a dam in a Russian-controlled area in southern Ukraine was recently destroyed. Here, we consider what is next for the conflict in Ukraine. International SOS's Senior Security Specialist Baani Gambhir has been assessing the latest updates and offers advice amid rumours that a new Ukrainian counteroffensiv...

As a follow up to the previous episode on Caught up in Crowds, students may find themselves exposed to alcohol ingestion while attending parties and festivals. With the varying levels of restrictions amongst countries, some may even have higher accessibility to drugs - whether accidental or otherwise. Uncover the risks of substance ingestion with Medical and Security experts based in Singapore, Dr...

Crowd safety measures have typically been born out of tragic events, like the incident that occurred in Itaewon, South Korea, in 2022 which resulted in numerous young casualties and deaths. With concerts, festivals, large gatherings, and crowds taking place all around the world, it is important that young people are well informed about the potential dangers of crowded places and how they can best...

As events are due to take place around the world to celebrate Pride month, International SOS discusses the security implications for the LGBTQ+ community amid increasing violence against them. Tarun Nijjer, Lead Security Analyst for Europe, and our Lead Security Analyst for West and Central Africa, Kirna Kataria, offer advice on how you can keep yourself safe during the celebrations, and how the s...

Increased activity at Popocatepetl, Mexico’s largest volcano, has led to flight disruption and the closure of some schools in the area. The National Centre for Prevention of Disasters (CENAPRED) on 21 May raised the alert level to yellow phase three, meaning people living nearby should prepare for possible evacuation. International SOS's security specialist Paulina Bouchot and Medical Director, Dr...

Petty crime is an ongoing issue across major cities in Colombia but organised crime remains a bigger problem in the more rural areas of the country, including the border areas with Venezuela and the Pacific coast near Cali. Risks include kidnapping and extortion by several armed groups that operate in these areas. This is the security assessment of our Senior Manager for Intelligence and Assistanc...

In 2022, we saw an increase in extreme weather events around the world as a result of the ongoing battle which is climate change. As students travel abroad, whether for their exchange programmes or personal leisure, it is important that more awareness and knowledge of extreme weather events is required so they can mitigate its impact on their trip. International SOS Security Director Assistance in...

It’s one of the world’s newest sovereign states, granted full independence just over 20 years ago. But East Timor faces a series of problems — a weak economy, crime, and the risk of natural disasters. East Timor is about to stage its fifth parliamentary election and International SOS's Lead Security Analyst for the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region, Steven Paterini, has recently been in th...

The recent arrest of Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has led to heightened political tensions, protests, and unrest in the country. While Khan has now been released, he faces more than 120 criminal charges. Protests by Khan's supporters and counter-demonstrations by government supporters are likely to continue, particularly in the capital Islamabad. International SOS's Lead Security...

Turkey goes to the polls for a general election on 14 May, just over three months since major earthquakes struck the country. Opinion polls suggest a tight race between the two main contenders - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who's been in power for more than 20 years, and Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who's standing as a unity candidate for six opposition parties. International SOS' Lead Security Analyst...

The Atlantic Hurricane season will begin in June. John McMurray, International SOS' Lead analyst for North America and the Caribbean and Security Specialist for the Americas region Kristen Kozar were deployed to Puerto Rico. They went to better understand the situation on the ground since Hurricane Maria resulted in significant damage to the island in 2017. The team met security providers and gove...

Three weeks into the conflict in Sudan the public health situation in the country continues to deteriorate.  According to the latest reports from the WHO most health facilities in Khartoum are now closed. The risk of diarrhoeal diseases is high as the water supply is disrupted, there have been outbreaks of dengue and malaria and essential commodities are running very low. Dr Ryan Copelan...

As fighting continues in the capital Khartoum, International SOS is monitoring the regional impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Although recent ceasefires have allowed some people to be evacuated, there are fears the power struggle within the country’s military leadership could have consequences for Sudan’s neighbours. International SOS’s Lead Security Analyst for east and southern Africa, Sa...

Over recent days International SOS has helped to evacuate clients on buses from Khartoum to Port Sudan.  Some of these clients have now arrived by ferry in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from where Hany Bakr, Senior VP Aviation Security and Maritime for MedAire International, has been on hand to receive them.

High-profile demonstrations—such as roadblocks and traffic disruptions—by environmental activists are increasingly affecting businesses and daily commutes. Activist groups continue to adapt their strategies, making it essential to monitor shifting protest trends and public responses. International SOS' Security Specialist Adriana Rot-Laugel shares her perspective on the situation unfolding across...

International SOS is working hard to evacuate people from Sudan amid the ongoing conflict. Director of Operations, Ricus Groenewald, provides an update on the aviation and maritime routes available, the biggest challenges that are being faced, and what we are doing to keep people safe.

The situation in Sudan remains volatile and ceasefire violations have occurred in parts of Khartoum today. Electricity and water supplies have been intermittent and essential supplies, including drinking water, food, medication and diesel fuel are also under pressure in the city. International SOS has worked closely with partners to coordinate a successful evacuation of several clients from Kharto...

Malaria causes more than 240 million infections each year in more than 80 countries - despite being preventable.  The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates two million more cases of malaria globally in 2021 compared to 2020.  Climate change is also enabling the spread of mosquitoes that transmit malaria and other diseases, such as dengue and viral encephalitis, placing millions more...