This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in London. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in the United Kingdom (UK). For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s UK country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses the United Kingdom at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed London as being a MEDIUM-threat location, and Belfast and Edinburgh as being LOW-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Cities in the UK are generally safer than comparable metropolitan areas in the United States. There has been no change in overall levels of crime in 2019. However, there were increases in some of the less frequently occurring but more dangerous types of violence, including offenses involving knives and sharp instruments. There was a 4% decrease in the number of homicides in the UK in 2019. It is much more likely for an adult in the UK to be a victim of fraud than to be a victim of a violent offence.

Violent criminal confrontations and the use of weapons are still relatively rare, although serious incidents are possible and do occur. Most violent crimes, including those involving firearms, typically occur between members of rival criminal gangs. The personal possession of guns is illegal, except for the strictly regulated use of shotguns for sporting purposes.

While personal assaults are less common in the UK than they are in the U.S., they do represent an area for concern.

Crimes in London, especially those targeting tourists, are typical. Visitors or temporary residents may be more susceptible to criminal targeting due to their unfamiliarity with local practices. As in any other metropolitan area, there are high-crime areas/localities in cities throughout the United Kingdom. The UK has a comprehensive website that details crime reporting in certain areas. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as impostors posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.

Several crime trends flourished in London in 2019:

• Vehicular break-ins increased across the city by approximately 14%. Thieves force entry and take belongings, including portable satellite navigation systems or other items of value, left in plain sight. Motorists also found their entertainment systems, credit cards, and some vehicle documentation stolen from parked cars.
• Theft of bags, purses, and phones in London pubs, bars, and restaurants continued to be a significant problem.
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location, or are in isolated areas; they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch. ATM scams around Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and in/around the Tube system continue to be prevalent. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.
• Hate crimes continue to increase, with the national figures showing a 10% increase, and commensurate numbers in London. The increases in hate crimes come as police have made improvements in crime reporting, but also include spikes following certain events such as Brexit and terrorist attacks. Most reported hate crimes were race related.

Crimes in Belfast and Edinburgh—especially those targeting tourists—are typical of any large city. Visitors and residents should exercise the same level of common sense and caution that they would while living in any major U.S. urban area. Street crime in Belfast and Edinburgh is lower than most cities throughout the UK. Pickpockets and ATM card skimming activities are present, but violent crime against strangers is comparatively rare.

Cybersecurity Issues

The British government perceives cybercrime to be a real, serious threat to national security and public safety. The government has identified cyberattacks against the UK by other states and large-scale cybercrime as a “tier one” threat (the highest level of threat) to national security. The UK government has sought to identify threats and opportunities presented by an increasingly connected world, and has highlighted the need to shape “training for mainstream law enforcement on cyber issues, making sure the links to related issues such as bullying or child exploitation are made.”

Organized crime has been quick to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Internet, particularly the growth in e-commerce and online banking. Specialist criminal groups target individuals, small businesses, and large corporate networks to steal personal information in bulk to profit from compromised data. For more information regarding cyber security and awareness, visit The National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU) led by the UK National Crime Agency, and review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, and Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Driving in the UK, aside from the challenge of driving on the left, has similarities to driving in the United States. City and country roads are generally excellent, but are narrow and often congested in urban areas. Visitors uncomfortable with or intimidated by the prospect of driving on the left side of the road should use the extensive public transportation system, which includes bus, rail, and air travel options.

Visitors and new residents should be familiar with the meaning of British road signs. Highway Code can provide information on driving regulations and road signage.

The maximum speed limit on highways/motorways is 70 mph. Motorways generally have a hard shoulder (breakdown lane) on the left, defined by a solid white line. It is illegal to stop or park on a hard shoulder, except in an emergency. Emergency call boxes (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are located at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles placed every 100 yards along motorways point in the direction of the nearest call box.

The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. UK penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are strict, and often result in prison sentences. Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that driving after even one drink can result in a charge of driving under the influence.

Using a hand-held cell phone or similar device while driving is illegal in the UK. Only use hands-free phones, or risk fines, or in the case of an accident, arrest and prison time. Authorities will arrest or detain you if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena, or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to go to court quickly for a driving offense.

Travelers intending to rent cars should make sure that they carry adequate insurance. U.S. auto insurance is not always valid internationally; consider supplemental insurance, which is generally available from most major rental agents.

London imposes a congestion charge of £11.50 on all cars entering much of the central core from Monday-Friday, from 0700-1800. Authorities will fine or arrest you if you do not pay the charge. Find information on the congestion charge on the Transport for London website.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Public transport in London is excellent and extensive. Find information on any disruptions to London transportation services on the Transport for London website. Find information about the status of National Rail Services on the National Rail Enquiries website. Find bus and train service information for Scotland on the Traveline Scotland website.

Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs). Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have experienced robbery or sexual assault while using these cars.

Public transport in Northern Ireland is more limited than the rest of the UK. Buses are the primary public transportation mode, with train service available to certain cities. Find information about mass transit on the Translink NI website.

Other Travel Conditions

Pedestrian safety is a major consideration, as pedestrians from right-side drive countries are occasionally injured or killed when they forget that oncoming traffic approaches from the opposite direction from what they are accustomed. There are reminders painted on the sidewalk curbs indicating the direction in which pedestrians must look before crossing. As a pedestrian, having the green traffic light does not mean it is safe to proceed into the street. Especially in urban centers, drivers may not be entirely familiar with UK road signage and rules. Pedestrians should always proceed with caution, and never presume that being "right" means being safe.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed London as being a HIGH-threat location, Belfast as MEDIUM-threat, and Edinburgh as LOW-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

International terrorism continues to be a considerable concern in the UK in 2019. While not reported in the media due to operational sensitivities, authorities thwarted a considerable number of terrorist plots in 2019, according to the police services in the UK, as well as making a large number of terrorism-related arrests.

• In November 2019, police were called to a stabbing incident near the London Bridge, in Central London. A police statement said that two people died in the attack and three were left injured. Police shot and killed the attacker in what they consider to be a terrorist attack.
• In August 2018, a man drove a car into cyclists near the Houses of Parliament during rush hour. Also considered to be an act of terrorism, the incident resulted in two injured pedestrians.

Islamist extremists continue to view the UK as a legitimate and high-priority target for attack. Following the 2017 attacks in London and Manchester, the UK government increased spending on counter-terrorism operations, which resulted in multiple surveillance and terrorism-related arrest operations against radical extremist groups and their surrogates who had demonstrated their intent and capability to conduct attacks on UK soil. This threat is greater due to the presence of radicalized lone actors.

In Northern Ireland, Republican dissident groups mostly target British police, military, and governmental interests, and have not stated grievances against U.S nationals or the U.S. private sector. Any direct impact on U.S. interests would likely be a “wrong place, wrong time” scenario, rather than a targeted attack. The ramifications of Brexit on the Irish border may exacerbate the situation in Northern Ireland. The UK government assesses that the current threat of Northern Ireland domestic terrorism as “Severe,” meaning that an attack is “highly likely.”

The UK National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), created a nationwide video campaign -- “Run, Hide, Tell” -- that advises members of the public on how to react in the event of a firearms or weapons attack. The four-minute film called “Stay Safe: Firearms and Weapons Attack” sets out three key steps for keeping safe. It is available at the National Police Chiefs Council website.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed London and Belfast as being a MEDIUM-threat and Edinburg as LOW-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

Given the diversity of the population, political events that take place around the globe can often precipitate demonstrations and protests in the UK, and particularly in London. London’s bridges, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament are routinely the target of protest and civil unrest.

London has experienced numerous large-scale political demonstrations in recent years. Most protests focus on Parliament Square and the Houses of Parliament. The Metropolitan Police have a visible presence in and around these areas.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of firearms and explosives. Tensions increase during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday. The greatest hazards to visitors in Northern Ireland are along the protest and parade routes in Belfast.

Northern Ireland frequently experiences demonstrations, but they are generally small (<100 people) and typically occur near Belfast City Hall. There is always a visible police presence, and there is no recent history of violence occurring at City Hall demonstrations. Demonstrations at the Consulate in Belfast are rare, small, short, and peaceful.

Maintain good personal security practices, stay current with media coverage of local events, avoid large demonstrations, and exercise caution should they happen upon demonstrations. On days when large political protests are planned, do not wear anything that demonstrators might see as offensive, and/or anything blatantly associated with the United States. Travelers who are confronted or otherwise caught up in a group of demonstrators should attempt to depart the area immediately and seek protection from the nearest police officer, or enter a public establishment and contact police by dialing 999. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Though religious and ethnic undertones may exist in many of the protests and significant events, it is more appropriate to associate these events with the outward messages conveyed by the individuals or groups, rather than to attribute them to religious or ethnic tensions within the UK.

Post-specific Concerns

Personal Identity Concerns

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in the UK. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities. Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street. Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven. Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities. Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers. Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry. Local government councils issue disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”); some may not offer permits to temporary visitors. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Other Issues

Generally, authorities do not allow weapons of any kind in the UK. That prohibition includes firearms, edged weapons/knives, mace or pepper spray, batons, handcuffs, or any other restraints. If authorities discover these items, they will confiscate them and may seek prosecution. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

The emergency line in the United Kingdom is 999. The number connects to an operator who can connect with any needed emergency service (police, fire, medical responders). For non-emergency calls, call other numbers found in the local telephone directory for the service required. Direct police non-emergency calls to 101, which rings the local police precinct. Find contact information for emergency responders on the U.S. Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

Response by police, fire, and emergency medical services are equivalent to those in the United States. Police services are professional, well trained, and community focused. All levels of police services continue to face daunting fiscal challenges, and thus strongly encourage public participation in ensuring personal and neighborhood safety. These initiatives often take the form of extensive community policing programs that educate citizens, residents, and visitors alike regarding current crime and safety issues. Expatriate residents and long-term visitors may take advantage of the opportunities provided by UK emergency services to educate themselves on safety and security practices.

The Metropolitan Police Service employs 31,000 officers and nearly 1,500 Police Community Support Officers, covering an area of 620 square miles and a population of 8 million people across the 32 boroughs of London. There are over 600 “Safer Neighborhood” teams.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) employs 6,600 officers and is responsible for all policing efforts throughout Northern Ireland.

Police Scotland employs approximately 17,000 officers responsible for all policing matters in Scotland.

Policing units are routinely unarmed, except for a handful of specialized firearms support teams, counterterrorism protective specialists, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

Summon emergency medical assistance by dialing 999 nationwide; in London, non-emergency medical advice is available at 111.

Patients may present themselves at the accident and emergency (referred to as “A and E”) department of major National Health Services (NHS) hospitals or at private urgent and emergency care clinics. NHS is the main healthcare provider in the UK; treatment is free for UK residents. NHS facilities will see those not covered for any medical emergency; however, patients must pay directly for the services. Treatment for non-life-threatening conditions at “A and E” departments may require several hours, depending on demand. Those wishing to use private clinics also must pay directly for services, often at rates significantly higher than those in the U.S.

The NHS assesses a surcharge on certain visa applicants at the time of application. Tourists and short-term visitors will not face a surcharge, but will be charged 150% of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in refusal for return to the UK.

Most medical care facilities and medical care providers do not accept insurance subscription as a primary source of payment. Rather, the beneficiary must pay for the service and then seek reimbursement from the insurance company. This may require significant upfront payments of $10,000-20,000 or more in an emergency.

The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to determine if the policy applies overseas and if it covers emergency expenses. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy’s website. As medical services can provide treatment fully comparable to that available in U.S. hospitals and clinics, air ambulance services are generally not necessary.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. The UK classifies certain prescriptions available in the United States as narcotics. Travel with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive; British customs may delay or reject certain medications in the mail.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for the United Kingdom.

OSAC Country Council Information

The United Kingdom Country Council is active, meeting twice a year in London. Contact OSAC’s Europe team for more information or to join.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

33 Nine Elms Lane, London, UK SW11 7US

Hours of Operation: 0830 – 1730, Monday – Friday

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7499 9000

Website: https://uk.usembassy.gov/

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts in the United Kingdom

• Consulate General Belfast, Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR. +44 (0)28 9038 6100 (not for visa information)
• Consulate General Edinburgh, 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW. +44 (0)131 556 8315

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix
• OSAC Travelers Toolkit
• State Department Traveler’s Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)