Issue 1 · October 2026 · updated 20 Oct 2026
Travel Risk Briefing
The security picture in the areas where we operate, written for people who travel or have staff there. Facts from official and verified press sources only, no political opinions.
High risk · Nexus assessment
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf
The situation
The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran that began in late February 2026 continues. The Strait of Hormuz remains the highest-risk area for shipping, with repeated attacks on tankers in the first half of October. Indirect talks are stalled.
What changed in October
- 6–7 October: Houthi attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports, with 3 killed and 36 injured.
- Several UAE airlines cancelled or reduced flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Abha.
- Saudi and other Gulf airspaces were open as of 9 October, with temporary disruption.
- Iran has threatened Gulf digital infrastructure: data centres and undersea cables.
Areas to avoid
The UK government advises against all travel within 10 km of the Yemen border and all but essential travel between 10 and 80 km. It also advises all but essential travel to Riyadh Province and the Eastern Province. For Israel, Lebanon and Iran, check your government's alert level before any departure.
Practical advice
- Confirm your flight the day before and again 4 hours before. Have a backup route via another airport.
- Choose hotels with a shelter or basement and check the alarm procedure at check-in.
- Check that your insurance covers areas under official advisories. Many policies don't.
- Keep a backup way to communicate, such as a satellite phone, in case networks go down.
- Register your presence with your country's embassy.
Critical risk · Nexus assessment
Ukraine
The situation
No ceasefire is in force. An “energy ceasefire” was announced on 11 October, but neither side officially recognised it, and strikes on energy infrastructure continued. On 15 October Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian refineries.
What changed
- Drone and missile strikes on cities continued, including Kharkiv and the Kirovohrad region.
- More than 150 civilians were killed between 4 and 11 October, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
- Gas and power infrastructure is the main target: expect power cuts this winter.
Advice
- Travel only with a risk assessment and an evacuation plan in place before departure.
- Install the official air-raid alert app and respond to every alarm.
- Stay where there's a shelter, a generator and a water reserve. Keep power banks and a torch to hand.
- Keep away from energy and military infrastructure.
Moderate risk in border counties · Nexus assessment
Romania – eastern border
The situation
Romania is recording more drone incursions than last year, linked to Russian attacks on Ukrainian Danube ports. The risk mainly concerns Tulcea, Galați and the Danube Delta. The rest of the country is not affected.
What changed
- 2 October: a suspected drone crashed on Romanian territory.
- 14 October: a drone briefly entered Romanian airspace near Sulina. RO-Alert was sent to eastern and northern Tulcea County and two F-16s were scrambled from Borcea.
- Since July, Romania's armed forces have been shooting down drones that enter its airspace.
Advice
- For events or clients in Tulcea, Galați and the Delta: keep RO-Alert switched on and agree a shelter location in advance.
- Do not approach drone debris; call 112.
Travelling to a high-risk area?
We prepare the risk assessment for your trip, the evacuation plan and, where needed, the protection team.
General information, current at the date shown. It does not replace a personalised risk assessment or official government travel advice. Risk levels are Nexus Praesidium's own assessment. Cited articles belong to their publishers.