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United Kingdom and Gibraltar (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)
Country Specific Information
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June 03, 2008
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a highly developed constitutional monarchy comprised of Great
Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland. Read the Department of State Background Notes on the United Kingdom for additional information. Gibraltar is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory bordering Spain and located
at the southernmost tip of Europe at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of thirteen former British colonies
that have elected to continue their political links with London. Tourist facilities are widely available.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A visa is not required for tourist or business visits to the UK of less than six months in duration. Visitors wishing to
remain longer than one month in Gibraltar should regularize their stay with Gibraltar immigration authorities. Those planning
to visit the UK for any purpose other than tourism or business, or who intend to stay longer than six months, should consult
the website of the British Embassy in the United States at http://britainusa.com for information about current visa requirements. Those who are required to obtain a visa and fail to do so may be denied
entry and returned to their port of origin. The British government is currently considering reducing the visa-free period
from six months to 90 days. Travelers should be alert to any changes in legislation. The U.S. Embassy cannot intervene in
UK visa matters.
In addition to the British Embassy web site at http://britainusa.com, those seeking current UK visa information may also contact UK consular offices via their premium rate telephone service
at 1-900-656-5000 (cost $3/minute) or 1-212-796-5773 ($12 flat fee).
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The United Kingdom is politically stable, with a modern infrastructure, but shares with the rest of the world an increased
threat of terrorist incidents of international origin, as well as the potential, though significantly diminished in recent
years, for isolated violence related to the political situation in Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom).
On July 7, 2005, a major terrorist attack occurred in London, as Islamic extremists detonated explosives on three underground
trains and a bus in Central London, resulting in over 50 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Following the attacks, the public
transportation system was temporarily disrupted, but quickly returned to normal. A similar but unsuccessful attack against
London’s public transport system took place on July 21, 2005. UK authorities have identified and arrested people involved
in these attacks. Similarly, those involved in terrorist incidents in London and Glasgow during the summer of 2007 were identified
and arrested.
Like the US, the UK shares its national threat levels with the general public to keep everyone informed and explain the context
for the various increased security measures that may be encountered. UK threat levels are determined by the UK Home Office
and are posted on its web site at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/current-threat-level/.
Information from the UK Security Service, commonly known as MI5, about the reasons for the increased threat level and actions
the public can take is available on the MI5 web site at http://www.mi5.gov.uk/.
On August 10, 2006, the Government of the United Kingdom heightened security at all UK airports following a major counterterrorism
operation in which individuals were arrested for plotting attacks against US-bound airlines. As a result of this, increased
restrictions concerning carry-on luggage were put in place and are strictly enforced. American citizens are advised to check
with the UK Department for Transport at http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/ regarding the latest security updates and carry-on luggage restrictions.
The British Home Secretary has urged UK citizens to be alert and vigilant by, for example, keeping an eye out for suspect
packages or people acting suspiciously at subway (called the “Tube” or Underground) and train stations and airports and reporting
anything suspicious to the appropriate authorities. Americans are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal
security and to exercise caution. For more information about UK public safety initiatives, consult the UK Civil Contingencies
Secretariat web site at http://www.ukresilience.gov.uk.
The political situation in Northern Ireland has dramatically improved since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998,
the announcement by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on July 28, 2005, that it would end its armed campaign, and the agreement
to set up a power-sharing government on May 8, 2007. The potential remains, however, for sporadic incidents of street violence
and/or sectarian confrontation. American citizens traveling to Northern Ireland should therefore remain alert to their surroundings
and should be aware that if they choose to visit potential flashpoints or attend parades sporadic violence remains a possibility.
Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly during the month of July around
the July 12th public holiday.
The phone number for police/fire/ambulance emergency services - the equivalent of "911" in the U.S. - is “999” in the United
Kingdom and “112” in Gibraltar. This number should also be used for warnings about possible bombs or other immediate threats.
The UK Anti-Terrorist Hotline, at 0800 789 321, is for tip-offs and confidential information about possible terrorist activity.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution can be found. Recent communications from U.S. Embassy London to the local American citizen community, called Warden Messages,
can be found on the U.S. Embassy's American Citizens' Services web site at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/index.html.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for
callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: The United Kingdom and Gibraltar benefit from generally low crime rates and rates decreased slightly in 2007 in significant categories, including violent crime. The crime situation in the UK is similar to the United States, with typical incidents including pick-pocketing; mugging; “snatch and grab” thefts of mobile phones, watches and jewelry; and theft of unattended bags, especially at airports and from cars parked at restaurants, hotels and resorts. Pickpockets target tourists, especially at historic sites, restaurants, on buses, trains and the London Underground (the “Tube,” or subway). Thieves often target unattended cars parked at tourist sites and roadside restaurants, looking for laptop computers and hand-held electronic equipment, especially global positioning satellite equipment. Walking in isolated areas, including public parks, especially after dark, should also be avoided, as these provide advantageous venues for muggers and thieves. At night or when there is little foot traffic, travelers should be especially careful using the underground pedestrian tunnels. As a general rule, either walk the extra distance to use a surface crossing or wait until there are other adult pedestrians entering the tunnel.
In London, travelers should use only licensed “black taxi cabs,” or car services recommended by their hotel or tour operator.
Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but are often uninsured and may have unlicensed drivers.
In some instances, travelers have been robbed and raped while using these cars. You can access 7,000 licensed “Black Cabs”
using just one telephone number – 0871 871 8710. This taxi booking service combines all six of London’s radio taxi circuits,
allowing you to telephone 24 hours a day if you need to “hail a cab.” Alternatively, to find a licensed minicab, text “HOME”
to 60835 on your mobile phone to get the telephone number to two licensed minicab companies in the area. If you know in advance
what time you will be leaving for home, you can pre-book your return journey. The “Safe Travel at Night” partnership among
the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, and the Mayor of London maintains a website with additional information at
http://www.cabwise.com/.
Travelers should not leave drinks unattended in bars and nightclubs. There have been some instances of drinks being spiked
with illegal substances, leading to incidents of robbery and rape.
Due to the circumstances described above, visitors should take steps to ensure the safety of their U.S. passports. Visitors
in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Gibraltar are not expected to produce identity documents for police authorities
and thus may secure their passports in hotel safes or residences. Abundant ATMs that link to U.S. banking networks offer
an optimal rate of exchange and they preclude the need to carry a passport to cash travelers’ checks. Travelers should be
aware that U.S. banks might charge a higher processing fee for withdrawals made overseas. Common sense personal security
measures utilized in the U.S. when using ATMs should also be followed in the UK. ATM fraud in the UK is becoming more sophisticated,
incorporating technologies to surreptitiously record customer ATM card and PIN information. Travelers should avoid using
ATMs that look in any way “temporary” in structure or location, or that are located in isolated areas. Travelers should be
aware that in busy public areas, thieves use distraction techniques, such as waiting until the PIN number has been entered
and then pointing to money on the ground, or attempting to hand out a free newspaper. When the ATM user is distracted, a
colleague will quickly withdraw cash and leave. If distracted in any way, travelers should press the cancel transaction button
immediately and collect their card before speaking to the person who has distracted them. If the person’s motives appear
suspicious, travelers should not challenge them but remember the details and report the matter to Police as soon as possible.
In addition, travelers should not use the ATM if there is anything stuck to the machine or if it looks unusual in any way.
If the machine does not return the card, report the incident to the issuing bank immediately.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the opening of the next business day. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate only issues replacement passports during regular business hours. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, report it to local police. The nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate will also be able to assist by helping you to find appropriate medical care, contacting family members or friends, and explaining how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
Visit the “Victim Support” web site, maintained by an independent UK charity to helps people cope with the effects of crime:
http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
See our information for Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: While medical services are widely available, free care under the National Health System is allowed only to UK residents
and certain EU nationals. Tourists and short-term visitors will be charged for medical treatment in the UK. Charges may
be significantly higher than those assessed in the United States.
Hiking in higher elevations can be treacherous. Several people die each year while hiking, particularly in Scotland, often
due to sudden changes in weather. Visitors, including experienced hikers, are encouraged to discuss intended routes with
local residents familiar with the area, and to adhere closely to recommendations.
For information on avian influenza (bird flu), please refer to the Department of State's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet, available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en .
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
If your medical insurance policy does not provide overseas coverage, you may want to purchase a short-term policy for your
trip. The Department of State provides a list of travel insurance companies that can provide the additional insurance needed
for the duration of one’s trip abroad in its online at medical insurance overseas.
Remember also that most medical care facilities and medical care providers in the UK do not accept insurance subscription
as a primary source of payment. Rather, the beneficiary is expected to pay for the service and then seek reimbursement from
the insurance company. This may require an upfront payment in the $10,000 to $20,000 range
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning the United Kingdom is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
UK penalties for driving under the influence of even minimal amounts of alcohol or drugs are stiff and often result in prison
sentences. In contrast to the United States and continental Europe, where traffic drives on the right side of the road, in
the UK, it moves on the left.
The maximum speed limit on highways/motorways in the UK is 70MPH. Motorways generally have a hard shoulder (breakdown lane)
on the far left, defined by a solid white line. It is illegal to stop or park on a hard shoulder unless it is an emergency.
In such cases, you should activate your hazard lights, get out of your vehicle and go onto an embankment for safety.
Emergency call boxes (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) may be found at half-mile intervals along the motorway.
White and blue poles placed every 100 yards along the motorway point in the direction of the nearest call box. Emergency
call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. It is best to use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because
motorway center personnel will immediately know the location of a call received from an emergency call box.
Roadside towing services may cost approximately £125. However, membership fees of automotive associations such as the RAC
or AA (Automobile Association) often include free roadside towing service.
Visitors uncomfortable with, or intimidated by, the prospect of driving on the left-hand side of the road may wish to avail
themselves of extensive bus, rail and air transport networks that are comparatively inexpensive. Roads in the UK are generally
excellent, but are narrow and often congested in urban areas. If you plan to drive while in the UK, you may wish to obtain
a copy of the Highway Code, available at http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk.
Travelers intending to rent cars in the UK should make sure that they are adequately insured. U.S. auto insurance is not
always valid outside the U.S., and travelers may wish to purchase supplemental insurance, which is generally available from
most major rental agents. The city of London imposes a congestion charge of £8 (eight pounds sterling, or approximately U.S.
$16.00) on all cars entering much of central London Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Information on the
congestion charge can be found at http://www.cclondon.com.
Public transport in the United Kingdom is excellent and extensive. However, poor track conditions may have contributed to
train derailments resulting in some fatalities. Repairs are underway and the overall safety record is excellent. Information
on disruptions to London transportation services can be found at http://www.tfl.gov.uk and information about the status of National Rail Services can be found at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk. Many U.S. pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming traffic
approaches from the opposite direction than in the United States. Extra care and alertness should be taken when crossing
streets; remember to look both ways before stepping into the street.
Driving in Gibraltar is on the right-hand side of the road, as in the U.S. and Continental Europe. Persons traveling overland
between Gibraltar and Spain may experience long delays in clearing Spanish border controls.
Please refer to our Road Safety Overseas page for more information. For specific information concerning United Kingdom driving
permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, refer to the United Kingdom’s Department of Environment and
Transport web site at http://www.dft.gov.uk, the Driving Standards Agency web site at http://www.dsa.gov.uk or consult the U.S. Embassy in London’s web site at http://london.usembassy.gov/.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the UK’s air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may visit the FAA's web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The legal drinking age in the UK is generally lower than in the U.S. and social drinking in pubs is often seen as a routine
aspect of life in Britain. Parents, organizers of school trips, and young travelers should be aware of the impact that this
environment may have when combined with the sense of adventure that comes with being abroad. Please see our Students Abroad
web site as well Studying Abroad to help students plan a safe and enjoyable adventure.
The UK has strict gun-control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated. Travelers should consider leaving all
firearms in the United States. Restrictions exist on the type and number of weapons that may be possessed by an individual.
All handguns, i.e. pistols and revolvers, are prohibited with very few exceptions. Licensing of firearms in the UK is controlled
by the Police. Applicants for a license must be prepared to show 'good reason' why they require each weapon. Applicants
must also provide a copy of their U.S. gun license, a letter of good conduct from their local U.S. police station and a letter
detailing any previous training, hunting or shooting experience. Background checks will also be carried out. Additional information
on applying for a firearm certificate and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the Metropolitan Police Firearms Enquiry
Teams web site at http://www.met.police.uk/firearms-enquiries/index.htm.
A number of Americans are lured to the UK each year in the belief that they have won a lottery or have inherited from the
estate from a long-lost relative. Americans may also be contacted by persons they have “met” over the Internet who now need
funds urgently to pay for hospital treatment, hotel bills, taxes or airline security fees. Invariably, the person contacted
is the victim of fraud. Any unsolicited invitations to travel to the UK to collect winnings or an inheritance should be viewed
with skepticism. Also, there are no licenses or fees required when transiting a UK airport, nor is emergency medical treatment
withheld pending payment of fees. Please see our information on International Financial Scams.
Please read our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating British law, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the
UK are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children
or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see
our information on Criminal Penalties.
Many pocketknives and other blades, and mace or pepper spray canisters, although legal in the U.S., are illegal in the UK
and will result in arrest and confiscation if detected. A UK Metropolitan Police guide to items that are prohibited as offensive
weapons is available at http://www.met.police.uk/youngpeople/guns.htm. A UK Customs Guide, detailing what items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the UK, is available at http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/downloadFile?contentID=HMCE_CL_001734.
Air travelers to and from the United Kingdom should be aware that penalties against alcohol-related and other in-flight crimes
(“air rage”) are stiff and are being enforced with prison sentences. Please also see our information on customs regulations
that pertain when returning to the US.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in the United Kingdom are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
through the State Department’s travel registration web site, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within the United Kingdom. By registering, Americans make it easier
for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency, and to relay updated information on travel and security
within the United Kingdom. The Embassy and Consulates regularly send security and other information via email to Americans
who have registered. As noted above, recent communications from U.S. Embassy London to the local American citizen community,
called Warden Messages, can be found on the embassy’s web site. Americans without Internet access may register directly with
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Consular Section also disseminates a newsletter every month. Those wishing to
subscribe to the monthly consular newsletter in London should send a request by email to SCSLondon@state.gov.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 1AE; telephone: in country 020-7499-9000; from the U.S. 011-44-20-7499-9000
(24 hours); Consular Section fax: in country 020-7495-5012; from the U.S. 011-44-20-7495-5012, and on the Internet at http://london.usembassy.gov.
The U.S. Consulate General in Edinburgh, Scotland, is located at 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW; Telephone: in country
0131-556-8315, from the U.S. 011-44-131-556-8315. After hours: in country 01224-857097, from the U.S. 011-44-1224-857097.
Fax: in country 0131-557-6023; from the U.S. 011-44-131-557-6023. Information on the Consulate General is included on the
Embassy’s web site at http://london.usembassy.gov/scotland.
The U.S. Consulate General in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is located at Danesfort House, 228 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9
5GR; Telephone: in country 028-9038-6100; from the U.S. 011-44-28-9038-6100. Fax: in country 028-9068-1301; from the U.S.
011-44-28-9068-1301. Information on the Consulate General is included on the Embassy’s web site at: http://london.usembassy.gov/nireland.
There is no U.S. consular representation in Gibraltar. Passport questions should be directed to the U.S. Embassy in Madrid,
located at Serrano 75, Madrid, Spain, tel (34)(91) 587-2200, and fax (34)(91) 587-2303. The web site is http://madrid.usembassy.gov. All other inquiries should be directed to the U.S. Embassy in London.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 12, 2007, to update the sections on Entry Requirements, Safety
and Security, Crime, Victims of Crime, Medical Facilities, Medical Insurance, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Special Circumstances.
