Following our recent ease to inbound travel advice for Damascus, essential travel may be possible to Damascus with robust journey management planning.

We spoke to our Lead Security Analyst for Mashreq & Iran, Polina Vynogradova, about the reason for this change, our latest advice, and what the future security environment looks like for Damascus.

In February, the sudden death of a prominent Taiwanese actress in Japan was met with shock. How could a seemingly healthy person on vacation die so suddenly from a common flu, and is it safe to travel to Japan? Our Medical Director in Tokyo, Dr Makiko Yui, discusses influenza in the region, and how travellers can stay safe.

The 2024 Global Tuberculosis Report from the World Health Organization reported that in 2023, more than 10.8 million people fell ill with TB, with five countries accounting for 56% of this total. International SOS spoke to four of our Medical Directors about the importance of eliminating TB in the workplace, and our approach to good TB programming.

On 12 April, Gabon will hold a presidential election, marking one of the final stages of its transition after a military coup in August 2023. Lead Security Analyst for Europe and Central Africa, Tarun Nijjer, and Security Manager for Assistance, Taylor El Hage, discuss the upcoming election, and what the security environment might look like.

Following the three-year anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine, we saw an announcement of a potential ceasefire plan and the resumption of US assistance to Ukraine. International SOS' Lead Security Analyst for Ukraine and Russia, Louise Hogan, explains what these developments mean for organisations with interests in Ukraine and Russia.

In February, the sudden death of a prominent Taiwanese actress in Japan was met with shock. How could a seemingly healthy person on vacation die so suddenly from a common flu, and is it safe to travel to Japan? International SOS' Medical Director in Tokyo, Dr Makiko Yui, discusses influenza in the region, and how travellers can stay safe.

Following an in-country assessment of Israel and The Palestinian Territories, International SOS has updated its Risk Rating and advice for Israel, and lowered its Evacuation Monitor level for the region. Lead Security Analyst for Sahel, Maghreb, and Israel and Palestinian Territories, Jessica Trichias, explains why the changes were made.

On the 20th of February, at President Donald Trump’s request, the US State Department designated eight criminal networks as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO). The Canadian government also designated seven transnational criminal organisations. Both governments have identified six Mexico-based cartels within these organisations. In this podcast, International SOS’ Lead Security Analyst for Mexico and Central America, Raúl Iglesias, who is based in Mexico, discusses the impact the designation will have on Mexico’s security environment, and offers his advice for organisations operating in Mexico.