The ever-changing dynamics of the global travel security landscape demand constant vigilance and adaptation. As we step into 2025, businesses and travellers alike must navigate a world where risks are both more interconnected and less predictable than ever before. In this year’s Travel Security Special Edition bulletin, we delve into the pressing issues shaping travel security, providing case studies and insights from across the globe. From the entrenched threats of organised crime to the evolving dangers posed by geopolitical instability, we discuss some of the most critical challenges facing personnel and operations in an increasingly volatile world. The growing geopolitical risks in the Middle East, including rising political tensions and evacuation concerns, highlight the complexities of modern travel security and the need for preparedness.
This year, we dedicate focused articles to each geographic region, analysing the unique and evolving travel security challenges they present.
Kidnapping for ransom continues to pose a challenge in many jurisdictions, driven by organised crime, economic pressures, and political instability. Regions experiencing heightened insecurity often see kidnapping used as a tool for financial gain or political leverage. Criminal and militant groups, particularly in parts of Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, continue to exploit gaps in law enforcement and weak governance. In some countries, police have been accused of colluding with kidnappers, making the problem difficult to resolve due to compromised investigations, lack of accountability, and eroded public trust in law enforcement. The maritime landscape has seen a decline in instances of piracy and kidnapping in some areas, but also a slight uptick elsewhere, particularly off the coast of Somalia. The return of Somali pirates has been driven not only by local conditions but also a reduction in international naval presence and increased focus on Houthi rebels in Yemen, which demonstrates the interconnected nature of global threats. Businesses and travellers must remain alert to these issues, particularly in areas where law enforcement resources are stretched or conflict dynamics remain unresolved.
Extortion has also emerged as a growing phenomenon over the past year, affecting businesses across multiple regions and sectors. This threat is often linked to corruption, organised crime, and economic challenges. Criminal groups continue to target businesses for financial gain, while corrupt officials exploit systemic weaknesses to extract bribes. This dynamic is evident in urban and rural contexts alike, impacting industries such as hospitality, transport, and retail. Extortion is also closely linked to political instability, often intensifying in the aftermath of government collapse or weakening state authority. For instance, following the political upheaval in Bangladesh last August, extortion took on new forms amid the power vacuum. A similar situation may emerge in Syria, where many armed rebel and criminal groups are currently operating with relative impunity. For organisations operating in vulnerable regions, mitigating extortion requires both vigilance and a clear understanding of the local security environment.
The risk of wrongful detention is increasingly tied to geopolitical tensions, authoritarian crackdowns, and the weaponisation of legal systems. In politically sensitive environments such as Russia and Iran, travellers and foreign nationals can face arbitrary arrests, often as leverage in diplomatic disputes or as tools of repression. Journalists, activists, and politically connected individuals remain particularly vulnerable. Furthermore, the rise of hostage diplomacy, where individuals are detained to secure the release of other detainees, extract concessions or influence foreign policy, has become a concerning trend. Detentions related to suspected espionage are also likely to increase in 2025, particularly in the Middle East where geopolitical risks are showing no signs of decline. The growing risk of politically motivated detentions underscores the critical need for thorough pre-travel risk assessments, comprehensive intelligence monitoring, and robust contingency planning for both travellers and businesses.
Organised crime remains a persistent challenge across regions, undermining safety and business operations. Criminal networks continue to engage in activities such as extortion, kidnapping, and violence, often exploiting weak governance and security gaps. Urban centres in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Europe are experiencing growing levels of organised crime. In many cases, law enforcement efforts are constrained by limited resources, corruption, and competing priorities, leaving businesses and communities vulnerable. Moreover, economic instability and rising inequality further fuel the recruitment of individuals into these networks, perpetuating a cycle of crime and violence. In some regions, organised crime operates in parallel with political actors, exacerbating corruption and weakening state institutions. This growing nexus between organised crime, governance failures, and economic distress highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions, cross-border cooperation, and stronger regulatory frameworks to mitigate risks.
This year’s Travel Security Special Edition underscores the need for informed decision-making in today’s volatile travel environment. By shedding light on the evolving threats across regions, we hope to provide important insights for businesses and travellers seeking to navigate global security challenges. Proactive risk management, supported by in-depth intelligence and tailored strategies, is essential for ensuring safety and resilience in uncertain times. As organisations and individuals continue to explore global opportunities, staying ahead of emerging threats will remain a cornerstone of effective travel planning.
Europe
While Europe faces fewer travel security threats than other regions, rising organised crime and societal tensions have increased risks for residents and travellers. This article explores the growing issue of public-sector extortion in Greece, which has impacted the tourism and hospitality sector, and highlights the surge in knife attacks in Germany’s urban areas, including around public transport hubs. Read the article.
Latin America
Organised criminal groups remain the driving force behind travel security threats in Latin America, including kidnapping, extortion, and violent crime. This article examines the rising levels of maritime security incidents, pervasive gang violence in Ecuador, and the misuse of wrongful detention by increasingly authoritarian governments in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela. Read the article.
Asia Pacific
Security threats across Asia Pacific are diverse and influenced by local dynamics. This article highlights the sharp rise in extortion targeting businesses in New Delhi, India; analyses the uptick in indiscriminate active assailant attacks across China; and examines how Bangladesh’s political transition has created opportunities for extortion gangs to expand their operations. Read the article.
Middle East and North Africa
Geopolitical tensions have intensified travel security threats in the Middle East and North Africa. This article delves into the growing trend of politically motivated detentions in Israel and Iran, the increasing influence of organised criminal gangs in Israel, and the extortion challenges faced by freight companies operating on Iraq’s strategic trade routes. Read the article.
Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States
Corruption and suppression of dissent remain prevalent across Russia and the CIS. This article explores some of the extortion practices impacting businesses in Kyrgyzstan and examines the growing risks facing journalists in Uzbekistan amid the government’s crackdown on independent reporting. Read the article.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa’s travel security landscape is shaped by kidnapping, maritime security threats, and political instability. This article discusses the trends driving the rise in kidnappings across Nigeria and South Africa, evaluates the resurgence of piracy in Somali waters, and highlights the targeting of journalists during protests in Kenya and Nigeria amid deteriorating press freedoms. Read the article.
