United Kingdom Country Report
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) is an island country located on the northwest coast of the European continent. It is a modern and developed country with a history of great global influence and is one of the largest economies in the world in terms of GDP. The United Kingdom is made up of four member states: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the last three of which have independent governments. It also has jurisdiction over many overseas territories around the world, a legacy of its dominant maritime empire.
Although the UK may pose security challenges for domestic and international companies, it remains a low-risk environment. Leaving the EU has created high levels of political and operational uncertainty as the UK renegotiates its future relationship with the EU and other international partners. Domestic security concerns are dominated by terrorism, and there are ongoing threats from Islamic extremists and the Irish Republican opposition. The main terrorist threat is posed by small autonomous groups and lone actors sympathetic to the Islamic State (ISIS) and other extremist groups. The UK’s strict gun control laws mean that vehicles and knives, rather than firearms, will be the most likely weapons used in future terror attacks, although the risk of attacks with improvised explosive devices remains.
Various single-issue protest groups often demonstrate in major cities and towns, but riots occur only occasionally and are generally very localized. Most of the criminal activities that affect urban travelers are related to petty theft, such as pickpocketing and pickpocketing. Most violent crimes occur outside bars and nightclubs, between rival gangs or drunken attackers. Seasonal weather conditions can affect rail and air services and cause delays and cancellations.
Last updated: August 28, 2023
Security
Islamic extremist groups and independent individuals continue to plan attacks that could lead to mass deaths or significant damage in the UK. However, in recent years, most sophisticated attack plans have been foiled relatively quickly, and terrorist attacks have increasingly taken the form of knife and vehicle attacks. There is also the risk of retaliatory attacks against Muslims by far-right extremists. Insurgent republicans in Northern Ireland remain a terrorist threat, with small improvised explosive devices (IEDs) often found in Belfast and Londonderry, but with few casualties or serious damage.
The main threat to travelers in the UK is a non-violent opportunistic crime, particularly pickpocketing and pickpocketing in city centers. Various political and socio-economic issues cause regular demonstrations in London and other major cities. While most protests have been heavily policed ​​and peaceful, demonstrations can sometimes cause local travel disruptions.
Last updated: March 24, 2023
Infrastructure
Air travel is safe and compliant with international safety standards.
Road conditions in England are excellent.
Ships are usually safe, reliable, and professional.
Access to public facilities is excellent and comparable to other developed countries in Western Europe.
The risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches against UK businesses is increasing.
Last updated: February 1, 2023
Environment
England has a temperate climate and its temperatures vary according to the seasons. In general, summers are hot and winters are cool. Precipitation is almost evenly distributed throughout the year. During periods of heavy rain, flooding may occur, causing property damage and traffic disruption. Air pollution can increase in London and other major cities, but the risk to travelers is usually negligible.
Last updated: December 8, 2022
Health and Medical
Healthcare standards in the UK are high, but waiting times in public hospital accident and emergency departments can be long. Anyone living outside the EEA, including former UK residents, should ensure they have travel health insurance. Pharmacies are widely available and generally well-stocked with prescription and over-the-counter medications. The water is drinkable.
Last updated: September 14, 2022
Political
The United Kingdom is a federal, multi-party, parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Although the prime minister is the head of government, the king acts mainly as the ceremonial head of government. The prime minister, the cabinet, and the parliament, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, exercise executive power at the national level. In addition, the Scottish Parliament, Senadh (Wales Assembly), Northern Ireland Assembly and the United Kingdom have limited responsibility for legislation at the level of local units in the United Kingdom. The judiciary is independent from the executive and legislative branches. Parliamentary elections are held at least once every five years.
Usually, there is no need to form a coalition government with the presence of several parties. Government collapses happen from time to time. Government agencies are competent and effective and provide reliable services throughout the country.
Last updated: August 31, 2023
