Visitors in the United Kingdom are not expected to produce their passports for police checks or other purposes, and thus may store their passports in hotels or residences. In Northern Ireland, however, passports or similar photograph identification should be carried at all times. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Penalties for possessing, using, and dealing in illegal drugs in both the United Kingdom and Gibraltar are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. The United Kingdom is a stable, modern democracy.
Political demonstrations are generally orderly and well policed.
There is, however, a history of terrorist violence related to the political situation in Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, and numerous such incidents have occurred throughout England and Northern Ireland. Although the main paramilitary groups are on cease-fire, there continue to be acts of terrorist violence by dissident groups. U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, but some have been injured when caught up in disturbances. In recent years there has been widespread civil unrest throughout Northern Ireland during the summer marching season. As a result, American citizens traveling in Northern Ireland have experienced delays and disruption in their travel.