Sub-Saharan Africa South Africa’s Anti-Immigration Movement Signals Growing Community-Level Tensions Rising anti-immigration mobilization in South Africa is increasing localized disruption risks in key urban centers, driven by broader economic and political pressures. In recent weeks, the movement has become a more visible factor shaping the country’s internal security environment. For travelers and organizations, these tensions… Read more »
Travel Health Update: Ebola Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a serious but relatively rare illness spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. While the current outbreak in Central and East Africa has raised global concern, the overall risk to most travelers remains low when appropriate precautions are followed. The current outbreak… Read more »
Executive Summary: Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious illness linked to rodent exposure, with current concerns centered on the Andes virus in parts of South America. While the overall risk to travelers remains low, awareness and preventive measures can help reduce exposure and support safe travel. Most infections occur through contact with infected rodents… Read more »
Executive Summary International academic travel can boost student success and research output, but also introduces mental health risks that require proactive institutional support. Cultural adjustment, identity-related challenges, and limited access to care abroad can impact well-being. Institutions can meet duty of care obligations through preparation, resources, and expert partnerships. Key Takeaways Study abroad mental health… Read more »
Executive Summary Older travelers can reduce health risks and travel more safely by planning ahead for medications, medical care, and trip pacing. Key steps include scheduling a pre-travel doctor visit, organizing prescriptions and medical devices, securing travel medical and emergency assistance coverage, and researching healthcare access at your destination. Key takeaways: Schedule a pre-travel medical… Read more »
Travel risk is evolving—and fast. From shifting geopolitical landscapes to increasingly complex traveler needs, organizations are being asked to make decisions in real time, often without a clear roadmap. That’s exactly why we publish our Travel Risk Management (TRM) newsletter each quarter—to help organizations stay informed, prepared, and ready to act. If you missed our… Read more »
Americas When the Rains Arrive: Travel Risk Across Latin America As the rainy season takes hold across Central America, southern Mexico, Colombia, and much of Brazil, travel risk begins to shift in ways that are often underestimated. Unlike hurricanes or major storms, disruption is rarely driven by a single event. Instead, risk builds gradually through… Read more »
As global mobility accelerates and travel becomes more complex, travel scams have evolved from simple cons into sophisticated forms of social engineering that target and influence human behavior as much as technology. While travel scams themselves are not new, the tactics behind them have evolved. Social engineering, a scamming method that exploits predictable human behavior… Read more »
Most organizations today maintain some form of crisis management or business continuity framework. Policies are documented, procedures are defined, and plans are periodically reviewed to ensure preparedness. Yet the true test of those plans rarely occurs in a boardroom or a policy document. It happens when a traveler encounters a real incident abroad. Travel is… Read more »
During the onset of the recent crisis in the Middle East, On Call’s Global Response Center provided targeted support to hundreds of travelers in need, including families with young children, students, volunteers, expats, and leisure travelers. During this time, On Call’s Global Response Center: Coordinated overland transfers to operational airports across Gulf states Conducted complex ground transports, including the deployment of Close Protection… Read more »