Visiting the UK and Europe

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Click here for the latest information about COVID-19 and travel to the United Kingdom and Europe.

We recommend that all overseas travelers take the following steps:

  • Check the Department of State’s country specific guidance: click here for the latest UK information.
  • Consult the Department of State’s Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so we can send information about safety conditions and better assist in an emergency.
  • Sign your passport, complete the emergency information page, and give a photocopy of the passport’s biographical data page to a trusted friend or relative in case of emergency.
  • Take out a travel insurance policy (Medicare, Medicaid and many private health insurance plans don’t cover overseas costs and we can’t pay medical costs or medical evacuation).

See below for more guidance to help you prepare for your trip.

Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the below lists. Inclusion on a list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.

The UK government’s UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website is your best source for information about UK immigration regulations and requirements. It includes an interactive tool to help you check whether or not you will need a visa. If your questions are not answered online, you can contact UKVI directly.

If a child under the age of 18 will not be traveling with both parents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends that the accompanying adult or the child (if unaccompanied) carries a notarized written consent letter from both parents if possible. Visit the CBP website for more information about this parental consent letter.

We recommend that you register the child’s details with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Visit the UK government’s website for important information about driving in the UK on the basis of a U.S. driver’s license.

Please also visit the Department of State’s website for information about driving abroad and International Driving Permits.

The Blue Badge scheme helps people with disabilities park closer to their destination. Click on the links below for details.
UK government information about driving with medical conditions
UK government information about Blue Badge parking
How to contact the local council for information about Blue Badge parking

 

Recent events serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens must maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. We recommend that you visit the Department of State’s website for important information including travel advisories, alerts and country-specific information. You can also obtain information by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada.

We strongly recommend that you register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program as STEP allows you to enter information about your overseas travel so that the Department of State can better assist you if there is an emergency.

If you use social media, you can follow us in case of emergency:

facebook.com/travelgov
facebook.com/uk.usembassy/
twitter.com/TravelGov
twitter.com/usainukconsular
twitter.com/USAinNI
twitter.com/USAinScotland

Consult the Department of State’s Traveler’s Checklist for general guidance and country specific information for each country you plan to visit.

You can visit the UK government’s website for the latest information and guidance about the UK’s departure from European Union (Brexit).

We recommend that you contact the immigration authorities of any countries you will be visiting for information on entry requirements.  Information about travel to Gibraltar and the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark) is provided on the UK Government website.

Members of their groups and their parents (if they are minors) can use the Department of State’s Traveler’s Checklist to help them prepare for the trip.

If a child under the age of 18 will not be traveling with both parents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends that the accompanying adult carries a notarized written consent letter from both parents if possible. Visit the CBP website for more information about this parental consent letter, including specific guidance for group travelers.

We recommend that U.S. citizen travelers, including group leaders, register with  the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You are not required to register with the Embassy as registering with STEP serves that purpose. Any foreign members of your group may wish to contact their Embassy or High Commission to ask about similar programs.

We suggest that leaders, members of the group and their parents (if they are minors) follow us on social media:

facebook.com/travelgov
facebook.com/uk.usembassy/
twitter.com/TravelGov
twitter.com/usainukconsular
twitter.com/USAinNI
twitter.com/USAinScotland

U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, are required by law to enter and exit the United States on a valid U.S. passport only. If you are a dual national and have a question about which passport to use to enter or exit another country, please contact the immigration authorities of that country for clarification.

U.S. passports are valid for travel to the United States up until the day they expire. However, as some countries require a passport to be valid for a certain period after travel, we recommend that U.S. citizens always have at least six months’ validity left on their passport. Information about renewing a U.S. passport in the United States can be found via the Department of State’s website.

We recommend you contact the immigration authorities of the country or countries you wish to visit if you have further questions about passport validity after checking the Department of State’s country specific information.

  • Be vigilant at ATMs, in crowds, at tourist sites and in transit. Tactics intended to distract you while your belongings are taken include ‘accidents’ with offers to help, offers to give directions or advice, and offers to take photos or free hugs. Click here for more information to help you avoid these scams.
  • Bring photocopies of your passport ID page, tickets and insurance policy to carry while originals are locked in a safe place in your hotel or vacation rental. You are unlikely to need your passport until you depart unless you are traveling overseas, exchanging currency or cashing travelers checks
  • The legal drinking age is 18 and moderate drinking in public is socially acceptable. Take it easy if you are not used to alcohol.
  • Look both ways when crossing the road as traffic will come from the ‘opposite’ direction!
  • Most weapons including pocket knives, mace and pepper spray are illegal.
  • Seek directions, advice and currency exchange from official sources.

Visit the UK government’s website and the Department of State’s website for information about bringing pets to the UK.

Visit the UK government’s website for information about VAT refunds.

Click here for information about how to request a card of introduction to watch a Commons debate (including Prime Minister’s Question Time) at the Houses of Parliament.

For information about sites and buildings of U.S. cultural and historical interest around the UK, click here.

To find out about other tourist attractions and tours in the UK, you can visit the Find Your Great Britain and Discover Northern Ireland websites.

Disclaimer – Footer

This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in The United Kingdom. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

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