United Kingdom

   ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

• Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay.
• One blank page is required for entry and exit stamps.
• Please note: If you are planning onward travel after departing the United Kingdom, check the passport validity requirements for each additional country you plan to visit. For example, many countries in Continental Europe require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

• A visa is not required for U.S. citizens visiting the United Kingdom for tourism purposes if staying less than six months.
• Beginning in January 2025, all U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – digital permission to travel to the UK. An ETA costs £10 per person, and approval will generally be delivered via email within three days of submission. Apply for an ETA ahead of your journey at www.gov.uk

• Once approved, the ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever comes first. The ETA is required even if you are just transiting through the UK and not going through UK border control

• Read more at: US Department of State Profile for United Kingdom

LANGUAGE

• English is the official language in the United Kingdom.
• In addition, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Scots, Irish, Ulster Scots, and Cornish enjoy varying degrees of protection in minority statuses.

CURRENCY

• The unit of currency in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (GBP or £), which is called the pound or, colloquially, the “quid”.
• It is highly recommended that you withdraw cash from ATMs in the region in which you intend to use it (i.e. England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland) to avoid any issues with the bills not being accepted. For example, the £1 Scottish note can only be used in Scotland and will not be accepted elsewhere.
• The Channel Islands, Gibraltar, British Overseas Territories, and the Isle of Man issue their own banknotes that are only accepted in their home territories. They cannot be exchanged on the UK mainland or elsewhere.

TIME ZONE:

GMT +0 (+1 in British Summer Time)

VOLTAGE:

240V, 50Hz

PLUG TYPE:

The United Kingdom uses Type G.

IMPORT & EXPORT RESTRICTIONS

• You will be arrested if you bring pocketknives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom.
• Anabolic steroids and certain other performance-enhancing drugs, in the form of medicinal products, are prohibited unless they are imported by an individual for self-administration.
• Prescription drugs: Passengers carrying medication upon entry to the UK do not have to declare them by entering a red channel or present their license, but should be able to produce this if questioned.

• For detailed import and export regulations, please consult the IATA Travel Centre.

   TRAVELERS’ HEALTH & SAFETY

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

• Vaccination for Hepatitis B may be recommended by your healthcare provider.
• It is recommended to be up to date on all routine vaccinations.

• Please visit the CDC.gov website for recommended immunizations to visit United Kingdom.

OTHER SAFETY NOTES

• The United Kingdom has a generally lower crime rate than many other developed countries. However, typical criminal activities such as pick pocketing and mugging, do occur in the UK, especially London. Petty thieves are known to target tourists, especially at historic sites or on public transportation. Use common sense awareness and the same personal security measures you would normally use in any large city or tourist destination.
• Only use licensed Black Cabs or car services provided by the hotel or your ground operator.
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location or are located in isolated areas. Opt for ATMs located inside bank branches.
• Due to the turbulent political situation in Northern Ireland, travelers are advised to pay attention to local news reports of demonstrations and in the region, particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

LOCAL LAWS AND CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming traffic approaches from the opposite direction than in the United States. Exercise extra care when crossing streets, and look both ways before stepping into the street.
• Pay attention to all postings regarding photography. Touristic photography is not usually restricted on public property, but on private land, it is at the owner’s discretion.
• Pubs and bars prefer customers to “pay as they go”, meaning pay for a drink when it is received instead of racking up a tab.
• Do not be surprised to see young people drinking beer. The legal drinking age in the UK is 18, but children aged 16 and over are allowed to order beer or cider to accompany a full meal with an adult present.
• Driving after even one drink in Scotland can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• Please note: Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities. Many stations do not have elevators and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street.

   GRATUITIES

In the United Kingdom, tipping is preferred in British Pounds (GBP, £).

Please remember, there is no obligation to tip and American standards for tipping are some of the highest in the world. The following list is only a suggestion for your convenience and may vary by itinerary. Amounts listed are per person, unless otherwise noted.

Recommended Tipping in the United Kingdom (except London):

• Porter: £2 per bag
• Private transfer: £15- £20 per service
• Guide – full day: £30-£35 per day
• Guide – half day: £20 per day
• Driver – full day: £20-£25 per day
• Driver – half day: £15 per day
• Private driver/guide throughout: £35 per day
• Resort/hotel staff: £3-£7 per day
• Resort/hotel guide: £3-£7 per day

Recommend Tipping in London:

• Porter: €3 per bag
• Private transfer: £18 per service
• Guide – full day: £35 per day
• Guide – half day: £25 per day
• Driver – full day: £30 per day
• Driver – half day: £20 per day
• Private driver/guide throughout: £35 per day
• Resort/hotel staff: £3-£7 per day
• Resort/hotel guide: £3-£7 per day

Restaurants: A service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants, or an optional service charge may be suggested on the bill, which can be adjusted to your preference. Be sure to read the bill carefully before paying. Tipping in pubs is uncommon.

   WEATHER

Please refer to your personalized Vamoos app for the daily weather forcast.

The United Kingdom (UK) has a temperate maritime climate, which means that its weather is generally mild and damp, with relatively small temperature variations throughout the year.

Spring (March to May):

• Spring is characterized by gradually increasing temperatures and longer daylight hours. While it can be quite changeable, with occasional rain showers, the weather becomes milder, and plants start to bloom.

Summer (June to August):

• Summers in the UK are typically mild to warm, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). However, heatwaves can occasionally bring higher temperatures. Summer days are the longest of the year, providing plenty of daylight.

Autumn (September to November):

• Autumn brings cooler temperatures, and the weather becomes more unsettled. Rainfall is common, and the days start to shorten. The changing colors of leaves are a characteristic feature of this season.

Winter (December to February):

• Winters in the UK are generally mild compared to other countries at similar latitudes. Average temperatures range from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit). While snow is not uncommon, it often doesn't last long, except in higher elevations and northern regions.

Overall, the UK's weather is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in relatively mild temperatures and moderate weather patterns. It's advisable to be prepared for rain throughout the year, as precipitation is a common feature of the British climate. Keep in mind that there can be regional variations, with Scotland generally experiencing cooler temperatures than southern parts of the UK.