United Kingdom - Traveller Information

Local laws and conventions: Penalties for possession, use of, or trafficking in, illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places, including stations, pubs and restaurants.

Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting, for both men and women. Casual wear is widely acceptable in the UK.

Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly (suits are the norm). Appointments should be made and the exchange of business cards is customary. A knowledge of English is essential, though translators are available if needed. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0900–1730.

Immigration and customs: For all non-European Union nationals, passports must be valid for three months beyond the intended length of stay. EU citizens can enter the country on their national identity card. A visa is not required by those wishing to stay for up to six months.

Unlicensed drugs, offensive weapons, pornography, indecent and obscene material featuring children, counterfeit and pirated goods, and meat, dairy and other animal products are all prohibited imports.

Travellers are forbidden to take out of the country any meat, meat products, milk, and milk and dairy products from animals that are susceptible to foot and mouth disease; this includes sandwiches and packed lunches.

Travel within the country: Driving is on the left and a national driving licence is required. Car hire is available at all airports and in most towns and cities. Speed limits are 48kph in urban areas, 96kph on roads away from built-up areas and 112kph on motorways. Seatbelts are compulsory and drink-driving carries severe penalties. Many large towns and cities have a park-and-ride service, where drivers can park their cars outside the city and catch a bus into the centre.

Drivers of motor vehicles must pay a congestion charge on entering central London during normal weekday working hours.

Domestic flights serve the main cities, and scheduled ferry services link the mainland with the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, the Isles of Scilly, the Scottish islands and Ireland.

National bus services connect the country’s main towns and cities, and a network of railways and intercity lines provide fast rail travel between London and the rest of the country.

Licensed taxis are widely available in all urban areas and are metered. Fares are usually higher after midnight. Many towns and cities also have unlicensed taxis, or minicabs, but they are not allowed to pick up customers in the street and must be booked by phone. London has an extensive underground railway system.

Travel health: Medical facilities are good around the country. The National Health Service (NHS) provides free health care for visitors from the EU and Commonwealth countries, as well as those from a country that has reciprocal health arrangements (Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland). All other visitors should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance. Immediate first aid or emergency treatment is free for all visitors.

Money: All major currencies can be exchanged in banks, exchange bureaux, some post offices and many hotels. Major credit cards are accepted in most places and ATMs are available across the country. Travellers cheques are widely accepted and should be in pounds sterling to avoid additional charges. Opening hours are decided by the individual banks and may differ considerably from branch to branch. Banks are usually open 0900–1730 weekdays (some banks open Saturday morning).

There were 29,970,000 tourist arrivals in the UK in 2005.