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England Travel Information
London St Pancras International is the UK’s 13th busiest railway terminus. The station is one of London’s main domestic and international transport hubs providing both commuter rail and high-speed rail services across the UK and to Paris, Lille and Brussels.
The Department for Transport is the government body responsible for overseeing transport in England. The department is run by the Secretary of State for Transport.
England has a dense and modern transportation infrastructure. There are many motorways in England, and many other trunk roads, such as the A1 Great North Road, which runs through eastern England from London to Newcastle(much of this section is motorway) and onward to the Scottish border. The longest motorway in England is the M6, from Rugby through the North West up to the Anglo-Scottish border, a distance of 232 miles (373 km). Other major routes include: the M1 from London to Leeds, the M25 which encircles London, the M60 which encircles Manchester, the M4 from London to South Wales, the M62 from Liverpool via Manchester to East Yorkshire, and the M5 from Birmingham to Bristol and the South West.
Bus transport across the country is widespread; major companies include Arriva, FirstGroup, Go-Ahead Group, National Express, Rotala and Stagecoach Group. The red double-decker buses in London have become a symbol of England.
National Cycle Route offers cycling routes nationally. There is a rapid transit network in two English cities: the London Underground; and the Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead and Sunderland. There are several tram networks, such as the Blackpoolu tramway, Manchester Metrolink, Sheffield Supertram and West Midlands Metro, and the Tramlink system centred on Croydon in South London.
Great British Railways is a planned state-owned public body that will oversee rail transport in Great Britain from 2023. The Office of Rail and Road is responsible for the economic and safety regulation of England’s railways.
By sea there is ferry transport, both local and international, including from Liverpool to Ireland and the Isle of Man, and Hull to the Netherlands and Belgium.
There are around 4,400 miles (7,100 km) of navigable waterways in England, half of which is owned by the Canal & River Trust, however, water transport is very limited. The River Thames is the major waterway in England, with imports and exports focused at the Port of Tilbury in the Thames Estuary, one of the United Kingdom’s three major ports.
Aviation
England has extensive domestic and international aviation links. The largest airport is Heathrow, which is the world’s busiest airport measured by number of international passengers. Other large airports include Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Luton and Birmingham.
Rail
Rail transport in England is the oldest in the world: passenger railways originated in England in 1825. Much of Britain’s 10,000 miles (16,000 km) of rail network lies in England, covering the country fairly extensively, although a high proportion of railway lines were closed in the second half of the 20th century. There are plans to reopen lines such as the Varsity Line between Oxford and Cambridge. These lines are mostly standard gauge (single, double or quadruple track) though there are also a few narrow gauge lines. There is rail transport access to France and Belgium through an undersea rail link, the Channel Tunnel, which was completed in 1994.
Crossrail was Europe’s largest construction project with a £15 billion projected cost, opened in 2022.[174] High Speed 2, a new high-speed north–south railway line, projected in 2015 to cost £56 billion is to start being built in 2020.
Roads
The United Kingdom has a network of roads, of varied quality and capacity, totalling about 262,300 miles (422,100 km). Road distances are shown in miles or yards and UK speed limits are indicated in miles per hour (mph) or by the use of the national speed limit (NSL) symbol. Some vehicle categories have various lower maximum limits enforced by speed limiters. A unified numbering system is in place for Great Britain, whilst in Northern Ireland, there is no available explanation for the allocation of road numbers.[
The earliest specifically engineered roads were built during the British Iron Age. The road network was expanded during the Roman occupation. Some of these roads still remain to this day. New roads were added in the Middle Ages and from the 17th century onwards. Whilst control has been transferred between local and central bodies, current management and development of the road network is shared between local authorities, the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and National Highways (England). Certain aspects of the legal framework remain under the control of the United Kingdom parliament.
Although some roads have much older origins, the network was heavily developed from the 1950s to the mid-1990s to meet the demands of modern traffic. Construction of roads has become increasingly problematic with various opposition groups such as direct action campaigns and environmentalists. There are various ongoing and planned road building projects.
In the UK, road safety policy is part of transport policy. “Transport 2010; The 10 Year Plan” states that the basic principle is that “people travel safely and feel secure whether they are on foot or bicycle, in a car, on a train, or bus, at sea or on a plane”
Ports
How many ports are in England?
What are the main ports in the UK?
- Port of Felixstowe. This port is located in Suffolk and it’s also the busiest port dealing with 48% of the country’s container trade. …
- Port of Southampton. …
- Port of London. …
- Port of Immingham. …
- Port of Liverpool.
What’s the biggest port in England?
About England
England Key Facts
England is in north-west Europe and is in the southern part of Great Britain. It is an island country and also part of the United Kingdom (UK) . England is the largest country in Great Britain and the UK.
Capital: London
Area: 130,279 km²
Dialing code: +44
Population: 55.98 million
National Animal: Lion
Geographic coordinates: 54 00 N, 2 00 W
Time Zone : GMT/UTC 0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Anthem (Song): God Save the Queen Land of Hope and Glory
Currency: Pound Sterling (£)
Largest Lake: Windermere (14.7 s
Tallest Building: 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf (London), 245 metres (800 feet) high
The busiest airport: London Heathrow, with 53.8 million passengers.
Facts about staying in England
What is the best place in England for bars and restaurants?
London has one of the best restaurant and bar scenes in the world. You can enjoy everything from ancient British pubs and tea houses to trendy, modern clubs like Fabric and restaurants like Evelyn’s Table. Consider staying in London hotels like The Resident Soho or Hazlitt’s to be close to the action. Brighton has also blossomed into an excellent hub for fine dining and nightlife.
This seaside town has everything from tasty street food to cultural delights like Petit Pois for French cuisine and Alushi for Lebanese delights. Central English accommodation options like Hotel Una and The Charm Brighton Boutique Hotel and Spa are ideal spots for those who wish to enjoy Brighton’s best bars and restaurants.
What is the best place for a family vacation in England?
If you’re looking for fun things to do in England, Cornwall offers plenty of opportunities. The kids can swim and bodyboard on the north coast during the summer months. Year-round, you can visit the Eden Project, where you can explore the forest, marvel at the massive sculptures, and feel like you’ve stepped into a magical kingdom. To be close to Eden, consider staying in St. Austell hotels like the White Hart Hotel. Windsor is another excellent spot to see things in England with your family.
You can, of course, get a glimpse of Windsor Castle, where the Queen of England lives. However, the family’s younger members might be even more excited about the other major attraction in Windsor – Legoland. Hotels in England like the Castle Hotel Windsor will place you within walking distance of the castle and other famous spots like Frogmore House. Bed and breakfast’s like Alma House are ideal for families looking for a homey atmosphere that also happens to be close to Legoland.
What are the best things to do and see in England?
A visit to the Lakes District National Park will place you in England’s largest nature reserve. This national park is an excellent spot for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. There are many towns you can stay in that are nestled within the Lakes District. Windermere is a picturesque option, featuring some of the most charming little hotels in England, like the Windermere Suites and the Holly Lodge Guest House.
Dorset features many of England’s most beautiful coastal wonders, including the Jurassic Coast and the cliffs of Purbeck. There are plenty of beautiful seaside towns and villages in Dorset, including Weymouth and Abbotsbury. Guesthouses like the Southville Guest House offer a cosy environment for travellers.
Where are the best places to stay for wine tasting in England?
England is home to an abundance of award-winning wines, and there are many picturesque vineyards to visit. From Suffolk to Shropshire, Dorset to Devon, you’ll have endless options. However, Kent is essential to add to your itinerary for some of England’s best wine-tasting opportunities. Tenterden hotels like Little Dane Court or The Bull Inn Lodges will place you in the heart of Kent’s wine country, with the Chapel Down Winery, Oxney Organic Estate, and other vineyards at your doorstep.
For a unique wine tasting experience in England, you may wish to head off the coast to the Isles of Scilly. Here, you can enjoy the stunning beaches after a tour of St. Martin’s Vineyard. Spots like St Mary’s Hall Hotel and The Saddle And Stable Rooms offer cosy accommodation on this peaceful island.
Where is the best place to stay in England?
England has plenty to offer. Consider staying in some of its finest locations, like London, Manchester, and Liverpool.
What are the best hotels in England?
One of the most popular hotels in England is Park Inn York, which has been reviewed by 6,870 users and currently has a rating of 8.2/10. Other top-rated locations include Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington and Travelodge Brighton Seafront, which have received 7.3/10 and 7.5/10 ratings from our users, respectively.
Things to do in England
Whether you want to see the Queen’s residence in London or explore the country’s spectacular landscapes on foot, there’s a reason why England is one of the world’s most visited countries.
Sightseeing Tours & Attractions in London, England, home to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Queen, London is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Browse ancient artefacts from across the globe at the British Museum, see the changing of the guards outside Buckingham Palace, then soak up the city’s iconic skyline from the London Eye.
Marvel at Stonehenge. One of the best-known prehistoric monuments in the world, Stonehenge is a cluster of megaliths that were erected between 3000 and 1500 BC. After being awed by these structures, you can visit the replica Neolithic Houses and see tools used by our ancestors 4,500 years ago.
Escape to the Lake District. Hit the hiking trails to explore the spectacular landscapes of the Lake District, which encompasses rugged mountains and glacial lakes in Cumbria. Scale the peak of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, or cruise between the charming market towns and villages that hug Lake Windermere.
Walk the Cotswold Way. Famed for its thatched medieval villages and scenic rural landscapes, the Cotswolds has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Follow the 164-kilometre-long Cotswold Way from the Georgian city of Bath to Chipping Campden, which offers magnificent views across the Severn Valley.
Getting around England
London Heathrow Airport is the main gateway to England, with large international airports also serving Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle. Trains connect to continental Europe and travel throughout England while buses access smaller towns and villages. Many of England’s historic town centres are ideally navigated on foot.
Accommodation in London, England
What hotels in London offer an especially good breakfast?
For hotels in London that serve up a highly-rated breakfast, try 41, The Lanesborough, Oetker Collection and The Ritz London
How much is a hotel in London, England for this weekend?
The average price per night for a 3-star hotel in London this weekend is £207 or, for a 4-star hotel, £255. Looking for something even fancier? 5-star hotels in London for this weekend cost on average around £558 per night (based on Booking.com prices).
How much is a hotel in London for tonight?
On average, it costs £173 per night to book a 3-star hotel in London for tonight. You’ll pay on average around £231 if you choose to stay in a 4-star hotel tonight, while a 5-star hotel in London will cost around £539 (based on Booking.com prices).
What hotels in London have nice views?
Shangri-La The Shard, London, Royal Lancaster Londonand The Lanesborough, Oetker Collection have received great reviews from travellers in London regarding the views from their hotel rooms.
What hotels in London are good for couples?
These hotels in London are highly rated by couples: 41, The Beaumont Hotel and Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection.
How much does it cost to stay in a hotel in London?
On average, 3-star hotels in London cost £91 per night, and 4-star hotels in London are £117 per night. If you’re looking for something really special, a 5-star hotel in London can on average be found for £199 per night (based on Booking.com prices).
What are the best hotels to stay in London?
Pan Pacific London, Vintry & Mercer and The Savoy are some of the popular hotels in London.
What are the best hotels in London near The Shard?
Some of the best hotels in London near The Shard include Shangri-La The Shard, London, Cheval Three Quays at The Tower of London and Vintry & Mercer.
What are the best hotels in London near London Gatwick Airport?
Travellers who stayed in London near London Gatwick Airport (LGW) have said good things about Sofitel London Gatwick, Bloc Hotel London Gatwick Airport and Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport.
Which hotels in London, England are good for families?
Many families visiting London loved staying at 41, The Connaught and Claridge’s.
Hotels in the England by County
We have listed Hotels in the UK by County, select a county in the United Kingdom to view the latest Hotel Deals
- Avon
- Bedfordshire
- Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Cheshire
- Cornwall
- Cumbria
- Derbyshire
- Devon
- Dorset
- Durham
- Essex
- Gloucestershire
- Greater London
- Hampshire
- Herefordshire
- Hertfordshire
- Isle of Wight
- Kent
- Lancashire
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Merseyside
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Northumberland
- Nottinghamshire
- Oxfordshire
- Rutland
- Shropshire
- Somerset
- Staffordshire
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Sussex
- Tyne and Wear
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands
- Wiltshire
- Worcestershire
- Yorkshire
Hotels in England by City
We have listed Hotels in England by District, select a city in England, England to view the latest Hotel Deals.
- London
- Blackpool
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- York
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Oxford
- Bath
- Bournemouth
- Nottingham
- Plymouth
- Leeds
- Torquay
- Cambridge
- Chester
- Norwich
Hotels in England by Hotel Name
We have listed Hotels in England by Hotel Name, select a hotel in England to view the latest Deals.
- The Cleveland
- London Budget Guesthouse
- The Honely Hotel – Blackpool
- Hotel Avano – Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- Paddington Park Hotel
- YHA Liverpool Central
- The Alan – Manchester City Center
- The Churchill Hotel – York City Center
- Park Grand – Kensington London
- Jorvik House – York
Healthcare
Healthcare in England is mainly provided by the National Health Service (NHS), a public body that provides healthcare to all permanent residents in England, that is free at the point of use. The body is one of four forming the UK National Health Service as health is a devolved matter, there are differences with the provisions for healthcare elsewhere in the United Kingdom, and in England it is overseen by NHS England.
Though the public system dominates healthcare provision in England, private health care and a wide variety of alternative and complementary treatments are available for those willing and able to pay.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is a senior minister of the Crown within the Government of the United Kingdom, and leads the Department of Health and Social Care with responsibility for England’s NHS. The Secretary serves as the principal adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on all health matters.
National Health Service
The NHS is free at the point of use for the patient though there are charges associated with eye tests, dental care, prescriptions, and many aspects of personal care.
The NHS provides the majority of healthcare in England, including primary care, in-patient care, long-term healthcare, ophthalmology and dentistry. The National Health Service Act 1946 came into effect on 5 July 1948. Private health care has continued parallel to the NHS, paid for largely by private insurance, but it is used by less than 8% of the population, and generally as a top-up to NHS services. Recently there have been some examples where unused private sector capacity has been used to increase NHS capacity and in some cases the NHS has commissioned the private sector to establish and run new facilities on a sub contracted basis. The involvement of the private sector remains relatively small and according to one survey by the BMA, a large proportion of the public oppose such involvement.
Crime
The crime rate in the United Kingdom was 79.52 per 1,000 people in 2021–2022. The overall UK crime rate saw a 1.18% increase from 2020. Among England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the country with the highest crime rate was England, at 77.49 crimes per 1,000 people.
The overall crime rate in England in 2021 was 75 crimes per 1,000 people, and the most common crimes were violence and sexual offences, which happened to roughly every 33 out of 1,000 residents.
Out of all of England’s larger towns and cities, Westminster is the most dangerous. The next most dangerous is Middlesbrough, and Leeds comes in as third most dangerous. There are safer parts of England, starting with Bamber Bridge which ranks as the safest area in England, followed up by Fareham in second place, and Cannock in third place.
Tourism
Tourism plays a significant part in the economic life of England. In 2018, the United Kingdom as a whole was the world’s 10th most visited country for tourists,[2] and 17 of the United Kingdom’s 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites fall within England.
VisitEngland is the official tourist board for England. VisitEngland’s stated mission is to build England’s tourism product, raise Britain’s profile worldwide, increase the volume and value of tourism exports and develop England and Britain’s visitor economy.
Cities in England
The ten English cities visited most by overseas tourists in 2019 were:[7]
London — largest metropolitan area in Western Europe, and a global capital of finance, fashion, art and culture. In 2019, more than half of overseas tourists visiting the UK included a trip to London.[7]
Manchester — The third most visited city in the UK, a cultural, sporting, entertainment, shopping and media hub.
Birmingham — the UK’s second largest city (by population) in the industrial heartland.
Liverpool — The home of the Beatles, a cosmopolitan city famous for its vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage, waterfront, architecture, and music and sport.
Brighton and Hove — regency seaside resort and university town with quirky shopping, rich culture and vibrant gay nightlife.
Bristol — vibrant music and art scene, historic buildings, a waterfront area in the West Country’s largest city.
Oxford and Cambridge — university towns with prestigious colleges, museums, and gardens.
Bath — UNESCO World Heritage Site city renowned for its Georgian architecture, gardens, parks, and museums.
Leeds — cultural, financial and commercial heart of west Yorkshire
Tourist sites
Museums and Galleries
The Tate Modern art gallery in London was England’s top tourist attraction in 2018[8]
Unlike other countries, most state-run museums and places of cultural interest in England are free of charge to visit. Museums are an important aspect of English culture, and most cities and towns have a few museums and art galleries. Some of the most visited places are:
British Museum
Tate Modern
National Gallery
Natural History Museum, London
Victoria & Albert Museum
Science Museum, London
Royal Museums Greenwich
Tate Britain
Ashmolean Museum
National Railway Museum
World Heritage Sites
17 of the 25 United Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage Sites fall within England. Some of the best known of these include Stonehenge, the Tower of London, the Jurassic Coast, Westminster, the Roman Baths in Bath, Saltaire, Ironbridge Gorge and Studley Royal Park.
The northernmost point of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall, is the largest Roman artefact in the world, running a total of 73 miles in northern England.
National Parks
Some notable National Parks in England include:
- Lake District National Park — mountains, lakes and woodlands; the land of Wordsworth.
- New Forest National Park — one of the few remnants of the great oak and hornbeam woodland that once covered southern England.
- North York Moors National Park — heather-clad hills, woodlands, sea cliffs and secluded beaches
- Peak District National Park — rugged moors and hills which form the northern spine of England.
- South Downs National Park — the gentle rolling chalk downs of southern England.
England possesses a wide range of natural environments, and continues to benefit from a significant ecotourism industry.
Attractions include:
- Eden Project in Cornwall.
- The Lake District, a national park and mountainous region in Cumbria, including Windermere, the largest lake in England.
- The Peak District, a national park and upland area lying mostly in Derbyshire.
- Dartmoor and Exmoor, national parks and upland areas in Devon/Somerset.
- The New Forest, a rural forest and national park lying mostly in Hampshire.
- The Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site in Dorset and Devon.
- The Broads, a national park and lowland area lying mostly in Norfolk.
- The Yorkshire Dales, a national park and upland area in North Yorkshire and Cumbria.
- The National Forest, covering parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
- The South Downs, a national park stretching from Hampshire to East Sussex and comprising chalk uplands and sea cliffs.
- Center Parcs, a European network of rural holiday parks.
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Travel Requirements
When you travel to England, you:
- do not need to complete a UK passenger locator form before you travel
- do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
- do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
It includes people who are transiting through England.
Other countries may have rules about what you need to do to leave the country to travel to England. You should check travel advice for the country you are travelling from.
How to stay safe while in the UK and on public transport
Travel provider and transport hub rules
Your travel provider, or the transport hub you travel through, may have COVID-19 rules in place. For example they may require or advise you to wear a face covering.
You should follow any COVID-19 rules and guidance from:
- your travel provider – airline, ferry, coach or train company
- the transport venue – airport, port, coach or railway station
Red list countries and territories
There are currently no red list restrictions in place for travel to England.
Travel abroad from England
Other countries have rules about what you must do to travel there from England.
Read separate guidance about what you need to do to travel abroad from England.
Covid Information
Most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19. These measures can be imposed suddenly and may include:
- entry or exit bans
- quarantine
- mandatory proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing
- suspensions or reductions of international transportation options
Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.
Before travelling:
- verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation
- consider even your transit points, as there are transit rules in place in many destinations
- monitor the media for the latest information
- reconfirm the requirements with your airline or tour operator
The situation could disrupt your travel plans. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans.
Useful links
- Travel restrictions and health requirements – United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the British authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Check your Passport and Travel Documents before you travel
Check how long it will take to get a passport before you apply.
If you need a passport urgently, you can find out more about the Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services.
Do not book travel until you have a valid passport – your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.
What is a passport?
A passport is a travel document that serves as the ultimate form of proof for your citizenship. Every country issues passports to citizens of that country. British Citizen passports are issued by the United Kingdom Identity & Passport Service (IPS). UK passports come in two sizes to accommodate frequent travellers, jumbo and regular. Jumbo passports contain 48 pages while regular passports contain 32 pages.
Do I need a passport?
British citizens require passports to exit and enter the UK and all other countries in the world. It is your responsibility to carry the correct identification while travelling abroad.
Do British Subjects have the same rights of entry to other countries as a British Citizen passport?
No. British Subject passport holders have different entry requirements than British Citizen passport holders. If you hold one of these passports and require information on passports and visas, email info@uk.visacentral.comfor further information.
How does VisaCentral obtain a passport for me?
VisaCentral provides passport services for UK citizens by submitting proper documentation on your behalf to the UK Identity & Passport Service (IPS). This eliminates the need for you to visit, communicate, and correspond directly with the IPS. Please go to Passports to see the full range of passport services VisaCentral provides. For citizens of any other country residing in the UK, please consult your home country’s local consular office for passport details.
How long is my passport valid?
If your passport was issued when you were 16 years of age or older, your passport is valid for 10 years. If your passport was issued when you were 15 years of age or younger, your passport is valid for 5 years.
When applying for a passport renewal, will my old passport be returned to me?
Yes, your old passport will be returned unless it is deemed to be damaged by the UK Identity & Passport Service (IPS). The passport will clearly indicate that it is invalid and it is important that you advise whether any valid visas remain in the passport before applying for it to be renewed.
How long must my passport be valid for international travel?
Most countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of a trip. If your passport expires sooner than that, you must apply to renew your passport. Go to Visas to determine how long a passport must be valid for each specific country of travel. In the event that your passport is set to expire go to Renew Passport and get started.
Can VisaCentral obtain additional passport pages for my passport?
No. You must apply for another passport. Go to Renew Passport for details.
How many blank passport pages do I need to meet entrance requirements and what is considered a ‘blank’ passport page?
Passports must have enough blank pages to accommodate entry and exit immigration stamps for each country of travel. At least one visa page in your passport is required for each visa. Most travel visas that are stamped into your passport require an entire blank visa page. A ‘blank’ visa page must be clean, clear, and not show ink or stains from any other pages in the passport.
I am recently married or divorced and have changed my name. Can VisaCentral help me change my name on my passport?
With proper documentation, you are able to change the name listed in your passport. VisaCentral can assist you in this process by submitting the necessary documents on your behalf. Visit Passport Name Change for details.
Can VisaCentral replace my lost or stolen passport?
With correct documentation, VisaCentral can replace your lost or stolen passport in as little as a day. Visit Lost or Stolen Passports for details.
Do my children require passports?
Yes. Each individual citizen, including infants, must possess his or her own passport. You are not allowed to represent other members of the family inside your passport. VisaCentral can assist you if you need to get a new child passport or if you need to renew a child’s passport. Visit Child Passport to learn about passport requirements for children.
How old must my children be to apply for a Child Passport?
Your children must be 15 years old or younger to apply for a Child Passport. Visit Child Passport to learn about passport requirements for children under the age of 15.
How long will it take VisaCentral to process my passport?
For most passport services VisaCentral has one processing time: Fast Track – 6 working days. Visit Passports to determine the passport processing time for the type of passport you are looking for.
What mailing method does VisaCentral recommend for submitting my completed VisaCentral Application Pack?
VisaCentral recommends using Royal Mail Special Delivery or other traceable methods of delivery when submitting your completed VisaCentral Application Pack.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) aren’t valid for entry into the USA or transit through the USA on an ESTA. If you’re planning to enter or transit through the USA using an ETD, you must apply for a visa from the nearest US embassy or consulate before you travel, which may take a number of days, or hold a valid lawful permanent resident card (often referred to as a ‘green card’), which you must have with you on arrival. UK ETDs issued in the USA are valid for exit from the USA.
Visa Requirements
You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join family.
There are different visas depending on:
- where you come from
- why you want to come to the UK
- how long you want to stay for
- your personal circumstances and skills
Before you apply, you must check if you need a visa and what type you need. Depending on your nationality, you might not need a visa to visit or transit through the UK.
Your application must be approved before you travel.
You do not need to apply for a visa if you’re an Irish citizen.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
If you or your family member started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme instead of applying for a visa.
The deadline to apply was 30 June 2021 for most people. You can still apply if either:
- you have a later deadline – for example, you’re joining a family member in the UK who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020
- you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for being unable to apply by 30 June 2021 – for example, you had an illness, or were the victim of domestic abuse
Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
If you want to visit the UK
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:
- for a holiday or to see family and friends
- for a business trip or meeting
- to do a short course of study
You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK to get married or register a civil partnership.
If you have a visitor visa you cannot take a job in the UK.
If you’re travelling through the UK
You might need a visa if you’re travelling through the UK on your way to another country, for example if you have a layover between flights.
Apply for a visa to travel through the UK.
If you want to study in the UK
Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for.
A Standard Visitor visa lets you do a short course of study that lasts no longer than 6 months.
A Short-term study visa lets you come to the UK to study an English language course that is over 6 months and up to 11 months.
A Student visa is usually for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. You may be able to do some work on this visa.
A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school. If you’re 16 or over, you can do some work on this visa.
If you want to work in the UK
You can work in the UK on a short or long-term basis with a work visa. There are many types of work visa.
The visa you need depends upon:
- your skills and qualifications
- if you have a job offer and sponsorship
- if you want to bring your family with you
- what you’ll be doing – for example sporting, charitable or religious work
You can set up a business with a Start-up visa or an Innovator visa.
If you want to join family in the UK
If you’re a spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or settlement in the UK, you can apply for a family visa to join them. They may need to show that they can support you financially.
You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after a set amount of time living in the UK.
If your family member is in the UK on a visa
You may be able to apply for a visa to join a family member who’s in the UK on a visa. They must be either:
- your spouse or partner
- your parent if you’re 18 or under
Check what visa you’ll need to join them.
If your family member is from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
You can apply for a free family permit if you have a close family member who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020. A family permit lets you live, work and study in the UK for up to 6 months.
Close family members include your spouse or civil partner, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent.
You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme after your family permit expires.
Family reunion visas for refugees
If you were separated from your partner or child when you were forced to leave your country, they can apply to join you in the UK.
Your family members can apply if you have been given asylum or 5 years’ humanitarian protection, and not have British citizenship.
Other ways to get permission to live in the UK
Commonwealth citizens
You can apply for an Ancestry visa to work in the UK if you have a British grandparent and meet other eligibility criteria.
You may have right of abode to live in the UK.
If you’re a Commonwealth citizen and cannot prove your right to be in the UK, read about the Windrush scheme.
Returning residents
If you had indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and left the UK for more than 2 years you’ll need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to come back.
Other visas
There may be another visa that’s right for you based on your circumstances. Check if you need a visaand what other visas you’re eligible for.
Healthcare
- Stay up to date with public health guidance and confirm coverage with your insurance provider.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.
- Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
- The standard of medical facilities in the UK is good.
- We have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. Some GP and hospital treatments are free if you’re in the UK for a short visit. If you’re staying more than 6 months, you’ll pay a surcharge when you apply for your visa.
Bringing Medicines into England, UK
You need to prove your medicine is prescribed to you if:
- it contains a ‘controlled drug’
- you have it on you when you’re entering the UK
What sort of proof you need depends on the category of drug and how much of it you’re bringing in.
If you’re leaving the UK with medicine that contains a controlled drug, check with the embassy about the rules for the country you’re going to before you travel.
Check if your medicine contains a controlled drug
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains a controlled drug.
You can also check the drugs listed on the packaging of your medicine and search for them on the controlled drugs list. The list does not give names of medicines, only drugs that are used in medicines.
If it contains a drug listed as schedule 2, 3 or 4 (part 1)
When entering the UK, you need to either:
- carry a letter of proof that the medicine was prescribed to you
- get a personal licence if you’re travelling in the UK for at least 3 months or carrying enough of the medicine to last you that long
If you’re a UK resident who has been prescribed this medicine abroad, you must also contact the Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit.
Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit
dflu.ie@homeoffice.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7035 6330
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
If it contains a drug listed as schedule 4 (part 2)
To make sure your medicine does not get taken away from you at the border, carry a letter of proof that the medicine was prescribed to you.
If it contains a drug listed as schedule 1
You must contact the Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit before you travel to the UK.
If you need a letter of proof
You need to get the letter from the person who prescribed your medicine. You might need to show this at the border.
The letter must include:
- your name
- what countries you’re going to and when
- a list of your medicine, including how much you have, doses and the strength
- the signature of the person who prescribed your drugs
If you need a personal licence
Email dflu.ie@homeoffice.gov.uk to ask for an application form. Include in your message your full intended travel details and reason for visit, as well as your UK address.
Before emailing, you should also:
- know the details of your medicine, including dose, strength and quantity
- have a letter from your doctor including their professional registration number
Apply at least 15 working days before you’re due to travel.
For further details, read more about personal licences.
Weather
Snow storms
Snow storms during winter can cause disruptions to critical infrastructure, such as power cuts, or delays and cancellations throughout the major transport hubs in the USA. Contact your travel company or airline before you travel. To monitor airport conditions in the USA, visit the Federal Aviation Administration website.
Hurricanes
The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November. The Pacific hurricane season normally runs from May to November. They can affect US coastal regions, Hawaii and Guam. The South Pacific tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May and can affect American Samoa.
You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Center websiteand follow instructions issued by the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website contains information about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions and what to do if you are told to evacuate. It also provides a list of disaster supplies that will help if you live in an area affected by storms and hurricanes.
See our tropical cyclones page for advice about how to prepare effectively and what to do if you’re likely to be affected by a hurricane or tropical cyclone.
Earthquakes
Alaska, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington state and the US Virgin Islands are prone to earthquakes. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, visit the Federal Emergency Management website.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year depending on weather conditions. To learn more about what you should do during, and after a tornado, visit the FEMA website
Wildfires
Forest and brush fires (wildfires) are a danger in many dry areas. High winds can cause fires to spread very rapidly. Areas of high risk are canyons, hills and forests. Monitor local media and weather reportsand follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Exercise caution in areas which have been recently affected by wild fires as they are more susceptible to mudslides during heavy rainfall.
For more information visit the National Interagency Fire Centre and Fire Research and Management Exchange System websites.
For more detail about wild fires in California, visit the CAL FIRE website .
Volcanoes
There is continuous volcanic activity on Hawaii’s Big Island. British nationals in the area should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. For further updates see the State of Hawaii’s website. To learn more about what to do before, during and after a volcano, visit the Federal Emergency Managementwebsite.
Large numbers of British nationals travel successfully and safely in and around the Arctic each year. The Arctic is, however, a vast region, comprising the northerly areas of Alaska (USA), Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia and Sweden. If you’re considering visiting the Arctic, read the specific travel advice for each of these countries and consider carefully the potential remoteness of certain destinations from search and rescue, evacuation and medical facilities. Independent travellers are particularly advised to develop contingency arrangements for emergency back-up.
The most popular way of visiting the Arctic is by ship. As some areas of the Arctic -specifically the more northerly and remote regions – can be uncharted and ice-covered, you should check the previous operational experience of cruise and other operators offering travel in the region. You should also consider the on-board medical facilities of cruise ships and talk to cruise operators as appropriate, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
The eight Arctic states take their international search and rescue obligations very seriously, and have recently signed a binding agreement on search and rescue co-operation in the Arctic. However, in the highest latitude regions of the Arctic, cruise ships may be operating in relative isolation from other vessels and/or inhabited areas. You should be aware that in these regions, search and rescue response will often need to be despatched from many hundreds of miles away, and assistance to stranded vessels may take several days to arrive, particularly in bad weather. Search and rescue assets are also likely to offer only basic transport and basic medical care, and are unlikely to be capable of advanced life-support. Responsible cruise operators should happily provide additional information relevant to the circumstances of the cruise they are offering, and address any concerns you may have.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the FCDO in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Travel Safety
- You should exercise common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia.
- International terrorists have staged attacks in the UK. The UK Government’s terrorism threat level is “substantial”, meaning it assesses an attack is likely. Islamic extremism, extreme right-wing ideology and the status of Northern Ireland contribute to the threat. Always be alert to terrorism. Take official warnings seriously.
- Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence. Monitor the media for information and updates. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Petty crime occurs. Beware of pickpockets in tourist areas, at restaurants and bars, and on transport. Take care when using ATMs and credit cards.
- There have been incidents of spiking and acid attacks across the UK. Be alert.
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
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