International SOS (ISOS) has issued a fresh warning that geopolitical instability is set to intensify in 2026, posing significant risks to global business travel and operational continuity. In its latest Risk Outlook report, the organisation highlights a “heightened threat environment” marked by escalating interstate tensions, civil unrest, fragmented alliances and increasingly unpredictable political behaviour.
According to ISOS, conflicts in several regions, polarising election cycles, trade disputes and resource competition are generating a more volatile global landscape. These pressures are expected to produce more frequent disruptions, ranging from border closures and visa restrictions to operational delays, supply chain interruptions and targeted attacks on business travellers.
The report notes a rise in misinformation and influence operations, which can distort situational awareness for organisations operating overseas. ISOS also highlights the return of “hyper-localised risks,” where local grievances or administrative changes can quickly escalate into safety incidents. Companies with globally dispersed workforces are urged to pay closer attention to granular, city-level intelligence rather than relying solely on national indicators.
Medical and security experts warn that travel managers may underestimate the compounding effect of geopolitical shocks, climate-driven emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks. ISOS emphasised that layered crises require agile response mechanisms and continuous monitoring rather than traditional, static travel-risk plans.
To mitigate exposure, ISOS recommends enhancing pre-travel risk assessments, strengthening evacuation protocols, updating crisis communication systems and investing in predictive intelligence tools. Organisations are also encouraged to revisit duty-of-care frameworks to ensure employees receive real-time guidance and rapid support during emergencies.
The report concludes that geopolitical volatility is no longer episodic but structural, requiring companies to adopt a more integrated approach to travel and operational risk management to sustain resilience in 2026 and beyond.
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