Clashes between military forces in disputed areas of the Thailand-Cambodia border
Since late May, Thailand and Cambodia have periodically clashed along their border, especially in Chong Bok, between Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) and Preah Vihear (Cambodia). These clashes have affected trade and travel in border provinces, including Surin, Si Sa Ket, Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey. Then, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire that went into […]
Deadly heavy rainfall in southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia’s Sumatra
Since mid-November, seasonal monsoon rains and Tropical Storm (TS) Senyar have triggered widespread floods and landslides across parts of southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia’s Sumatra region. The impact has been particularly devastating on Indonesia: at least 753 people have been killed and 2,600 others injured. 570,000 people have been displaced across Aceh, North Sumatra […]
Severe disruptions from Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah, which formed in the Bay of Bengal, triggered widespread floods and landslides across Sri Lanka in late November. At least 464 people have been killed in the disaster. A further 1.4 million people have been affected in what is one of the worst natural disasters to hit the country in decades. Some of […]
Gang clashes in Port-au-Prince, urban hubs nationwide
Haiti’s security situation has sharply worsened due to rampant gang violence, political instability and the collapse of state authority. Since 2022, more than 16,000 people have been killed and at least 7,000 injured, with over 200 gangs (95 in Port-au-Prince), controlling much of the country’s infrastructure. The main gangs, including G9, G-PEP, 5 Segond and […]
New international travel restrictions by the U.S. federal government
Recent U.S. presidential orders have tightened travel and immigration policies. Key changes include: Gender-neutral passports will no longer be issued or renewed. Foreign nationals aged 14+ must comply with the Alien Registration Requirement if staying 30+ days (unless they were already registered when applying for a US visa). Entry bans affect nationals from several countries, […]
Severe floods in Central Vietnam
At least 91 people have been killed, injured or gone missing in Central Vietnam, including Da Nang, Hue, Quang Tri, Quang Ngai and Lam Dong provinces, due to floods and landslides from heavy rainfall since 27 October. The situation is further exacerbated by other storms like Typhoon Kalmaegi, which made landfall over northern Gia Lai on […]
Heightened tensions between Venezuela and the U.S.
Early on 3 January, the US launched multiple airstrikes on Caracas. Hours later, President Trump announced that US special forces had captured President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. They were flown out of Venezuela to face narcotrafficking charges in the US. At least 40 Venezuelans, including soldiers and civilians, were killed and dozens more were […]
Cholera outbreak in multiple countries
Since 1 January, 565,404 cholera cases and 7,074 deaths were reported across 32 countries. Countries with the highest transmission of the disease are: Sudan: Authorities recorded more than 120,000 cases and 3,300 deaths since July 2024. Tawila in Darfur region is heavily-affected. The outbreak is exacerbated by the ongoing civil war, with around 80 percent […]
Mpox outbreak in several African countries
There is an ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Sierra Leone and Burundi, with new cases reported in previously unaffected countries. Travellers are advised to seek medical attention if exposed. Since January 2025, the DRC has recorded 22,093 confirmed cases and 51 deaths as of 23 November, affecting all provinces. […]
Ebola outbreak in Kasai province
On 4 September, authorities confirmed an Ebola outbreak in Kasai province, with at least 64 cases, including 53 confirmed cases and 31 confirmed deaths reported in Bulape health zone. The Ebola Zaire strain has been identified, and some patients are health workers. A Rapid Response Team, supported by WHO experts, has been deployed. Containment measures, […]
Localised polio outbreaks across multiple countries
Localised outbreaks of wild poliovirus (WPV) and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV) are ongoing across multiple countries. Unvaccinated children and adults are most at risk. Polio spreads via contaminated food, water, or contact with infected faecal matter, causing fever, headache, nausea and, in severe cases, meningitis or paralysis. Paralytic polio has a 15–30% fatality rate in […]
Hurricane Melissa in Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas and Haiti
Post-Tropical Storm Melissa dissipated offshore near New England and Atlantic Canada as of 3 November. Recovery continues in Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti, while the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Bermuda were largely unaffected. Jamaica: Declared a disaster area after Melissa made landfall on 28 October as a Category 5 hurricane, causing severe flooding, infrastructure damage […]
Gang-related criminal activity in Ecuador
Ecuador has experienced a surge in gang-related violence since late 2020. Guayas, Manabí and Esmeraldas have been the most affected provinces. In 2023, 7,592 homicides were recorded, a 71% increase from 2022, mostly in the Guayaquil metro area. Authorities have repeatedly declared States of Exception (SoE) and deployed military and police forces nationwide, including after […]
Outbreak of mosquito-borne viruses in the Americas
Mosquito-borne viruses (dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever, malaria) are increasing across the Americas due to climate change, deforestation and urbanisation. Peaks occur during local rainy seasons. Dengue: As of November, over 4.1 million suspected and over 1.6 million confirmed cases as well as 2,089 deaths were reported, with the majority in Brazil, where authorities issued […]
Afghanistan and Pakistan: Cross-border clashes
Tensions remain high along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border after deadly military clashes that began in early October. Pakistan accused the Taliban of sheltering militants behind a rise in attacks in major cities in the country, which the Taliban denied. Pakistani airstrikes on suspected Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sites in eastern tribal regions of Afghanistan, including Kandahar and […]
Deadly eruptions at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara province
Overnight on 3–4 November 2024, at least nine people were killed after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted. Around 16,000 residents were evacuated and hundreds of homes were damaged. Authorities advised avoiding areas within a six-kilometre radius (3.7 miles) of the volcano, particularly its north-northeastern and northeastern flanks. The […]
Philippines: Nationwide anti-corruption protests and related strike actions
Since mid-September, thousands of activists and members of trade, transport and student unions have staged large anti-corruption protests across Manila and Quezon City. The unrest followed President Ferdinand Marcos Junior’s revelation during his July State of the Nation address that fake flood-control projects caused losses of around USD 2 billion between 2023 and 2025. Some […]
Indonesia: Nationwide protest clashes over socioeconomic issues and police violence
Protests erupted in Jakarta, Surabaya and other Indonesian cities in August, involving unionised workers, students, ride-share drivers, and other groups over job losses, high living costs and government policies. Violence escalated after a police vehicle struck and killed a ride-share driver in Jakarta on 28 August, spreading nationwide. Demonstrators burnt vehicles, blockaded roads, attacked police […]
Nepal: Deadly anti-government unrest
In Nepal, widespread protests erupted in September 2025 over government corruption and a brief social media ban. Youth activists, particularly Gen Z, led the demonstrations. Clashes between protesters and police were reported in Kathmandu, Bharatpur, Biratnagar and Pokhara. The unrest caused at least 72 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. Travel and services were severely disrupted. […]
Australia: Threat of bushfires across the country
Between September and April, bushfires are common across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. One of Australia’s worst bushfire seasons was from September 2019 to March 2020, when at least 33 people were killed, dozens injured and over 5,900 buildings destroyed. Multiple bushfires […]
Conflict, tensions and unrest between DRC-Rwanda
Despite ceasefires in July 2024 and June 2025, clashes continue between the Congolese Army (FARDC) and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Since January 2025, M23 has launched major offensives across the DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces, with the conflict evolving into cycles of territorial gains and counter-offensives. Key towns, including Goma and Bukavu, have been captured. […]
Tanzania: Post-election unrest
On 1 November, Tanzanian authorities declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan reelected with 97.66% of the vote. Earlier, election restrictions effectively excluded the main opposition party, Chadema, from participating. Its leader, Tundu Lissu, remained detained on treason charges. Protests broke out in Dar es Salaam and quickly spread nationwide, prompting a heavy security response involving tear […]
Colombian departments threatened by criminal and insurgent activity
Criminal and insurgent activity in Colombia has increased, particularly in departments historically affected by the armed conflict, including Norte de Santander, Nariño, Arauca, Antioquia, Cauca, Chocó and Córdoba. Violence by armed groups, such as ex-FARC dissidents, the ELN and the Gaitanista Army of Colombia (EGC), involves kidnappings, bombings, armed clashes and curfews, often impacting both […]
Federal government shutdown effects on travel
On 1 October, the United States (US) federal government entered a shutdown after Congress failed to approve funding for the new fiscal year. Most services were suspended except for essential workers, including aviation staff, who worked without pay. This led to increased sick leaves among air traffic controllers, causing staff shortages at control towers. To […]
Cameroon: Post-election unrest
Presidential elections on 12 October in Cameroon saw long-time President Paul Biya seek his eighth term against several opponents, including Issa Tchiroma Bakary. While the voting day was mostly peaceful, unrest began shortly after polls closed, with clashes first reported in Garoua. Tensions escalated after Bakary claimed victory on 14 October. The government later declared […]
Conflict between Iran and Israel
In June, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, prompting swift Iranian retaliation. The US joined the campaign on 22 June, conducting airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. A ceasefire was announced on 24 June. Although it remains in effect as of December, concerns persist over potential breaches and renewed conflict. Iran […]
Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES)
From 12 October 2025, non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays may experience delays due to the rollout of automated border controls under the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES). Travellers should ensure their documents are valid and that they comply with stay limits. The EES will gradually collect biometric data and record entries, exits […]
Schengen Internal Border Controls
Shortly after Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, two terrorist attacks took place in France and Belgium, and bomb alerts triggered high-security measures at several European airports. The escalation of violence in the Middle East prompted several members of the 27-country Schengen Area to introduce temporary border controls due to an increased risk of […]
Wildfires in multiple Canadian provinces
The 2025 Canadian wildfire season has affected northern and central regions since May, burning hundreds of thousands of hectares and prompting multiple provinces to declare states of emergency. Evacuations were ordered in numerous areas, including: Alberta: Chipewyan Lake; Red Earth Creek British Columbia: Sikanni Chief River; Trimble Lake; Chicken; Grassy; Trimble; Coulter Creek; Neskonlith Indian […]
Major earthquake in Russia triggers Tsunami waves across the Pacific region
On 30 July, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Krai, with the epicentre located approximately 133km (82 miles) southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 74km (46 miles). This event represents the strongest seismic occurrence in the region since 1952. The quake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Rim, although most […]
Bolivian nationwide shortage of fuel amid economic crisis
Bolivia experienced nationwide fuel shortages from April to July. The worst-affected cities included La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cobija. People formed long queues at petrol stations. Protesters took to the streets over fuel scarcity, rising living costs and calls for President Luis Arce to resign. Some demonstrations also supported former president […]
Deadly flooding in Texas Hill Country
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding affected multiple counties in the Texas Hill Country following ex-Tropical Storm Barry in July. The floods caused at least 145 fatalities and over 1,000 rescues, with severe losses along the Guadalupe River at Camp Mystic, Kerr County, where water levels rose over 10 m (33 ft) in a few hours. A […]
Wildfires across Hatay, İzmir and Manisa provinces
Dozens of wildfires erupted across the provinces of Hatay (Antakya), İzmir (Menderes, Çeşme, Buca, Seferihisar, Ödemiş) and Manisa (Akhisar, Ahmetli, Kula, Saruhanlı, Turgutlu) in June and July, fuelled by strong winds and extreme weather. Thousands of people were evacuated, with at least two fatalities, over 46 injuries and nearly 50,000 people displaced. As of 5 […]
India-Pakistan military tensions after Pahalgam terror attack
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply in early May following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed at least 28 Indian tourists. The attack, claimed by the Pakistan-based The Resistance Front (TRF), sparked outrage across India and led to a diplomatic fallout, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, visa […]
Serbia: Ongoing anti-government demonstrations nationwide
Serbia experienced its largest protest movement in 25 years following the Novi Sad train station collapse on 1 November 2024, which killed 16 people. The “Stop, Serbia” movement began on 22 November, spreading nationwide with demands for government accountability and reform. Demonstrations intensified across more than 100 cities, including Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac, […]
Riots and anti-immigrant violence in Northern Ireland
Starting on 9 June, Ballymena in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, experienced violent unrest following the arrest of two 14-year-old Romanian teenagers accused of attempted rape. A peaceful protest supporting the victim escalated as masked youths attacked police, torched vehicles and damaged nearby properties. The unrest spread to Belfast, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Derry, Newry, Bushmills […]
South Sudan: Increased risk of conflict amid heightened tensions and escalating violence
Tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar escalated in Upper Nile, Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal states, threatening the 2018 Peace Agreement. Early in March, clashes began in Nasir, with the Nuer White Army overrunning a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) base, and mass arrests made in Juba. Violence […]
Wildfires in Los Angeles County, California
On 7 January, authorities in California declared a state of emergency due to multiple fast-moving wildfires in the Santa Monica and Los Angeles metro areas. At least 29 people died, 1.5 million more lost power and 130,000 others were evacuated. Fire destroyed or damaged over 17,000 structures. Police arrested at least 39 people for curfew violations […]
Chikungunya outbreak in Reunion
Exercise caution when travelling to Reunion due to a recent severe Chikungunya outbreak. Travellers should take measures to prevent mosquito bites and ensure vaccine coverage if at risk. Since early 2025, Reunion has reported 54,532 confirmed cases and 43 deaths, with approximately 174,300 suspected cases. Healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed, particularly in Le Tampon, Saint-Denis […]
Türkiye: Nationwide opposition protests over Istanbul Mayor’s detention
On 19 March, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition leader, was detained on charges of corruption and aiding the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). He was formally charged on 23 March. This occurred as party officials prepared to confirm him as the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) presidential candidate for 2028. Istanbul University annulled his degree […]
Myanmar: Disruptions following major earthquake in Myanmar
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck 16 km (10 miles) north-northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles) around 12:50 local time on 28 March. A 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed shortly after. The earthquake caused severe damage to buildings and infrastructure, especially in Mandalay, Sagaing and Nay Pyi Taw. More than 3,800 people were killed and over […]
Risk of strong earthquakes in Santorini and surrounding areas
Since late January, Santorini and nearby islands have experienced significant undersea seismic activity, with over 20,000 tremors recorded. The strongest reached magnitude 5.3, prompting evacuations, states of emergency, school closures and access restrictions. Seismic activity has decreased since mid-February and restrictions have gradually eased. However, controlled access measures remain in place in areas such as […]
Spain/Portugal: Nationwide power blackouts and associated disruptions
On 28 April, a major power outage affected Spain and Portugal, disrupting transport, critical services and impacting millions of residents. Spanish nuclear plants were safely shut down as a precaution. Both countries declared states of emergency on 29 April, which were lifted the same day. The Basque region and parts of southern France were also […]
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation for travellers eligible for visa-free entry. It is designed to streamline entry processes through pre-travel checks. Applications can be made via the official UK government website or through a mobile app. The fee is GBP 16 (approximately EUR 19). Once approved, the ETA is valid for two […]
Australia: Disruptions from heavy rainfall in parts of Queensland and NSW
Between early March and the end of April, heavy rain and severe flooding hit parts of Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW). Ex-Tropical Cyclone (TC) Alfred struck Moreton Bay Island near Brisbane on 8 March and dissipated in central QLD a few days later. Multiple low-pressure systems worsened the impact, affecting around four million […]