United Kingdom

Intelligence and Analysis Services

Country Travel Advice Report United Kingdom

Overall Risk Rating: Low | 2.00

Drum Cussac Group Limited Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:54 (UTC) Intelligence and Analysis Services

Contents

Country Risk Rating Breakdown ...... 3 Country Overview ...... 4 Security Overview ...... 4 Political Overview ...... 4 Infrastructural Overview ...... 4 Environmental Overview ...... 4 Medical Overview ...... 5 Fact Box ...... 6 Travel Risk Advice ...... 7 Threat Scale Reference ...... 10

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Country Risk Rating Breakdown

Country Overall Risk Rating Low | 2.00

Security Environmental Infrastructural Political Medical

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Country Overview Low | 2.00

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) is an island nation located off the north-west coast of the European continent. It is a modern, developed country with a history of significant global influence and today is the world's sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP. The UK is made up of four constituent nations: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the latter three of which have their own devolved governments. It also maintains jurisdiction over a number of overseas territories around the world as a legacy of its formerly dominant maritime empire.

The UK can pose security challenges to domestic and foreign operators but for the most part remains a low-risk environment. Its exit from the European Union has created high levels of political and operational uncertainty while the UK renegotiates its future relationship with the bloc and other international partners. Terrorism dominates domestic security concerns, with Islamist militants and Irish dissident republicans continuing to issue threats. The main terrorist threat comes from small, self-directed groups and lone actors sympathizing with the Islamic State (IS) and other militant groups. Strict gun control laws in the UK mean that vehicles and knives, rather than firearms, will remain the most likely weapons used in any future terrorist incidents, although there remains a risk from improvised explosive device attacks.

A range of single-issue protest groups stage frequent demonstrations in major towns and cities but these only occasionally turn violent and generally remain very localized. Most criminal activity affecting travelers in urban areas is associated with petty theft such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching. Most violent crime tends to be between rival gangs or drunken aggressors outside bars and nightclubs. Seasonal weather conditions can affect rail and air travel services and result in delays and cancellations.

Security Low | 2.25

Overview

Islamist militant groups and unaffiliated individuals continue to plan attacks which could cause mass fatalities or otherwise have a significant disruptive impact in the United Kingdom. However, most complex attack plots have been disrupted at a relatively early stage in recent years and terrorist incidents are more likely to take the form of knife and vehicular attacks. There is also a risk of retaliatory anti-Muslim attacks launched by far-right extremists. Dissident republicans in Northern Ireland continue to pose a terrorist threat, with small improvised explosive devices (IEDs) frequently being discovered in Belfast and Londonderry, although these rarely cause any significant casualties or damage.

The main threat to travelers in the UK comes from non-violent opportunistic crime, particularly pick-pocketing and bag-snatching in urban centers. Various political and socio-economic issues can be triggers for demonstrations which are held regularly in London and other major cities. The vast majority of protests are well policed and remain peaceful, although demonstrations can occasionally lead to localized travel disruption.

Political Negligible - Low | 1.50

Overview

The UK has historically had a highly stable, democratic political system. Despite some isolated high-profile instances of abuse of administrative power, the UK has a strong record of tackling corruption and bribery does not constitute a significant risk for travelers. On December 30, 2020, the UK and the EU formally signed a post-Brexit deal following many months of negotiations. The country's withdrawal from the European Union is likely to create high levels of political and operational uncertainty over the coming several months and years.

Infrastructural Negligible - Low | 1.50

Overview

Air travel is safe and in compliance with international safety standards. Although road conditions are excellent in the UK, driving on the left-hand side of the road means it can take a while for travelers to get used to local driving conditions. Access to utilities is excellent and comparable to other developed countries in Western Europe.

Environmental Negligible - Low | 1.50

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Overview

The UK has a temperate climate, with the temperature varying with the four seasons. In general, there are warm summers and cool winters. Flooding can occur due to particularly heavy rainfall during winter months (December to February) and cause damage to property and disruption to travel. Air pollution occasionally spikes in London and other major cities but generally presents a negligible risk to travelers.

Medical Moderate | 3.00

Overview

The standard of healthcare in the UK is high, although waiting times at public hospital accident and emergency departments can be long. People who live outside the European Economic Area, including former UK residents, should make sure they are covered by travel health insurance. Pharmacies are widely available and are generally well-stocked with prescription medicine and over-the-counter drugs. Water is safe to drink.

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Fact Box

Government Parliamentary constitutional monarchy Type

Population 65,138,230 (2015)

Currency British Pound

Languages English

Time Zone UTC

Religions Christian 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, other 2%, none 25.7%

Traffic Drives on the left

Plug Types Type G

White 87.2%, black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Ethnicities Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%

Drinking Safe to Drink Water

Significant Dates (2020)

January 1 - New Year’s Day January 2 - New Year’s Holiday (Scotland) March 17 - St Additional Patrick's Day Holiday (Northern Ireland) April 10 - Good Friday April 13 - Easter Monday Information May 8 - May Bank Holiday May 25 - Spring Bank Holiday July 12 - Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day (Northern Ireland) August 31 - Summer Bank Holiday (except Scotland) November 30 - St Andrew’s Day Holiday (Scotland) December 25 - Christmas Day December 26 - Boxing Day

International Country +44 Code

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Travel Risk Advice

Vaccinations and Key Health Risks

You should visit a health care professional at least four to six weeks prior to the trip. Travellers should ensure that they have routine vaccines before the trip, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus- pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and polio vaccine.

Dependent on work, reason for travel, or underlying health conditions, some travellers visiting may require vaccines from:

Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Rabies

For non-emergency health enquiries, travellers may call ‘111’. Travellers may locate a nearest doctor’s surgery or hospital by calling the NHS on ‘111’ or visit the NHS website

Pre-departure

Travellers should have adequate travel insurance in place; free medical care under the National Health Service (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, travellers from countries such as Australia with reciprocal healthcare agreements and some visa holders.

Travellers should provide friends and family with a copy of travel itinerary, and make a copy of important travel and identification documents.

On Arrival

Due to coronavirus, on arrival into the UK, you must: provide your journey and contact details; and not leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK except in very limited situations (known as ‘self-isolating’). Further information can be found here

There are no significant measures to undertake on arrival in the country. Passports must be valid for the whole of the stay.

While the UK remains in the EU there will be no change to the rights and status of EU nationals living in the UK.

In Transit

Public transport is generally safe and the rail network is extensive, although disruption due to weather, signal failures and industrial action is relatively common. Travellers should check National Rail (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/) or the Transport for London (https://tfl.gov.uk/) websites for latest service updates.

Cash cannot be used on board a bus in London; Paper Travelcard tickets, Oyster card or contactless payment are used instead.

Self-driving may be conducted, and vehicles may be hired at locations throughout the country including airports. Drivers must be aged 17 or over and must hold an international driving licence, unless for the EU who only need a driving licence valid in their home country.

Travellers should use a booked and licensed minicab or taxi. The only taxis that may be hailed from the street in London are 'Black cabs’.

At Your Hotel

There are no significant measures to undertake at hotels in the United Kingdom. It is sensible to familiarise oneself with fire exits and evacuation routes. Luggage should not be left unattended in hotel lobbies.

In the Street

Terrorism threat levels should be monitored using intelligence sources and local media. The UK Government's assessment of the terror threat level is available via the government terrorism and national emergencies website at https://www.gov.uk/terrorism-national-emergency.

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Travellers should exercise increased vigilance in crowded areas and heed any advice issued by local authorities. Travellers may also wish to download the CitizenAID app, which provides immediate advice in a shooting, stabbing or bomb incident and how to give life-saving first aid.

Petty crime is common at tourist sites, restaurants, on buses, trains, and the London Underground. Travellers should avoid overt displays of wealth, dress discreetly and appropriately to the environment, not display money, jewellery or valuables and maintain a low profile.

Travellers should use only small denomination notes, and keep any large amounts of cash and cards in a separate place on their person. The contents of wallets and purses should be reduced, particularly cards which may denote affiliations, memberships or accounts.

Travellers should ensure that their mobile phone is carried with sufficient battery life and programmed with appropriate emergency numbers. Travellers should also carry an ID card or passport and emergency medical information.

Travellers should be aware of their location and surroundings in major urban centres, avoiding high-crime areas and walking through dimly lit streets after dark. Travellers should know routes and carry a map if necessary, but keep it concealed.

In crowded situations, travellers should be aware of jostling as this may be used as a ploy by pick-pockets.

Travellers should ignore verbal bait from passers-by, not get into an argument and avoid eye contact with strangers.

A range of protest groups stage frequent demonstrations in UK cities. Travellers should avoid any demonstrations, protests and rallies, which may attract security forces and present a dynamic and volatile environment.

Travellers should be aware that photographing government buildings or military facilities may result in enquiries from police officers.

COVID-19 Information

Total Cases (ECDC) (Updated on Monday): 5,697,912

Weekly percentage increase in cases:4.86%

Travel Restrictions: Internal Restrictions The government continues to advise people to exercise caution as of July 27 after lifting all official domestic COVID-19 restrictions in England the previous week. Authorities request that people isolate if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. Although there are no official restrictions in place in England, some organizations and transport providers, including London Transport, request that customers wear a facemask as a routine precaution. For details on the official response to the COVID- 19 pandemic in England, click here.

Each of the UK's constituent countries has the authority to impose travel and other restrictions, though they have typically remained closely aligned in their actions; the situation in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales is as follows:

Northern Ireland

Nonessential businesses are permitted to operate subject to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.

Catering and hospitality establishments are permitted to open for indoor and outdoor service; generally, no more than six people, excluding children, can be seated together.

Generally, six people, excluding children, from up to two households can meet in the same residence; 15 people, excluding children, from any number of households, are permitted to meet in private outdoor spaces (e.g., private gardens).

A maximum of 30 people is generally permitted to gather in outdoor public areas.

Employees must continue to work from home where possible.

Facemasks must be worn in enclosed public spaces, including on public transport.

For details on official restrictions in place in Northern Ireland, click here.

Scotland

Authorities have downgraded all regions to Level 0 - the lowest level on Scotland's five-tiered (Levels 0-4) COVID-19 restrictions system. In Level 0 locations, up to 10 people from four households are permitted to meet in indoor public places, and up to 15 people are permitted to meet outdoors.

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Facemasks are mandatory in some settings.

Scottish authorities are planning to lift all remaining domestic controls Aug. 9. For details on official restrictions in place in Scotland, click here.

Wales

Most nonessential shops and businesses are permitted to operate provided they adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.

Up to six people are permitted to meet indoors for social gatherings, though up to three households are permitted to form an exclusive social bubble. There is no limit as to how many people are permitted to meet outdoors.

Pubs and restaurants can offer indoor and outdoor services; group sizes are limited to a maximum of six people from different households indoors.

Facemasks must be worn in enclosed public spaces, including on public transport.

Authorities are planning to further ease restrictions from Aug. 7. International Travel Restrictions Authorities in the UK are lifting the quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers from the US and EU countries arriving in England, starting 04:00 Aug. 2. These travelers will still be required to show a negative COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours before departure and take another test on the second day after arrival. Reports indicate that fully vaccinated travelers arriving from France will still be required to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

Authorities also plan to modify the nation's COVID-19-related international entry restrictions for several countries effective 04:00 July 19. In accordance with the government's so-called ""traffic light"" system for foreign travel, various countries and territories are categorized as ""green,"" ""amber,"" or ""red"" in order of increasing COVID-19 transmission risk based on local disease activity and immunization rates. When the newly scheduled modifications come into effect, Bulgaria and Hong Kong will move to the green list; Croatia and Taiwan, on the other hand, will move to the green watchlist indicating that these two countries might move to the green list soon. Spain's Balearic Islands and the British Virgin Islands will move to the amber list. At the same time, Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Sierra Leone will move to the red list.

Travelers arriving from green-listed countries are not required to quarantine unless a mandatory COVID-19 test taken on or before the second day after arriving in the UK returns a positive result. The green list includes Australia, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Madeira, Malta, New Zealand, Israel, Iceland, Singapore, Brunei, and several other UK overseas territories.

Arrivals from amber countries must currently self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival and take COVID-19 tests on the second and eighth days of their quarantine periods. Health officials may perform spot checks to ensure compliance. Persons without suitable accommodations must stay at their own expense in facilities arranged by the government. All arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form providing contact details and travel history over the past 10 days. Business travelers arriving from amber-listed countries will be permitted to temporarily leave self-isolation under limited circumstances for critical business purposes. The measure only applies to business executives who can demonstrate that their activity will benefit a UK-based organization employing at least 500 people; such executives must apply for approval to leave quarantine before travel and be subject to all other testing and quarantine requirements.

Travelers who have visited red countries within 10 days before arrival in the UK will be barred from entry. Countries on the red list include, but are not limited to, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil, Kenya, Ethiopia, India, UAE, Argentina, Nepal, Qatar, Bangladesh, Philippines, Seychelles, and Pakistan. British and Irish nationals, visa holders, and permanent residents are exempt from the entry ban; however, all permitted arrivals from red-listed countries must self-isolate in a government-approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days at their own expense.

All international arrivals must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding their flights for the UK. Any persons arriving without such proof may be fined or denied entry. Arrivals from outside the British Isles and Ireland must be tested no more than 72 hours before departing their country of origin. Exemptions are in place for children under the age of 11, international rail and maritime crews, and certain other categories of travelers. Persons arriving from the British Overseas Territories of Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and the Falkland Islands are exempt. The government has issued online guidance on test criteria and details of certain traveler categories that are exempt.

Authorities have introduced additional procedures for testing certain categories of international arrivals. The system uses lateral flow tests to identify cases, enabling these arrivals to avoid quarantine. The categories include commercial truckers, transport crew, seafarers, seasonal agricultural workers, and certain travelers engaged in essential activity supporting the national interest. Such arrivals will be required to take a test before the end of their second day in the UK; those staying in the UK for longer periods will be required to take two further tests every three days. Arrivals staying in the UK for fewer than two days will not require a test. Tests will be obtained through various means, including workplace and community testing programs, home-testing kits, and - for commercial truckers - testing sites situated along major routes. Individuals receiving a positive result must take a PCR test and self-isolate for 10 days. Arrivals from elsewhere in the British Isles and Ireland will not be subject to the requirements.

Additional Information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors#travel-corridors-countries-and-territories-exemption- list

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Threat Scale Reference

Threat Rating Implication

The operating environment is benign and there are only isolated threats to business 1 - Negligible and/or travel.

The operating environment is generally permissive, although there are a limited 2 – Low number of threats to business and/or travel that requires basic mitigations.

The operating environment is challenging and there are serious threats to business 3 – Moderate and/or travel that requires some mitigations.

The operating environment is hostile and there are significant threats to business, 4 – High personal safety and/or travel, requiring comprehensive mitigations and planning.

The operating environment is characterised by pervasive direct threats to business, 5 – Extreme personal safety and/or travel, requiring strict risk management procedures.

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Disclaimer

Drum Cussac Group Ltd makes no representation, warranties or assurance against risk with respect to the contents or use of this document, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties or usefulness for any particular purpose of this publication. Recommendations made are based on information available at the time of writing. No express or implied warranty is given in respect of any judgment made or to changes, or any unforeseen escalation of any factors affecting any such judgment.

Drum Cussac is a global consultancy delivering intelligence-led, technology-enabled risk, security and crisis management solutions to leading international organisations. Our specialist operations teams are recognised experts in providing a highly responsive and proactive resource in challenging and demanding situations.

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