Security concerns predominate migration debate, with Pakistani authorities moving to deport up to two million undocumented Afghan nationals in the coming year. Further visa suspensions and immigration rule changes for Russian citizens are expected as the Russo-Ukraine War enters its third year. For some countries, however, the trend has been to attract more tourists by signing visa-free agreements as a way to strengthen relations, such as the landmark visa-free agreement reached between Israel and the United States (US) in 2023, or simplify entry by offering visas on arrivals and e-visa schemes.

For some countries the trend has been to attract more tourists by signing visa-free agreements, such as the landmark visa-free agreement reached between Israel and the United States (US) in 2023.

Higher airfares will continue to impose limits on travel in 2024, together with security-related airspace closures. Russian airspace closures and reciprocal measures across Western countries will continue, forcing airlines to embrace new commercial strategies for Europe-Asia routes. The ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict will also impact flights over the Middle East, not just to and from Israel but the rest of the Middle East. Routes between France and Francophone Africa could also see suspensions extended as a series of coups has led to French troops and diplomats being expelled and French flights banned. Meanwhile, major international events, such as the Paris 2024 Olympics, will drive prices up.

The ongoing El Niño phenomenon will make 2024 the world’s hottest year on record.

Climate change and natural disasters will also impact travel. The ongoing El Niño phenomenon will make 2024 the world’s hottest year on record. Travellers can expect prolonged heatwaves and wildfires in Australia, Indonesia and central Europe, and severe drought conditions in western and southern Africa, Brazil, Colombia and Central America. The monsoon season will potentially be weaker in India, whereas stronger tropical storms will form in the Pacific; the 2023 hurricane season ended with Category 5 Otis causing significant infrastructure damage to Mexico’s Pacific Coast. East Africa, northwestern Europe, the British Isles, South America and the southern US can all expect more rainfall and flooding.