Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021

UNITED KINGDOM

Overall risk level

High Reconsider travel

Can be dangerous and may present unexpected security risks

Travel is possible, but there is a potential for disruptions Overview

Emergency Numbers

Medical 999; 112

Upcoming Events

30 August 2021 - 31 August 2021 Medium risk: Entry from Montenegro, Thailand to be banned from 30 August Effective 04:00 local time (03:00 GMT) on 30 August, Thailand and Montenegro will be added to the "red list", due to COVID-19. Non-essential travel from "red list" countries is not permitted; UK nationals and others exempt from the ban are subject to hotel quarantine, in addition to COVID- 19 tests that must be taken within three days before arrival, day 2 and day 8.

30 August 2021 - 31 August 2021 Moderate risk: Travel restrictions to be eased for entry from Canada, other countries from 30 August Effective 04:00 local time (03:00 GMT) on 30 August, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Switzerland and the Azores (Portugal) will be added to the "green list" of lower COVID- 19 risk territories and countries. Travellers arriving from "green list" countries are exempt from quarantine but must be tested for COVID-19 within three days before departure and on day 2 after arrival.

05 September 2021 - 06 September 2021 Moderate risk: Strike to disrupt EMR services on 5 September The RMT union announced that East Midlands Railway (EMR) conductors will strike for 24 hours on 5 September over safety issues.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 2 Travel Advisories

Moderate risk: Brexit Take normal safety precautions for travel to the United Kingdom (UK) until further notice because of political uncertainty and possible demonstrations for and against the country’s decision to leave the European Union (EU).

On 31 January 2020, the UK left the EU, putting an end to the exit process that officially began in March 2017. The departure follows a clear victory for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party in the December 2019 parliamentary elections to implement Brexit and negotiate a trade deal. With an absolute majority with 365 seats in the 650-seat parliament, the Conservatives broke the impasse that had impeded progress in the Brexit process. The Withdrawal Agreement Act was subsequently ratified by Parliament on 23 January 2020 and then by the European Parliament on 29 January, paving the way for the country's exit from the EU.

On 24 December 2020, EU and UK officials announced that a deal was reached one week ahead of the end of the transition period on 31 December, averting a "no deal" scenario. Both the EU and UK government approved the deal by 30 December, paving the way for the deal to apply provisionally from 1 January 2021.

Renewed demonstrations over the terms of the deal are a concern going into 2021. Brexit has been a deeply divisive issue since the idea of a referendum on EU-UK relations came on the agenda of former Conservative PM David Cameron. Since the referendum was held in June 2016, Brexit has been the single biggest issue affecting British politics, fuelling political protests and shaking the political party system.

Take normal safety precautions for travel to the United Kingdom (UK) until further notice because of political uncertainty and possible demonstrations for and against the country’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) in January 2020. Stay abreast of local developments and monitor local media for updates on protest events; note that any large demonstration is likely to trigger localised disruptions to vehicular and foot traffic. In the event of a protest, plot route bypass alternatives and allow for additional travel time. Travellers are advised to confirm the viability of their travel to and from the UK. Travellers should monitor developments closely and discuss possible contingency plans with their travel managers. It should also be noted that the run-up to the 2016 Brexit referendum and the following months saw a major uptick in racially-motivated incidents across the UK, with authorities confirming in 2017 an 29 percent increase in hate crimes in England and Wales compared to the previous year. While travellers are unlikely to be directly targeted in politically or racially-motivated attacks, clients are nonetheless advised to exercise heightened vigilance near possible targets, including foreign cultural centres, mosques and locations associated with asylum seekers or refugees.

Context: In a historical and stunning referendum - which took place on 23 June 2016 amid unprecedented political tensions and that prompted Prime Minister David Cameron's resignation - 52 per cent of voters elected to leave the EU. However, the geography of the vote also showed that "Remain" won 62-38 in Scotland, 55.8-44.2 in Northern Ireland and 59.9-40.1 in London. Theresa May, who became prime minister on 13 July 2016 after Cameron’s resignation, triggered on 29 March 2017 Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty - the legal tool required to start the process of withdrawal. After the UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020, the transition period ended on 31 December.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 3 Medium risk: Northern Ireland Exercise caution for travel to Northern Ireland until further notice because of dissident violence and sporadic unrest.

Although the 1998 Good Friday Agreement largely ended more than three decades of violence between mainly Catholic Irish nationalists and Protestant unionists backed by the British security forces, dissident republicans continue to stage sporadic gun and bomb attacks on local officials, security officers and perceived civilian collaborators. Security forces, both on and off duty, are most likely to be targeted in these attacks, although government offices and banks have also been targeted in the past. Security forces are well-trained and equipped to deal with the homemade explosive devices that frequently result in security alerts. Evacuations and travel restrictions typically accompany the discovery of such devices, but typically last only several hours and end without further incident after a bomb squad operation. Sporadic flare-ups of unrest and attacks on police and civilians have taken place in east Belfast, specifically centred around the Short Strand area and Castlereagh Street. Other possible flashpoints include the northern Ardoyne district, Tyrone and south Armagh. Demonstrations and bomb call-ins to police may be used as cover to stage attacks on the security forces and bystanders are at risk of being hit by errant gunfire or riot control agents.

In April 2021, multiple incidents of overnight unrest occurred across Northern Ireland, including west Belfast, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Derry's Waterside area. Over 50 officers were injured and at least 10 people were detained during the violence. On 7 April, a bus was hijacked and set ablaze by petrol bombs on the junction of Lanark Way and Shankill Road in west Belfast, an intersectional area between nationalist and unionist communities. While no passengers were injured, the incident underscored escalating tensions and risk to bystanders. On the same night, clashes broke out on the loyalist Shankill Road and the republican Springfield Road. While the factors driving the uptick in violence remain unclear, the unrest follows discontent among unionist communities against 'the Protocol', which established a trade border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom as part of the Brexit agreement.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) continues to indicate that there is a "severe" dissident threat level against police, military and prison personnel, especially around anniversaries of the 1916 Easter Rising on 24-29 April. In January 2019, a car bomb exploded outside a courthouse on Derry's Bishop Street without causing injuries. In June 2019, the New IRA (Óglaigh na hÉireann, ONH) claimed responsibility for a bomb planted under a police officer's vehicle in Belfast; the explosive was found before it could be detonated. While the main remaining dissident group, the New IRA, announced in 2018 that it had suspended "all armed actions against the British state", further attacks by other dissident groups cannot be ruled out.

Visitors to Northern Ireland are advised to review personal security measures, immediately report suspicious packages or behaviour and exercise heightened vigilance near state security personnel and infrastructure as well as banks and other commercial establishments. Exercise caution in flashpoint areas, especially at night. Avoid all large crowds. Security alerts are likely to cause significant disruptions to local traffic, and visitors are advised to allow for additional travel time and plot bypass routes in the event of further restrictions.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 4 Moderate risk: Travel between the UK and Europe after Brexit Travellers are advised to be aware of changes to travel between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) from 1 January 2021, following the end of the transition period for the UK's exit from the EU ('Brexit').

Following the end of the 'Brexit' transition period, the UK will no longer be treated as an EU member state, bringing changes to travel between the UK and EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. A new UK passport will not be required for travel to the EU, unless it has less than six months of validity or is older than ten years. In addition to presenting passports, British travellers to the EU may also be asked to present a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Short-term leisure travel shorter than 90 days in a 180-day period in a EU member state will not require a visa, with stays in Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania not counting towards the 90-day limit. On the other hand, travel for longer stays, work, business or study may require a visa. Consult website (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) for visa and permit requirements by country. Business travellers seeking to travel from the UK to an EU member state are advised to consult the UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/visit- europe-1-january-2021/business-travel-extra-requirements) for additional entry requirements by country. Beginning in 2022, UK travellers will be required to pay EUR7 (GBP6) for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver scheme.

Nationals of the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland will be able to enter the UK with a passport. However, an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card will no longer be accepted for most travellers seeking to enter the UK from 1 October 2021. Exceptions will be made to allow those who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, an EU Settlement Scheme family permit or a frontier worker permit, as well as S2 Healthcare Visitors and Swiss Service Providers, to use their national ID card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025. Leisure travel and short-term stays will be permitted without a visa. EU travellers seeking to stay long-term or travel for a purpose other than tourism are advised to consult the UK government website for visa requirements (https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa).

Meanwhile, more relaxed measures will apply for travel between the UK and Ireland, due to the countries being part of the Common Travel Area (CTA). There will be no passport control for Irish and UK nationals travelling between the two countries. Irish nationals will continue to be able to enter the UK under pre-Brexit rules.

Confirm the viability of travel to and from the UK prior to departure. Ensure that passports are no older than 10 years and valid for at least six months. All EU-bound travellers from the UK are also advised to carry documentation confirming the purpose of travel, due to ongoing COVID-19 related travel restrictions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a ban is in effect for non-essential travel for non-EU nationals and residents, and entry requirements can change last-minute. After 31 December 2020, the UK will no longer be treated as an EU member state; those travelling to EU member states from the UK may be subject to entry bans, with exceptions made for essential cases only. Spain, Portugal and several other European countries have also banned passenger flights and ferries from the UK, due to the discovery of a new COVID-19 strain. Monitor developments closely and discuss possible contingency plans with travel managers.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 5 Summary

The United Kingdom (UK) is a High Risk destination: reconsider travel. High Risk locations can be dangerous and may present unexpected security risks. Travel is possible, but there is a potential for severe or widespread disruptions.

Covid-19 High Risk Public health officials confirmed the first two COVID-19 cases in England on 31 January 2020. While a mass vaccination campaign has significantly reduced the number of deaths, the country has seen a sharp uptick in COVID-19 cases driven by the spread of the delta virus variant. Despite high incidence rates, most distancing measures have been lifted.

Political Instability Moderate Risk The United Kingdom (UK) is a stable constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy with a strong economy and an outsized influence over world politics. It remains largely stable despite ongoing political and economic uncertainty over its exit from the European Union (EU).

Conflict Low Risk The country is currently not a party to any conflict with other states or non-state actors. It is a NATO member.

Terrorism Moderate Risk Due to its colonial past, support for interventions by the United States (US) in Muslim-majority countries and growing anti-immigrant sentiments, the UK is at risk of terror attacks by Islamist extremists. The country is also at risk for attacks by Irish militants, particularly in Northern Ireland. However, security forces are experienced, prepared and equipped to respond and prevent attacks.

Unrest Moderate Risk Protests and strikes are common across the country, including in London and Greater Manchester, but they are predominantly peaceful. However, far-right rallies and protests related to football are relatively common and can turn violent.

Crime Moderate Risk The UK has relatively high crime rates compared to many European countries, and rates have increased in recent years, particularly in England and Wales. Crime is most serious in inner cities, especially parts of London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle. Petty theft is more common than serious offences, such as carjackings and assault. Police and emergency services are, however, highly reliable.

Natural and Environmental Low Risk Natural disasters are uncommon, but storms and floods during heavy rainfall can disrupt vehicular and air travel. The country's infrastructure and excellent emergency response services are capable of significantly mitigating risks.

Health and Medical Low Risk Health services meet international standards across the country. High quality prescription drugs are widely available and infectious diseases present little to no risk to travellers.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 6 Local Travel Low Risk The UK is one of the easiest countries to navigate for local travel. Road conditions are excellent, public transport is well-maintained and widely available and air travel is safe and relatively cheap.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 7 Political Overview : Moderate Risk

Despite years of political and economic uncertainty in the run-up to the country's exit from the European Union (EU), the UK remains politically stable overall. The 'Brexit' process officially began when then-Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty in 2017, in response to a June 2016 referendum, in which 51.9 percent of voters backed leaving the EU. Following the end of the transition period in 2020, the country is likely to continue facing political and economic uncertainty, despite a deal with the EU set to apply provisionally from January 2021.

In July 2019, Boris Johnson, May's Conservative Party rival and a supporter of 'hard Brexit', replaced May as prime minister, after she failed to have Parliament approve a Brexit deal with the EU and saw the Brexit deadline delayed twice as a result. After Brexit was delayed for the third time to 31 January 2020 in continued political gridlock, Johnson called a new general election that was held on 12 December 2019. The vote saw the Conservatives significantly expand their majority to 365 seats out of 650, paving the way for the Brexit deal to be approved by parliament. The Withdrawal Agreement Act was subsequently ratified by both houses of Parliament on 23 January and then by the European Parliament on 29 January, clearing the last hurdle for the country to exit the EU on 31 January 2020.

The economic impact of ‘Brexit’ remains unclear, despite the deal being reached. In the lead up to the 2016 referendum vote, the UK had sufficiently recovered from the 2008 global financial crisis that by 2016, the economy had one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe and had seen three years of steady, albeit slow, growth. Under the deal agreed between the UK and the EU in December 2020, there will be no tariffs or quotas on goods that can be traded between the two parties from 1 January 2021, averting concerns that the cost of certain products would rise after the transition period. However, there will be new customs declarations and safety checks at ports of entry, while businesses offering services, such as banking, architecture and accounting, will lose their automatic right of access to EU markets. Additionally, a number of major financial institutions in London have expanded their presence in the EU or moved their European headquarters to EU member states, namely France and Germany, in order to continue benefiting from EU regulations and treaties.

Brexit also poses a question for the UK's territorial integrity. The majority party in Scottish parliament, the Scottish National Party (SNP) led by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has repeatedly backed holding a second independence referendum for Scotland, where the majority of voters rejected the 2014 independence referendum and overwhelmingly voted 'Remain' in the 2016 Brexit referendum. In the December 2019 parliamentary vote, the SNP won 48 out of 59 Scottish seats in parliament with 45 percent of the popular vote in Scotland, underscoring growing support for the party's pro- independence stance.

The Brexit debate has not only triggered an unprecedented political crisis both in the Parliament and in society, but it has also exacerbated tensions along ethnic and religious lines. Police have noted an uptick in racially- or religiously-motivated hate crimes since the 2016 referendum. And the process of leaving the EU, including border agreements and refugee quotas, is also closely tied to the ongoing European-wide refugee crisis and wave of Islamist terrorist attacks claimed by supporters of the Islamic State (IS) militant group since 2015. The issue of Islamist terrorism will remain a persistent source of instability and enhanced security measures in the medium-term, as after a period of relative quiescence since 2013, the UK suffered three major terror attacks carried out by British nationals between March and June 2017, in which at least 35 people were killed and over 200 others injured, including foreign travellers caught up during the incidents in London and Manchester.

There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 8 Conflict : Low Risk

The potential for secessionist conflict in Northern Ireland (NI) has subsided since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) declaration to end its armed campaign in 2005. Nonetheless, there has been an increase in acts of political violence in NI in recent years, with police and intelligence reports suggesting that recruiting for paramilitaries in both camps is on the rise. The country’s decision to leave the EU following a referendum on 23 June 2016 – that was largely voted along ethno-religious lines in NI – has the potential to be a destabilising factor, and issues such as the border between the UK and Ireland (an EU member) and the dual citizenship of some NI residents could contribute to a slow deterioration of improvements made in NI since 1998.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 9 Terrorism

The threat from terrorism related to the Northern Ireland issue has significantly declined, but has instead been replaced by an increased threat of attacks by militant Islamists, including the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda terror groups. Since the 7 July 2005 London suicide bombings by al-Qaeda operatives, there has been an increase in lone-wolf style attacks carried out by British nationals that have been encouraged by Islamist extremists and propagandists but not actually coordinated by overseas actors, including the deadly March and June 2017 car-ramming and knife attacks outside of the Palace of Westminster and London Bridge and Borough Market, respectively, and the May 2017 suicide bombing that targeted concert-goers at the Manchester Arena.

In the event of a terror attack, travellers are advised to immediately leave the scene and seek safe shelter indoors. Anticipate heightened security nationwide, especially in London, and allow for additional travel time through all transport hubs, including airports and train stations.

Islamist Terrorism: Islamist-inspired or directed terrorism is a persistent threat in the country’s major urban areas, particularly in London. Some 23,000 British nationals and residents are on government watchlists at any given time over extremism concerns, of whom at least 3,000 are regarded as serious enough risks enough to warrant close police monitoring or restrictions on their movement. Beyond these individuals, approximately 800 British nationals have journeyed to Syria, Libya, Iraq and other countries to join terrorist groups, including the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation, and there is a significant risk that when these individuals return to the country with extensive knowledge of both explosives and military tactics they will continue to attempt to carry out attacks against government buildings, security forces, civilians and transport infrastructure. Approximately half of these surviving militants have since returned to the UK. Both British and foreign nationals suspected of travelling to or from Syria and Iraq have been detained on terror charges at airports nationwide, including at Heathrow (LHR/EGLL), Stansted (STN/EGSS) and Gatwick (LWG/EGKK) airports in London and Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC). IS militants have repeatedly issued threats against the UK via propaganda videos and in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in the French and Belgian capitals, in November 2015 and March 2016, respectively, the Islamic State has escalated threats against the UK, vowing to carry out attacks in London. Al-Qaeda has also continued to directly threaten to attack the country after it successfully targeted London’s transport infrastructure in July 2005, and several internationally-directed plots have been discovered and thwarted since then. Possible targets include public transport infrastructure, particularly the London Underground, airports, tourist sites such as Trafalgar Square and the Palace of Westminster in London, nightclubs, restaurants, entertainment venues and energy infrastructure.

British security forces have prevented several major Islamist attacks in recent years, but the growth of lone-wolf threats from self-styled extremists has strained the police and intelligence services’ capabilities. In 2013, the country created the Anti-Terrorism Task Force in response to the murder of a soldier in Woolwich by two British Islamists of Nigerian descent, an attack that highlighted the rising risk posed by home-grown radicalisation. The most serious organised Islamist terror attack in the country to date took place on 17 July 2005, when three Pakistani-British citizens and a Jamaican national detonated their explosives-laden suicide vests in quick succession on three London Underground tube trains, on the Piccadilly and Stock Circle lines, and on board a bus near Tavistock Square during the London morning rush hour, killing 52 people and injuring dozens of others. Two weeks later, four more suicide attacks were attempted on three more tube trains and a bus; however, the explosive devices failed to detonate properly. The threat has increasingly shifted to ‘lone-wolves’ with only minimal training and support from al-Qaeda, IS or other like-minded groups. The difficulty in disrupting such plots increases the likelihood that these attacks are likely to continue to be emulated by radicalised individuals in the near-term.

At present, the risk of self-radicalised Islamist sympathisers carrying out attacks on soft targets and security officers is higher than that of other threats to the country, including internationally-directed al Qaeda or IS plots. The attackers’ threat comes primarily from their intent, in that they are determined to kill as many people as possible with ‘low-tech’ means - knives, handguns and vehicles- as-battering-rams - rather than relying on more complicated technology. For example, on 22 March 2017 a single assailant attacked the Palace of Westminster in London while Parliament was in session, driving his car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing three people and injuring

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 10 over 50 others, and then fatally stabbed a policeman on New Palace Yard, before being shot dead. Several arrests were made targeting radical Islamists in Birmingham in the weeks that followed, but despite a claim of responsibility by IS, police did not find direct evidence of international militant Islamist ties. A second major vehicle-ramming and knife attack by three men - one British, one Italian- Moroccan and one Libyan-Moroccan - and wearing fake suicide vests occurred on London Bridge and Borough Market in the capital late on 3 June, leading to the deaths of eight people and the wounding of 48 others before the assailants were shot dead by police. Multiple arrests were carried out across East London in the wake of the attack, but police have not found evidence that the IS- claimed attack was actually coordinated outside of the attackers’ immediate personal circle.

Some attackers are capable of more technically complicated attacks on soft targets, as demonstrated by the deadly suicide bombing on Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017, when 22 people were killed by 22-year-old British national of Libyan descent detonated a homemade bomb as concert-goers were leaving an event. Police, suspecting that the subject was part of a larger network in the country as well as Libya and Syria, made multiple arrests in Manchester following the bombing and temporarily deployed 1,000 soldiers to protect government buildings and transport hubs while also temporarily raising the terror threat level to ‘critical’, the highest level since the June 2007. Despite the attacker’s trips to Libya, where IS has a presence, police concluded that the attacker operated alone and built the crude explosive device himself locally. A similar profile was also established for the suspected pro-IS perpetrators of the 15 September 2017 Parsons Green London Underground bombing, in which 30 people were injured when a homemade bomb failed to properly detonate on a morning rush hour District line train. The difficulty of disrupting these plots - even when several of these individuals were previously reported to the security services as criminal suspects and/or Islamist extremists by concerned neighbours - increases the likelihood that the style of such attacks is likely to continue to be emulated by radicalised individuals in the medium- to long-term. Such attacks can achieve maximum potential lethality and surprise.

Domestic Terrorism: Between 1969 and 2005 the much larger Irish Republican Army (IRA) and subsequently the Provisional IRA were involved in a terrorist campaign both in Northern Ireland and on the mainland. Occasional setbacks to the systemic peace that has followed the Good Friday Anglo- Irish Agreement in 1998 have not heralded a return to large-scale violence. In 2012, the Real Irish Republican Army (Real IRA) - also known as the New Irish Republican Army (NIRA) - merged with a number of smaller groups and vowed to intensify a campaign of violence against continued British presence in Northern Ireland. The Real IRA is believed to include several hundred members, including some former Provisional IRA militants disenchanted with the peace process.

Recent years have seen an increase in dissident republican attacks in Northern Ireland, however. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) indicated the dissident threat level against police, military and prison officers is now “severe," with targeted attacks likely, and MI5 officials have reported that dissident republican factions remain capable of carrying out "one-off" attacks on the British mainland. In fact, security forces typically thwart "three to four" plots for every attack that is carried out, while many more ’hoaxes’ trigger security alerts and prompt localised disruptions to travel. In recent years, weapons caches were seized by security forces, including in County Monaghan, close to the border with Rosslea in County Fermanagh and in Larne, County Antrim. On 19 January 2019 a car bomb believed to have been planted by militants of the New IRA exploded outside a courthouse in Derry/Londonderry, in a high-profile bombing that revived concerns about a possible destabilisation of the situation in NI – which some have attributed to the UK's decision to leave the EU.

However, dissident republicans’ concern for domestic public opinion means that they are very likely to maintain low-profile tactics in the medium-term due to the high political cost of returning to mass casualty attacks, such as the Omagh, County Tyrone, car bomb attack on 15 August 1998 in which 29 people were killed, or assassination attempts on high government officials and the royal family. The last successful republican dissident attack on the British mainland took place in August 2001, when a splinter group exploded a car bomb near a shopping center in West London, injuring 11 people, though militants have mailed parcel bombs to government officers in England as recently as 2014. Though many of these attacks involve small arms or pipe bombs, dissident republicans continue to procure rockets, assault rifles and plastic explosives.

Far-right terrorism: While it remains likely that far-right movements will continue focusing on holding demonstrations across the UK in the near-term terrorist attacks by the extreme right remain

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 11 possible. Xenophobic sentiment has increased markedly in the country due to the European-wide migration crisis, and especially there has been a surge of isolationist, anti-foreigner sentiment since the ‘Brexit’ process began in 2016. Anti-Muslim sentiment has only increased in the wake of a spate of Islamist-perpetrated terror attacks in 2017. On 19 June 2017, a 47-year-old man from Wales carried out a vehicle ramming attack on the Muslim Welfare House in Finsbury Park, London, killing one civilian and injuring 10 others. The attacker blamed all Muslims for recent Islamist terror attacks in the country, and specifically chose to rent a lorry and carry out a vehicle-ramming attack on bystanders because three Islamist militants had done so as part of the 3 June 2017 London Bridge and Borough Market attack. Prior to this, the most serious recent far-right terror attack took place on 22 June 2016 in Birstall, West Yorkshire, when a 52-year old man fatally shot and stabbed Labour MP Jo Cox outside of a library, citing her support for the EU as the reason for the murder. Earlier, in 2013, a Ukrainian white supremacist fatally stabbed an elderly Muslim man in the West Midlands, and attempted - but failed - to carry out three bombing attacks at several mosques, including in Walsallon, Tipton and Wolverhampton. Possible targets by far-right groups plotting attacks continue to include Muslim and Jewish houses of worship and associated cultural infrastructure. Centres housing or providing resources to refugees and migrants, particularly those from the Middle East, may also be targeted. Exercise general caution near all such sites and avoid all far-right gatherings due to the likelihood they may spiral into violence. Note that any terror attacks carried out by Islamist extremists, whether in the UK or any other Western country, are likely to immediately stoke far-right sentiment and may increase the likelihood for far-right protests and unrest.

Response Preparedness: UK emergency services are well prepared and properly trained to deal with mass casualty terrorist incidents.

There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 12 Unrest : Moderate Risk

Far-right Demonstrations: The state of the far-right in the UK has rapidly changed in recent years, with the most prominent groups - including the British National Party (BNP), United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) and English Defence League (EDL) - struggling to remain popular as their less militant followers splinter into smaller, more militant factions as these groups fail to secure greater political power through the ballot box. One result of this has been an uptick in the emergence of smaller splinter factions, that are thought to be even more extreme and increasingly motivated to carry out attacks against minorities. Such movements include the Misanthropic Division - led by a former member of Ukraine’s extreme-right Azov Battalion as well as the Italy-based neo-Nazi Casa Pound group - the Sigurd Legion, and the National Action group. Both Polish and Italian fascists have also been suspected of organising neo-Nazi movements in the UK. The UK branch of the vehemently anti-Islam PEGIDA movement - which originated in Germany before spreading to several other European countries - is currently led by a former EDL leader. PEGIDA UK held several demonstrations or events, including in London, Bedfordshire and Birmingham, in 2015 and early 2016 but turnout ultimately proved to be relatively low. Overall, reports indicated that far-right groups held at least 61 demonstrations over the course of 2015, marking a significant increase in the number of such events compared to one year prior when 41 were held. It is likely that far-right movements will continue holding demonstrations across the UK in the near-term and an escalation to clashes with counter- demonstrators or security forces remains possible.

Annual Protests: Each May Day (1 May) anti-globalisation groups stage large protests in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Recent years have seen little trouble, however there remains the possibility of unrest, as was the case in 2000 when protests in London degenerated into rioting.

Sports-Related Riots: The UK has experienced football hooliganism extensively in recent decades. Local derby matches are most likely to see violence between fans, but most fights are prearranged and do not affect regular supporters. The majority of incidences are small scale and there have not been large riots for a number of years. Consult local media for details of match fixtures in your area. If in the vicinity of large football matches, avoid crowds of supporters under the influence of alcohol.

Sectarian Riots: Tens of thousands of Protestants march across cities in Northern Ireland in July and August every year to commemorate the 12 July 1690 victory of Protestant King William of Orange over his Catholic rival James II. The official holiday features parades in 18 cities and towns that frequently ignite communal rivalries, with extremists on both sides vandalising vulnerable homes, churches and community halls. To many Catholics the marches – featuring so-called "kick the pope" bands – are a provocative reminder of Protestant and Unionist supremacy in Northern Ireland. Catholic/Republican counter-protests have previously erupted in violent sectarian conflict, particularly in urban centres like Belfast and the city of Derry (or Londonderry) as well and in the streets of Drumcree, County Armagh. Parades in recent years have witnessed a resurgence of violence, with dozens injured in clashes between the two sides. The worst violent in recent years took place on 8 July 2018, when violence orchestrated by the New IRA broke out in the republican district of Bogside in Londonderry, with dozens of incendiary bombs thrown at police forces before the scheduled Protestant Orange Order parade, a dire reminder of the unrest that occurred in Belfast between 13 and 17 July 2013, when the city witnessed five nights of violent clashes between loyalist youths and police following an annual Orange Order parade. Travellers to Northern Ireland should anticipate heightened security and localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of march routes and plot route bypasses to avoid all protest sites due to the risk of violent clashes between rival protesters.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 13 Recent incidents

27 August 2021 - 28 August 2021 Moderate risk: Extinction Rebellion activists to rally in central London on 27 August Local sources indicated that Extinction Rebellion activists planned to gather from 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) outside the Bank of England, central London, on 27 August, to carry out the 'Bloody money march' as part of ongoing Extinction Rebellion events across the city.

25 August 2021 - 26 August 2021 Moderate risk: Extinction Rebellion activists to rally in central London Local sources indicated that Extinction Rebellion activists planned to gather from 11:30-13:00 local time (10:30-12:00 GMT) at Picadilly Circus, central London as the environmentalist group continue their protest action across the city for the third consecutive day.

23 August 2021 - 05 September 2021 Moderate risk: Extinction Rebellion to launch two-week protest action in London on 23 August Extinction Rebellion activists called on supporters to gather at Trafalgar Square in London from 10:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on 23 August, to launch a two-week protest action to demand greater action on climate change. In related events, animal rights activists will march from the capital's Smithfield Market from 12:30 on 28 August and nature activists from St James's Park from 13:00 on 4 September.

22 August 2021 - 23 August 2021 Moderate risk: Arrests made at environmentalist rally in downtown London Metropolitan Police officials indicated that at least eight Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists were arrested outside the Guildhall in Barbican, London, during evening hours local time, at a rally ahead of a two-week XR protest campaign in the city starting 23 August.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 14 Crime : Moderate Risk

Vehicle Theft: Car theft is a chronic problem in certain areas of the country. If you intend to travel by car, you should ensure that you have an alarm, steering lock and insurance. Always lock your vehicle, remove the CD/radio head unit, roll-up windows and never leave valuables inside when you leave your vehicle.

Violent Crime: The rate of overall violent crime saw a slight increase in the year ending in June 2017, with authorities from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicating that the murder rate in England and Wales increased by eight percent since 2016, with approximately 629 murders taking place in this period. The reports further indicated that the majority of murders took place in the capital and the South East. Violent crime has also risen in multiple areas, including across South Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland and Greater Manchester. Gun-related crime is on the rise as well, particularly in London; however, it is still relatively uncommon. Knife-related crimes have also increased in recent years, rising by 26 percent between 2016 and 2017. Glasgow currently has the highest crime rate for knife attacks in Europe and attacks have occurred across the city. While travellers are unlikely to be affected by incidence of violent crime, they are nonetheless advised to exercise general caution and and not make gestures or acts that could ignite trouble.

Travellers should be also aware of that assaults related to drinking are not uncommon in town and city centres during the weekends. While these seldom escalate beyond drunken brawling, visitors and are advised to maintain a high degree of vigilance and avoid walking alone at night.

In addition, rape cases are not uncommon and women should avoid walking in quiet areas alone or anywhere at night. We also advise that women should, where possible, avoid using taxis on their own. Should this not be possible ensure that it is a licensed taxi before setting off as unlicensed taxis have been linked to sexual assaults and robbery in the past.

Gangs: Gangs and gang-related crime have become a significant problem in recent months, particularly in London. Upwards of 200 gangs involving approximately 3,800 people are operating in the capital with credible reports indicating they account for at least 20 percent of all violent crime, including 40 percent of all shootings, in London. Crimes usually occur on public housing estates where turf wars are being fought and criminal acts have included murders and drug dealing. In most cases gangs are not found in the city centres, yet travellers should be vigilant and avoid, where possible, large groups of youths gathered in public areas. Do not enter public parks at night as well, as they are often targeted by drug dealers and muggers at this time.

Credit Card Fraud/Identity Theft: The UK has seen rising rates of fraud and identity theft in recent years. Travellers should be on the watch for any suspicious devices when placing bankcards into ATM machines. There have been cases of readers or "skimmers" being placed on automated teller machines (ATMs) and retaining card details that are then used in a fraudulent manner. Authorities have confirmed the discovery of dozens of skimming devices were discovered nationwide since 2015, particularly in Northern Ireland. Travellers are advised to withdraw cash from ATMs located inside of bank branches when at all possible. Individuals should also make sure that a person never takes his/her bankcard out of sight. Incidents of card 'skimming' have occurred at restaurants and shops where employees were abusing their position and collecting card details by simply running cards through readers that records information similar to those found at ATMs. Finally, should visitors need to dispose of sensitive documentations such as bank statements, visitors are advised to use a paper shredder as there have been cases of identity thieves rifling through garbage to find documents that can be used fraudulently.

Hate Crimes: Reports according to the Metropolitan Police have warned there has been an increase of hate crimes in London since the EU referendum took place in June 2016, with an increase of 41 percent within a month of the vote. Further, a report released by the The Community Security Trust (CST) in August 2016 indicated that there was an 11 percent increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes across the UK compared to the same period one year prior; anti-Chinese harassment has also increased significantly in 2016-17, with some 15 percent of the community reporting such incidents to police. A previous report in September 2015 issued by the Metropolitan police further illustrated a worrying trend, with the report indicating a 93.4 percent increase in hate crimes against London's Jewish community from the previous year. The vast majority of anti-Semitic incidents took place in

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 15 Hackney and Barnet. Meanwhile, the same period also saw a significant uptick in racist crimes against London's Muslim community, with 816 such crimes reported for 2015, compared to 478 in 2014. While travellers are unlikely to be targeted by such violence, clients are nonetheless advised to exercise general caution, particularly in the vicinity of Muslim and Jewish places of worship and community centres.

Kidnapping: While no serious incidents linked to the abduction of travellers have been reported in the United Kingdom, visitors are advised to exercise caution at all times. Note that kidnappings linked to family disputes are commonplace especially among the immigrant population and while these are unlikely to impact travellers or even be reported, discretion is advised in all business transactions where family ties overlap with financial dealings.

There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 16 Law

The British legal system is based on common law and statute. The system provides a model for a number of countries worldwide. It is efficient, consistent and not corrupt. The UK has very well- established laws when it comes to foreign businesses, which aids good working relations with international investors. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate courts systems with small legal differences. English law, which applies in England and Wales, and Northern Irish law, are based on common-law principles. Scots law, which applies in Scotland, is a hybrid system based on both common-law and civil-law principles.

The House of Lords is the highest court in the land for criminal and civil cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and for all civil cases in Scots law. In England and Wales, the court system is headed by the Supreme Court of Judicature of England and Wales, consisting of the Court of Appeal, the High Court of Justice and the Crown Court. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, comprising the same members as the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords, is the highest court of appeal for several independent Commonwealth countries, the UK overseas territories, and the British crown dependencies.

Drugs and Alcohol: In the UK it is illegal to buy cigarettes or alcohol under the age of 18. These laws are stringently enforced and significant penalties exist for shops or bars flouting them. It is also illegal to smoke inside public buildings, including pubs, clubs and restaurants. The UK drink driving limit is 0.8 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. This is enforced strictly and if caught over the limit there will be court proceedings and heavy fines up to a maximum of GBP5,000 and six months imprisonment.

The UK operates a strict drug policy. Drugs are divided into three classes (A, B, C) depending upon their degree of harmfulness and/or danger to society and the individual; the higher the class of drug (class A), the larger the punishment if caught misusing or possessing it. Sentencing is harsh, especially for drug dealers: up to life imprisonment for suppliers and seven years for possession. Fines may also be given to first offenders or lesser sentences.

Freedom of Speech: Political activism and freedom of speech is common practice in the UK, protests or lobbying occurs quite often. Individuals in the UK have a right to express their views in a peaceful and contained manner however extreme views and violent protest will not be tolerated and will be dealt with by the local authorities, which can lead to incarceration or deportation.

Traffic Laws: You must possess a valid driver's license and driver's insurance to drive a vehicle in the UK. All passengers and drivers must be wearing seat belts and children up to the age of 3 seated properly and securely in an appropriate child seat. It is an offence to use a mobile phone while driving, unless it is a hands free device. In the UK speed limits are rigorously enforced by police patrols or by speed cameras. Speed limits vary in towns, cities and residential areas between 32kph to 64kph (20mph to 40mph). The motorway limit is 112kph (70mph), while dual carriageways and rural roads are usually 96kph (60mph). All UK roads carry speed limit signs indicating the limit. Drivers caught speeding will receive a fixed penalty fine, with serious violations resulting in fines up to a maximum GBP300 and one to 12-month driving ban.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 17 Corruption

Overview

The United Kingdom is one of the least corrupt states in the world. Public administration tends to be honest and transparent.

Travellers: Visitors are highly unlikely to be affected by any form of corruption.

Business: It is extremely rare for corruption to affect domestic or international businesses operating in the UK. When tendering for contracts in the UK, European businesses should adhere to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) conventions to avoid prosecution by their home country.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 18 Security Services

The UK Police Service is divided and organised by region: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Currently there are 52 police forces spread over the UK, the largest being the London Metropolitan Police. In general, all UK police forces are transparent, accountable and reliable.

Efficiency: The UK police are efficient, well funded and able to deal with most emergencies effectively. Police can be expected to be at the scene of an emergency within ten minutes, although it can take longer to reach rural areas. UK police have a good record of successful crime investigation.

Professionalism: UK police forces are regarded as very professional and corruption is low to non- existent. Police are very willing to help foreign nationals, even with questions of directions.

Areas Active: The police force is active in all regions of the UK, but with higher presence and numbers in larger populated centres.

Force Strength: There are around 150,000 police officers in the UK with the number expected to rise over the coming years.

Abuses/Miscarriages of Justice: The issue of racism in the police force has featured in public debate occasionally. There have been instances of deaths in custody in recent years, although these are very isolated and always well investigated. Police in the UK are trustworthy and reliable.

The imprisonment of Ali Dizaei, Metropolitan Police commander and former president of the National Black Police Association (NBPA), in February 2010 on charges of misconduct in a public office and perverting the course of justice was a rare example of high-level abuses in the British police force. The case was the first time a senior British policeman had been prosecuted on corruption charges in 33 years.

Emergency Contact: Visitors can dial 999 to contact the police in an emergency.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 19 Natural Risks : Low Risk

Natural disasters are uncommon, but storms and floods during heavy rainfall can disrupt vehicular and air travel. The country's infrastructure and excellent emergency response services are capable of significantly mitigating risks.

Flooding

A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. It is normally triggered by an extended period of heavy rainfall and can be exarcebated by poor drainage systems in the affected area.

Flooding of major rivers has been a growing problem in recent years as homes have been built on flood plains and archaic drainage systems fail to cope with sudden deluges of rain. Widespread flooding were reported across the country in the winter of 2015-2016 and, before, in the winter of 2013-2014, which recorded 17 deaths in flood-related accidents across the worst affected areas of Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall, as well as the Thames Valley. Many homes and businesses in Scotland are at risk of flooding, with coastal areas in the east particularly vulnerable. A national Floodline service operated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is available to issue warnings via text. A second early warning text alert service launched in January 2013 issues targeted information to communities in multiple areas along the east coast, from the Borders to Angus, providing at least three hours’ notice of possible flooding near the firths of Forth and Tay.

If instructed of the possibility that flash-flooding may affect the area you are in, monitor local updates and move immediately to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Though flash-flooding is commonly attributable to excess upstream precipitation, be aware that flooding can occur without typical warning signs of rain clouds or heavy rain. This is especially true near streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. If you happen across a flooded road in your car, turn around and drive in the opposite direction. When trapped on a flooded road, vacate your vehicle immediately and climb to higher ground.

Hurricanes/Typhoons/Tropical Cyclones

A cyclone/typhoon/hurricane is essentially a large mass of air that spirals around a low-pressure centre. It is an organised collection of thunderstorms embedded in a swirling mass of air. This mass of air is called a cyclone if it forms in the Indian or South Pacific oceans, a typhoon if formed in the West Pacific Ocean and a hurricane if formed in the East Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Cyclones/typhoons/hurricanes normally bring gale-force winds, heavy rainfall and high tides, with the potential of causing significant or destructive damage and widespread travel disruptions.

Hurricanes and other storms are common and can trigger major disruptions to air, rail and maritime travel across the country. In the autumn of 2017, Hurricane Ophelia left 22,000 people without electricity and internet services.

Follow local radio or television broadcasts for information and evacuation instructions. If not under an area with mandatory evacuation orders, remain indoors. Locate and secure important documentation, including passports, photo identification, travel permits and any indispensable personal effects. Be advised that the calm 'eye' is deceptive and should by no means be interpreted as a sign that the storm has passed. The second winds are likely to be worse and may destroy trees and buildings damaged in the first pass. If caught in a region hit by a cyclone/typhoon/hurricane, remain indoors until the storm passes. If there is a need to move to an evacuation centre, evacuate in a calm manner and ensure you carry important personal identification. Avoid all low-lying coastal areas due to storm surges. Confirm the viability of overland travel routes due to the risk of flooding. Air and sea travel are also likely to be impacted. Anticipate disruptions to power, communications and other essential services.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 20 Windstorms

Windstorms are generally categorised as storms with wind speeds strong enough to cause at least light damage to trees and buildings. Windstorms typically do not bring heavy rainfall.

Seasonal windstorms are a regular occurrence and, depending on the strength of the wind, can result in disruptions to air and rail travel.

Because meteorologists can commonly predict the likely onset of a storm, the most effective way to mitigate physical risk is to monitor local weather updates and consider deferring travel in the event of a storm alert. Anticipate possible disruptions to overland travel caused by downed trees and power lines during and following strong gusts of wind. Confirm the viability of overland travel routes before departure.

Avalanches

Avalanches can range from a small shifting of loose snow to the displacement of enormous slabs of snow. Avalanches typically occur on slopes greater than 27 degrees and are commonly associated with heavy snowfall and strong winds. The risk of avalanches increases during new snowfall, wind- deposited snow and after earth tremors. Avalanches can also occur as a result of excessive use of a slope by skiers, snowmobilers and snowboarders.

Avalanches are not uncommon in the Scottish highlands during winter months and have proved deadly on several occasions. Assess avalanche risk information prior to departure for mountainous regions by consulting the Scottish Avalanche Information Centre's website: http://www.sais.gov.uk/ .

If you are planning to travel over snowy mountainous terrain, there are several preparatory steps that should be taken. Be sure to carry an avalanche transceiver, snow probe, shovel, first aid kit and mobile phone for use in the event of an emergency. Ensure every member of the party is carrying a map with the same route marked on it. Have this route checked locally for avalanche risk information before setting off for the day. Should you find yourself caught in an avalanche use your arms to create an air pocket in front of your face.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 21 Recent incidents

22 August 2021 - 23 August 2021 Moderate risk: Strong offshore earthquake strikes near South Sandwich Islands A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck near the British overseas territory of South Sandwich Islands at a shallow depth of 10km (6.2 miles) at around 19:33 local time (21:33 GMT). No tsunami warnings, damage or casualties were immediately reported.

21 August 2021 - 22 August 2021 Moderate risk: Strong and shallow earthquake strikes near South Sandwich Islands A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck near the British overseas territory of South Sandwich Islands at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles) at around 22:45 local time (00:45 GMT, 22 August). No tsunami warnings, damage or casualties were immediately reported.

16 August 2021 - 17 August 2021 Moderate risk: Strong earthquake strikes near South Sandwich Islands A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck near the British overseas territory of South Sandwich Islands at 09:10 local time (11:10 GMT) at a depth of 33km (21 miles). No tsunami warning or reports of damages or casualties were immediately available.

13 August 2021 - 14 August 2021 Moderate risk: Offshore earthquake strikes near South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck in the vicinity of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles) at 08:34 local time (10:34 GMT). Authorities did not immediately issue a tsunami warning.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 22 Health and Medical: Low Risk

Overview

Health services meet international standards across the country. High quality prescription drugs are widely available and infectious diseases present little to no risk to travellers.

Before you travel

Consult your doctor or a healthcare provider who specialises in travel medicine at least six weeks before your departure. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with your doctor.

Note: Requirements and recommendations for vaccines and other medicines are based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Documentation requirements are based on World Health Organisation guidelines.

Outbreaks

Malaria

There is no risk of malaria transmission.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of Yellow Fever infection.

Vaccine requirement: None

Vaccine recommendation: None

Vaccinations, Medicines and Documentation

Recommended for all travellers

Measles

Infants (6 through 11 months old): 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as the first dose in the routine childhood vaccination series. People 12 months old or older, with no evidence of immunity or no written documentation of any doses: 2 doses of MMR vaccine before travel. The 2 doses must be given 28 days apart. People 12 months old or older who have written documentation of 1 dose and no other evidence of immunity: 1 additional dose before travel, at least 28 days after the previous dose.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 23 Recommended for some travellers

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in the United Kingdom, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

Vaccinations, Medicines and Documentation

Required documentation

Yellow Fever entry requirement: No

Other entry requirements: None

Note: Documentation requirements are subject to change. Consult your destination embassy or consulate prior to departure for confirmation.

While you are there

Emergency Numbers

Medical: 999; 112

Emergency services

Emergency services provided are of a high quality and reliable. Both land and air ambulance services are widely available, but response times are likely to be slower in more rural areas. Emergency medical staff are highly trained and ambulances well stocked with necessary supplies.

Evacuation

It is very unlikely medical evacuation would be required for injury or illness.

Routine care

The availability and quality of routine medical care is overall high. All healthcare professionals are highly trained to an international standard and access to multilingual professionals readily available in the country’s network of public healthcare centres; wait times are likely to be long, however.

Medicine

High quality prescription drugs are widely available, and over-the-counter medicines are readily available in stand-alone pharmacies as well as at supermarkets and corner shops, but most prescriptions written for adult patients will require a flat payment of approximately GBP 7 (EUR8). While travellers are unlikely to experience any difficulties in entering the country with their own prescription medicine, it is advisable that all prescription drugs are kept in their original container noting the patient’s name.

Payment

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 24 British citizens, foreign nationals with work permits and most long-term legal residents present in the country for at least one year are eligible for free public healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) with proof of residency. Travellers with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will receive the same emergency care as British nationals, free of charge; emergency care will not be refused to those lacking an EHIC. Some private health insurance may be transferable; travellers should consult their insurance companies before departure to confirm reciprocity. Fees for non- insured users are publicly listed at all clinics and doctors’ offices; a single private doctor’s visit will typically be within the range of GBP13-45 (EUR14-51), and higher for a specialist consultancy, in the range of GBP100-250 (EUR112-281).

Ailments

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The H5N1 virus (avian influenza or bird flu) was reported in Suffolk, England, in 2007. However, there have been no further confirmed cases or cases of human infection.

Avian influenza is a class of viral infections, including H5N1 and H7N9, which can be transmitted through contact with wild or domesticated birds. Symptoms are flu-like, and include fever, muscle aches, coughing, as well pneumonia and – in severe cases – respiratory failure. Treatment includes a course of antivirals.

Hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E)

Outbreaks of hepatitis A occur infrequently in the United Kingdom, but the risk to visitors is very low. The overall hepatitis B carrier rate in the general population is estimated at less than one percent, and hepatitis C is also at less than one percent. Sporadic and rare cases of hepatitis E are reported annually, but the risk to travellers is extremely low.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The three main variations (A, B and C) are caused by infections from parasites, bacteria or viruses, but are transmitted by different means.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is reported frequently across forested and rural regions including Exmoor, the New Forest, the South Downs, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Thetford Forest, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Moors and the Scottish Highlands.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks and is most prevalent in rural areas. Early symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue headaches and a 'bullseye' shaped rash around the tick bite; later symptoms include arthritis, facial paralysis, memory loss, swollen joints, increased rashes and headaches and heart palpitations. In most cases Lyme disease can be treated with a course of antibiotics; a small number of cases may develop into Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), which may persist for a number of months.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 25 Measles

Since 2009, several thousand cases of measles have been reported nationwide, especially in England and Wales, in a recurrence of the disease possibly triggered by a decrease in immunisations.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection transmitted via coughing and sneezing from infected persons. Cold-like symptoms as well as fever are initially presented before a skin rash develops three to five days later. The measles vaccine is effective at preventing the disease. There is no treatment once infected beyond rehydration and bed rest.

Swine Flu variant (H1N1)

Swine flu variant (H1N1v) is a viral infection transmitted via close physical contact with infected pigs, by close physical contact with an infected person or via the coughing and sneezing of infected persons. Symptoms include fever, coughing, irritated eyes, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and lack of appetite. While there is no cure for swine flu, infected persons may receive a course of antivirals and antibiotics to alleviate severe symptoms.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 26 Recent incidents

16 August 2021 - 17 August 2021 Moderate risk: EU vaccination certificates to be recognised for travel to Guernsey from 16 August Officials in Guernsey announced that COVID-19 certificates issued in European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states will be accepted from travellers effective 16 August. While vaccinated EU/EFTA travellers must continue to take two COVID-19 tests upon arrival and on Day 7, quarantine will end upon the receipt of the first negative test result.

16 August 2021 - 17 August 2021 Moderate risk: COVID-19 measures to be relaxed in Northern Ireland on 16 August Officials in Northern Ireland announced that the limit on social bubbles among households and the number of people who can meet outdoors will be lifted, as part of reopening measures set to take effect on 16 August. Conference centres can also reopen and distancing requirements will be lifted on public transport.

15 August 2021 - 16 August 2021 Medium risk: BA suspends flights between UK and Mexico until 30 September due to COVID-19 British Airways (BA) officials announced on 15 August that all passenger flights between the United Kingdom (UK) and Mexico were suspended until at least 30 September, to limit the spread of COVID-19. Only the UK and Irish nationals or residence rights holders will be allowed to enter the UK; those travellers will be required to undergo a 10-day hotel quarantine, among other rules.

09 August 2021 - 10 August 2021 Moderate risk: Officials to end most COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland from 9 August First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that starting 9 August, Scotland will move from "Level 0" COVID-19 measures. Social distancing will end in most settings. Nightclubs and other indoor hospitality venues will be allowed to reopen. However, face masks will still be required in some public spaces. Outdoor events with more than 5,000 and indoor events with more than 2,000 people will have to apply for permission.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 27 Covid-19: High Risk

Summary

Public health officials confirmed the first two COVID-19 cases in England on 31 January 2020. While a mass vaccination campaign has significantly reduced the number of deaths, the country has seen a sharp uptick in COVID-19 cases driven by the spread of the delta virus variant. Despite high incidence rates, most distancing measures have been lifted.

What is the current nationwide Policy?: Partial Measures

Policy starts: 19 July 2021 Policy ends: indef

Policy explanation:

Most social distancing measures have been lifted in August 2021.

Policy source: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Last update: 26 August 2021

Infection

Infection Level: Extreme Infection rate: 585.75 cases per 100k in the last 14 days As of date: 22 August 2021 Hotspots:

Domestic Infection Map: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

International Travel

International Flights

Is there a ban on international commercial flights? No Through what date?

Flight Ban Explanation:

Most available long-haul flights are operating at London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL). Multiple carriers including British Airways are gradually increasing their flight schedule.

Flights from Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia or Turkey are permitted to land at dedicated terminals of London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) or Birmingham International (BHX/EGBB) airports only.

British Airways suspended all passenger flights between the United Kingdom and Mexico from 15 August to 30 September.

Last Update: 16 August 2021

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 28 Entry and Borders

Is there a ban on entry for any travellers? Partial Through what date? indef

Travellers from where are banned? Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Georgia, Guyana, Haiti, Kenya, Kingdom of eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Land border: Partially Open Maritime border: Partially Open

Entry Rules Explanation:

Those who have travelled to or through Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Georgia, Guyana, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mayotte, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Reuniion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia or Zimbabwe in the last 10 days are not permitted to enter.

Effective 04:00 local time on 30 August, entry from Montenegro and Thailand is banned.

Only nationals of the UK and Ireland, UK permanent residents and UK long-term visa holders will be permitted entry from these countries.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering- Entry Rules: england#red-list

Exemptions: Last Update:

Testing

Do travellers need to take a COVID-19 test Yes When? Before travel, After arrival Is it mandatory or optional? Mandatory Test Type: PCR, Antigen, LAMP, NAAT Minimum age requirement: 11 Pre-travel test validity, in hours: 72 before Departure After arrival test days: 2, 8

Testing Explanation:

Before travel

Arriving travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than three days before the time of departure, regardless of vaccination status. Arrivals from the Common

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 29 Travel Area (Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Ireland), children under the age of 11 and hauliers are exempt. Consult the government website for a full list of testing exemptions (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from- uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules).

After arrival

Travellers must book a post-arrival COVID-19 testing package online (https://quarantinehotelbookings.ctmportal.co.uk/) at their own expense.

Travellers returning from "green list" countries must take an additional PCR test on or before day 2 after arrival. Vaccinated UK travellers returning from abroad and vaccinated travellers from the United States and the European Union must also take a Day 2 test.

Other travellers arriving from an "amber list" country and all travellers returning from a "red list" country must take PCR tests on days 2 and 8 during quarantine.

In England, a COVID-19 test can be taken five days after entry to shorten the self-quarantine period. Travellers wishing to be tested must do so at their own expense. Travellers must take COVID-19 tests on day 2 and 8 of their stay, regardless of the test result taken as part of the 'test to release' scheme. Travellers subject to hotel quarantine are excluded from the scheme.

Testing Rules: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus Last Update: 24 August 2021

Health and Travel Documentations

Do arriving travellers need any health and/or travel documentation? Yes

Documentation Explanation:

Arriving travellers must complete and submit a passenger locator form within 48 hours before arrival. Travellers who are arriving from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and stayed there for at least 10 days are not required to complete the form.

Travel https://provide-journey-contact- Document: details.homeoffice.gov.uk/passengerLocatorFormUserAccountHolderQuestion Last 16 August 2021 Update:

Tracing App

Do travellers need to use a contact tracing app after arriving? Recommended

Tracing App Explanation:

Optional contact tracing app "NHS COVID-19" is available for use in England and Wales, "StopCOVID NI" in Northern Ireland and "Protect Scotland" in Scotland.

IOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1520427663https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/stopcovidni/id1519404160https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/id1526637715 App: Andriod https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? App: id=uk.nhs.covid19.production id=net.hscni.covidtracker id=gov.scot.covidtracker Last 16 August 2021 Update:

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 30 Quarantine on Arrival

Who needs to quarantine on arrival Some travellers

Travellers from where need to quarantine? Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kingdom of eSwatini, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sint Maarten, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How many days is quarantine? 10 Is it self-quarantine or operated by the government? Hybrid

Quarantine Explanation:

Quarantine is mandatory for travellers, excluding those arriving from "green list" areas and vaccinated travellers arriving from some "amber list" areas.

Travellers from "amber list" countries must quarantine for 10 days at home. Vaccinated UK travellers returning from abroad and vaccinated travellers arriving from "amber" countries in the European Union (EU) or the United States (US) are exempt from quarantine.

Travellers who arrive from or stayed in "red list" countries must undergo hotel quarantine at a designated facility for 10 days. The requirement also applies to those who transited through a "red list" country. Travellers arriving from "red list" countries must book a hotel and testing package at their own expense (https://quarantinehotelbookings.ctmportal.co.uk/). The quarantine costs GBP1,750 for the first traveller staying in a room.

Workers in healthcare and other select sectors are exempt from quarantine. Consult the government website (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19- travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk- border-rules) for further details on quarantine requirements by sector.

England

As part of the "test to release" scheme, travellers may opt to take a test five days into their self-quarantine and leave early, pending a negative test result within 24-48 hours. The testing scheme is not available to travellers arriving from "red list" countries subject to entry bans.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 31 Quarantine Rules: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/self-isolating-when-you-arrive

Quarantine mandate https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for- list: entering-england Last Update: 2021-08-22

Exit

Is there a ban on exit for any travellers? Recommended

Are there special requirements to exit the country? No

Exit Requirements Explanation:

Travel to "red list" countries is discouraged.

Exit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering- Requirements england#travelling-abroad-from-england (URL): Last Update: 24 August 2021

Vaccination

Percent vaccinated with at least one dose: 70.251 as of 24 Aug 2021 Percent fully vaccinated: 61.92 as of 25 Aug 2021 Is vaccination mandatory for entry? No Are vaccinated travellers exempt from any policies or requirements? Yes Exemptions: Quarantine Qualified vaccines and timeline: Pfizer - 14 days after second dose. AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) - 14 days after second dose. Johnson & Johnson - 14 days after first dose. Moderna - 14 days after second dose. Certificates accepted: NHS Covid Pass, EU Digital COVID Certificate, CDC Covid Vaccination Card, COVIDCert NI

Explanation:

Fully vaccinated travellers arriving from "amber" countries are exempt from quarantine, provided that they were vaccinated in the United Kingdom (UK), an EU member state, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City or the United States (US). The vaccine must be recognised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or Swissmedic. To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received two doses of the same vaccine and at least 14 days must have passed since the final dose. Travellers who received one dose of an approved single-dose vaccine are also considered fully vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated travellers arriving from all countries must continue to be tested before departure and on Day 2 after arrival.

Those travelling abroad from Wales or England can present the NHS Covid Pass (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/get-your-covid-pass-letter/) as a digital app or in a letter form as proof of full vaccination from COVID-19. Those travelling

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 32 from Northern Ireland (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/coronavirus-covid-19-interim- proof-vaccination-document) or Scotland (https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid19status) can obtain the certificate in written form.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england Last Update: 17 August 2021

Other International Travel Restrictions

Exit Requirements Explanation:

Last Update:

Domestic Situation

Areas on Lockdown

Last Update: 22 August 2021

Areas under Curfew

Last Update:

Domestic Travel

Domistic Travel Explanation:

Covid domestic travel policies and advice for:

England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland

Last Update: 22 August 2021

Other Domestic Restrictions

Last Update: 22 August 2021

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 33 Demonstrations and Unrest

Large rallies that have ended in clashes with police have been held in London, Belfast, Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds, Glasgow, Brighton and other cities to protest lockdown measures.

Last update: 24 August 2021

Resources

Government COVID Site: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Recent incidents

16 August 2021 - 17 August 2021 Moderate risk: COVID-19 measures to be relaxed in Northern Ireland on 16 August Officials in Northern Ireland announced that the limit on social bubbles among households and the number of people who can meet outdoors will be lifted, as part of reopening measures set to take effect on 16 August. Conference centres can also reopen and distancing requirements will be lifted on public transport.

16 August 2021 - 17 August 2021 Moderate risk: EU vaccination certificates to be recognised for travel to Guernsey from 16 August Officials in Guernsey announced that COVID-19 certificates issued in European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states will be accepted from travellers effective 16 August. While vaccinated EU/EFTA travellers must continue to take two COVID-19 tests upon arrival and on Day 7, quarantine will end upon the receipt of the first negative test result.

15 August 2021 - 16 August 2021 Medium risk: BA suspends flights between UK and Mexico until 30 September due to COVID-19 British Airways (BA) officials announced on 15 August that all passenger flights between the United Kingdom (UK) and Mexico were suspended until at least 30 September, to limit the spread of COVID-19. Only the UK and Irish nationals or residence rights holders will be allowed to enter the UK; those travellers will be required to undergo a 10-day hotel quarantine, among other rules.

14 August 2021 - 15 August 2021 Moderate risk: March against vaccine passports planned in London A march against COVID-19 vaccine passports is planned from Charing Cross to Downing Street in London from 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT). The march is expected to pass via Fleet Street, Mansion House, Bank, St. Pauls, Holborn, Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 34 Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 35 Local Travel : Low Risk

Dial 999 or 112 nationwide in case of emergency.

Travel Safety

Air Travel and Airports: Many airports offer domestic and international connections in the UK. Primary hubs include Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton (all serving London), as well as Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Glasgow. Northern Ireland is served by flights into Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport. London Heathrow is the world's busiest airport; delays are common and many passengers complain of lost luggage.

Passengers boarding El Al airlines or any international flight outside of Europe should arrive three hours prior to departure to allow enough time for security checks. Arrive at least two hours early for European flights and 90 minutes ahead of domestic flights. There have been several foiled terror attacks on transatlantic services since the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States. Security is rigid, but efficient.

There are a number of transport options available at major airports in the UK, including taxis, buses, coach buses, airport shuttles and trains. Heathrow Airport is situated 24km (15 miles) west of central London, accessible by road or public transportation. Non-stop Heathrow Express trains run every 15 minutes between the airport and London Paddington station. Cheaper Heathrow Connect trains run every 30 minutes and make multiple stops on the 25 minute trip to London Paddington station. Heathrow has three London Underground metro stations – one for Terminals 1 and 3, and one each at Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Terminals 1 and 3 are a short walk from each other. Terminals 4 and 5 are served by free inter-terminal trains and buses. National Express and other operators run bus services from Heathrow to more than 500 destinations. An extensive network connects Heathrow to destinations in west London and the Thames Valley. The DLR (the same system as the underground) runs to and from London City Airport to the city's central business district every eight-15 minutes and travellers can expect the journey to take approximately 17 minutes.

Public transportation in the UK is safe and reliable. Incidents of petty crime can occur on buses and trains. Always keep your bags close and your valuables on your person.

Visas: The UK is excluded from the European Union Schengen zone. Visas are not required for citizens of the EU/EEA. Visitors from many countries, including Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico and Japan, do not need a visa to visit the UK for stays of less than six months (full list on the UK home office website). Citizens of other countries should check visa requirements with the British embassy in their home country before departing for the UK.

Road Travel: Road networks in the UK are among the safest in Western Europe and drivers are generally competent and cautious. Motorways connecting major cities are denoted by an 'M' followed by numbers (e.g. M25). 'A' class roads also connect major cities, but are of a lower standard. 'B' class roads serve rural areas and towns, and may occasionally be poorly maintained. Roads in rural areas can be very narrow and winding. Inexperienced drivers should avoid travelling by night on poorly lit thoroughfares, particularly in bad weather.

A valid foreign driver's license may be used in the UK by motorists over the age of 16. Speed cameras monitor the network of motorways and 'A' class roads; travelling faster than 10 percent over the speed limit may result in a fine. Speed limits are indicated in miles per hour and distances in miles. Speed limits in urban areas vary from 32kph to 64kph (20mph to 40mph). The motorway limit is 112kph (70mph), while dual carriageways and rural roads are usually 96kph (60mph). Seat belts are mandatory. Driving under the influence of alcohol (or drugs) is considered a very serious offense. Anything over a limit of 0.8 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood can result in severe fines and possible jail sentences.

The use of a horn in the UK is typically a sign of aggression and best avoided unless absolutely warranted. It is illegal to use a car horn before 07:00 and after 23:00 local time. The most congested city in the UK is Belfast while London is a close second**.** Both cities are among the most

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 36 congested in the world and Manchester and Edinburgh are also highly congested**,** mostly during the evening traffic peak. When possible, avoid the following roads at peak hours to avoid delays:

Between 07:00 and 08:30

-M6 Southbound J9;

-A406 Anticlockwise Hanger Lane Gyratory;

-A5081 Park Way, Manchester -Jamaica Road, Southwark, London

-M6 Southbound J25 Bryn Link Road, Wigan;

-M4 Eastbound J2 Brentford;

-A13 Westbound Dagenham, London;

-M6 Southbound J10 Wolverhampton East;

-M25 Anticlockwise J19 Watford East.

Between 17:00 and 18:00

-M6 Southbound J9 Wednesbury;

-M8 Eastbound;

-M4 Eastbound J1 Chiswick;

-M6 Southbound J10 Wolverhampton East;

-M25 Anticlockwise;

-A5081 Park Way, Manchester

-Jamaica Road, Southwark, London

Public Transport

Boats/Ferries: Several ferry crossings at multiple ports connect the UK to Ireland, France, Spain, Holland, Germany, Belgium and Scandinavia. Reliable companies servicing heavily-trafficked routes include P&O Ferries, Norfolkline and LD Lines. Vessels are generally well maintained and safe, though unpredictable weather patterns may periodically disrupt schedules. In 2015 and early 2016, large numbers of migrants have gathered in Calais, France, seeking to illegally enter the United Kingdom, triggering the deployment of additional local police to the area to maintain order. On at least one occasion, authorities were forced to closed the port after at least 500 migrants attempted to storm the harbour, with some making it aboard the Spirit of Britain ferry and on another occasion, Eurotunnel announced that all cross-channel services between the United Kingdom and Calais were experiencing delays of over two hours, after migrants gathered at the port and carried out an 'intrusion' on the Eurotunnel site during. Such incidents have decreased but nonetheless future disruptions to Eurochannel services should not be ruled out. Confirm itineraries prior to departure and allow for additional travel time.

Buses: Multiple bus routes provide comprehensive intra-city service. The busiest routes will have buses departing every 10 minutes between 09:00 and 18:00 local time. Various intercity bus companies offer cheap travel around the UK. 'Megabus' is often the cheapest provider; however, their buses can be unreliable and are often delayed. International bus routes operated by Eurolines and other private firms connect the UK to many cities in mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel or ferry transport. Ulsterbus works in co-operation with its Irish counterpart Bus Eireann to connect Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland. Bus trips to the European mainland can be slow compared to rail. Petty theft is also common on long distance buses, often when passengers fall asleep.

Metros: London and Glasgow both operate extensive and efficient underground rail networks, referred to as the ‘underground’ or the ‘tube’ in London and the ‘subway’ in Glasgow. Minor delays are common, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours. Always keep your bags close and your valuables on your person. In the aftermath of the terror attack on London's underground in

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 37 2005, security at train stations has been tightened. The underground networks in London and Glasgow remain potential targets for terror attacks, and visitors are urged to remain vigilant at all times.

Taxis: Taxis are generally safe and well maintained. Traditional 'black' cabs seat five passengers, private hire taxis can seat four and mini-buses seat up to 15. During rush hour, taxis are eligible to use bus lanes, allowing them to bypass traffic congestion. Never hail a mini-cab or unlicensed taxi on the street, as drivers have been known to rob or sexually assault passengers. However, licensed non- 'black' mini-cabs can be booked in advance by phone and are less expensive than 'black' cabs. London also has several taxi services designated just for women, the so-called “pink-taxis”.

Trains: The UK has a safe, extensive rail networks for travel within and between cities. Although trains are sometimes delayed, they are generally safe and maintained to a high standard. NI Railways works in co-operation with the Irish rail company to provide a reliable service between Dublin and Belfast. High speed Eurostar trains connect London to Paris via the Channel Tunnel.

Recent incidents

29 August 2021 - 30 August 2021 Moderate risk: Strike to disrupt EMR services on 29 August The RMT union announced that East Midlands Railway (EMR) conductors will strike for 24 hours on 29 August over safety issues.

27 August 2021 - 28 August 2021 Moderate risk: Firefighters respond to large blaze in Leamington Spa Several roads were reportedly closed and dozens of properties were evacuated as firefighters were responding to a large blaze at an industrial building on Juno Drive in Leamington Spa since morning hours local time. A Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were also on the scene and people nearby were asked to keep their windows and doors closed.

26 August 2021 - 28 August 2021 Moderate risk: London Underground workers to strike on 26-27 August London Underground workers represented by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) plan to strike from 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) on 26 August until 11:59 local time (10:59 GMT) on 27 August, over salary issues.

26 August 2021 - 28 August 2021 Low risk: London Underground workers call off planned strike on 26-27 August - Update London Underground workers represented by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) called off a planned strike from 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) on 26 August until 11:59 local time (10:59 GMT) on 27 August, to allow for negotiations with Transport for London (TfL) over salary issues.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 38 Country Hotspots

Cities, Towns, Villages: Radical religious terrorism has thus far targeted only London and Glasgow, particularly their public transport systems and airports. London remains the most high-risk location in the UK for terrorist attacks, but there have been terrorist-related arrests in almost all British cities. Anti-terror operations have previously targeted “sleeper cells” in Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester and Sheffield. Monitor government alerts and develop robust contingency plans. There are a number of domestic extremist groups motivated by issues including, for example, animal rights and student tuition fees, that pose a threat to civil order as opposed to security. Track local media to avoid planned demonstrations.

Belfast and Derry (Londonderry) in Northern Ireland are best avoided during marching season, which peaks from 4 to 12 July annually, when both cities become hotspots for sectarian street violence. Cars with Republic of Ireland or UK licence plates may be at greater risk and should never be parked in town centres during this time.

Belfast's city centre has undergone a revival since the signing of the Good Friday Peace Agreement in 1998 and is now a safe place to visit. North Belfast and parts of West Belfast are notorious for sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics, Unionists and Nationalists. The Shankhill Road in West Belfast is famously Protestant/Unionist, while the Falls Road is famously Republican/Catholic. These areas are generally safe to visit.

The following flashpoint areas of Belfast host a segregation barrier or 'peace-line' and are best avoided in times of heightened tension: Falls/Shankill Roads, Springfield Road, Roden Street and Stewartstown Road in West Belfast; Duncairn Gardens, Parkside and Mount Collyer Streets, Manor Street, Oldpark Road, Alliance Avenue, Crumlin Road and Serpentine Road in North Belfast; and Short Strand in East Belfast.

(London)Derry is referred to as Londonderry by the British Government, Loyalists and Unionists and simply as Derry by nationalists, Republicans and the Irish. The city should be avoided during annual marching season, especially when the Apprentice Boys march on 12 July. Immediately report unattended packages.

The Garvaghy Road to Drumcree in Portadown has experienced serious violence and should be avoided during marching season.

Regions: Western council areas of Scotland have ongoing problems with sectarianism. Refrain from wearing football shirts, Gaelic Athletic Association sportswear and Irish or British nationalistic dress. The Glasgow and Edinburgh teams of Celtic and Hibernian are associated with the Catholic Church, while Rangers and Hearts are associated with Protestantism. Tensions may flare during and after football matches, which tend to be heavily policed. Do not respond to sectarian or ethnic slurs and keep clear of unruly fans. Note that ferries going to and from Scotland for football matches can carry intimidating crowds. Check local news for details of football fixtures involving Rangers and Celtic and avoid travelling on ferries before or after matches on these days.

Due to dissident republican activity in Northern Ireland, the current threat level in the region remains elevated. Since 2012, the New IRA, a union of several dissident republican groups, has continued to wage a campaign of low-intensity violence against British interests and the local security forces, particularly the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The New IRA is believed to include several hundred armed dissidents, including some former members of the Provisional IRA disenchanted with the peace process. Another dissident republican group, the Continuity IRA, also continues to operate, but on a much smaller scale.

Dissident republican paramilitary activity has been on the rise since October 2013, particularly targeting security forces and government offices, usually in the form of targeted shootings and pipe bomb attacks. While attempted bomb attacks frequently trigger security alerts and road diversions, they rarely result in injuries.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 39 Safety

Beaches and Public Areas: The UK has thousands of miles of coastline and hundreds of beaches. Water quality is generally good and the most popular beaches will have a cleanliness rating indicated by a flag located at the busiest point on the beach. Remain wary of strong rip tides or currents.

Football: Once rampant football hooliganism has largely subsided since the 1980s. The fights that do occur are generally organised between 'firms' or gangs in isolated areas away from the general public. Football matches are very well policed and CCTV is omnipresent.

Hazardous and Closed Territories: Stay clear of Ministry of Defence (MoD) bases. All closed territories will be clearly signposted. Other areas to avoid include Sandside Bay, where nuclear residue has previously been detected from the nearby Dounreay power plant.

Police: Visitors should feel comfortable approaching British police officers whatever the reason, even when asking for directions. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 999 or 112.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 40 Culture

Religious Sensitivities: Apart from sectarian tensions in Scotland (West Coast, mainly in the Glasgow area) and Northern Ireland, there are few cultural and religious norms and sensitivities that visitors need to know about in the UK. Police and human rights groups have recorded an increase in apparent hate crimes nationwide following the June 2016 ‘Brexit’ referendum, with people of South Asian, African and Eastern European descent most often singled out. This usually manifests in the form of verbal harassment late at night on public transport or in the vicinity of clubs and bars, but can escalate into deadly confrontations, particularly where heavy alcohol consumption is involved. Tensions have also increased between law enforcement and predominantly Muslim communities in major urban areas, such as London and Birmingham, in relation to counter-terror operations.

Political Sensitivities: Avoid causing offense when discussing the status of Northern Ireland or Scotland within the union of the UK. Issues of national identity are more pertinent than religious identity. The 'Brexit' debate over leaving the EU is also particularly heated, and alongside issues such as immigration, integration of minority communities and terrorism, is not a suitable conversation topic to broach with strangers in public settings.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 41 Specific Traveller Advice

Female Travellers Local Customs and Laws: There are no local customs or laws that a female traveller should take into consideration in the United Kingdom. Familiarise yourself with your destination prior to travel, and be respectful and mindful of any possible cultural sensitivities, which may include dress, behaviour and topics of discussions.

Safety: There are minimal safety concerns female travellers should take into consideration in the United Kingdom. Sexual assault and rape do occur; however, visitors to the country are not likely to face an additional risk as most perpetrators of assault are known to their victim. While isolated incidents of street harassment and assault are reported in large cities, it is not a widespread or rampant concern. Police and emergency services maintain a high degree of professionalism and female travellers will not encounter any problems dealing with first responders or reporting crimes to local authorities. Exercise personal safety awareness if walking alone at night. Stick to main, well-lit streets and avoid walking through desolate areas or unfamiliar neighbourhoods. Refrain from wearing headphones while walking in the evening.

Health and Wellness: Women have access to a full range of gynaecological and reproductive health services, medicines and products in the United Kingdom. Available services include specialised clinics, prescription contraceptives, emergency contraceptives and a full variety of feminine hygiene products. Emergency contraceptives are sold behind the counter at pharmacies and can be purchased from a pharmacist without a prescription. Abortions are available under most circumstances in much of the UK. In October 2019, a legislation was passed to decriminalise abortion in Northern Ireland, where the procedure had been permitted only when the woman’s life or health is at risk. New regulations on abortion services are expected to be in place by March 2020.

LGBT+ Homosexuality is legal in the United Kingdom. There are many legal protections for LGBT+ persons in the country. Same-sex marriage is legal in all of the UK, including Northern Ireland since 13 January 2020. LGBT+ activity and persons are widely socially accepted, with the exception of smaller villages in rural areas and in Catholic areas of Northern Ireland. LGBT+ travellers are unlikely to face any difficulties or legal issues for travel. Exercise general safety precautions.

Technology & Communication Risk Travellers are likely to face risks related to information and communication technology (ICT) in the United Kingdom.

Internet access and social media have no restrictions. While there are laws prohibiting hate speech, which includes the expression of racial, ethnic, or religious intolerance, this is unlikely to affect travellers.

There are no concerns related to device searches or sensitive technology. Device searches and inspections at the border are unlikely. There are no restrictions in relation to bringing or operating sensitive equipment, which may include photo cameras, satellite phones, drones, and other GPS systems, in the country, however, drone users are required to comply with local laws.

State or criminal penetration of private data is likely. Authorities implement pervasive state surveillance of ICT networks in the country.

Travellers should exercise basic ICT safety precautions. However, travellers should note that ICT laws and practices are subject to change on short notice, and travellers are recommended to confirm the legality/appropriateness of their specific ICT needs prior to departure.

The country is known for its surveillance of telephone and electronic communications and travellers should assume that communication is monitored all the time. Online activities may be monitored. Cyber criminal groups may be present in the country. Exercise discretion in deciding to bring sensitive data into the country.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 42 Legal notice

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Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / United Kingdom 43