United Kingdom

Your requirements depend on your nationality, so always check before you book. The UK is not in the EU or the Schengen Area, so it has its own entry rules. Most short-term visitors fall into two groups: those who need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or those who need a full visitor visa — while British and Irish citizens need neither.

The UK ETA is now in full force and is the key change for most visitors. It is required for visa-exempt visitors from around 85 nationalities — including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries — coming for tourism or a short visit of up to six months. It costs £20 per person (everyone needs their own, including children), is applied for through the official UK ETA app or gov.uk (usually with a decision within minutes), and is valid for two years. Apply at least three working days before travel.

Some nationalities still need a full visitor visa, applied for in advance. Your passport must be valid for the entire length of your stay. Because rules depend on your citizenship, verify your own situation with the official UK government source (gov.uk) before booking — and use only the official app or gov.uk, as third-party sites charge inflated fees.

The currency is the pound sterling (£). Note that Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own banknotes — these are valid UK currency. The UK is extremely card-friendly and contactless-focused — tap-to-pay is accepted almost everywhere, from shops to taxis, market stalls and buses, and many visitors get through a trip with little or no cash.

ATMs are called 'cashpoints' and are widespread; most are free, though some standalone machines charge a fee (displayed before you withdraw).

Tipping is modest and optional — service staff are paid at least the minimum wage. In restaurants, check your bill for a 'service charge' (often 12.5%) that may already be included; if not, 10–15% for good table service is appreciated. You do not tip at the bar in a pub. Rounding up a taxi fare is common.

The British take queuing seriously — wherever people are waiting, form an orderly line and wait your turn; pushing in is considered genuinely rude. Politeness and understatement go a long way: 'please', 'thank you' and 'sorry' are used constantly.

Pub etiquette trips up many first-timers: most pubs have no table service — you order and pay at the bar, then carry your own drinks back to your table. If you're with a group, buying 'rounds' (taking turns to buy everyone a drink) is a common custom.

Other quick tips: stand on the right on escalators (especially on the London Underground) so others can walk on the left, and remember that 'you alright?' is often just a casual greeting, not a real question about your wellbeing.

The UK's busiest airports are London Heathrow (the main long-haul hub) and Gatwick, with Stansted and Luton popular with budget airlines, plus Manchester and Edinburgh — check which airport your flight uses, as they're spread far apart.

The National Rail network connects cities across Great Britain. Fares vary enormously by when you book — 'Advance' tickets booked ahead are far cheaper than buying on the day. If you'll travel by train several times, a Railcard gives roughly a third off.

In London, the Underground ('the Tube'), buses, the Overground and Elizabeth line form a dense network — the simplest way to pay is contactless (card or phone), tapping in and out, with fares automatically capped daily and weekly; buses are contactless or Oyster only, no cash. Crucially, the UK drives on the left — when crossing streets, look right first.

Wifi is widely available — free in most hotels, cafés, and many trains and stations. For reliable mobile data, a local SIM or eSIM is the cheapest route; eSIMs can be bought and activated online before you arrive.

Important: the UK is no longer in the EU, so the EU's 'roam like at home' rules do not apply here. If you're visiting from an EU country, your home plan's free EU roaming may not extend to the UK; and a UK SIM may charge extra for use in mainland Europe. Check your roaming terms carefully, and compare them against a dedicated travel eSIM.

The UK is generally a safe destination — violent crime against tourists is rare, and the main risk is petty theft. Government advisories place the UK at a moderate-caution level, largely because of the terrorism threat common to many large Western countries; stay aware in crowded places and transport hubs.

Watch your belongings, especially in London and busy tourist areas — pickpocketing happens on crowded streets and transport. A specific issue in London is phone-snatching by thieves on mopeds or bikes who grab phones from people's hands near the roadside, so don't stand at the kerb absorbed in your phone.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout the UK. For minor health needs, a pharmacy (a 'chemist', with Boots the most widespread chain) is a good first stop. Dial 999 for emergencies (112 also works); for non-emergency medical advice call 111. Travel insurance with medical cover is recommended, as visitors aren't entitled to free non-emergency NHS care.

Power: the UK uses the Type G plug — three rectangular pins — and runs on 230V, 50Hz. Bring a UK plug adapter, as Type G is not used in most other countries, including the rest of Europe.

Language: English is the primary language everywhere, though you'll also encounter Welsh in Wales and Scottish Gaelic in parts of Scotland.

Best time to visit: late spring through early autumn (roughly May to September) offers the mildest weather and longest daylight, though it is the busiest. Crucially, pack for rain in every season — the UK's weather is famously changeable.

Time zone: the UK is on Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0) in winter and shifts to British Summer Time (UTC+1) from late March to late October.