Meri Miettinen
FCDO Advisory: 'See travel advice'. The FCDO does not advise against travel to the United States. Key guidance includes: 1. Terrorism: Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. 2. Crime: Violent crime, including gun crime, rarely involves tourists, but you should take care in unfamiliar areas. 3. Civil Unrest: Protests and demonstrations can take place in any city and can occasionally turn violent; you should avoid all protests. 4. Health: Medical treatment is expensive; ensure you have adequate insurance. 5. General: Carry a form of photo ID at all times.
The United States maintains a stable political system but currently experiences high levels of political polarization and social tension. The WTW Alert:24 Insurer Country Risk Score for Q1 2026 is 12/100, which is classified as 'Elevated Risk'. This rating is primarily driven by relatively high sub-scores in Terrorism (36) and Civil Unrest (31). While the overall security environment is sophisticated, crime remains a concern in major urban centers, particularly involving firearm-related incidents, though these rarely target foreign business travellers directly. In Washington D.C., the risk is centered around political demonstrations and protests near federal buildings. In New York City, the risk is characterized by high-density crowds, street crime in specific precincts, and significant logistical disruptions during major international summits. The traveller's specific project, 'Maintaining Momentum on Haiti', introduces a niche risk profile; Haiti-related diplomatic events in the US, particularly during the UN General Assembly period, can attract passionate protests from diaspora groups and political activists due to the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in Haiti.
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cash is useful for small vendors or street food, and ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are common.
Average Temperatures
spring
8°C to 20°C
summer
20°C to 31°C
autumn
9°C to 21°C
winter
-1°C to 8°C
Key Translations
Emergency Numbers
911 for Police, Fire, and Ambulance.
Electrical
Type A and B, 120V
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the US. Standard service in restaurants is 18-22%. Tipping $1-2 per drink at bars and $2-5 for luggage assistance or housekeeping is customary.
Practical Tips
DC is very walkable, but the Metrorail system is the best way to get around; buy a SmarTrip card. Tap water is safe to drink. Dress code is generally casual but business professional near government buildings. Bargaining is not practiced except at private yard sales.
Flights — London → United States, washington DC
Hotels
Budget
DC: Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center (~£170/night). NYC: Pod Times Square or Arlo Midtown (~£240/night).
Mid-Range
DC: The Westin Washington DC Downtown (~£320/night). NYC: Marriott Marquis or Hyatt Centric Midtown 5th Ave (~£450/night).
Premium
DC: The Hay-Adams or Waldorf Astoria Washington DC (~£600/night). NYC: The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad (~£950/night).
Summary
Secure a multi-city ticket with BA or United early. Due to the UN General Assembly in NYC, hotel prices will be at their annual peak; prioritize booking NYC accommodation immediately once schedules are released to avoid paying double the standard business rate.
Extreme transport disruption in Manhattan (Midtown), heavy security presence (NYPD, Secret Service), and road closures near the UN Headquarters and major hotels. Increased targeting risk for high-profile venues.
Risk implication: Moderate: Logistical delays are certain. The Royalton Hotel is in Midtown (44th St), placing the traveller in the heart of the security zone. Movement will be restricted, and protest activity is highly likely.
Small-to-medium scale demonstrations by the Haitian diaspora or activists regarding the security situation in Haiti, likely near the State Department in DC or the UN in NYC.
Risk implication: Moderate: Given the traveller's project ('Maintaining Momentum on Haiti'), there is a specific risk of encountering protests at meeting venues. While unlikely to be directed at a Programme Coordinator personally, spillover violence or verbal harassment is possible.
As a female traveller, Meri should maintain standard urban awareness; while D.C. and NYC are generally safe, solo travel at night in unfamiliar areas should be avoided. Her public profile is 'low', which mitigates the risk of targeted political kidnapping or harassment. However, her involvement in the 'Maintaining Momentum on Haiti' project is the primary differentiator. During UNGA, Haiti is a high-agenda item. If she is attending events where controversial political figures are present, she may be caught in protest activity. Her nationality (Finnish or British assumed via UK role) does not pose a specific risk in the US, but she should carry her passport for identification at the Amtrak station and hotel check-ins.
Civil Unrest / Protests
Heightened protest activity in NYC due to UNGA and in DC due to the political climate. The 'Haiti' project theme increases the likelihood of encountering specific demonstrations.
Logistical Disruption
Gridlock in Midtown Manhattan during the stay at the Royalton Hotel will make travel to meetings extremely slow and difficult.
Terrorism
The US remains a high-priority target for domestic and international terrorism, particularly during high-profile gatherings like UNGA.
Crime (Urban)
Standard risk of petty theft or opportunistic crime in high-traffic tourist and transit areas (Dulles, Penn Station, Midtown).
- 1.Ensure the AIG MyLifeline app is downloaded and registered before departure.
- 2.During UNGA in NYC, allow triple the usual time for cross-town travel. Use the subway (Metro) rather than taxis/Ubers, as road closures will be extensive.
- 3.Maintain a 'low profile' regarding the Haiti project details when in public spaces or using public transport.
- 4.Avoid all demonstrations. If a protest begins near a venue, remain indoors until it disperses or seek an alternative exit.
- 5.Carry a physical copy of the AIG insurance card and the 24/7 assistance number (+44 1273 065 120).
- 6.Hotel security: Always use the deadbolt and peephole. The Lombardy and Royalton are reputable hotels with 24/7 lobby presence.
- 7.If using Amtrak, keep luggage in sight or secured at all times, as thefts from racks can occur during station stops.
The US is not currently on any UKHSA high-risk lists for infectious disease outbreaks.
The traveller will stay at established, high-end hotels (Lombardy and Royalton) with professional security protocols. Travel between DC and NYC will be via Amtrak, which is the standard and safest method for this corridor. Participation in the Haiti conference should be confined to secured venues. The traveller should avoid walking alone late at night in areas north of Central Park in NYC or outside the primary 'Northwest' quadrant in DC.
Evacuation is unlikely given the stable US environment. However, in the event of a major security incident or terrorist attack, the decision to evacuate or relocate will be made by the Chatham House Chief Operating Officer in consultation with AIG Crisis Management and the UK Embassy in Washington. The primary route would be via commercial flight from Dulles (IAD) or JFK/Newark (EWR).
If NYC airports are closed during UNGA due to a security incident, relocation via Amtrak to Philadelphia or Boston for alternative international departures is the primary contingency. Ground transport via private hire would be the secondary option.
In the event of civil unrest or a 'shelter-in-place' order, the Lombardy and Royalton hotels serve as the primary hibernation locations. Both hotels have internal food services and secure perimeters.
Traveller to check in via WhatsApp group with the Programme Manager: 1. Upon arrival at Heathrow. 2. Upon arrival at Dulles Airport. 3. Upon arrival at Hotel Lombardy. 4. Daily at 09:00 ET (14:00 UK). 5. Upon arrival at Royalton Hotel, NYC. 6. Final check-in upon return to the UK.
If a check-in is missed by 1 hour, the Programme Manager will attempt to contact the traveller via phone and WhatsApp. If no contact is made after 2 hours, the Chatham House Security Lead will be notified. If 4 hours pass without contact, AIG MyLifeline Assistance will be engaged to initiate a welfare check.
AIG MyLifeline Assistance: +44 1273 065 120; FCDO Consular Emergency: +44 20 7008 5000; Chatham House Base Contact: [Redacted/Placeholder]; Traveller Mobile: [Redacted/Placeholder]
Required training for moderate risk destinations: 4 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
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
AIG Security Questionnaire
Insurance approval questionnaire for AIG Lifeline Plus