United Kingdom - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Kingdom.  Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, concerts, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Check local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for the United Kingdom.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.