Article Highlights:

• Global Rescue security membership sales surge due to geopolitical unrest.
• Escalating crises in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe are driving travelers to seek real-time protection and response.
• Level 4 travel advisory countries now span every continent, and travelers are preparing instead of reacting.
• Global Rescue offers 24/7 access to elite security teams, real-time intelligence and in-field extractions.
• One recent evacuation in Chile showed an $8,000 cost difference between protected and unprotected travelers.

As geopolitical tensions escalate and war zones evolve, more international travelers are turning to Global Rescue for security memberships that offer real-time intelligence, crisis response and extraction services. Whether it’s civil unrest, terror threats or natural disasters, travelers are no longer relying solely on traditional travel insurance, Instead, they’re seeking expert-led protection that can respond instantly when danger strikes.

Global Rescue has seen a sharp and consistent increase in demand for its Security Membership. Year-to-date purchases in 2025 are up 26% compared to the same period in 2024. In June alone, purchases jumped 40% over the same period last year. The most striking spike occurred during the week of June 16–22, with a 41% increase over the same week in 2024.

“Travelers are no longer willing to risk being caught unprepared in a conflict zone,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “They want the ability to make a single phone call and have a team of security professionals mobilized to help them. That’s exactly what a Global Rescue security membership provides.”

The uptick coincided with the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, rising terror activity across North and West Africa and growing civil unrest in parts of South America and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, natural disasters — including earthquakes, wildfires, floods and hurricanes — are becoming more frequent and deadly.

Travel Security Hot Spots

Nearly every continent faces elevated travel risks, from conflict zones to natural disaster hotspots. Governments, including the US State Department, have issued Level 4 Travel Advisories (Do Not Travel) for dozens of countries, reflecting the growing complexity of global instability.

Africa

In Africa, violent conflicts, terrorism and political instability continue to impact traveler safety. Sudan remains mired in active conflict, with clashes between military factions and armed militias making movement perilous, particularly in Khartoum and Darfur. In Mali, the presence of extremist groups and ongoing military operations contribute to a dangerous environment for both residents and foreigners. Somalia, meanwhile, remains one of the most volatile destinations on the continent, with frequent attacks by al-Shabaab and near-total lawlessness outside government-held zones.

Asia

Across Asia, several countries are off-limits due to ongoing warfare and government repression. Afghanistan, following the Taliban takeover, is plagued by internal violence and terrorism. Myanmar is in the midst of a civil war, with rebel groups clashing with military forces across vast swaths of the country. North Korea presents a different kind of risk: the threat of arbitrary detention, lack of diplomatic protections and a repressive regime make it one of the most isolated and dangerous destinations for travelers.

Europe

Europe, which is typically considered more stable, has not escaped rising threats. Ukraine remains an active war zone following the Russian invasion in 2022. Missile strikes, ground combat and infrastructure attacks continue across the country, especially in eastern and southern regions. Neighboring Belarus, aligned with Russia, is facing growing internal tensions and authoritarian crackdowns. Parts of Russia itself, especially near the Ukraine border, have seen increased military presence and restricted travel conditions.

The Middle East

In the Middle East, risk levels have soared due to the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. The situation has placed enormous strain on regional stability. Iran poses heightened risks for US and Western travelers, including the potential for arbitrary arrest. Syria remains devastated by over a decade of civil war, with active combat zones, terrorism and lawlessness prevalent in many areas. The Gaza Strip is also marked by active military operations and ongoing humanitarian crises, making it a perilous destination for any traveler.

Latin American

Latin America presents challenges, particularly in countries experiencing social unrest and infrastructure collapse. Venezuela continues to suffer from severe economic hardship, food and fuel shortages and political instability, with frequent demonstrations and a high rate of violent crime. Haiti has descended into near-total chaos, with gang-controlled areas and a limited functioning government. Nicaragua (Level 3 – Reconsider Travel), once a popular eco-tourism destination, is under a government that has responded to dissent with crackdowns and arbitrary detentions, significantly raising risks for foreigners.

Even natural disasters are adding to the global travel risk map.

Earthquake-prone countries like Chile, Turkey and Indonesia have recently experienced seismic activity affecting major cities. The Caribbean faces an increasingly intense hurricane season each year, with islands like Dominica and Haiti bearing the brunt of the storms. In Southeast Asia, countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia continue to face recurring typhoons, floods and volcanic eruptions. Meanwhile, parts of the US, including California, struggle with unprecedented wildfires, adding to travel disruptions and safety concerns.

Wherever they’re heading, international travelers encounter more reasons than ever to prepare — not react — regarding their safety.

Traveler Security Membership: Not Insurance, But Assurance

Unlike traditional insurance, Global Rescue’s Security Membership ensures travelers receive on-the-ground support when conditions deteriorate. Services include:

• 24/7 security advisory support from veteran military and intelligence staff experts
• Real-time alerts tailored to the traveler’s destination
• Emergency response and extraction during civil unrest, terrorism, or unpredicted natural disasters
• Deployable security personnel for onsite rescues and protection
• Threat and route assessments to help avoid danger before it strikes
• Emergency action planning for organizations and individuals alike

“People are traveling with their eyes open,” said Harding Bush, associate director of security operations at Global Rescue and a former Navy SEAL. “They’re seeing the headlines: airspace closures, armed conflict, civil unrest, and making smarter decisions before they go. Security memberships give travelers direct access to the people who have responded to the world’s worst crises.”

The Corporate Case for Security

Global Rescue’s security program offers scalable protection for organizations with international staff or executives. Whether employees are overseeing infrastructure projects in high-risk zones or attending events in unpredictable cities, the program ensures they’re not left to fend for themselves during a crisis.

In one recent case, two traveling couples were caught in civil unrest in Chile. The couple whose employer had enrolled them in the Global Rescue security program were evacuated at no charge. The other couple, unprotected, had to pay $8,000 out of pocket. The difference? A strategic investment in advance.

Security evacuations are included at no cost when:

• A government evacuation order or expulsion is issued
• A traveler faces imminent risk of serious harm
• Safe commercial transport options are unavailable

Comprehensive, Military-Led Support

What sets Global Rescue apart is the caliber of its people. Veterans of the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Green Berets and US Marines staff its in-house security operations. These aren’t call center operators; they’re seasoned professionals trained to lead missions in the most complex environments on Earth.

Members receive access to:

• Mobile security app & GRID platform for GPS check-ins, event reporting and destination intelligence
• Comprehensive threat intelligence for over 200 countries and regions
• Real-time communication tools with Global Rescue’s in-house teams
• Emergency consulting & staffing services for global operations

Whether assessing route safety in a politically unstable region or deploying boots on the ground during an armed uprising, Global Rescue’s teams respond with precision and purpose.

The Global Rescue Connection

From maritime extractions out of Sudan and airborne rescues from Nigeria to armed ground escorts from bomb shelters in Israel, Global Rescue manages the logistics, security and guidance, so your employees don’t have to.

In moments of chaos, the security program provides clarity, command and rapid action. Travelers are making smarter decisions to get from A to B and ensure they return home safely, no matter what the world throws at them.