Travel Advisory
U.S. Embassy London, UK August 7, 2020
Location: United Kingdom
Event: Effective August 7, 2020, the Department of State has moved from a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19 to country-specific Travel Advisories.
United Kingdom – Level 3: Reconsider travel to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution due to terrorism.
(added Friday, August 7th at 10:00 GMT)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
United Kingdom transportation options are still limited but continuing to operate. Business operations continue to increase as local lockdown restrictions are adjusted. Conditions continue to improve in the United Kingdom. For the latest information and guidance from the UK government, please go to the official gov.uk website.
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:
- Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Report for the United Kingdom.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in the United Kingdom.
As travel restrictions are lifting globally you will no longer be able to extend your visa automatically on this basis and you are expected to take all reasonable steps to leave the UK where it is possible to do so or apply to regularize your stay in the UK.
Travelers should continue check carrier schedules for the latest updates and work directly with the carrier or travel agent to arrange or reschedule travel. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements.
U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are permitted to return to the United States from the overseas. The Department of Homeland Security has issued instructions requiring U.S. passengers that have been in France, the Schengen region, the United Kingdom, and Ireland to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures. See the Department of Homeland Security’s website for further details.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy London, United Kingdom
33 Nine Elms Lane
London, UK SW11 8DG
+(44) (0) 207-499-9000
from U.S.: (011 44) (0)20 7499-9000
SCSLondon@state.gov
https://uk.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh
+44 (0) 131 556-8315
Edinburgh-info@state.gov
U. S. Consulate General Belfast
+44(0) 28 9038-6100
acsbelfast@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
United Kingdom Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
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More Information
Some useful sources of updates include:
- London Metropolitan Police Service @MetPoliceUK
- Transport for London (TFL) @TFL
- London Fire Brigade @LondonFire
- City of London Police UK @CityPolice
- British Transport Police @BTP
