Great Britain Planning Your Trip

Entrance Requirements
Passport . Required of all foreign nationals, although they may not be checked for citizens of the EU.
Visa . Not required for short-term travel for citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US, and many other Western countries. If you are unsure, call your local embassy or complete an inquiry at www.ukvisas.gov.uk. Students planning to study in the UK for six months or more must obtain a student visa.
Inoculations . No specific inoculation, vaccination, certificate, or International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) is required, but check to see if an ICV is required upon re-entry into your own country.
Work Permit . Required for all foreigners planning to work in Britain.

Embassies And Consulates

For addresses of British embassies in countries not listed here, consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (☎ 020 7008 1500; www.fco.gov.uk). Some cities have a British consulate that can fulfill most ...more

Documents And Formalities

Requirements Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US need valid passports to enter Britain and to re-enter their home countries. EU citizens should carry their passports, although they ...more

Money

The pound sterling is the unit of currency in the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own bank notes; the money is of equal value but may not be accepted outside Northern Ireland ...more

Packing

Pack lightly: lay out only what you absolutely need, then take half the clothes and twice the money. The Travelite FAQ (www.travelite.org) is a good resource for tips on traveling light. The online Universal ...more

Safety And Health

In any type of crisis, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Your country’s embassy abroad is usually your best resource in an emergency; registering with that embassy upon arrival in the country ...more

Transportation To The Uk

When it comes to airfare, a little effort can save you a bundle. Courier fares are the cheapest for those whose plans are flexible enough to deal with the restrictions. Tickets sold by consolidators ...more

Transportation In In The Uk

Fares are either one-way or round-trip. “Period returns” require you to return within a number of days; “day return” means you must return on the same day. Unless stated otherwise ...more

Staying Connected

Internet access is ubiquitous in big cities, common in towns, and sparse in rural areas. You can find access in the cybercafes; in coffee shops, particularly chains such as Caffe Nero and Starbucks; ...more

The Great Outdoors

Great Britain’s mild (if rainy) weather and beautiful landscape make it a wonderful place to hike and camp. Newly instituted laws, established by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act of 2000 ...more

Travel Concerns

Women exploring on their own inevitably face some additional safety concerns. Single women can consider staying in hostels that offer single rooms that lock from the inside or in religious organizations ...more