Security Alert – US EMBASSY LONDON (28 MARCH 2023)
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, nationwide
case: UK Government raises threat level from Northern Ireland terrorism
As a precautionary measure, on Tuesday 28th March the UK government raised the national security threat level for Northern Ireland from significant to serious. A threat level of Severe means that an attack is very likely. According to the UK government, the threat level change is based on the latest knowledge and analysis of the factors driving the threat. It takes into account a number of factors including the two terrorist incidents in Northern Ireland which have targeted Northern Ireland police in the past four months. This decision reverses the UK government’s February 2022 downgrade of Northern Ireland’s terror threat level from ‘serious’ to ‘serious’ – then the first change in 12 years. More information on UK threat levels is availableon the MI5 website.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said: “The public should remain vigilant but not alarmed and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”
The Foreign Office’s travel advisory level for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland remains at “Level Two: Exercise heightened caution” due to the presence of terrorist groups who continue to plan possible attacks in the country. We recommend travelers to check the information on the Country Information Page for more information.
registered mailSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security and integrity updates.
Measures to be taken:
- Stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, churches, tourist locations, and transportation hubs.
- Check itineraries and times to reduce time and place predictability.
- Keep a low profile.
- Be aware of your surroundings, including local events.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Report threats and suspicious activity on social media to local authorities.
- Monitor local news channels for updates.
Help:
US Consulate General Belfast
+44 (0) 28 9038-6100
[email protected]
US Embassy London, United Kingdom
33 Nine Elms Lane
London, UK SW11 7US
+44 (0) 207-499-9000
from the US: 011 44 (0)20 7499-9000
[email protected]
US Consulate General Edinburgh
+44 (0) 131 556-8315
[email protected]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Country information for Great Britain
