3rd November 2025Everything executives and corporate travel teams need to know before crossing borders.
In an increasingly complex global environment, business travel is no longer a simple matter of booking flights and arranging hotel pickups. For executives, VIPs, and high-value operations, international travel introduces a spectrum of risks — from geopolitical instability to logistical failures and reputational threats.
If your company is responsible for moving people, it’s also responsible for protecting them.
At Royal American, we’ve supported thousands of secure movements in over 100 countries. This checklist brings together the key elements we evaluate before deploying any international mission — and it’s designed to help your company plan smarter, safer travel from end to end.
1. Pre-Travel Risk Assessment
Before anything is booked, perform a localized risk analysis based on:
- Destination political and social stability
- Crime patterns and urban security conditions
- Health risks, outbreaks, and medical infrastructure
- Known travel advisories and restrictions
Pro Tip: Integrate inputs from OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) and local contacts to make data-driven decisions.
2. Flight, Arrival & Airport Protocols
High-risk often starts at the gate. Consider:
- VIP Meet & Greet at airport to reduce exposure
- Private transfers instead of ride-share or taxis
- Coordination with FBOs (if using private aviation)
- Baggage handling with discretion and minimal visibility
Bonus: Have a Plan B for delayed or diverted flights — especially in unstable regions.
3. Secure Ground Transportation
Don’t assume “executive transport” equals “secure transport.”
Verify that your provider offers:
- Vetted drivers with evasive training
- Armored vehicles (where needed)
- Route planning with live updates and exit options
- Real-time GPS monitoring and communication protocol
Tip: Demand transparency. Reputable providers will walk you through their safety protocols in detail.
4. Executive Protection (when necessary)
Not every trip requires a full protection detail — but when exposure is high, it’s essential. Consider protection services if:
- The traveler is a public figure or under scrutiny
- Destinations are politically volatile or criminally active
- You’re moving sensitive assets or attending high-profile events
A well-executed protection plan includes advance teams, surveillance detection, and discreet agent presence — all tailored to the executive’s profile.
- Medical & Emergency Response
Even in non-medical trips, have protocols in place:
- Local access to trusted medical facilities
- Contact with air ambulance or medevac services
- Communication plans if local networks fail
- Contingency response in case of protests, disasters, or infrastructure collapse
Ask your provider if they have prior evacuation experience in the region.
6. Internal Communication & Duty of Care
Ensure everyone involved is aligned:
- Executive Assistants and security teams must have synchronized timelines
- Legal, HR, and Compliance should sign off on risk acceptance levels
- Traveler should be briefed on local customs, dress, and behavior cues
- Emergency numbers and response protocols should be printed and digital
Final Thought: Mobility Without Blind Spots
Corporate travel without risk mitigation is exposure in motion.
Use this checklist as your baseline — and never treat security as an afterthought. Whether you manage mobility for a CEO, a regional team, or a global operation, planning with intelligence is the difference between “it went well” and “it could’ve gone very wrong.”
Want a team that handles this checklist for you — across borders, time zones, and scenarios?
Talk to Royal American. We operate with precision in 100+ countries, 24/7.
