Hayder Al-Shakeri
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not currently advise against travel to Taiwan. FCDO guidance notes that Taiwan is generally a safe place to visit, with low levels of crime. However, travellers are advised to maintain a high level of situational awareness regarding natural disasters. Taiwan is in a highly active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes. The typhoon season normally runs from May to November; travellers should monitor local and international weather forecasts. FCDO also highlights that while cross-strait tensions exist, there is no immediate change to the threat level for foreign nationals. Travellers should carry a form of identification (passport) at all times. There are no regional or district-level variations in the advisory for Taipei.
Taiwan is a highly stable, democratic jurisdiction with a very low rate of violent crime and high standards of public safety. The WTW Alert:24 Insurer Country Risk Score for Q1 2026 is 8/100 (Stable), which serves as the baseline for this assessment. This exceptionally low score reflects minimal internal conflict (6), low civil unrest (8), and low terrorism risk (9). While the external conflict score is slightly higher (11) due to long-standing cross-strait tensions with the People's Republic of China (PRC), daily life in Taipei remains unaffected. The primary risks to travellers are natural disasters (earthquakes and seasonal typhoons) rather than security-related threats.
Generate a practical guide with currency, temperatures, key translations, emergency numbers, and more.
Search for best-value flight prices, recommended airlines, and hotel options across budget tiers based on your travel dates.
Potential for severe weather, flight cancellations, and disruption to local transport/workshops.
Risk implication: July is peak typhoon season. While the Marriott Courtyard is a modern facility, extreme weather can cause 'Typhoon Days' where businesses and public transport close.
Increased military presence in the Taiwan Strait; potential for inflammatory rhetoric in local media.
Risk implication: Low immediate risk to travellers in Taipei, but may cause anxiety or minor commercial aviation rerouting in extreme cases.
As a male Research Fellow with a low public profile, Hayder Al-Shakeri faces minimal targeted risk. Taiwan is socially progressive and generally welcoming of international researchers. His role at Chatham House is unlikely to attract negative attention from local authorities, though standard caution regarding sensitive political discussions (specifically cross-strait relations) in public or unencrypted digital forums is advised. There are no specific gender-based or age-based vulnerabilities identified for this profile in the context of Taipei's security environment.
Natural Disasters (Earthquakes/Typhoons)
Taiwan is seismically active and the trip falls within the peak typhoon season. Significant weather events can cause structural damage or total transport paralysis.
Geopolitical Tension
While cross-strait relations are a macro-risk, the likelihood of a kinetic conflict during this 5-day window is statistically very low.
Petty Crime
Very low incidence in Taipei, though pickpocketing can occur in crowded night markets.
- 1.Download the AIG MyLifeline app and register the trip prior to departure.
- 2.Keep a copy of the AIG Emergency Assistance number (+44 1273 065 120) saved in your phone and written in your wallet.
- 3.Monitor the Central Weather Administration (CWA) website for typhoon warnings during the stay.
- 4.Familiarise yourself with the earthquake 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' protocol and hotel emergency exits.
- 5.Maintain standard urban situational awareness in crowded areas like night markets.
- 6.Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from the date of entry.
- 7.Carry the hotel address in Traditional Chinese characters for taxi drivers.
Always check for the latest UKHSA 'Red List' updates 48 hours before return, though Taiwan is currently considered a low-health-risk jurisdiction.
The traveller will stay at the Marriott Courtyard Taipei, a high-security international hotel with 24/7 reception and CCTV. The workshop/summit venues are assumed to be professional settings with standard access controls. No high-risk areas are identified in Taipei city centre.
Evacuation would likely only be triggered by a major natural disaster or a sudden, unprecedented escalation in regional conflict. Decisions will be made by the Chatham House Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in coordination with AIG Crisis Assistance and the British Office Taipei. The primary evacuation route is via Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
If TPE is closed, relocation to southern ports (Kaohsiung) for maritime exit or waiting for infrastructure restoration in a high-standard hotel (hibernation) is the preferred strategy.
In the event of a severe typhoon or earthquake, the Marriott Courtyard serves as a safe hibernation point with backup power and water supplies. Travellers should remain in-situ and follow hotel staff instructions.
Daily check-in via WhatsApp to the designated Chatham House point of contact by 10:00 AM UK time. Mandatory check-ins: 1. Arrival at TPE airport; 2. Arrival at Marriott Courtyard; 3. Daily before departing for the summit; 4. Final check-in at TPE before return flight.
If a check-in is missed by 2 hours, the UK contact will attempt to reach the traveller via phone and hotel room. After 4 hours of no contact, AIG MyLifeline and the British Office Taipei will be notified. In case of emergency, the traveller must contact AIG Assistance (+44 1273 065 120) immediately.
AIG MyLifeline: +44 1273 065 120; FCDO Consular Emergency: +44 20 7008 5000; British Office Taipei: +886 2 8758 2088; Marriott Courtyard Taipei: +886 2 2171 6565.
Auto-generate the AIG Security Questionnaire from this assessment's data for submission to insurers. You can review and edit all answers before downloading.
Required training for low risk destinations: 3 course(s)
Basic Online Training
Required for all travel
Risk Awareness Training
Required for all travel
First Aid Training
Required for all travel
Risk Assessment
Pending
Insurance Approval
Pending
Trip Approval
Pending
Personal Travel Safety Brief
PDF document with traveller safety guidance
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Report
Full security analysis and risk assessment
Security Plan (Annex A)
Security approach, evacuation & hibernation protocols
Communications Plan (Annex B)
Check-in protocol, escalation & contact numbers