Brazil's General Aviation Safety Group (BGAST) published an operational routines guide with checklists and decision tools to support pilots before, during, and after flight. The document is educational, without creating documentary requirements, covering SOPs, threat and error management, FAA decision-making methods, etc.
The EU is providing additional aid to Nepal after devastating floods, including a Humanitarian Air Bridge flight carrying 82 tonnes of supplies and €500,000 in funding. This follows €2 million in emergency aid allocated on 28 August and nearly €3 million already allocated for disaster preparedness in 2026. Several countries are sending equipment via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The U.S. Department of State rates Hong Kong SAR as Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Laws passed by Hong Kong authorities limit civil liberties and apply to anyone in Hong Kong, including foreigners, and arrest warrants have been issued for individuals outside Hong Kong, including U.S. citizens. On March 23, 2026, the Hong Kong government changed the implementing rules of the National Security Law, making it a criminal offense in national security cases to refuse to give police passwords or assist in decryption to allow full access to personal electronic devices, including phones and laptops; this applies to everyone in Hong Kong, on arrival,…
The U.S. Department of State rates Macau SAR as Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' due to the limited ability of the U.S. government to provide emergency consular services and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Because of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel, all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to Macau SAR, must apply for and receive visas before entering, which can take a week or longer and limits timely consular services. The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality, and dual U.S.-Chinese citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may face additional security checks. Participating in gatherings authoritie…
The US State Department issued a Level 2 advisory for Peru due to crime, unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism. Some areas, including the Colombia-Peru border, VRAEM, and its boundary cities, are under Do Not Travel. US government employees face nighttime driving restrictions. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation.
The US State Department updated its travel advisory for Macau, maintaining Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to limited ability to provide emergency consular services and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. US diplomatic personnel must obtain visas before entering Macau, which can take a week or longer, hindering timely consular assistance. Dual nationals may face additional scrutiny.
The US State Department updated its Hong Kong advisory, maintaining Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. National security laws restrict civil liberties and may affect foreigners. A March 2026 rule criminalizes refusal to assist decryption of devices. Dual nationals may face additional scrutiny.
The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Nepal due to natural disasters. Nepal regularly experiences earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Medical services are limited. Some areas have increased risk, such as Rasuwa district due to flood damage.
The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 advisory for Bhutan, indicating it is generally safe. However, medical services are limited, especially in rural areas. Bhutan regularly experiences flooding, landslides, and wildfires, and is vulnerable to earthquakes.
The US State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for mainland China, urging increased caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, exit bans without fair and transparent process, and risk of unjust arrest or detention. The advisory states that expansive national security, counterespionage and data security laws grant Chinese officials broad discretion to detain or interrogate foreign nationals, including for routine business, research or public expression. Groups that may be targeted include US citizens of Chinese heritage or origin, those involved in business disputes, those affiliated with US law enforcement, military or intelligence, and those on US government-funded progr…
The US State Department issued a Level 2 advisory for Sao Tome and Principe due to health risks. Medical services are limited, with no adequate trauma or ambulance services; even minor issues may require medical evacuation at traveler's expense. As of August 12, 2026, US government employees no longer need special permission to travel there.
The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Tajikistan due to terrorism, unexploded landmines, and limited ability to assist dual nationals. Some areas have increased risk, including the Afghan border and Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast.
The US State Department updated its Macau travel advisory, maintaining Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to limited emergency consular services and arbitrary law enforcement. US diplomatic personnel must obtain visas before entering, potentially taking over a week, affecting timely assistance. Dual nationals may face additional scrutiny.
European Commission President von der Leyen met NATO Secretary-General to discuss Russia's attempted attack on cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The German government identified Russia as behind it, using military-grade material, which could have caused enormous damage.
A Healix report warns of a worsening security environment for LGBTQ+ travelers in Africa and the Middle East, with new criminalizing laws. Senegal increased penalties for same-sex activity, and Ghana's president may sign a bill criminalizing LGBTQ+ identity. Repressive measures continue or intensify in MENA. Companies should ensure travel risk policies support LGBTQ+ employees, proactively providing resources rather than relying on disclosure.
EU Commissioner Lahbib told the European Parliament that the 2026 wildfire season is exceptional, with nearly 700,000 hectares burned, fires moving north and threatening major cities. The EU mobilized nearly 800 firefighters and 40 aircraft, emphasizing the need for stronger prevention and preparedness.
The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory for the Philippines, recommending increased caution due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk, including the Sulu Archipelago and Marawi City, which are advised against travel. Certain parts of Mindanao are under reconsider travel.
The US State Department issued a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Libya due to crime, terrorism, health, unrest, kidnapping, and landmines. There is no US embassy, limiting emergency support. Risks include armed clashes, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, landmines, and disrupted flights.
A flash flood hit Grand Canyon National Park on the 29th, leaving over 20 people possibly missing. By the morning of the 30th, 62 people had been evacuated. The flood caused severe damage to infrastructure including Bright Angel Canyon, and some areas are closed. Weather authorities warn of possible thunderstorms and heavy rain, leading to flash floods, mudslides, and rockfalls. Last year, the park attracted over 4.43 million visitors.
The US State Department advises increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime is common, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking. Drugging assaults occur, especially in Rio. US government employees need special authorization for border areas and informal settlements, and are advised against municipal buses.
The US State Department advises reconsidering travel to Oman due to armed conflict and terrorism. Since US-Iran hostilities began on Feb 28, 2026, there is an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks. Terrorist attacks may occur without warning, targeting tourist sites and transport hubs. The Yemen border area is Level 4.
The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, recommending reconsidering travel. Reasons include the risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas carry increased risk. As of August 30, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees; employees may not travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border, non-essential travel to Qatif is restricted, and special authorization is required for Jizan, Asir, Najran, and Qatif provinces. Commercial flights are operational but have been significantly disrupted at times.
The US State Department maintains a Level 3 advisory for the UAE due to terrorism and armed conflict. Since Feb 28, 2026, there is an ongoing threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks, causing significant flight disruptions. Terrorists may target tourist sites and transport hubs. Special authorization is needed for military bases.
The US State Department issued a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks, and limited US emergency support. Anti-US militias threaten citizens and companies, targeting hotels, universities, and airports. Medical facilities are limited, and landmines are widespread.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jordan, advising travelers to reconsider travel due to terrorism and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk, including Zarqa City, Ma'an City, and parts of Ma'an Governorate. As of August 29, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees working in Jordan. Due to hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, there is an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks and significant disruptions to commercial flights. Terrorists may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, and other public places.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory for the United Arab Emirates, citing terrorism and armed conflict. Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there is an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target U.S.-associated locations in the UAE. U.S. government employees working in the UAE need special authorization to travel to military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites; as of August 29, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in the UAE.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Iraq, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks and the U.S. government's limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there. The advisory says the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. U.S. government personnel in Iraq must follow strict security protocols, and travel to Iraq requires special authorization.
Escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada threaten the recovery of Canadian travel to the U.S. The U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, and Canada retaliated with tariffs on roughly $20 billion of goods. This comes as Canadian travel to the U.S. had seen four consecutive months of year-over-year growth, with a July survey showing 28% of Canadian travelers had visited the U.S. in the past six months, up from 23% a year earlier. The dispute could reverse this trend, posing risks for hotels and destinations.
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Kuwait, recommending reconsideration of travel due to threats of armed conflict, landmines, and crime. Since the onset of U.S.-Iran hostilities on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran, and commercial aviation has been seriously disrupted. The FAA has issued a NOTAM/SFAR. U.S. government employees need special authorization, and only family members aged 18 or older may join them. The Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City has a high crime rate.
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Kuwait, recommending reconsideration of travel due to threats of armed conflict, landmines, and crime. Since the onset of U.S.-Iran hostilities on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran, and commercial aviation has been seriously disrupted. The FAA has issued a NOTAM/SFAR. U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Kuwait, and only family members aged 18 or older may join them.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar, recommending reconsideration of travel due to the risk of armed conflict. Following the onset of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. The FAA has issued a NOTAM/SFAR. As of August 28, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees in Qatar.
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Ukraine, advising against all travel due to the Russia-Ukraine war. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv remains open, but personnel are subject to movement, curfew, and activity restrictions. U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel outside Kyiv, and family members are not authorized to join. Non-frontline regions face Russian missile and drone attacks, closed airspace restricts travel options, and a nationwide curfew is in effect.
The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for Ukraine, advising against all travel. Due to the Russia-Ukraine war, non-frontline regions are subject to missile and drone attacks. Closed airspace restricts travel options, and a nationwide curfew is in effect. U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel outside Kyiv, and family members are not authorized to join.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority is reminding travelers ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend, with around 2 million passengers expected to depart from airports across England, Scotland, and Wales. As lithium batteries can overheat if damaged, passengers should keep power banks, vapes, and spare batteries in hand luggage, not checked baggage. The CAA has launched the 'Pack Right for a Safe Flight' campaign, noting that the average traveler now packs around four lithium-powered devices.
The U.S. Department of State rates Ethiopia as Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans. The security situation in Addis Ababa is stable, but there is sporadic armed conflict and civil unrest outside the capital that may worsen without warning. Internet, cellular data, and phone services are often restricted or shut down around unrest, affecting embassy communications and delaying consular services. U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to most locations outside Addis Ababa. Ethiopian law does not recognize dual citizenship and imposes exit bans, including on minors; some U.S. citiz…
The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Bosnia and Herzegovina, urging increased caution due to crime, landmines, and terrorism. Recent politically related unrest has not impacted tourists but poses a risk to bystanders. Sarajevo has high rates of property crime, and landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a hazard, with deaths as recent as August 2025.
The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Bosnia and Herzegovina (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime, landmines, and terrorism. Sarajevo has high property crime rates, landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout the country, with deaths as recent as August 2025. Recent political unrest has not impacted tourists but bystanders could be affected.
The US State Department has updated its travel advisory for Serbia, maintaining Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime. The advisory summary was updated with no changes to risk indicators. Crime can occur anywhere, police response may be slower, and violence linked to organized crime and sporting events is common.
The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Serbia (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime. Crime can occur anywhere, and police response may be slower. Violence associated with organized crime and high-profile sporting events is common, with petty crime against foreigners being opportunistic.
The US State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Bahrain (Reconsider Travel) due to terrorism and armed conflict. Following the onset of US-Iran hostilities on February 28, 2026, there is an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. US government employees require special authorization to travel.