Orysia Lutsevych
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises 'See travel advice' for Poland, meaning there is no general advisory against travel to the country. Regional advice: There are no specific regions or districts with restrictive travel advisories. Key reasons for advice: The FCDO notes that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Poland, though most visits are trouble-free. It highlights the risk of petty crime (theft, pickpocketing) in crowded areas and public transport. Travellers are advised that demonstrations can happen with little notice and should be avoided. Regarding the border with Belarus, the FCDO warns that the situation is volatile and some crossings may be closed. Specific guidance: Travellers should carry a form of photo ID at all times and ensure they have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) alongside private travel insurance.
Poland is a highly stable European Union and NATO member with a very low baseline risk profile. The WTW Insurer Risk Score for Q1 2026 is 8/100, categorised as 'Stable'. While the country faces some geopolitical tension due to its border with Ukraine and Belarus, the internal security situation remains robust. Risks are primarily limited to petty crime in major tourist hubs like Gdańsk and occasional civil unrest related to domestic politics or agricultural policies. For this specific traveller, the risk is slightly elevated above the baseline due to her high-profile role in Ukrainian affairs and the nature of the conference, which may attract interest from hostile state actors (surveillance/cyber-attacks).
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Increased security presence in Gdańsk; potential for localized traffic disruption around conference venues; possible presence of high-level international dignitaries.
Risk implication: Elevated profile of the city may attract peaceful protests or, more critically, targeted cyber/surveillance activity from actors hostile to the conference's objectives. Minor transport delays.
Mass gatherings in public spaces, particularly near the Motława River in Gdańsk. Increased crowds and alcohol consumption.
Risk implication: Increased risk of petty crime (pickpocketing) and opportunistic harassment in large crowds. Difficulty in securing last-minute transport.
Ms. Lutsevych’s profile as Head of the Ukraine Forum and her participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference present a specific 'Professional Targeting' risk. Given her public stance on Russia-Ukraine issues, she may be a target for state-sponsored digital surveillance, physical tailing, or harassment by hostile actors. As a female traveller, while Poland is generally safe, standard precautions against evening harassment in nightlife areas (like Gdańsk Old Town) apply. Her role requires high-level information security; the risk of laptop/phone compromise via 'evil twin' Wi-Fi or physical theft is higher than for a standard tourist. Her low public profile elsewhere reduces the risk of random physical targeting, but her specific expertise makes her a person of interest in the context of the conference.
Hostile State Intelligence / Surveillance
Potential for digital or physical surveillance given the traveller's role in the Ukraine Forum and the conference topic.
Petty Crime
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching in tourist areas of Gdańsk and on public transport.
Civil Unrest
Potential for spontaneous protests related to the conference or domestic political issues.
- 1.Maintain high levels of cybersecurity: use a VPN at all times, avoid public Wi-Fi, and use multi-factor authentication for all accounts.
- 2.Exercise situational awareness in crowded areas, especially during the Ukraine Recovery Conference side events.
- 3.Keep digital and physical copies of travel documents, insurance policy (AIG Policy No. 0010016700), and emergency contacts.
- 4.Download the AIG MyLifeline app and register the trip before departure.
- 5.Avoid discussing sensitive Chatham House research or personal travel details in public spaces or over unsecured phone lines.
- 6.Use reputable taxi apps (e.g., Bolt, Uber, or official taxi ranks) rather than hailing unmarked vehicles.
- 7.In case of any emergency, contact AIG MyLifeline Assistance immediately at +44 1273 065 120.
Requirements are based on current UKHSA guidelines for Poland; no high-risk disease outbreaks currently necessitate quarantine.
The traveller will stay at the Retro Boutique by NorthSide Apartments in Gdańsk. This is a central, well-regarded location. Security protocols involve staying within well-lit, populated areas of the Old Town and using official conference transport or vetted taxis. Venue security for the URC is expected to be high, managed by Polish state security services.
Evacuation is unlikely given the 'Stable' rating. However, any decision to evacuate would be made by the Chatham House Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in consultation with AIG Crisis Management and the UK Embassy in Warsaw. The primary trigger would be a significant escalation in regional conflict or widespread civil collapse.
In the event Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) is closed, relocation would involve overland travel via rail or private car to Berlin (Germany) or Warsaw, which serves as a secondary international transport hub.
If movement is restricted due to civil unrest, the traveller should hibernate at the Retro Boutique apartments. Ensure the apartment is stocked with 48 hours of water and non-perishable food. Maintain contact with Chatham House via the established comms plan.
The traveller will check in with the Russia and Eurasia Programme designated contact via WhatsApp: 1. Upon arrival at Gdańsk Airport. 2. Upon arrival at the hotel. 3. Daily at 09:00 and 21:00 (UK Time). 4. Prior to departure for the UK.
If a check-in is missed by 60 minutes, the designated contact will attempt to call the traveller's mobile. If no contact is made within 2 hours, the Programme Director will be notified. If 4 hours pass without contact, AIG MyLifeline (+44 1273 065 120) and the UK Embassy will be contacted.
AIG MyLifeline Assistance: +44 1273 065 120; FCDO Consular Emergency: +44 20 7008 5000; Chatham House Base Contact: [Insert Dept Number]; Traveller Mobile: [Insert Traveller Number].
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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