Anna Morgan
ADVISE AGAINST ALL TRAVEL. The FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan. You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile. There is a constant and high threat of terrorist attacks, including near the airport and in 'soft' targets like hotels and mosques. There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained by the Taliban; such detentions can be prolonged and the UK government may not be notified. The British Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in August 2021; there is no British consular presence in the country and the UK government cannot provide in-person support. Travel within the country is extremely dangerous, with checkpoints and unpredictable local commanders. If you choose to travel against this advice, you do so at significant personal risk and your insurance is likely invalid without specific, written high-risk endorsements.
Afghanistan is classified by WTW Alert:24 with an overall rating of 52/100, categorized as 'Extreme Security Risks'. While the aggregate score sits at 52, specific sub-metrics are critical: Terrorism (98), Crime (92), and Internal Conflict (89). The security environment is dominated by the Taliban authorities, who lack international recognition, and the persistent threat from Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). For a British female national, the environment is hostile; women face systemic discrimination and severe movement restrictions. British nationals are at a high risk of arbitrary detention by the authorities. FCDO advises against all travel, which is a critical factor that may void insurance cover and makes consular assistance impossible.
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High-density gathering; significant ISIS-K targeting risk; increased security presence.
Risk implication: Friday prayers are frequently targeted by IEDs or suicide bombers. Travellers should avoid the vicinity of major mosques and government buildings on this day.
Increased Taliban security operations; heightened political tension; potential for ISIS-K 'anniversary' attacks.
Risk implication: The period leading up to the August 15 anniversary of the Taliban takeover often sees increased militant activity and more restrictive checkpoint protocols.
As a female British national, Anna Morgan faces extreme, specific risks. Under Taliban edicts, women are prohibited from most forms of employment and are often required to have a 'mahram' (male chaperone) for travel over certain distances or for entering certain buildings. Strict dress codes (full burqa or niqab) are mandatory in many areas of Herat. As a researcher, any activity involving interviews or data collection could be misinterpreted as espionage or 'anti-Islamic' activity, leading to immediate detention. British nationality significantly elevates the risk of 'hostage diplomacy' or arbitrary detention for political leverage. Her low public profile provides minimal protection. Solo travel for a woman is virtually impossible and highly dangerous in this jurisdiction.
Terrorism (ISKP and others)
Continuous threat of large-scale attacks on public spaces, NGOs, and foreign interests.
Arbitrary Detention
Taliban authorities frequently detain Westerners on vague charges; British nationals are specifically targeted.
Gender-Based Restrictions
Severe limitations on movement, dress, and interaction for women enforced by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.
Lack of Consular Support
No UK diplomatic presence means no assistance if arrested, injured, or if travel documents are lost.
- 1.DO NOT PROCEED with travel unless exceptional approval is granted by the Chatham House Director and AIG provides written confirmation of cover for 'Against FCDO Advice' travel.
- 2.If travel proceeds, a full-time professional Private Security Detail (PSD) with local expertise and armored transport is mandatory.
- 3.Anna must be accompanied by a male colleague or 'mahram' at all times to comply with local edicts and reduce harassment.
- 4.Strict adherence to local dress codes (Abaya/Headscarf at minimum, Burqa often required in Herat suburbs).
- 5.Satellite communication (BGAN/Iridium) is essential as local mobile networks are often cut by authorities or lack coverage.
- 6.Register with the AIG MyLifeline 24/7 assistance app and ensure the emergency number (+44 1273 065 120) is on speed dial.
- 7.Adopt a completely 'blackout' social media policy—no posts until after return to the UK.
While no COVID-19 quarantine is active, Afghanistan is a high-risk zone for Polio and other infectious diseases requiring vigilance.
Traveller must stay in a pre-vetted, fortified guest house with 24/7 armed guards and Hesco-reinforced perimeters. Avoid all public hotels. Movement must be restricted to daylight hours in armored vehicles with local drivers. Research venues must be pre-scanned by security; no unplanned stops or street walking.
Decision to evacuate is made by the Chatham House Crisis Management Team in consultation with AIG/WTW and the FCDO. Triggers include: an uptick in ISKP activity in Herat, a change in Taliban policy toward British nationals, or a medical emergency. Evacuation would likely be via commercial or charter flight from Herat International Airport (HEA) to Kabul then out, or a direct charter to Dubai/Istanbul.
If HEA is closed, overland relocation to the Iranian border (Islam Qala) is the primary alternative, though this requires prior Iranian visa arrangements and involves significant risk of checkpoint harassment or border closure.
In the event of city-wide unrest or airport closure, the traveller must retreat to a designated 'Safe Room' within the fortified guest house. Hibernation supplies (water, food, medical kits, sat-coms) must be maintained for at least 14 days.
Check-in via WhatsApp/Sat-phone every 4 hours during daylight: 08:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00 (Herat time). Morning check-in must occur before leaving the guest house. Final check-in upon return to the secure accommodation each evening.
If a check-in is missed by 30 minutes, the CH Base Contact will attempt contact. If 60 minutes pass with no contact, AIG MyLifeline and the CH Director will be alerted to initiate emergency tracking/PSD response. In case of injury, the traveller or PSD must contact AIG Assistance (+44 1273 065 120) immediately.
AIG MyLifeline: +44 1273 065 120; FCDO Consular (London): +44 20 7008 5000; CH Base Emergency: [Insert CH Duty Officer Mobile]; Local PSD Lead: [TBC upon vendor selection]
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Required training for critical risk destinations: 5 course(s)
Basic Online Training
Required for all travel
Risk Awareness Training
Required for all travel
First Aid Training
Required for all travel
Enhanced Online Training
Required for amber/red destinations
HEAT Training
Required for red destinations
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