United Kingdom

Overview of United Kingdom

It may seem hard to believe that this cold and wet island once held dominion over three quarters of the globe. While the pomp and circumstance of previous centuries may have dwindled and the monarchy takes an almost daily battering in the local press, the beauty and cultural wealth of the United Kingdom impresses any visitor. But the UK is still a hugely influential world leader and tops many a travel bucket list.

The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as some smaller islands. The geography sweeps from mountainous highlands and lush rolling countryside to vibrant cities and pebbled beaches. It's jam-packed with two millennia of heritage, so despite its seemingly small size, holidays in the UK of any length of time feel too short.

London is the UK's biggest city, a fantastic and frenetic metropolis teeming with people from all walks of life. Here the old contrasts with the new, offering some of the world's most famous sights and an unrivalled nightlife. Medieval cathedral cities like York and Durham reveal the rich history of a bygone age, while the historically-industrial cities of Liverpool and Newcastle aren't without their charms and allure. For those with more refined tastes, the Edinburgh International Arts Festival in Scotland draws talent from around the world to its ancient and picturesque streets.

map of United Kingdom

Key Facts

Language:
English is the official language, though visitors will be astonished by the variety of regional accents.
Passport/Visa:

If a visa is not required, travellers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the UK; nationals of the EU require a passport valid on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. For visitors who are visa exempt up to a maximum stay of 6 months, the period of stay will be determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival.

Currency:

The currency is the British Pound (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in almost all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks.

Electricity:
The electrical current in the UK is 240 volts, 50Hz. Flat, three-pin plugs are standard.

Travel to United Kingdom

Overview

The United Kingdom continues to rank as one of the top tourist destinations in the world, steadily attracting more than 32 million foreign visitors every year. This comparatively small island nation packs a touristic punch completely disproportionate to its size, with its small size and excellent transport networks making it easy to get around for travellers.

For tourists, England remains the most popular country in the UK, and the vast majority of travellers visiting England spend time in London. Many tourist attractions are found in the capital, such as the National Gallery, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, Epping Forest, Science Museum and the incomparable British Museum. The only Top 10 UK attraction that isn't in London is Brighton Pier, the landmark feature of the UK's most beloved seaside resort. Other much-visited tourist attractions outside of London include Cornwall's Eden Project, Bath's Roman Baths, Canterbury Cathedral, Warwick Castle, the Lake District's Windermere Lake and the iconic Stonehenge.

The UK is blessed with ample natural beauty and is well-suited to walking holidays, with the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands and Wales particularly beguiling to hikers. But when the infamous weather doesn't oblige, many hours can be spent soaking up the culture in world-famous museums, galleries, shops and theatres. Another big drawcard is the surfeit of grand estates and old castles, conjuring up the worlds of Jane Austen and Shakespeare. For something more Dickensian, the UK is chock full of wonderful old pubs in which to while away the rainy days.

Climate in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is positioned at the convergence between the moist maritime and dry continental air currents, which results in atmospheric instability and extremely unpredictable weather. Many types of weather can be experienced in one day and travellers should go prepared, particularly as in most regions of the UK rain is possible at any time of year. Winters, between December and February, are cold and wet with occasional snow, especially in the high-lying areas.

Summers, between June and August, are generally warm with frequent showers. Northern Ireland, Wales and the western regions of England and Scotland enjoy the mildest temperatures, but are the wettest and windiest parts of the UK; the eastern regions of England and Scotland are drier and cooler with more extreme temperatures.

Generally speaking, southern regions are more temperate and mild than northern regions. England enjoys the warmest temperatures on average and is generally more sunny and less rainy than the rest of the UK, with Scotland enduring the coldest and wettest weather.

The peak tourist season in the UK is summer, between June and August, but it's pleasant to visit any time between April and October. The winters are cold and sometimes snowy, but travelling out of season is cheaper and the winter months can be cosy and exciting, particularly over the festive season.

Health Notes when travelling to United Kingdom

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the UK and food and water can be considered safe. The British National Health Service is excellent, while a number of countries have reciprocal health agreements with the UK including Australia, New Zealand and EU countries. Visitors from other countries such as Canada, South Africa and the United States are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance.

Safety Notes when travelling to United Kingdom

It is generally safe to travel throughout the UK.

Customs in United Kingdom

Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone new. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including pubs, restaurants and public transport. Queue barging is frowned upon and there is strict etiquette on escalators: stand on the right, walk on the left. Visitors may find Londoners more rushed and less friendly than locals in other parts of the country, particularly on London transport where tourists are often the only people who talk.

Duty Free in United Kingdom

When arriving from a non-EU country, travellers can bring the following goods into the UK tax or duty free: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 4 litres of still table wine, 16 litres of beer, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs or 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other alcoholic beverages of less than 22 per cent volume, £340 worth of all other goods including perfume and souvenirs.

When travelling from another EU country to the UK visitors do not have to pay tax or duty on goods purchased in said EU country provided tax was included in the purchase price, the items are for personal use and have been transported to the UK by the visitor, and do not exceed 3,200 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 3kg of smoking tobacco, 110 litres of beer, 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine and 20 litres of fortified wine. Note that although Gibraltar is part of the EU, it is outside the Community Customs territory and allowances for outside the EU therefore apply. In the case of Cyprus, only goods under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus are treated as EU imports.

Doing Business in United Kingdom

The four countries of the United Kingdom, although culturally and historically different, generally keep to the same business practices. Politeness and punctuality are key to good business relations and initial meetings are often conducted formally and impersonally, becoming more open and social as things progress. Business cards are exchanged at introductions, and dress is formal with dark suits preferred. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.

The communication style can be difficult to adjust to: the British people respect politeness to a point that often obscures their ability to say exactly what they mean. As a result, travelling business people may need to learn to 'read between the lines' and to take cues from tone of voice and facial expression. Humour is also an integral part of the British system of communication, and is used to diffuse a tense situation and to cultivate relationships. Never assume that an attempt at humour undermines a person's ability to do their job, or discredits the importance they attach to a deal or negotiation. Furthermore, don't be fooled into thinking that the British propensity for irony and sarcasm equates with an informal work environment.

Be tactful during meetings, avoid becoming emotional and illustrate your experience with the subject at-hand. Performance and initiative are looked upon favourably, whereas academic pretension is given far less credence. Meetings are often used as platforms for debate, rather than moments of confirmation, so don't be surprised if not much progress is made. Be sure to respect and appeal to all parties involved as the British have recently begun to take a far flatter approach to management and the responsibility of decision-making. And if things go well, purchase a pint or two for your clients or colleagues; though gifts are borderline inappropriate, a round of drinks will rarely be refused.

Communication in United Kingdom

The international country dialling code for the UK is +44. Mobile phone coverage is extensive and free wifi is widely available in pubs and coffee shops.

Tipping in United Kingdom

Tips of 10 to 15 percent are expected in restaurants and upmarket hotels in the UK if a service charge hasn't been included. Hotel service staff receive an optional amount, while taxi drivers are usually given 10 to 15 percent of the fare. Tipping bartenders isn't expected, and tipping for other services is discretionary.

Passport/Visa Note

If a visa is not required, travellers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the UK; nationals of the EU require a passport valid on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. For visitors who are visa exempt up to a maximum stay of 6 months, the period of stay will be determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US travellers must hold a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay; a visa is not required for stays of up to six months.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Passports must be valid for at least the expected duration of the stay. No visa is required for stays of six months or less.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Passports must be valid for at least six months after the departure date. No visa is required for stays of six months or less.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Under the Common Travel Area agreement, citizens from the UK and Ireland are not required to pass through passport control. They can travel between both countries without a valid passport if they can prove they are a valid UK or Irish national.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to 6 months.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South Africans require a valid passport and a visa for entry or transit through the UK. South African temporary passports are not recognised.

Tourist Offices

United Kingdom Tourism Website: http://www.visitbritain.com

United Kingdom Embassies

In the United States:

British Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 588 6500.

In Canada:

British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 237 1530.

In Australia:

British High Commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6270 6666.

In Ireland:

British Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 205 3700.

In New Zealand:

British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 924 2888.

In South Africa:

British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 421 7500.

Foreign Embassies in United Kingdom

American Embassy

United States Embassy, London: +44 20 7499 9000.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian High Commission, London: +44 20 7004 6000.

Australian Embassy

Australian High Commission, London: +44 20 7379 4334.

Irish Embassy

Irish Embassy, London: +44 20 7235 2171.

New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand High Commission, London: +44 20 7930 8422.

South African Embassy

South African High Commission, London: +44 20 7451 7299.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

 get_vaccinated hygiene

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in the United Kingdom, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

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Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

 get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Rabies

Rabies is present in bats in the United Kingdom. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
 get_vaccinated animals

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in the United Kingdom, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated animals
Rabies

Rabies is present in bats in the United Kingdom. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the United Kingdom, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards in the United Kingdom are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.

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Prevent bug bites

Although the United Kingdom is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in the United Kingdom include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
    • If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
  • Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the United Kingdom’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Make sure there are seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in the United Kingdom, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.

  • Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
  • LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.
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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for United Kingdom for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

Be aware of current health issues in the United Kingdom. Learn how to protect yourself.

 

Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions

  • New  Measles in England December 20, 2017 Health officials in England have reported an outbreak of measles. CDC recommends that travelers to England protect themselves by making sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.
  • Mumps in Scotland November 19, 2015 This notice has been removed.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The currency is the British Pound (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in almost all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks.

Exchange rate for 1 GBP - U.K. Pound Sterling
1.44 BMD
Bermudan Dollar 		1.29 EUR
Euro 		1.44 USD
U.S. Dollar 		157.02 JPY
Japanese Yen 		1.89 CAD
Canadian Dollar 		1.43 CHF
Swiss Franc
1.99 AUD
Australian Dollar 		36.20 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia 		486.92 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge 		2,171.18 LBP
Lebanese Pound 		1.03 LYD
Libyan Dinar 		9.89 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
155.55 NPR
Nepalese Rupee 		0.55 OMR
Omani Rial 		5.25 QAR
Qatari Rial 		1.98 SGD
Singapore Dollar 		11.95 SEK
Swedish Krona 		9.56 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
14.39 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar 		66.08 DOP
Dominican Peso 		9.69 HRK
Croatian Kuna 		26.87 MXN
Mexican Peso 		845.36 XOF
West African CFA Franc 		4.56 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
1.44 BSD
Bahamian Dollar 		3.04 FJD
Fiji Dollar 		32.64 HNL
Honduran Lempira 		159.37 DZD
Algerian Dinar 		1,717.68 MMK
Myanma Kyat 		16.13 BWP
Botswana Pula
4.86 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol 		999.96 CLP
Chilean Peso 		689.35 AMD
Armenia Dram 		34.85 CZK
Czech Koruna 		28.81 MDL
Moldova Lei 		179.20 ISK
Icelandic Krona
4,237.21 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum 		5.56 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel 		1.02 JOD
Jordanian Dinar 		0.44 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar 		45.20 UYU
Uruguayan Peso 		51.21 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
41.11 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba 		12.03 NOK
Norwegian Krone 		5.65 PLN
Polish Zloty 		5.41 SAR
Saudi Riyal 		210.53 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee 		51.35 THB
Thai Baht
5.30 AED
U.A.E Dirham 		5.18 BRL
Brazilian Real 		5.84 RON
Romanian New Leu 		11.20 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar 		847.28 XAF
Central African CFA Franc 		32,404.98 VND
Vietnamese Dong
20.11 ARS
Argentine Peso 		3.89 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar 		11.29 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal 		14.09 MAD
Moroccan Dirham 		0.54 BHD
Bahrain Dinar 		1.44 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
2.16 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat 		4,495.39 COP
Colombian Peso 		98.48 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som 		403.37 HUF
Hungarian Forint 		11.35 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble 		19,728.88 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
12.80 EGP
Egyptian Pound 		1,717.38 KRW
South Korean Won 		8,174.41 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní 		6.00 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit 		776.79 CRC
Costa Rican Colón 		2.11 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
151.02 PKR
Pakistani Rupee 		96.31 RUB
Russian Rouble 		22.50 ZAR
South African Rand 		3.06 TND
Tunisian Dinar 		2.88 BBD
Barbadian Dollar 		2.52 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
4.25 TRY
Turkish Lira 		67.22 PHP
Philippine Peso 		47.03 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar 		283.32 NGN
Nigerian Naira 		154.49 XPF
CFP Franc 		5.64 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
180.12 JMD
Jamaican Dollar 		2.60 ANG
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Isle of Man Airport (IOM)
Isle of Man Airport - also known as Ronaldsway Airport and Purt Aer Vannin in the Manx language.
http://www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/isle-of-man-airport/

Location: The airport is located nine miles (14km) southwest of the Island's capital, Douglas.

map of Isle of Man Airport

Time: GMT +1

Contacts: +44 1624 821 600

Getting to the city: Buses are the only public transport option from the airport, with Routes 1, 1A and 2 calling at Douglas, Santon, Ballasalla, Castletown and Port Erin during the day from Monday to Saturday. Buses 10, 11, 11A, 12 and 12A follow this route on Sundays and during evenings and early mornings. Route 8 runs Monday through Saturday from the airport to Peel and other intermediate destinations. Travel time is around 25 minutes to Douglas, 30 minutes to Peel, and 7 to 8 minutes to Castletown.

Car rental: Avis, Hertz, Firefly, Keddy and Europcar have offices at the airport.

Airport Taxis: Passengers can find taxis immediately outside the terminal building.

Facilities: Isle of Man Airport has an ATM in the main terminal entrance area (the nearby towns of Castletown and Ballasalla offer full banking facilities), shops selling souvenirs and news agents that stock books, magazines and newspapers. Travellers will find a self-service restaurant on the first floor of the terminal and a bar and café in the departures lounge. The airport also has baby-changing rooms, and good facilities for travellers with reduced mobility.

Parking:

Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Birmingham Airport
http://www.birminghamairport.co.uk

Location: Birmingham The airport is situated eight miles (12km) southeast of Birmingham.

map of Birmingham Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are within easy walking distance of each other.

Getting to the city: Buses to the city centre and surrounds can be caught opposite the airport at the Bus and Coach Terminus. Birmingham city centre can also be reached via Birmingham International railway station connected to the airport by a free monorail system called the Air-Rail Link. Trains run from Birmingham International Station to Birmingham New Street Station and vice versa throughout the day but are less frequent in the evenings and on weekends. Uber, and other mobile app based taxi services are also available. For onward travel, Birmingham International Station is connected to over 100 towns in and around the UK.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National. All car hire booking desks are located within the arrivals lounge which can be found easily once through security.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from outside passenger terminals and take about 15-20 minutes into Birmingham.

Facilities: There are banks, bureaux de change, shops, restaurants, business lounges, play areas for kids, baby changing facilities and a tourist information desk in the airport. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Parking: The airport's 'drop and go' area is adjacent to the departures terminal and is free for the first 30 minutes. Car parks 1, 2 and 3 are best for short and medium-stay parking; they are located beside the terminal building and charge per hour or per day. The long-stay parking garages are located next to the second roundabout along Airport Way, a ten-minute walk from the terminal. There are regular shuttle-buses between the long stay parking lots and the terminal. Long-stay parking is free for the first 15 minutes.

Bristol Airport (BRS)
Bristol International Airport
http://www.bristolairport.com

Location: Bristol The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of Bristol city centre.

map of Bristol Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Bristol Airport Flyer Express buses depart for the city centre (including the train station) around the clock, every ten minutes during peak hours, and every 30 minutes off-peak. It costs around £8 for a one-way ticket. Taxis are also available outside the terminal. Uber, and other similar mobile app-based taxi services are also available.

Car rental: Car hire companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and National, among others.

Airport Taxis: Arrow Cars taxis are available all day and night at the airport, located outside the terminal building. Passengers can visit the booking desk where they will be quoted a fixed fare and allocated a taxi. Payment can be made by card at the booking desk, or by cash to the driver.

Facilities: Facilities at Bristol Airport include a bureau de change, ATM, bars, restaurants, shops, an executive lounge, and tourist information desk. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance.

Parking: There is short and long-term car parking available. Spaces can be pre-booked via the airport website. The short stay and pick up parking lot costs £2 for the first 20 minutes and £7 for the first hour. The Silver Zone car park is the cheapest long-stay option, if you book online it can cost as little as £3.75 per day.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
Leeds Bradford International Airport
http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk

Location: Leeds The airport is situated nine miles (14km) northwest of Leeds.

map of Leeds Bradford Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 113 250 9696.

Getting to the city: The bus services run frequently from the airport to Leeds and Bradford city centre bus and rail stations. The bus services link the airport to Leeds City Rail Station, from where connections can be made to all parts of the UK. Taxis and mobile app based taxi services are also available.

Car rental: Avis, Europcar and Hertz are represented in International Arrivals.

Airport Taxis: Arrow Cars are available from the airport taxi rank outside the terminal building.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include banks, ATMs, bureaux de change and a tourist information desk. There are also shops, bars and restaurants. The Yorkshire Premier Lounge on the first floor of the Departure Lounge offers a full bar service, complimentary newspapers, high-speed wifi and telephones. Entry to the lounge is through membership or a once off entry fee of around £26.95. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Parking: There is short- and long-term car parking available. Parking can be booked in advance on the airport website. There is a courtesy bus service between the long-stay car park and the terminal building, operating 24 hours a day. Passengers should allow extra time to park and get to the terminal.

London City (LCY)
London City Airport
http://www.londoncityairport.com

Location: London The airport is situated at the Royal Docks, 10 miles (16km) from the West End.

map of London City

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 20 7646 0088.

Getting to the city: Docklands Light Railway (DLR) departs from London City Airport every 8-15 minutes to Canning Town, Woolwich Arsenal and Bank. There are regular London buses from the airport to stations throughout London. Nearby National Rail stations are reached via the Jubilee line from Canning Town (a seven-minute DLR journey). Licensed taxis (black cabs) are available outside the terminal building, a taxi to the centre of London will take only 20 to 30 minutes and cost roughly £30. Car rental desks are situated on the ground floor. There are also chauffeur services available from Quay Cars. Mobile app based taxi services, like Uber, are available, as is car sharing through the DriveNow app.

Car rental: Car rental desks are situated on the ground floor, rental companies include Avis, Europcar and Hertz.

Airport Taxis: Taxis from London City Airport can be hailed outside the Arrivals Hall and a taxi to the centre of London will take only 20 to 30 minutes and cost roughly £30. A taxi to Canary Wharf will cost £14.

Facilities: There are shops, bars and a restaurant at City Airport, other facilities include left luggage, a mother and baby room, tourist information and business facilities including Internet and fax. There are also ATMs, a bureau de change and Internet facilities. The disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should ideally inform their airline in advance.

Parking: Parking at London City Airport is located within easy walking distance of the terminal. Short-term parking starts at £3 for the first 10 minutes, £13 for up to an hour, £17 for two hours, £25 for four hours, £53 for up to 12 hours and £61 per day. The long-term car park is £23 for up to four hours and £53 per day. Credit card facilities are available.

Departure Tax: None.

London Gatwick (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport
http://www.gatwickairport.com

Location: London The airport is situated 28 miles (45km) south of London.

map of London Gatwick

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 870 000 2468.

Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are linked by the Inter Terminal Transit train that leaves every three minutes.

Getting to the city: The easiest and quickest way into London from Gatwick is on the Gatwick Express train, which takes 30 minutes to the central Victoria railway station. Local buses call at both terminals and run between Gatwick and key destinations including Crawley, Horley, Redhill and Horsham. Taxis are also available from the airport into town, while coaches take passengers to destinations including Heathrow, central London, Bristol and Brighton (ticket desks are in the North and South Terminals). Car rental companies operate from both terminals. Taxis and mobile app based taxi services, like Uber, are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz operate from both terminals.

Airport Taxis: Taxis from Gatwick Airport are available outside the Arrivals Hall and a taxi to London city centre will take roughly an hour to an hour-and-a-half as this road can be very busy. Mobile app based taxi services, like Uber, are also available.

Facilities: Both terminals have shops, restaurants, bars, bureaux de change, ATMs, an Internet café, baby changing rooms and children's play areas. There are lounges in both terminals that offer multiple services for both business and leisure, for a fee. In the South Terminal, there is a medical centre offering vaccinations and the Regus Express Business Lounge, featuring meeting rooms, refreshments, showers, a document station, high-speed internet and distraction-free private work spaces. Disabled facilities at the airport are good; those who require special assistance should contact their airline in advance.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is available and a free shuttle services the parking areas farther away from the terminal building.

Departure Tax: None.

London Heathrow (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport
http://www.heathrow.com

Location: London The airport is situated 15 miles (24km) west of London.

map of London Heathrow

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 8700 000 123.

Transfer between terminals: Terminal 1 is no longer in use. Terminals 2 and 3 are within walking distance of each other, with an average walking time of 11 minutes from one end to the other. Terminals 4 and 5 are connected via the free Heathrow Express train. Allow around 15 minutes for the journey time between terminals.

Getting to the city: The quickest way into London is on the Heathrow Express train, which leaves every 15 minutes for Paddington station, takes 15 minutes, and costs £22 if booked online or at a ticket machine, or £27 on-board, if travelling during off-peak times. Paddington has good connections to the other London railway stations and all parts of London via the London Underground. Heathrow is also on the Piccadilly underground line, which takes passengers into central London in around 50 minutes. The National Express coach service runs to central London and other towns and cities throughout the UK.

Car rental: Car rental options include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: London's black taxis service Heathrow Airport; the journey time to central London is around 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are metered, the fare from Heathrow Airport to Central London will cost around £48-£90. Taxis are available from outside each terminal.

Facilities: There are numerous shops, bars and restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange facilities, left luggage facilities, pharmacies and postal services in all terminals. A spa offering massages is located in Terminal 5. There are VIP Lounges in Terminals 2 and 3. There are multi-faith prayer rooms in each terminal and St George's Chapel is located close to the central bus station between Terminals 2 and 3. There are shower facilities located in Terminal 3.

Parking: Short-term parking is available adjacent to the airport. A free shuttle service links the terminals and the long-term and business car parks. Valet parking is also available at all terminals.

London Luton (LTN)
London Luton Airport
http://www.london-luton.co.uk

Location: London The airport is situated 32 miles (52km) northwest of London.

map of London Luton

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 1582 405 100.

Getting to the city: Trains leave regularly to Kings Cross, Farringdon, City Thameslink, Blackfriars and London Bridge stations. Train journeys to central London take 20-25 minutes with providers such as East Midlands Trains and First Capital Connect. Tickets can be bought from the Onward Travel centre at the airport or online. Luton Airport Parkway Train Station is connected to the terminal by a free shuttle bus service. Green Line and National Express buses run daily between the airport and central London. Taxis operate from outside the airport terminal 24-hours a day and car rental is also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Hertz, Europcar and National.

Airport Taxis: Taxis operate from Luton Airport 24-hours a day and can be hailed outside the Arrivals Hall. A taxi to central London will cost around £80 and will take approximately 2 hours.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include shops, bars, restaurants, bureaux de change, ATMs, a children's play area and baby changing rooms. Facilities for the disabled are good; those with special needs are advised to contact their airline or travel agent in advance.

Parking: There is short-term parking next to the terminal. Long-term (valet) parking operates near the terminal - your car will be taken away to another compound while you are away. Passengers who book in advance via the airport website get discounted parking rates.

Departure Tax: None.

London Stansted (STN)
London Stansted Airport
http://www.stanstedairport.com

Location: London The airport is situated 34 miles (55km) northeast of London.

map of London Stansted

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 844 335 1803.

Getting to the city: The Stansted Express rail service operates between London's Liverpool Street station and the airport, taking approximately 45 minutes. There are also bus and coach services to Victoria Coach Station, Heathrow and Gatwick airports, among other London and national destinations. The bus and coach station is opposite the main terminal entrance. Coach tickets are available from the ticket desk in arrivals and at the station; a ticket to Victoria costs around £10. Taxis are available outside the terminal building and car rental is also available. Uber, and other mobile app based taxi services are also available, although there have been licensing issues as of late.

Car rental: Car rental companies available at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Alamo, National, Enterprise and Hertz.

Airport Taxis: Many taxi services are available, the Stansted Airport recommended taxi service is 24x7, a reservation desk is located in the international arrivals concourse. A taxi to central London from Stansted Airport will cost in the region of £100.

Facilities: There are a number of popular restaurants, shops and bars in the terminal, both before and after security. Other facilities include ATMs, a bureau de change and Internet cafe. There is a VIP lounge for travellers in the main departure lounge, which can be booked via the airport's website. There are also shower facilities at both arrivals and departures, with towels and access available for a small fee at the airport information desk. There are multi-faith prayer rooms, accessible after security. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline or travel agent in advance. Stansted is a smoke-free airport, and there are no smoking facilities past security.

Parking: The short-term parking is located next to the terminal building. Long-term parking is further away and is linked to the airport by a free shuttle bus. The mid-stay parking lot is free for the first hour, a five-minute courtesy bus ride from the terminal. The airport also offers valet parking. Travellers who pre-book on the Stansted Airport website receive discounted car parking.

Manchester Airport (MAN)
Manchester International Airport
http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk

Location: Manchester The airport is situated 10 miles (17km) southwest of Manchester city centre.

map of Manchester Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 161 489 8000.

Transfer between terminals: The Skylink travellator system links Terminals 1 and 2, while 1 and 3 are linked by an external walkway.

Getting to the city: There are regular trains between the airport and Manchester Piccadilly railway station, which has connections to destinations throughout the UK. Buses service Manchester city centre as well as other local towns and cities. National Express operates coach services to cities all over the UK. All buses, coaches and trains leave from The Station, the airport's transport interchange that is connected to all terminals by a covered walkway. Taxis are available outside all terminals.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside all terminals. Fares into Manchester are determined by the meter, while other destinations may be charged at a flat rate.

Facilities: There are restaurants, shops and bars in all three terminals. Other facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, and left luggage. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should inform their airline or travel agent in advance.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking at Manchester International Airport is available. It is a good idea to book parking in advance via the airport's website in the peak summer season, as the car park can be full.

Newcastle Airport (NCL)
Newcastle International Airport
http://www.newcastleairport.com

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Newcastle city centre.

map of Newcastle Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 871 882 1121.

Getting to the city: The Metro system connects the airport to Newcastle Central Station, and other parts of the city, leaving every few minutes. Buses also leave regularly for the Eldon Square Bus Concourse.

Car rental: Car hire companies represented at the airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Interrent.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal.

Facilities: Newcastle Airport has shops, bars and restaurants. Other facilities include a bank, bureaux de change, ATMs, left luggage, baby care rooms, and a children's play area. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs are advised to inform their airline or travel agent in advance.

Parking: The short-stay and express parking lots are located directly opposite the terminal. The medium-stay lot, just beyond, offers 15 minutes free parking for picking up or dropping off passengers. The long-term lots are located furthest from the terminal and offer the cheapest daily and weekly rates. Discounted rates are available for bookings made via the airport website.

Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)
Aberdeen International Airport
http://www.aberdeenairport.com

Location: Aberdeen The airport is situated seven miles (11km) northwest of Aberdeen.

map of Aberdeen Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between last Sunday in March and Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 844 481 6666

Getting to the city: Aberdeen and Inverness train services run from the local station at Dyce, which is just a short taxi ride from the airport. The main station is in Aberdeen city centre and services all parts of Scotland and England. Regular bus services operate from the airport to Aberdeen city centre, and the journey takes roughly 30 minutes. Services are less frequent at weekends than on weekdays.

Car rental: Car hire companies represented at the airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Alamo.

Airport Taxis: Comcab taxis are available outside the terminal, where a taxi marshal will assist you in finding a cab. Taxis can be pre-booked via the Comcab website and arranged at the Comcab booking office to the right upon entry to the terminal. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 25 minutes in light traffic, and costs roughly £15.

Facilities: Facilities include left luggage, a bureau de change, bars, a duty-free shop, business facilities, a children's play area, and several restaurants. The Northern Lights Executive Lounge is located on the first floor past security and can be prebooked online. Other airport lounges include the British Airways Terraces Lounge and the Eastern Airways Lounge, which is located near Gate 10. There are several restaurants and cafes around the airport.

Parking: There is short-term parking at Aberdeen International Airport within walking distance of the terminal. Long-term parking at Aberdeen International Airport can be accessed by a free shuttle from the terminal.

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Edinburgh International Airport
http://www.edinburghairport.com

Location: Edinburgh The airport is eight miles (13km) west of Edinburgh.

map of Edinburgh Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 844 448 8833

Getting to the city: Airlink 100 buses connect the airport and the city centre every 10 minutes, from early morning until after midnight, and cost around £4.50 one way; the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. There are many alternative buses, including Night Bus N22 and Service 21A, that run to the city centre via a couple of stops en route. Stops for public buses are situated on the terminal forecourt road outside the main entrance.

Car rental: There is a car rental centre located next to the parking area, connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz, and National.

Airport Taxis: The taxi ranks for airport taxis and city black cabs are outside the east end of the airport terminal. The drive to the city centre takes approximately 25 minutes.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, a bureau de change, shops, a pharmacy, wifi, a children's play area, baby change rooms, restaurants and bars. The Aspire Lounge is available to departing passengers on the first floor past security; bookings can be made online via the airport's website.

Parking: A multilevel car park is located just across from the terminal building. The long-term car park is a few minutes away; a courtesy bus ferries passengers to the terminal.

Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Glasgow Airport
http://www.glasgowairport.com

Location: Glasgow The airport is located 11 miles (18km) west of Glasgow.

map of Glasgow Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 344 481 5555

Transfer between terminals: A covered walkway connects the terminals.

Getting to the city: Buses leave regularly for Glasgow, stopping off at the main railway and bus stations. The journey to the city centre takes 15 to 20 minutes. There are also eight trains per hour from Paisley Gilmour Street Station to Glasgow Central Station, which is one mile (2km) from the airport and can be reached by taxi or by regular bus services.

Car rental: Car hire options at the airport include Avis, Europcar, National, Alamo, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, and Dollar/Thrifty.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available 24 hours a day at the taxi rank opposite the main terminal. They are obligated to meter the journey.

Facilities: Facilities at Glasgow Airport include ATMs, a bureau de change, a post office, and many shops, bars and restaurants. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs are advised to inform their airline or travel agent in advance. There is also a multi-faith prayer room.

Parking: Short-term parking is located near the terminal, charging roughly £3 for twenty minutes. Long-term parking is also available. Parking can be booked in advance via the airport website.

Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Cardiff Airport
http://www.cardiff-airport.com

Location: Cardiff The airport is located 12 miles (19km) southwest of Cardiff city centre.

map of Cardiff Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 1446 711 111.

Getting to the city: The Cardiff Aiport Express bus service runs every 30 minutes during the day, seven days a week. Journey time to Cardiff from the airport is approximately 35 minutes and the bus fare is approximately £5 one way. A rail link also connects Cardiff International Airport to Cardiff Central and Bridgend. Trains run each direction every hour daily (every two hours on Sunday) with onward connections to other destinations on the rail network. A shuttle connects the airport to the nearby train station in 10 minutes, costing about £1.

Car rental: Enterprise, Europcar, and Hertz are represented at the airport.

Airport Taxis: Passengers can book a private taxi transfer with FlightLink Wales to and from Cardiff Airport.

Facilities: Facilities include a bureau de change, ATMs, baby changing facilities, faxing and photocopying, game zones, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. There are also facilities for disabled passengers.

Parking: Short-term parking is right outside the terminal building and long-term parking is farther away from the terminal but is serviced by a free shuttle. There is pre-booking available.

Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Belfast International Airport
http://www.belfastairport.com

Location: Belfast The airport is situated 14 miles (22km) northwest of Belfast.

map of Belfast International Airport

Time: Local time is GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 28 9448 4848.

Getting to the city: The Airport Express operates between the airport and the city centre every 10 minutes from outside the terminal building, 24 hours a day. The International Airport Taxi Company offer taxis outside the right hand door of the airport exit lobby with a list of fares displayed in the exit hall of the terminal. The journey takes around 25 minutes.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National and can be found in the Arrivals hall.

Airport Taxis: International Airport Taxi Company offer taxis outside the right hand door of the airport exit lobby with a list of fares displayed in the exit hall of the terminal. The journey takes around 25 minutes.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include bureaux de changes, ATMs, wifi, duty-free shopping, travel agent, business lounge, information desk, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Passengers with disabilities are well catered for.

Parking: There are three parking options at Belfast International Airport: short-stay parking, the main car park, and long-stay parking. The pick-up and drop-off zones are also charged for, costing about £1 for a 10-minute stay.

Departure Tax: None. 2762.7

Belfast City Airport (BHD)
George Best Belfast City Airport
http://www.belfastcityairport.com

Location: Belfast The airport is situated five miles (8km) east of Belfast.

map of Belfast City Airport

Time: Local time is GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 28 9093 9093.

Getting to the city: Approved taxis are available outside the terminal building. The Airlink bus service departs every 30 minutes from the airport terminal to the Belfast Europa Bus Centre in the heart of the city. The service runs between 6am and 9.50pm daily at a fare of about £3 for a single journey. Buses also connect the airport to main railway stations.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, and National.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs, bureau de change, wireless Internet, restaurants, and shops. Passengers with disabilities are well catered for.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is available at the airport. The long-term lot is a 10 minute walk from the terminal, but is connected to it by a shuttle bus.

Departure Tax: None.

Guernsey Airport (GCI)
Guernsey Airport
http://www.airport.gg

Location: Guernsey The airport is situated four miles (6km) from St Peter Port on the island of Guernsey.

map of Guernsey Airport

Time: No GMT offset (in the summer months GMT+1).

Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)1481 237766.

Getting to the city: A bus service is available between the airport and St. Peter Port and throughout the island. Taxis are available from the airport forecourt and pre-booking is recommended.

Car rental: Avis, Europcar and Valu-Rent-a-Car have desks at the airport.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities: The airport has an ATM, bank, restaurant, cafeteria, bar, duty free shop, newsagent, gift shop, tourist help desk, children's lounge, and VIP lounge.

Parking: The public car park is open during Airport hours and operates on a pay station system.

Departure Tax: None.

Southend Airport (SEN)
London Southend Airport
southendairport.com

Location: London The airport is situated 36 miles (58km) south of London.

map of Southend Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: +44 (0) 1702 538 500

Getting to the city: London Southend Airport is easily reached via the regional bus and coach networks of Essex such as First Essex Buses and Arriva Bus. Main locations include Stansted, Chelmsford, and central Southend. Conveniently, the closest bus stops are only a quick stroll from the terminal. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available outside the terminal, while it's also possible to rent a car. Taking the train is also an option: a train to Liverpool Street Station will take around 52 minutes, while a train to Stratford Station will take around 44 minutes.

Car rental: Europcar is a car rental company that operates in the terminal.

Airport Taxis: Taxis from Southend Airport are available outside the terminal building.

Facilities: There are places to shop, eat, and drink, as well as a duty free. Services and facilities include currency exchange, car hire and parking, ATMs, medical care, toilets, baby change facilities, and a lounge.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is available, both with extremely short walks to the terminal.

Departure Tax: None.

Birmingham Airport (BHM)
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
http://www.flybirmingham.com

Location: Birmingham Alabama The airport is conveniently located about five miles (8km) from downtown Birmingham.

map of Birmingham Airport

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts:

Getting to the city: Several shuttle companies, including Meteors Shuttle and Birmingham Door to Door, operate between the airport and the city, but reservations must be made prior to arrival. Taxi services are available 24 hours a day at ground level outside the baggage claim area.

Car rental: Rental car counters are located at ground level near the section 1B. Vendors include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, National, and Hertz.

Airport Taxis: Taxi services at Birmingham International are available throughout the day and evening on the ground level outside the baggage claim area. Birmingham is serviced by the following taxi-cab companies: Ambassador Cab Company, American Cab Company, Award Cab Company, Birmingham Metro Cab Company, King Cab LLC, Progress House Taxi Cab, Silver Cab Company and Yellow Cab. Uber, and other app-based taxi services, are also available.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include restaurants, bars, shops, currency exchange, wireless internet, kidzone play areas and tourist information. ATMs are available throughout the airport. Skycap services are available to assist disabled passengers.

Parking: The airport provides short-term parking at a rate of $1 per hour and $24 per day; medium-stay parking at a rate of $1 per hour and $12 per day; and long-term parking at a rate of $1 per hour and $10 per day.

East Midlands Airport (EMA)
Nottingham East Midlands Airport
http://www.eastmidlandsairport.com

Location: Nottingham The airport is situated 11 miles (18km) from Derby. It is in easy reach of Nottingham, Leicester and Derby by road and public transport.

map of East Midlands Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 871 919 9000.

Getting to the city: Visitors heading for Nottingham can use the direct Nottingham Skylink bus service, which runs half-hourly around the clock between the airport and Nottingham Railway Station. Taxis are freely available, the fare to Nottingham being around £25. Journey time to central Nottingham is about half an hour.

Car rental: Car hire desks in the arrivals hall are available for Enterprise, Europcar, National and Hertz car rental.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities: The airport has a range of shops, including a newsagent, chemist, souvenir shop and duty free outlets. There are several restaurants and fast-food eateries in the terminal building. There are public telephones, Internet kiosks and Wi-Fi hotspots available. The airport also has an executive lounge.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is available. Shuttle buses operate between the car parks and the terminal.

Departure Tax: None.

Jersey Airport (JER)
Jersey Airport
http://www.jerseyairport.com

Location: Jersey 4.6 miles (7.4km) northwest of Saint Helier.

map of Jersey Airport

Time: No GMT offset (in the summer months GMT+1).

Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)1534 446000

Getting to the city: There is a regular bus service (bus 15) from Jersey Airport to St Helier, via Red Houses and St Aubin's Village, which takes approximately 30 mins. The airport bus stop is situated in front of the arrivals hall and passengers travelling to the airport disembark in front of the departure hall. Private coaches operating at the airport include Signature Coaches, Tantivy Blue Coach and Waverley Coaches. There are also chauffeur driven luxury and executive vehicles for hire.

Car rental: Car rental companies at the airport include Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.

Airport Taxis: There is a taxi rank adjacent to the arrivals hall. Public taxis are metered and different tariffs apply for day and night. It costs about £12 for a taxi into St Helier from the airport and it is possible to pre-book a cab. This option is more expensive than ranked taxis.

Facilities: There is a Bureau de Change at the information desk in the departure hall, as well as ATM facilities. There is free wifi at the airport, postal services and executive/business lounges. There is also first-aid and special assistance available at the airport.

Parking: There is short- and long-term parking available at the airport.

Norwich Airport (NWI)
Norwich International Airport
http://www.norwichairport.co.uk

Location: Norwich The airport is situated just over three miles (5km) north of the city of Norwich.

map of Norwich Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 844 748 0112.

Getting to the city: Abellio Greater Anglia and East Midlands Trains run rail services to Norwich city, and the Norwich rail station is located in the city centre, which can be accessed by either taxi or bus. Local buses offer a service from Cromer Road, which is within walking distance of the airport, to the city centre. Taxis are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies operating at the airport include Avis, Hertz and Europcar.

Airport Taxis: Norwich Airport Taxis are the official taxi service operating at the airport and the taxi rank is outside the front of the main terminal building.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include foreign exchange, an executive lounge, an airport hotel, first aid facilities, information counter, duty-free shopping, a cafe, and a bar and cafeteria. Note that the airport is a smoke-free zone.

Parking: Short-term parking costs £4.86 per day. Long-term parking costs £4 per day.

Stornoway Airport (SYY)
Stornoway Airport
http://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport/

Location: Just over four miles (6km) east of Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis

map of Stornoway Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +44 1851 702 256

Getting to the city: The airport bus service leaves for Stornoway town at regular intervals throughout the day, from Monday to Saturday.

Car rental: Car and van rental is available at the airport from Stornoway Car Hire and advance booking is advised.

Airport Taxis: There are taxis available at the airport and visitors should call the help desk to make an advance booking.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a shop, café and bar, as well as pay phones, TVs and wifi.

Parking: There is free short-term and long-term parking available at the airport.

Southampton Airport (SOU)
Southampton International Airport
http://www.southamptonairport.com

Location: London The airport is located in Hampshire, a few miles outside of Southampton,

map of Southampton Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: +44 23 8062 0021

Getting to the city: The airport is conveniently connected to Southampton Central and other parts of England via several train services. The journey to Southampton Central takes approximately 8 minutes, while London is 67 minutes away. There are also buses to downtown Southampton, with the U1C running every 15-20 minutes; the journey takes roughly 35-40 minutes.

Car rental: The Car Rental Reception Centre is located near the short-term car park, opposite the terminal building. Car rental companies include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, National, Alamo, and Enterprise.

Airport Taxis: Checker Cabs are available 24 hours a day from the taxi desk in the main concourse, near the exit. Prices are fixed in advance, and bookings can be made online or by calling +44 (0) 2380 651 110.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a duty-free shop, ATMs, currency exchange, internet access, cafes, and several restaurants both before and after security.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is available.

Inverness Airport (INV)
Inverness Airport
http://www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport/

Location: Inverness The airport is in Dalcross, eight miles (13km) from downtown Inverness.

map of Inverness Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: +44 1667 4640 00

Getting to the city:

Car rental:

Airport Taxis:

Facilities:

Parking: Short-term parking at Inverness Airport, in three lots next to the terminal building, is free for the 10 minutes. Long-term parking is available in a separate lot to the right of the terminal building.

Humberside Airport (HUY)
Humberside Airport
http://www.humbersideairport.com

Location: Humberside Humberside Airport is located at Kirmington, 12 miles (19km) west of Grimsby and around 15 miles (24km) from both Kingston upon Hull and Scunthorpe.

map of Humberside Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: The Stagecoach 'Humber Flyer' operates approximately once per hour, Monday to Saturday, between Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Humberside Airport, Barton and Hull. Fares are £3.20 to Grimsby (£5.80 return) and £4.50 to Hull (£6.90 return). Barnetby Train Station is located three miles (4.8km) from the airport, and is served by TransPennine Express and East Midlands Trains.

Car rental: Avis and Europcar have desks in the Arrivals area of the terminal.

Airport Taxis: Cable Taxis has a desk located in the terminal building.

Facilities: The airport features ATMs and currency exchange facilities, a travel agency, several restaurants and bars, shops, an executive lounge, and information desk.

Parking: Short-term parking is located in Car Park 1. The first 15 minutes are free, thereafter the rates are £4.50 for an hour and £8.50 for two hours, up to £30 per day. Long-term rates are charged at £35.75 for one day, £36.85 for two days, £41.25 for three days, £66.55 for one week, £106.15 for 15 days, and £4.50 per day thereafter.

Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME)
Durham Tees Valley Airport
http://www.durhamteesvalleyairport.com

Location: Durham Durham Tees Valley Airport is located just east of Darlington, North East England.

map of Durham Tees Valley Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Arriva Bus 12 operates from the airport to Darlington, from there passengers can catch trains to Durham, Newcastle, and York.

Car rental: Avis, Europcar, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz operate car hire facilities at the airport.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are located directly outside the terminal building.

Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs, baby-changing stations, first-aid facilities, as well as shopping and dining facilities.

Parking: Short-stay parking is free for three hours, £5 for up to eight hours, £12 for up to 10 hours, £20 for twelve hours, and £23 for 24 hours. Long-term parking is available, however it is advisable to pre-book via the airport website.

Newquay Airport (NQY)
Newquay Cornwall Airport
http://www.newquaycornwallairport.com

Location: The South West The airport is situated four and a half miles (7.5km) northeast of Newquay, on Cornwall's north coast.

map of Newquay Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1, Apr - Oct)

Contacts: General airport enquiries: +44 01637 860 600

Getting to the city: First Kernow bus A5 travels between central Newquay and the airport roughly every hour, and authorised airport taxis and rental cars are also available. There is a train station near the airport.

Car rental: Europcar and Hertz are represented at the airport.

Airport Taxis: Coastal Travel Cornwall is the official taxi provider at the airport. The company has a desk in Arrivals. It is not generally necessary to book a taxi in advance, but you will receive a discount for doing so. It costs between £15 and £20 for a pre-booked taxi to Newquay.

Facilities: Newquay is a small but comfortable airport, with only basic facilities. Two coffee bars, an executive lounge, free wifi and facilities for the disabled are available at the airport.

Parking: Parking is available at the airport. Parking in both car parks is free for the first hour, substantial discounts are available for those who book online in advance.

Departure Tax: A £5 Airport Development Fee is required from all departing passengers over the age of 16.

Dundee Airport (DND)
Dundee Airport
http://www.hial.co.uk

Location: Dundee The airport is located two miles (3km) from Dundee city centre.

map of Dundee Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre of Dundee and train station, which is five minutes away. Rental cars are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Arnold Clark and Europcar.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre of Dundee and train station, which is five minutes away. Taxis are often available upon arrival, but passengers are advised to book a taxi in advance when possible.

Facilities: Airport facilities include shops, vending machines, cafes, and internet access.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is available at the airport with the first 30 minutes free in both parking areas. Short-term parking, situated opposite the airport terminal building, costs £1.50 per hour with a maximum stay of two hours. Long-term parking is available to the right of the airport terminal and costs £3.20 for up to four hours and £5.70 per day.

Exeter International Airport (EXT)
Exeter International Airport
http://www.exeter-airport.co.uk

Location: The South West The airport is situated four miles (6km) east of the city of Exeter.

map of Exeter International Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1, Apr - Oct)

Contacts: Airport Customer Service: +44 01392 367 433

Getting to the city: Bus Service 56 (56A and 56B), operated by Stagecoach, offers regular connections between the airport and Exeter, although service is reduced on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Authorised airport taxis and rental cars are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz.

Airport Taxis: Apple Central Taxis is the official airport taxi company. Taxis can be found at the taxi stand outside Arrivals.

Facilities: Airport facilities include shops (including duty-free), cafes, a restaurant, a bar, ATMs, currency exchange, conference rooms and an Executive Lounge.

Parking: Plentiful short-term and long-term parking is available and can be booked online or by telephone, although it is generally not necessary to reserve parking in advance. Short-term parking is £1 for 30 minutes, long-term parking ranges from about £5 to £10 a day.

Overview of the Attractions in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom continues to rank as one of the top tourist destinations in the world, steadily attracting more than 32 million foreign visitors every year. This comparatively small island nation packs a touristic punch completely disproportionate to its size, with its small size and excellent transport networks making it easy to get around for travellers.

For tourists, England remains the most popular country in the UK, and the vast majority of travellers visiting England spend time in London. Many tourist attractions are found in the capital, such as the National Gallery, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, Epping Forest, Science Museum and the incomparable British Museum. The only Top 10 UK attraction that isn't in London is Brighton Pier, the landmark feature of the UK's most beloved seaside resort. Other much-visited tourist attractions outside of London include Cornwall's Eden Project, Bath's Roman Baths, Canterbury Cathedral, Warwick Castle, the Lake District's Windermere Lake and the iconic Stonehenge.

The UK is blessed with ample natural beauty and is well-suited to walking holidays, with the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands and Wales particularly beguiling to hikers. But when the infamous weather doesn't oblige, many hours can be spent soaking up the culture in world-famous museums, galleries, shops and theatres. Another big drawcard is the surfeit of grand estates and old castles, conjuring up the worlds of Jane Austen and Shakespeare. For something more Dickensian, the UK is chock full of wonderful old pubs in which to while away the rainy days.

Public Holidays in United Kingdom

  2020 2021
St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland only) Mon. March 17 Mon. March 17
New Years Day Wed. January 1 Wed. January 1
Good Friday Thu. April 10 Wed. April 2
Easter Monday Sun. April 13 Sat. April 5
May Day Thu. May 8 Sat. May 3
Spring Bank Holiday Sun. May 25 Sat. May 31
Summer Bank Holiday Sun. August 31 Sat. August 30
Christmas Day Thu. December 25 Thu. December 25
Boxing Day Fri. December 26 Fri. December 26
New Year's Holiday (Scotland only) Thu. January 2 Thu. January 2
Orangemen's Day (Northern Ireland only) Sat. July 12 Sat. July 12
St Andrew's Day (Scotland only) Sun. November 30 Sun. November 30

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