World Cup travel tips from Collinson
Insurance and assistance provider Collinson in the UK has offered some travel risk management tips to employers sending staff overseas to Russia while the forthcoming World Cup tournament is going on.
“It is worth noting,” said Collinson, “that standards within the Russian healthcare system have declined markedly since the end of the Soviet Union and the system can be confusing and difficult to navigate without assistance. For this reason, businesses should ensure travellers have the appropriate level [of] insurance and are aware of the location of medical facilities.”
Randall Gordon-Duff, Head of Product for Corporate Travel at Collinson, identified five main risks of which employers should be aware:
- Crime. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and street scams are frequent occurrences, particularly in tourist areas, while unlicensed taxis – whose drivers either significantly overcharge or simply rob their passengers – are rife.
- Civil unrest. Limited protests by those opposed to the re-election of Vladimir Putin may take place, and employees should take care to ensure they do not get mixed up in them, as the police tend to take a ‘subdue/arrest and ask questions later’ approach.
- Cybersecurity. Business and personal computers and even smartphones are at risk of cyberattacks during the World Cup – state-sponsored hackers have been known to target the Wi-Fi networks in hotels, and travellers should take steps to ensure the security of their devices.
- Terrorism. Militant groups may carry out attacks during the World Cup, and while there is an ongoing crackdown on such activities, employees should remain vigilant nonetheless.
- Travel. Russia is, to put it mildly, a large country, and transport presents a more significant logistical challenge than in other World Cup host countries. Road safety is also an issue, so travellers are advised to avoid travelling by road where possible.
“With adequate insurance and safeguards in place,” said Gordon-Duff, “sending employees to Russia during the World Cup need not be a stressful experience, even with the increased risks the tournament entails.”