Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
From 2026, most visa-exempt visitors to the United Kingdom will require an ETA (£10 fee) - a simple online application processed in minutes and valid for two years or until passport expiry. Apply via the UK government's app or website at least 72 hours before travel to ensure smooth entry.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK, with no additional six-month rule beyond that, but ensure it has at least one blank page for entry stamps.
Biometric passports (ePassports) are required for ETA eligibility; renew if yours is older to avoid issues at the border.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many others can visit visa-free for up to six months for tourism, business, or short study, provided they meet ETA requirements starting 2026.
Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds (£100/day recommended) may be requested upon arrival.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration website (£100-£115 fee for standard visitor visas), including documents like bank statements, accommodation proof, and tuberculosis test results if applicable.
Processing times range from 3 weeks to several months; apply up to three months in advance for peace of mind.
Border Crossings
UK borders are outside Schengen, so expect e-gates for eligible nationalities at major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick, with manual checks for others; land/sea arrivals from Ireland or Europe may involve quick passport scans.
Post-Brexit, EU citizens need to use e-gates with valid passports; always carry your ETA digital approval for verification.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical treatment (NHS is free for emergencies but not all care), trip disruptions, and activities like hiking in the Lake District or attending festivals.
Opt for policies with at least £2 million medical coverage starting from £5/day from trusted providers.
Extensions Possible
Visitor stays can be extended up to six months total for exceptional reasons by applying online or at a UKVI office before your current permission expires, with fees around £1,000 and strong evidence required.
Overstaying can lead to bans, so plan carefully and consult immigration advice services if needed.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
The United Kingdom uses the British Pound (£). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Secure the cheapest fares to London Heathrow or other UK airports by using Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets for comparisons.
Booking 2-3 months ahead often yields 30-50% savings, especially during off-peak seasons.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for pub grub or market stalls for meals under £15, avoiding high-end tourist restaurants in areas like Covent Garden to cut food expenses by up to 40%.
Supermarkets like Tesco offer affordable ready meals and picnic supplies for on-the-go savings.
Public Transport Passes
Invest in an Oyster card or contactless payment for unlimited London travel at £8-12/day, or a BritRail pass for nationwide journeys starting at £100 for 3 days.
City-specific passes like the London Visitor Oyster often bundle transport with attraction discounts.
Free Attractions
Explore no-cost sites such as the British Museum, National Gallery, walking the South Bank, or hiking in national parks like the Peak District for authentic, budget-friendly adventures.
Many major museums and galleries remain free year-round, with optional donations encouraged.
Card vs Cash
Contactless cards and mobile payments are ubiquitous, but keep £50-100 in cash for rural areas, markets, or small vendors where cards might not be accepted.
Use fee-free ATMs from major banks like Barclays for better exchange rates than airport kiosks.
Attraction Passes
The London Pass (£80-£150 for 1-10 days) grants entry to over 80 sites plus transport, recouping costs after 2-3 visits and ideal for multi-attraction itineraries.
Similar passes exist for Edinburgh and other cities, often including priority entry to save time and money.
Smart Packing for United Kingdom
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Layer up with thermal base layers, wool sweaters, and a waterproof jacket to combat the UK's unpredictable rain and temperature swings from 5-25°C year-round.
Pack smart-casual outfits for pub visits or theater shows, plus modest clothing for cathedrals and historical sites like Stonehenge.
Electronics
Don't forget a Type G adapter (three rectangular pins) for UK sockets, a portable charger for long days exploring cities, and apps like Citymapper for navigation without roaming fees.
Include a waterproof phone case and download offline maps for rural areas with spotty signal.
Health & Safety
Carry your EHIC/GHIC if EU-based or private insurance docs, a basic medical kit with plasters for blisters from cobblestone walks, and any prescriptions in original packaging.
Pack high-SPF sunscreen for surprisingly sunny days and hand sanitizer for public transport hygiene.
Travel Gear
A lightweight backpack is perfect for day trips to the countryside, along with a reusable water bottle (tap water is safe), compact umbrella, and a neck wallet for securing valuables in crowded spots like Oxford Street.
Include photocopies of your passport and ETA in a separate bag for easy access during checks.
Footwear Strategy
Choose waterproof hiking boots for trails in Scotland's Highlands or Wales, and supportive walking shoes for urban marathons in London, where you'll cover 10+ km daily on uneven pavements.
Pack wool socks to keep feet warm and dry, essential for the damp climate prevalent across the UK.
Personal Care
Travel with eco-friendly toiletries in 100ml sizes for carry-on, moisturizer for dry winter air, and a packable rain poncho as a lightweight alternative to bulky coats.
For longer stays, include laundry soap sheets to wash clothes in sinks, helping maintain a light suitcase for multi-destination trips.
When to Visit United Kingdom
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather of 8-15°C brings blooming gardens in Kew and fewer crowds for countryside rambles in the Cotswolds or city explorations in Edinburgh.
Ideal for festivals like the Chelsea Flower Show and longer daylight hours without summer heat.
Summer (June-August)
Warmest period at 15-25°C perfect for outdoor events like Wimbledon, Glastonbury Festival, or beach days in Cornwall, though expect peak crowds and higher prices.
Long evenings suit pub crawls in London or hiking in the Lake District with vibrant green landscapes.
Autumn (September-November)
Cool temperatures of 10-18°C and colorful foliage make it prime for scenic drives through the Scottish Highlands or harvest festivals in Kent's orchards.
Lower tourist numbers mean better deals on accommodations and attractions like Oxford's historic colleges.
Winter (December-February)
Chilly 2-8°C weather is magical for Christmas markets in Bath or Manchester, with cozy indoor pursuits like afternoon teas and theater in the West End.
Budget-friendly off-season travel, though northern areas like the Lake District may see snow; pack for frost and enjoy fewer queues at sites.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: British Pound (£ or GBP). Cards are widely accepted; ATMs are plentiful but watch for fees abroad.
- Language: English is the primary language, with regional dialects in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Gaelic and Welsh spoken in some areas.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter, British Summer Time (BST, UTC+1) March-October
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type G plugs (three rectangular pins, UK standard)
- Emergency Number: 999 or 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services
- Tipping: Not obligatory but common; add 10-15% in restaurants, £1-2 for taxis or hotel porters
- Water: Tap water is safe and high-quality to drink across the entire UK
- Pharmacies: Easily found; search for "Boots" or "Superdrug" chains with blue signage