Vistor Information:

TravelBritain.org
Tel: 1 800 462 2748
Available from anywhere in the USA, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm ET.
Canadian Visitors, call: 1 888 VISIT UK (1 888 847 4885)
Within Canada, Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm ET.

Entry Requirements/Customs:

As an American citizen traveling to the UK, you need a valid passport, a round-trip ticket and spending money! A visa is not required. You can apply for your application form on-line at the US State Department. Non-American citizens should contact their nearest British Consulate, the British Embassy in Washington, DC, or British Information Services for requirements.

Further Information:

British Import Services Regarding Passports & Visas:
Tel: (212) 745 0277
Email: http://www.britainusa.com/functions/feedback/enquiry.asp

Customs Allowances and restrictions:

Pets:

The British love their pets so much that there are strict regulations to ensure the British Isles remain rabies free. All animals are subject to six month's quarantine (you may visit) and are liable to be destroyed if imported illegally. If you are moving to Britain and need further information, contact your nearest British Consulate.

Food:

You may bring in food that is canned, sealed or packaged but, generally speaking, no fresh produce, i.e. meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, plants or dairy products. Sealed meat products are limited to 1 kilo (2.2 lbs).

Drugs:

The UK has severe penalties for drug smuggling. Drug traffickers may try to trick travelers. Never carry luggage or parcels through customs for someone else.

Duty Free Allowances:

Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Alcoholic drinks: 2 liters still table wine plus 1 liter of alcoholic drinks over 22% vol. or 2 liters of alcoholic drinks not over 22% vol. (i.e. fortified or sparkling wine)

Perfume: 2 fl oz. (60cc)

Eau de Toilette: 9 fl oz. (250cc)

Other goods (including gifts, souvenirs, cider and beer): £145. If you exceed this limit, you will have to pay charges on the full value of the item.

Note: Travelers under 17 years are not entitled to bring in alcohol or tobacco goods.

Customs operate a Green and a Red channel system. If you have nothing to declare, pass through the Green channel.

Currency:

There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can bring into Britain (in any currency or any form); however, only the pound sterling is valid for payment. In other words, dollar bills or dollar travelers checks must be exchanged into pounds either before you leave the USA or upon arrival. Travelers checks can be purchased from your bank in either dollars or sterling (or ask your travel agent where they are available in your area), and it is advisable to arrive with some sterling currency for tipping and other incidentals.

There are 100 pence to the pound sterling, and the different colored notes come in £50, £20, £10 and £5 values (£1 notes are still issued in Scotland and though most places should accept them, it may be better to change them to £1 coins before you leave Scotland). All coins bear HM The Queen's head on one side, but the £1 coins have different flip-sides to reflect the different countries of Britain: lions for England, a thistle for Scotland and a leek for Wales are just a few…See how many different ones you can find! A new £2.00 coin has recently been introduced, in two-tone, with a silver coin bordered by gold.

Most banks are open from 9:30am until 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, with some of the main branches open an extra hour and for a few hours on Saturday mornings. Many branches have 24-hour banking lobbies where a range of services can be obtained through ATMs.

Bureaux de Change, also found in travel agencies, larger department stores and some post offices in London and Northern Ireland, are often open even in the evenings, and there is a 24-hour service at major airports. Always check the exchange rate and any commission charges in advance.

The Euro:

The new common currency of Europe was introduced on January 1, 1999, notes and coins came in to circulation on January 1, 2002 and national banknotes and coins were finally withdrawn from use on February 28, 2002. To date, 12 European Union countries have introduced the euro, as the new currency is called, with the objective of easing transactions between European countries. The countries that make up the euro area are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

As the UK is not part of the euro area, sterling remains the legal tender and, in general, visitors to the UK should continue to expect to use sterling. There will be some hotels, shops and attractions where visitors will be able to use the euro, but exchange rates will be variable and accepting euros is entirely at the discretion of the operator. Whether or not the euro is accepted, visitors are advised not to rely on this as a method of payment and to ensure that they have alternatives (sterling, credit cards) available.

Generally visitors will find that the larger and better-known hotels and shops are more likely to take euro, rather than smaller operators. There are of course exceptions to this and visitors may increasingly come across small B&Bs, shops and attractions that have decided to become euro-friendly and accept euro.

For more details, check with the European Commission in New York (212) 271 3804 or Washington, DC (202) 862 9500.

Credit Cards:

American credit cards--Visa, MasterCard and American Express--are widely accepted, and when you arrive home, your statement will be converted into dollars. However, there may be a minimum purchase requirement and credit cards may not be accepted by small B&Bs, small shops or even some larger stores which operate their own store cards. ATMs are available all over the UK, but check with your local bank for compatibility and charges.

Electricity:

The electrical voltage in Britain is 230v, 50 cycles. A three square-pronged adapter plug and/or electric converter for appliances is required. If you decide to purchase a video tape, make sure you buy one clearly marked NTSC (and not PAL), as it is only NTSC that is designed for the American systems. Many hotels now have a modem link for those of you traveling with a laptop computer.

Health:

You should check to make sure your own medical insurance covers you overseas, otherwise you will need to take out additional insurance (available from your insurance broker or your travel agent). The National Health Service in Britain can only offer free treatment in the event of an emergency. If you are taking prescribed drugs, it is advisable to carry a copy of your prescription (described by the generic name) together with a cover letter from your doctor, just in case you need additional supplies.

Britain is a stable and modern country which benefits from a generally low crime rates; however, as in all countries, travelers are advised to taken certain precautions, from travel and health insurance to taking care of personal belongings to knowing who to contact if something does go wrong.

Most vacation packages also include insurance to cover your luggage and personal effects in the event of theft or loss. You may also wish to consider a cancellation policy: Most hotels, guest houses and places that offer accommodation in Britain operate a strict cancellation period, based on their ability to re-book your room. Check at the time of booking or with your travel agent.

The UK equivalent of 911 is 999. Call this number - free of charge - from any phone for Police, Ambulance, and Fire emergency services.

Climate:

Britain's weather is very unpredictable, and it is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day! Winters are usually quite mild with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing; January and February are usually the coldest when snow is not unusual, particularly in Scotland and northern parts of England and Wales. In summer, temperatures have soared into the 80s and 90s in the last few years, particularly in the south, although it is still more often likely to be around 70-75 degrees F. Therefore, we suggest you dress in layers and always bring some kind of rainwear.

Dress codes are very similar to America's, and men are advised to pack a jacket and tie if they plan to eat in a smart restaurant, visit a nightclub or go to a casino.