Travel Risk Assessment

We understand that travelling for work or study is a fundamental part of Higher Education.

We do not want to add unnecessary layers of bureaucracy to this process however we need to ensure that all people travelling on behalf of Goldsmiths are informed of the risks of their trip and have considered how they will/would be mitigated.

The below guidance provides information on different areas of risk that you could face when travelling.

We do not anticipate that you would face all of these risks in one trip. The guidance included is a starter for ten to ensure everyone is aware of the potential risks and are comfortable to continue with their trip.

We understand that it is a detailed and, at times, extreme list but it aims to support individuals in considering all possibilities and most importantly keep all travellers safe.

It is the traveller’s responsibility to follow their risk assessment and implement the mitigation measures outlined within it.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact insurance (@gold.ac.uk).

Security

Crime

• Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded places and never resist a mugger
• Be aware of credit card fraud
• Minimise the amount of cash carried
• Be aware of theft or loss of ID documents
• Do not wear expensive jewellery and be cautious of your surroundings when using electronics
• Be aware of any common street scams/corruption and think about how to react if you are approached
• Be mindful of travelling alone
• Use the safe in your hotel room and the security chain.
• Ensure you have the numbers required to cancel credit cards

Terrorism

• Be fully aware of the current security situation in the cities you are visiting
• Pay attention to the location of fire exits in all venues
• Ensure you follow the recommendations for local transport (below)
• Avoid foreign embassies and hotels next door/nearby whenever possible
• Be aware of the mental anguish that can result from being in or near the impact zone of an attack, even when not directly involved
• Wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. There may be little or no warning of an attack
• Be aware of unusual behaviour. This and suspicious packages should be reported to the police or security personnel immediately
• Do not be afraid to leave your environment if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right
• Do not accept packages from strangers or open any mail you consider suspicious
• Do not leave luggage unattended
• If in a building located near the site of a terrorist attack, stay away from the windows. As soon as it is deemed safe, leave the building and get as far away as possible
• If in the vicinity of an attack, do not stay to watch what is happening, as you will only get in the way of the emergency services. There is also a risk of secondary devices intended to target emergency personnel
• Make a mental note of havens, such as hospitals

Kidnap

• Maintain a low public profile and do not publicise your itinerary
• Be alert to suspicious persons, vehicles and activity, particularly in the vicinity of your accommodation
• Pre-programme your mobile phone to the emergency services
• Employ a trained driver where necessary

Environmental

Climate conditions

• Be aware of the weather forecasts for the dates of your trip and pack appropriate clothing 
• Use high-factor sunscreen and carry a bottle of water in hot conditions 
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and drink sufficient liquids to prevent dehydration
• Check whether altitude is a factor and take advice on altitude sickness

Natural disasters

• Check whether the country you are visiting has turbulent weather seasons
• Read the emergency procedures on the back of your hotel room door and pay attention to the location of fire exits in all venues
• Make a note of the contact details for your local Embassy and leave copies of your itinerary and passport/visa with your office/next of kin

Infrastructure

Transportation and Accommodation

• Stay in reputable/approved hotels or accommodation
• Ensure your home contact is aware of your accommodation and has the address and contact details
• Arrange a hotel transfer or reliable local contact to collect you from the airport on arrival
• Use hotel cars or recommended taxi companies
• If driving yourself, ensure that you have the correct insurance/licence and are fully aware of local driving regulations
• Avoid driving at night
• If using rickshaws/tuk-tuks/jeepneys, choose carefully and always agree a price before getting in
• If using local transport, be wary of the roadworthiness of the vehicle and safeguard your belongings
• Wear your seat belt, even if the locals do not

Utilities and Cyber Issues

• Check type of plug/s required and take plenty with you
• Ensure all electronic devices are charged before departing for the airport – this is a safety requirement; your devices may be checked at Airport Security
• Be aware of the UK electronics ban affecting flights arriving into UK into certain countries
• Charge your mobile phone frequently
• Email important documents to yourself to use as a backup in case of lost/theft of laptop, usb etc
• If a wall socket looks damaged or there is water damage nearby, DO NOT USE IT
• Check internet availability/issues in the country you are visiting and ensure webmail is available

Medical

Medical capabilities

• Check if cash payment upfront is required for medical attention (even in an emergency)
• Be aware of the ambulance provision in-country; many countries will have private and public ambulance services and response times may vary
• Ensure you pack a sufficient amount of any prescribed medication for your trip plus 7 days extra
• Do not engage in unsafe sexual activities or drug-taking
• Take a First Aid Kit and consider the need for taking own syringes/needles
• Carry up to date European Health Insurance Card

Contaminated food

• Eat only recently prepared food that has been thoroughly cooked
• Busier restaurants may be safer as they are more likely to serve freshly cooked food
• Be cautious with pork products, fish/seafood and dairy products
• Be cautious of buffets (is the food properly covered & how long has it been standing?)
• Be wary of drink-spiking and do not leave consumables unattended
• Contaminated water
• Drink bottled water only and avoid ice in drinks
• Use bottled water to brush your teeth
• Check beaches/rivers for warning signs
• Carry water sterilising tablets

Contact with insects

• Ensure that you have the required inoculations before travelling and check that your tetanus & polio are up-to-date
• Check whether yellow fever inoculation certificate is required for the country you are visiting (you cannot enter several countries without this)
• Consult your GP for malaria advice and check whether the region you are visiting has confirmed cases of the Zika virus
• Use insect repellents safely

Contact with animals

• Do not approach animals, even if they appear domesticated (including stray dogs)
• Make yourself aware of indigenous snakes/reptiles for the area you are visiting

Political

• Be fully aware of the current security situation in the cities you are visiting
• Avoid all demonstrations/large gatherings
• Prepare an alternate travel plan if strikes are anticipated
• Check dates of the trip against local elections, major sporting events and public holidays

Local Culture

• Ensure that you are aware of and respect local religious restrictions and festivals
• Dress appropriately at all times
• Be aware of causing offence when taking photos of local people. - See Drum Cussac Country Report for local culture advice
• Wear appropriate clothing

Legal differences

• Be aware that local Health and Safety standards may not be as robust or as well enforced as they are in the UK/EU
• If you are taking prescription medication, take a copy of your prescription in your hand luggage
• Some medications legal in the UK are not legal overseas; check the embassy website of the country being visited
• Be aware of levels of police corruption, associated extortions, and issues surrounding the reporting of a crime
• Make yourself aware of local laws relating to alcohol, gender equality, sexual assault and local attitudes towards LGBT