Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to the United Kingdom.

 

Crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and street theft occurs at many tourist destinations, hotels, pubs, restaurants, food outlets, on public transport, including the London Underground, and at airports. Pickpocketing occurs more frequently during the summer months, but care should be taken at all times. Thieves will often operate in teams, and will use various techniques to distract you while they attempt to steal from you.

Police also report an increase in mobile phone theft in the UK. We recommend you avoid displaying your phone and valuables unnecessarily and take extra care when using your mobile phone in public. Don’t keep cash, cards and valuables in one place. Spread them out among your pockets and clothing, using pockets secured by zips/buttons or in pockets inside jackets where possible. Be aware that in a crowded environment, where contact with other people is unavoidable, thieves will try to open pockets and bags.

Do not leave any valuables unattended in motor vehicles.

You should ensure that your personal belongings are kept secure when staying in hostels.

Credit card and ATM fraud, often involving sophisticated equipment, is increasing in the UK, as is the incidence of identity theft. Take care to shield your PIN when using ATMs and when using internet cafes, particularly for internet banking. If you are suspicious of any items that are stuck to ATMs or look unusual, do not use the machine. Thieves may attempt to distract you while you use an ATM. If approached while using an ATM, cancel the transaction before speaking to anyone.

There have been instances of drink spiking reported. Do not leave drinks unattended in bars and nightclubs, or accept drinks from strangers.

 

Terrorism

We assess there is a heightened threat of terrorist attack in a number of European countries, including the UK. This threat is posed by those motivated by the current conflict in Iraq and Syria.

On 29 August 2014, UK authorities raised the threat level from international terrorism for the UK overall, from ‘substantial’ to ‘severe’ (level 4 of 5). This higher threat level means that a terrorist attack is highly likely. 

In the past, terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities, such as Glasgow, London, Madrid, Moscow and Paris. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places frequented by foreigners. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services in recent years.

UK authorities have urged members of the public to remain alert to the danger of terrorism and to look out for suspicious bags on public transport or any other potential signs of terrorist activity.

Northern Ireland: The threat level for Northern Ireland-related terrorism, which is a separate indicator, is unchanged at ’moderate’ in England, Wales and Scotland, meaning that the risk of a terrorist attack is assessed as “possible but not likely”and ‘severe’ in Northern Ireland. In recent years, Northern Ireland-related terrorist groups have used firearms and explosives to target police and military, and occasionally commercial interests such as banks and local businesses. Civilians have been injured in these attacks.

 

Civil unrest/political tension

You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent. Instances of civil disorder can rapidly escalate into violence. You should avoid them wherever possible, including by carefully monitoring the media and following the advice of local authorities.

 

Northern Ireland: Since the 1998 peace agreement, the political situation in Northern Ireland has improved. However, we advise you to avoid the annual parades which occur in Northern Ireland during the months of April to August, especially the weeks leading up to the ‘Twelfth’ (also called Orangemen’s Day) on 12 July when tensions may be heightened. These parades may turn violent with little warning. 

 

Local Travel

 

You should only use licensed taxis and minicabs in the UK. Sexual assaults and robberies have occurred in unlicensed minicabs. Unlicensed taxis and minicabs are illegal and often target high traffic destinations such as airports, train stations, theatres and nightclubs. Only black cabs are licensed to be hailed to pick up passengers on the street. Any minicab driver who picks up customers without a booking is acting illegally. You should only use a pre-booked minicab or if hailing a taxi, it should be a black cab.

Assaults have also occurred on public transport services late at night.

 

Health

The standard of health facilities in the UK is comparable to that found in the developed world.

A reciprocal healthcare agreement exists between some countries and the UK. This allows for free NHS hospital and doctor treatment in cases such as an accident or illness, where a need for medical care arises during your visit. It also covers treatment for pre-existing conditions that get significantly worse while you are in the UK, or that a doctor believes will significantly worsen if you are not treated promptly.

 

To visit a doctor while visiting the UK, you will need to ask to be registered as an NHS patient at a practice near to where you are staying. Once registered, your doctor treatment will be free of charge; however, costs associated with prescriptions may still apply. You should note that medical practices in the UK have wide discretion in accepting people as NHS patients.

 

If you require urgent medical care or hospital treatment, you should attend your nearest hospital. The hospital will assess your eligibility for treatment as an NHS patient and determine if any charges apply in line with the healthcare agreement.

To access medical care you will need to provide proof of your  residency. We recommend that you carry evidence, such as a Medicare card for example, with you.

 

Routine and pre-planned treatments are not included under the reciprocal agreement.

If you need to be medically repatriated the NHS will not cover this cost.

 

We recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance before arriving in the UK. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. 

 

To locate your nearest doctor surgery or hospital while in the UK, you should call the NHS on 111 or visit the NHS website.

 

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. You should contact the UK High Commission in  your home country for the most up to date information. Visa information is also available from UK Visas and Immigration. 

 

The UK introduced heightened security screening for passengers from some countries in July 2014. If you are flying to the UK, you should allow extra time for extended screenings and luggage checks at your airport of departure. As part of the screening process, security officers may ask that passengers undergo additional screening procedures in which they may be asked to power up some electronic devices, such as mobile phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted on board the aircraft. The traveller may also undergo additional screening. Passengers should ensure their electronic devices can be powered on at security checkpoints. 

 

For further details on enhanced electronics screening measures, see the UK Department for Transport website, also see information about hand luggage restrictions at UK airports.

 

The British Government administers a very strict entry regime and you are likely to be refused entry upon arrival if you fail to comply with visa requirements. As a general guide, visas are not required if you are entering the UK for tourism and staying up to six months. Any stay over six months or for non-tourism purposes, including study, paid, unpaid or voluntary employment, or to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK, requires a visa. In most instances you will need to apply for your UK visa from y our home country and you should check whether you require a visa in advance of your planned departure.

 

If you are suspected of entering the UK for any purpose other than tourism, and do not have the relevant visa, you may be refused entry. Travellers who are refused entry into the UK may be required to return home. There is also a risk that other countries may also refuse admission on the basis of the British Government’s decision. This decision will be recorded in the traveller’s passport.

 

UK Visas and Immigration advises that if you are refused entry into the UK then you will be informed in writing of the reasons why you have been refused entry; if you have a right of appeal; and when you will be removed from the UK. UK Visas and Immigration also advises that if you have the right to appeal, you will be given details of who you should contact.

The most up to date information on UK immigration changes can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

 

All applicants for a UK visa, must now have a finger scan and a digital photograph taken as part of the visa application process.  Applicants for a UK visa need to complete an application online. You will then have to make an online appointment to visit a British Consulate so they can take a scan of your fingerprint and a digital photograph.

 

People travelling directly to or from a country outside the European Union (EU) who are carrying 10,000 Euros or more (or the equivalent amount in another currency) are required to declare the cash at the place of their arrival or departure from the EU. Under the legislation, the term "cash" includes cheques, travellers' cheques and money orders. Travellers failing to declare the cash or providing incomplete or incorrect information will incur a fine. There is no requirement to declare cash for people travelling to or from another EU country. Information on carrying money directly to or from another country outside the EU can be found on the HM Revenue and Customs website.

 

Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return.