UK FCDO travel advice: Exercise normal precautions when travelling to United Kingdom. Some areas may have increased risk — check conditions for the specific regions you plan to visit.
Discover
Top Attractions in United Kingdom
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
The Tower of London
Over 900 years of history within a single fortress — royal palace, prison, and now home to the Crown Jewels. One of the most visited historic sites in the world.
Stonehenge
A prehistoric monument of standing stones on Salisbury Plain, dating back over 5,000 years. Its astronomical alignment and mysterious origins continue to fascinate visitors.
The British Museum
Home to over 8 million artefacts spanning all of human history — from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles — all free to enter in the heart of London.
The Scottish Highlands
A landscape of dramatic mountains, deep lochs, ancient castles, and vast wilderness. Hike the West Highland Way, visit Loch Ness, or explore the rugged Cairngorms.
Cotswolds Villages
A protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is famous for its honey-coloured stone cottages, rolling hills, and quintessentially English market towns.
Edinburgh Castle
Perched dramatically atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the Scottish capital's skyline and houses the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in United Kingdom
London
World capital of culture, finance, and iconic landmarks
Edinburgh
A medieval Old Town, a Georgian New Town, and the world's greatest arts festival
Bath
Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and Jane Austen's England
Liverpool
Beatles heritage, a waterfront UNESCO World Heritage Site, and football passion
Oxford
Dreaming spires, one of the world's oldest universities, and punting on the Cherwell
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting United Kingdom
Citizens of most Western countries — including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the EU — can visit the UK visa-free as standard visitors for up to 6 months. From early 2025, travellers from these countries also need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding a flight to the UK.
Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 6 months per visit. The specific length of stay is determined by the Border Force officer at the port of entry. You cannot normally switch to a different visa category while in the UK as a visitor.
A valid passport (or national ID card for EU/EEA nationals), a valid UK ETA or visa if required, and evidence of sufficient funds, accommodation, and a return or onward ticket. You may also be asked about the purpose of your visit.
The UK is a safe country for tourists. The terrorism threat level is assessed by the UK government — check MI5's current assessment before travel. Standard precautions for pickpocketing in busy tourist areas apply. Emergency services are excellent.
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP, symbol £). Note that Scotland, Northern Ireland, and some Crown Dependencies have their own banknotes which are legal tender UK-wide. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
English is the primary language. Welsh is co-official in Wales. Scottish Gaelic has protected status in Scotland. Irish is spoken in parts of Northern Ireland.
May to September offers the most reliably pleasant weather, with longer daylight hours. Summer is peak season for attractions. December is magical for Christmas markets but can be cold and wet. Autumn colours (October) are beautiful across the countryside.
Explore London's world-class free museums, visit Stonehenge and Bath, hike in the Scottish Highlands, tour Edinburgh Castle, walk the Cotswolds, experience the Welsh coast and Snowdonia, attend a theatre show in London's West End, and visit a traditional English pub.
London Heathrow (LHR) is the UK's busiest international airport. London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), and Birmingham (BHX) also receive international flights.
Travel insurance is recommended, particularly for lost luggage, trip cancellation, and emergency repatriation. The NHS provides some emergency treatment to visitors, but is not available for non-emergency care for overseas visitors.
No vaccinations are required for entry. Routine UK-standard vaccinations are recommended for all travellers.
Yes. You can drive in the UK with a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months from the date of entry. Note that driving is on the left side of the road.
UK duty-free allowances for non-EU arrivals include 200 cigarettes, 2 litres of still wine, 1 litre of spirits over 22%, and £390 worth of goods. Declare anything over these limits or if you're carrying over £10,000 in cash.
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. A 10–15% tip at restaurants is standard for good service; check if a service charge is already included. Tipping in pubs for drinks is unusual (though you can offer to 'buy the barman a drink'). Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare.
Yes. Tap water in the UK is treated to a high standard and is safe to drink throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The UK uses Type G outlets (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern) at 230V / 50Hz. This is unique to the UK, Ireland, and a few other countries. You will need a UK-specific adapter.
999 is the UK emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance. 112 also works across the UK and EU.
The UK is generally considered a safe destination with no elevated advisory level by most governments. Check your own government's travel advisory for the most current advice, particularly regarding any regional events or specific threats.