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May 23Fri
  1. US Travel Advisories

    US State Department Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Italy

    The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Italy, urging travelers to exercise increased caution. The advisory cites the risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy. It also notes that petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations and on public transportation including trains, and that most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity such as purse snatching, pickpocketing and car break-ins.

  2. US Travel Advisories

    US State Department Keeps Italy at Level 2 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State keeps Italy at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to terrorism. The advisory states there is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, with common targets including tourist spots, transportation centers, shopping malls and markets, local government buildings, hotels, clubs and restaurants, religious sites, parks, sporting and cultural events, schools, airports, and public areas. It advises travelers to stay alert in tourist spots, check local media for breaking news, and be prepared to adjust plans.

May 22Thu
  1. US Travel Advisories

    US State Department Lowers Vanuatu to Level 1 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State updated its Vanuatu travel advisory, lowering it from Level 3 to Level 1 due to ongoing recovery efforts and removing the Natural Disaster (N) indicator. It advises normal precautions. Infrastructure and roads in Port Vila and the surrounding area were damaged during the December 2024 earthquake, with repairs in progress. Travelers are advised to monitor local reports and updates from the Vanuatu government and follow instructions from local authorities; some areas may still be undergoing repairs and access could be restricted.

  2. US Travel Advisories

    US State Department Keeps Liechtenstein at Level 1 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Liechtenstein travel advisory after a periodic review, keeping it at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). It advises travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate them in an emergency; review the Country Security Report for Liechtenstein; prepare a plan for emergency situations; review the International Traveler's Checklist; and visit the CDC page for the latest Travelers' Health Information. It also states the U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and highly recommends buying insurance before travel, checking wit…

May 20Tue
  1. US Travel Advisories

    US State Department Keeps Switzerland at Level 1 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Switzerland travel advisory after a periodic review, keeping it at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). It advises travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate them in an emergency; review the Country Security Report for Switzerland; prepare a plan for emergency situations; review the International Traveler's Checklist; and visit the CDC page for the latest Travelers' Health Information. It also states the U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and highly recommends buying insurance before travel, checking with th…

May 16Fri
  1. US Travel Advisories

    Tajikistan - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Tajikistan travel advisory after a periodic review, keeping the country at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to terrorism risk, unexploded landmines, occasional violence near the Kyrgyz Republic border, and limited ability to assist U.S.-Tajik dual nationals. The border with Afghanistan and the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) are Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Following the March 13, 2025 signing and ratification of bilateral agreements between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, cross-border movement resumed at the Guliston–Kyzyl-Bel and Madaniyat–Kayragach crossing points.

  2. US Travel Advisories

    Peru - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Peru travel advisory after a periodic review, keeping the country at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping risk. The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region and the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM, including Vilcabamba) are Level 4 (Do Not Travel), as are some areas within Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junín. The city of Cusco and nearby tourist sites such as the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu are not in the affected area.

May 15Thu
  1. FCDO Travel Advice

    UK FCDO updates Anguilla travel advice: crime information

    The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its Anguilla travel advice, with the latest update covering crime information on the 'Safety and security' page; the advice remains current as of 8 September 2026. Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Royal Anguilla Police Force or other relevant local authorities will support travellers if needed. The FCDO notes that no travel can be guaranteed safe and advises getting travel insurance covering itinerary, planned activities, and emergency expenses.

  2. US Travel Advisories

    Japan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Japan travel advisory after a periodic review without changes, keeping the country at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The advisory reminds U.S. citizens to always exercise caution when traveling abroad and recommends enrolling in STEP, reviewing the Country Security Report for Japan, preparing a contingency plan, checking CDC travel health information, and buying insurance covering evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation.

May 13Tue
  1. US Travel Advisories

    Germany - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Germany travel advisory after a periodic review with updates to the Advisory Summary, keeping the country at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to terrorism. Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public locations with knives, small arms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles, potentially with little or no warning. The advisory recommends being aware of surroundings, following local authorities' instructions, monitoring local media and adjusting plans, enrolling in STEP, reviewing the Country Security Report, preparing an emergency plan, and buying insurance.

  2. US Travel Advisories

    Germany - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    The U.S. Department of State lists Germany at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to terrorism. Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public locations with knives, small arms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles, potentially with little or no warning. Potential targets include tourist locations, transportation centers (airports, train or bus stations), markets and shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship and educational institutions, parks, major sporting and cultural events, and schools.

May 12Mon
  1. US Travel Advisories

    Guyana - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Guyana travel advisory after a periodic review with minor changes, keeping the country at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) due to crime. Violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, is common, especially at night; local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Travellers are advised to be extra vigilant at banks or ATMs, avoid walking or driving at night, not resist robbery attempts, avoid displaying signs of wealth, enroll in STEP, review the Country Security Report, prepare a contingency plan, and buy insurance.

  2. US Travel Advisories

    Spain - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Spain travel advisory after a periodic review with minor edits, keeping the country at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to terrorism and civil unrest. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain, which may occur with little or no warning and target tourist locations, transportation centers (airports/train stations), markets and shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship and educational institutions, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. Demonstrations are common and may occur over political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during internat…

May 8Thu
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur: Direct vs. indirect spend and why it matters

    A SAP Concur blog post explains the difference between direct and indirect spend: direct spend is tied to producing goods or services and affects cost of goods sold (COGS) and profit margins, while indirect spend supports operations without directly contributing to production, including employee travel and expenses (T&E), and is decentralized, frequent, and harder to track and control. The post states that companies adopting an integrated travel and expense (T&E) solution see 21% savings in travel bookings and expense reporting, 20% lower invoice processing costs, and a 26% increase in policy compliance.

  2. US Travel Advisories

    US State Department Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its United Kingdom travel advisory on May 8, 2025, after a periodic review with minor edits, keeping it at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism. The advisory cites continued plotting of possible attacks, which may occur with little or no warning and target tourist sites, transport hubs, malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, concerts, educational institutions, airports and other public areas. It also notes isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland focused primarily on police and military targets.

  3. US Travel Advisories

    US State Department: United Kingdom travel advisory at Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution'

    The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' travel advisory for the United Kingdom due to terrorism, citing the risk of terrorist violence including attacks and other activity. The advisory also notes the risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, which mainly target police and military. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations, and most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity such as purse or cellphone snatching and pickpocketing.

  4. US Travel Advisories

    Philippines - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Philippines travel advisory after a periodic review with minor edits, keeping the country at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The Sulu Archipelago (including the southern Sulu Sea) and Marawi City in Mindanao are Level 4 (Do Not Travel); other areas of Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands) are Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Terrorists and armed groups have carried out kidnappings and bombings targeting tourist sites, markets, and local government facilities; protests can turn violent and cause traffic jams and road closures.

May 7Wed
  1. US Travel Advisories

    US State Department Updates Cuba Travel Advisory on Crime and Power Grid Failures

    The U.S. Department of State updated its Cuba travel advisory on May 7, 2025, keeping it at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and unreliable electrical power. It notes rising petty and violent crime, and stresses that U.S. law prohibits travel to, from or within Cuba for tourist activities, with OFAC regulating such travel; traveling without an appropriate license is illegal and violations may lead to penalties and criminal prosecution. Since October 2024 Cuba has seen several prolonged nationwide power outages, with daily scheduled and unscheduled cuts of up to 12 hours in Havana and longer outside the capital.

May 6Tue
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Explains the Difference Between Accrued and Accrual Accounting

    SAP Concur published an article explaining the difference between 'accrued' and 'accrual' in accounting. Accrued refers to expenses or revenues incurred but not yet recorded, such as wages payable, utilities payable and interest payable. Accrual is an accounting method that recognizes money spent and earned when it happens, using the matching principle to record related revenues and expenses in the same period. The article says accrual accounting is preferred under GAAP but involves more work and higher error risk, and describes how SAP Concur solutions automate travel and expense and invoice management.

May 5Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Case Study: A CFO Leads with AI-Driven Spend Management

    SAP Concur published a case-study article describing how Stephen, CFO of a mid-sized U.S. company, uses SAP Concur solutions for AI-driven spend management. It says he gains real-time visibility into spending across departments, regions and categories via the dashboard, uses Intelligence for real-time analytics, and relies on Concur Detect by Oversight and Concur Tax Assurance by Blue dot to improve compliance. The article cites figures: AI technology captured 10x the number of errors and fraud, automated audits reduced the cost of mistakes in expense reports by 60%, and using AI for initial investigation of expense reports reduced audit time by as much as 90%.

  2. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur: How to Optimize Business Expense Categories

    SAP Concur published an article on business expense categories and how to optimize them. It says expense categories are predefined classifications used to track, manage and report employee spending, supporting transparency, policy compliance and budget control. It recommends refining and streamlining existing expense types, addressing the 'Other' or 'Miscellaneous' category, and aligning expense policies with categories. Citing SAP Concur customer data, it says the 'Other' and 'Miscellaneous' categories jumped by 57% and 47% respectively, and notes Penn State University worked with Huron Consulting to reduce over 1,000 expense types to 200.

Apr 29Tue
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur: Strengthening Expense Reporting Resilience with AI and Automation

    A SAP Concur blog post argues that modern expense reporting and accounts payable (AP) management should start with AP automation, then build resilience through AI and cybersecurity investment and a rethink of ESG. Its research shows 71% of companies say integrated, AI-enhanced travel and expense (T&E) technology improves expense-related fraud detection, and that adding automated AP solutions to integrated T&E solutions yields 22% annual cost savings. It also recommends spend-request tools to approve and control spending before it occurs and AI-embedded invoice solutions to deter fake vendors, duplicate payments and other fraud, while stressing financial storytelling to win leadership suppor…

  2. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department: Burundi Travel Advisory Remains Level 3 'Reconsider Travel'

    The U.S. Department of State updated its Burundi travel advisory, keeping it at Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' due to political violence, crime and health risks. The update reflects the end of ordered departure of eligible family members and authorized departure for non-emergency employees, plus changes to U.S. government employee movement restrictions. The former Central Market on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura, along with Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park, are designated Level 4 'Do Not Travel.' The advisory notes police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement, borders may close without notice, local police lack resources and training to…

  3. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department: Papua New Guinea Remains Level 3 'Reconsider Travel'

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Papua New Guinea travel advisory after periodic review, keeping it at Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' due to crime, civil unrest and piracy, with increased caution urged over kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, inconsistent healthcare and natural disasters. Central Bougainville, particularly near the Panguna mine, and the Highlands region other than Mt. Hagen and Goroka are Level 4 'Do Not Travel.' The advisory notes violent crime including sexual assault, carjackings, home invasions and armed robberies is common; tribal or communal tensions can trigger violence without warning; police presence is limited outside Port Moresby; U.S. government employees nee…

  4. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department Issues Level 4 'Do Not Travel' Advisory for North Korea

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 4 travel advisory for North Korea on April 29, 2025, advising U.S. citizens not to travel due to the serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and wrongful detention. U.S. passports cannot be used to travel to, in, or through North Korea unless specially validated by the Secretary of State, and such validations are granted only in very limited circumstances. Because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with North Korea, it cannot provide direct emergency assistance; Sweden serves as protecting power through its embassy in Pyongyang with limited consular services. The FAA has issued a NOTAM and/or SFAR.

  5. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' Advisory for Solomon Islands

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' advisory for Solomon Islands after a periodic review with updated risk information, citing health, unexploded ordnance, crime and civil unrest. Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are widespread, and medical facilities and clinics outside Honiara are under-resourced in drugs and equipment. World War II unexploded ordnance remains a significant hazard on land, in forests and underwater; many areas have been swept or cleared but previously undetected UXO continue to be discovered regularly, with high-risk areas including Hell's Point and the ridges behind Honiara, the New Georgia group, the Rus…

  6. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department Issues Level 4 'Do Not Travel' Advisory for North Korea

    The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for North Korea, citing a continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention and wrongful detention of U.S. citizens. U.S. passports cannot be used to travel to, in or through the DPRK unless specially validated by the Secretary of State, and such validations are granted only in very limited circumstances. Because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with North Korea, it cannot provide direct help to U.S. citizens there in emergencies; Sweden's embassy in Pyongyang serves as protecting power with limited consular services, and North Korean authorities have often delayed or denied Swedish officials access to detain…

  7. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Data Shows Increased Business Travel Spending in 2024

    SAP Concur analyzed 2024 expense transaction data and found higher business travel spending than the previous year. Domestic air travel volume for business trips rose 3% year over year, while international travel volume increased nearly 6%. Total expense transactions increased 13% year over year, with an average transaction of $102. Lodging, ground transportation, and meals saw the highest transaction increases at 17%, 16%, and 13% respectively. Average transaction amounts remained largely flat, with lodging falling from $140 to $136 and air rising from $425 to $438. On average, 15-20% of expense reports contain non-compliant spend.

Apr 28Mon
  1. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department Issues Level 1 'Exercise Normal Precautions' Advisory for Czechia

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 1 travel advisory for Czechia on April 28, 2025, advising normal precautions. The advisory recommends U.S. citizens enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts, review the Country Security Report, prepare a contingency plan, and review the Traveler's Checklist. It also recommends purchasing travel insurance covering evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation.

Apr 23Wed
  1. MCT Tourism Statistics

    China Ministry of Culture and Tourism: 1.794 Billion Domestic Trips in Q1 2025

    China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism released Q1 2025 domestic tourism data. Domestic trips reached 1.794 billion, up 26.4% year over year, with urban residents at 1.318 billion trips (+22.4%) and rural residents at 476 million trips (+39.2%). Total domestic tourism spending reached 1.80 trillion yuan, up 18.6%, with urban spending at 1.48 trillion yuan (+14.8%) and rural spending at 0.32 trillion yuan (+39.6%).

Apr 21Mon
  1. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' Advisory for Morocco

    The U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Morocco on April 21, 2025, advising increased caution due to terrorism. The advisory states terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks, potentially targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities. It recommends staying alert in tourist spots, avoiding demonstrations and crowds, enrolling in STEP, reviewing the Country Security Report, and purchasing travel insurance.

Apr 17Thu
  1. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department Issues Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' Advisory for Colombia

    The U.S. Department of State updated its Level 3 travel advisory for Colombia on April 17, 2025, advising reconsider travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk, including Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Norte de Santander departments, and the Colombia-Venezuela border region, which are Level 4 'Do Not Travel.' The advisory notes violent crime is common, and terrorists and criminal organizations may target government facilities, tourist areas, transportation centers, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and airports. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to land borders, using motorcycles, or using non-prearranged public…

Apr 15Tue
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur: How to Balance Accuracy and Efficiency in Accounts Payable

    SAP Concur published an article discussing balancing accuracy and efficiency in accounts payable. Citing the 2024 SAP Concur CFO Insights Report, 63% of finance leaders plan to invest in automation and cutting-edge tech within the year to overcome AP challenges. The article notes fragmented systems and manual processes are major obstacles, and automation can reduce errors, accelerate approvals, and lower fraud risk. It also states companies using an integrated travel and expense platform see policy compliance increase by 26%, processing efficiency double, and annual cost savings of 21%.

  2. SAP Concur Blog

    How E-receipts Are Transforming Expense Management

    SAP Concur published an article on e-receipts in expense management. Citing a GBTA study, nearly half of all paper receipts get lost or discarded before being recorded. E-receipts streamline reporting, improve accuracy, and reduce administrative burden through digital processes. The article states businesses using Concur Expense report a 32% reduction in approval times and save an average of $54,000 annually on administrative costs. ACFE data shows businesses lose up to 5% of revenue to fraud annually, while T&E spending can account for 10-12% of annual budget.

Apr 14Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Report: CFO and CHRO Collaboration Could Drive Business Growth

    SAP Concur released its 2025 CFO Insights report, surveying 350 finance leaders, 115 HR leaders, and 115 IT leaders. 81% of CFOs believe they are the primary drivers of growth. 48% of finance leaders see attracting and retaining talent as one of the most important factors in driving growth. 83% of HR leaders prioritize improving employee experience, but 38% say they lack appropriate resources. 42% of CHROs want to work more closely with finance leaders on compensation and benefits strategies. 99% of HR leaders have updated travel policies, and 51% enhanced travel safety protocols.

Apr 10Thu
  1. FCDO Travel Advice

    UK FCDO Issues Travel Advice for Antarctica/British Antarctic Territory

    The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued travel advice for Antarctica/British Antarctic Territory, updated on April 10, 2025, and reissued without significant updates after review. The British Antarctic Territory is a British Overseas Territory administered by a commissioner based in London. The FCDO advises travelers to research destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance covering itinerary, planned activities, and emergency expenses. The FCDO provides travel risk advice to help make informed decisions.

Apr 7Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur: CSR and Business Travel Sustainability

    A SAP Concur blog post examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) in business travel and expense management. It cites a Morgan Stanley survey in which more than 80% of companies see financial opportunities aligned with sustainability goals and 79% expect higher revenue. SAP Concur's 6th Annual Global Business Travelers Research Report found 27% of employees would decline a business trip due to environmental impact or inability to choose sustainable options. The article also notes 36% of travel managers struggle to meet sustainable travel expectations without adequate budgets, and about 27% of business travelers say their company cut back on allowing them to pay more for sustainable opti…

  2. SAP Concur Blog

    2025 Accounts Payable Automation Trends Report: Key Takeaways

    A SAP Concur blog post summarizes the Accounts Payable Automation Trends research study it sponsored, conducted by The Institute of Financial Operations and Leadership (IFOL). The report shows 52% of AP professionals now spend fewer than ten hours per week processing invoices, down from 62% a year earlier; manual entry of invoices into ERP or accounting systems dropped to 60%, from 85% in 2023. However, 64% of respondents still cite stress from outdated processes as their biggest hurdle, and 40% point to strained vendor relationships. AI adoption remains limited, with only 7% of respondents using AI for spend management, though 40% are considering adoption within the next year.

Apr 1Tue
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur vs Zoho: 5 Considerations for Choosing a Spend Management Solution

    This SAP Concur article compares its solutions with Zoho Expense, highlighting five considerations: AI-powered automation, advanced integrations, seamless user experience, industry reviews, and innovation. SAP Concur beats Zoho Expense across all G2 user satisfaction categories and ranks #1 in market share. The article also mentions that integrated platforms can increase policy compliance by 26% and double processing efficiency.

Mar 31Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    Business Travel Trends: Adapting Your Corporate Travel Program for Success

    A SAP Concur blog post summarizes business travel trends and challenges. Research shows 42% of travel managers anticipated company directives to cut travel costs within the year; 88% of travelers reported significant travel disruptions and 74% felt unsafe on a trip; 61% of businesses without integrated travel and expense solutions are likely to move to a connected system within two years; and 34% of travel managers need better training to benefit from AI-powered tools. The article also notes 44% of travelers would refuse a trip over safety concerns, and 95% of travelers are open to using AI-fueled technology for business travel booking.