United Kingdom and Gibraltar (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)
Country Specific Information
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October 26, 2012

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a highly developed constitutional monarchy composed of Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland. Read the Department of State Background Notes on the United Kingdom (UK) for additional information. Gibraltar is a UK Overseas Territory bordering Spain, located at the southernmost tip of Europe at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea; it is one of 13 former British colonies that have elected to retain political ties with London. Tourist facilities are widely available throughout the United Kingdom and Gibraltar.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are planning visit or reside in the United Kingdom, please take the time to tell our Embassy or Consulates about your trip. If you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.

The American Citizen Services section maintains a blog of easy-to-access information relevant to U.S. citizens living in or traveling to the United Kingdom. Local Embassy and Consulate information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy London  
24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 1AE
Telephone: 020-7499-9000
Telephone from the United States: 011-44-20-7499-9000 (24 hours)
Consular fax: 020-7495-5012
Consular fax from the United States: 011-44-20-7495-5012

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland
3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW
Telephone: 013-1556-8315
Telephone from the United States: 011-44-13-1556-8315 
Emergency after-hours telephone: 020-7499-9000
Emergency after-hours telephone from the United States: 011-44-20-7499-9000
Fax: 0131-557-6023
Fax from the United States: 011-44-131-557-6023

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland
Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR
Telephone: 028-9038-6100
Telephone from the United States: 011-44-28-9038-6100
Emergency after-hours telephone: 07545-507738
Emergency after-hours telephone from the United States: 011-44-7545-507738
Fax: 028-9068-1301
Fax from the United States: 011-44-28-9068-1301

There is no U.S. consular representation in Gibraltar. You should direct passport questions from there to the  U.S. Embassy in Madrid, located at Serrano 75, Madrid, Spain; telephone: 34-91-587-2200 and fax: 34-91-587-2303. You should direct all other inquiries to the U.S. Embassy in London.

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: While some countries impose minimum passport validity for arriving passengers, there is no such requirement for the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens seeking entry as tourists or visitors are required to present a valid passport. U.S. citizens traveling to the UK for purposes other than tourism should refer to the UK Border Agency website to verify if a visa or entry clearance certificate is required for entry. U.S. citizens traveling from the UK to other countries, or changing planes in the UK en route to onward destinations, should check the passport and visa requirements of any onward destinations prior to entering the UK. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has a five-tier, point-based visa system that affects U.S. citizens coming to the United Kingdom as well as U.S. citizens and family members already in the country. You can find information on the point-based system on the UKBA website. You must be outside the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man when you apply for a UK visa.

Companies and individuals intending to employ U.S. citizens, or other nationals from countries beyond the European Economic Area and Switzerland, are required to apply to the UKBA for a sponsorship license. Information on the sponsorship license can be found on the UKBA website.

Educational organizations must also apply for a sponsorship license from the UKBA. This includes U.S. educational institutions offering only short-term study abroad programs on their own premises in the United Kingdom to students who are enrolled in the United States but come to the United Kingdom for one or two semesters prior to returning home to finish their degrees. Information on the license for  educational institutions also can be found on the UKBA website

Students and prospective students who intend to stay longer than six months, and those coming for less than six months but who wish to work while studying, are required to obtain a student or prospective student visa before traveling to the United Kingdom. If you do not, you will be refused entry to the United Kingdom. You can find information on student visas on the UKBA website. Students may apply online. 

Please note that charity workers, religious workers, and other temporary workers -- even those performing unpaid duties -- are required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United Kingdom. You can find information on temporary workers on the UKBA website.

It is your personal responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate permission to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when applying for a visa, nor can we obtain one for you at the airport. We cannot assist if you are denied entry into the United Kingdom and returned on a flight to the United States. The UKBA website will help you find out whether you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom.

Effective November 1, 2011, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) now requires any visitor or resident without recourse to public funds to clear any National Health Service (NHS) charges before being admitted back into the UK. The threshold for defaulters is £1,000 (approximately $1,600). Anyone who has not paid their outstanding NHS debts will be refused entry or the issuance of a visa until the charges are settled. Visit the UKBA website for more details. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the UK. Anyone who does not appear to be in good health may be required to undergo a medical exam (including an HIV test) prior to being granted or denied entry into the United Kingdom.

You can find information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The United Kingdom is politically stable and has 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 for isolated violence related to the political situation in Northern Ireland.

Like the United States, the United Kingdom 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. The UK Home Office posts UK threat levels on its website.

The UK Security Service, commonly known as MI5, publishes through its website specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public.

U.S. citizens should check with the UK Department for Transport for the latest security updates and carry-on luggage restrictions.

In the past several years, extremists have targeted and attacked public transportation infrastructure in European cities such as London, Madrid, Glasgow, and Moscow, demonstrating that terrorists continue to take an active interest in targeting this sector. The British Home Secretary has urged UK citizens to be alert and vigilant. For example, travelers are encouraged to keep an eye out for suspect packages or people acting suspiciously on buses, on the subway (called the Tube or Underground), at train stations, and at airports, and to report anything suspicious to the appropriate authorities. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. As has been widely reported in the press, UK law enforcement authorities have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack, underscoring in their public statements that the police are using a range of tactics to mitigate the threat. For more information about UK public safety initiatives, consult the UK Civil Contingencies Secretariat website.

The political situation in Northern Ireland has improved substantially since the days of the “Troubles,” with the successful completion of a four-year term by the Northern Ireland Assembly in March 2011 and the devolution of policing and justice authorities to the Assembly in April 2010. Nevertheless, the Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses the dissident republican threat in Northern Ireland to be severe. Three violent dissident republican groups, the Real IRA (RIRA), Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH), and the Continuity IRA (CIRA) are the main sources of an increased number of security incidents in recent years. Attacks by these groups have focused primarily on police and military targets, and involved the use of firearms and explosives. Attacks have targeted the private vehicles and homes of security personnel, police stations, and other justice sector buildings, increasing the potential for travelers to be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time during such attacks, and also during any sporadic incidents of street violence and/or sectarian confrontation. U.S. citizens traveling to Northern Ireland should 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). 

We remind you that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. You should avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of any demonstrations. You should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

The phone number for police/fire/ambulance emergency services – the equivalent of 911 in the United States – is 999 in the United Kingdom and 112 in Gibraltar. You should also use this number to report warnings about possible bombs or other immediate threats. The UK Anti-Terrorist Hotline, at 0800-789-321, is available for tips and confidential information about possible terrorist activity.

Stay up to date by:

Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad. Take some time before you travel to improve your personal security—things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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CRIME: The United Kingdom and Gibraltar benefit from generally low crime rates. Overall crime rates have decreased over the past decade; however, according to Metropolitan Police statistics, serious crime (i.e. assault, robbery, burglary, gun-enabled crimes, and rape) in many London boroughs has increased. As with any major metropolitan city, U.S. citizens are urged to be cautious and aware of their surroundings.

Typical criminal incidents include pick pocketing, mugging, and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches, and jewelry. Theft of unattended bags, especially at airports and from cars parked at restaurants, hotels, and resorts is common. Pickpockets target tourists, especially at historic sites and restaurants, and on buses, trains, and the London subway. Thieves often target unattended cars parked at tourist sites and roadside restaurants, looking for laptop computers and handheld electronic equipment - especially global positioning satellite (GPS) equipment. 

U.S. citizens should also be alert to other criminal schemes, such as imposters posing as undercover police officers and "fining" tourists for bogus minor offences (littering or not having ID documents, for example). A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment from a citizen or tourist.

You should avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including public parks, especially after dark, as these are advantageous venues for muggers and thieves. You should be especially careful using underground pedestrian tunnels at night or when there is little foot traffic. 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, you should use only licensed Black Cabs or car services recommended by hotels or tour operators. 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/or raped while using these cars. You can access 7,000 licensed Black Cabs using one telephone number: 087-1871-8710. This taxi booking service combines all six of London’s radio taxi circuits, allowing you to telephone 24 hours a day if you need 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 when 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 on cabs and car services.

Don’t leave your drink unattended in bars and nightclubs. There have been some instances of drinks being spiked with illegal substances, leading to incidents of robbery and rape.

U.S. citizens should take steps to ensure the safety of their U.S. passports. Visitors in the United Kingdom and Gibraltar are not expected to produce identity documents for police authorities and thus may secure their passports in hotel safes or residences. 

ATM Fraud: You don’t need to carry a passport to cash a traveler’s check. There are many ATMs that link to U.S. banking networks. When using ATM machines in the United Kingdom, you should use the same common-sense personal security measures you would use in the United States. ATM fraud in the United Kingdom is becoming more sophisticated, incorporating technologies that surreptitiously record customer ATM card and PIN information. Avoid using ATMs that look in any way temporary in structure or location, or are located in isolated areas. Be aware that in busy public areas, thieves use distraction techniques, such as waiting until the PIN 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 you are distracted in any way, cancel the transaction immediately. Don’t use an ATM if there is anything stuck to the machine or if it looks unusual in any way. If the machine does not return your card, report the incident to the issuing bank immediately. If you need to visit an ATM always try to use the machines inside the bank, as they are monitored by CCTV and are the least likely to be targeted by thieves.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, but you may also be breaking local law.

Scams: Financial crimes conducted over the Internet have increased dramatically in the United Kingdom as scammers attempt to convince you to send them money. These fraudulent schemes can include lotteries, online dating/social networking services, inheritance notices, work permits/job offers, bank overpayments, or schemes that make it appear you are helping a loved one or a friend in trouble. 

In many cases, scammers troll the Internet for victims, and spend weeks or months building a relationship. Once they have gained their victim's trust, the scammers create a false situation and ask for money. Scammers can be very clever and deceptive, creating sad and believable stories that will make you want to send them money.

A number of U.S. citizens are lured to the United Kingdom each year in the belief that they have won a lottery or have inherited from the estate of a long-lost relative. U.S. citizens may also be contacted by persons with whom they have become acquainted over the Internet – or even receive an email purportedly from a friend or family member – who now need funds urgently to pay for hospital treatment, hotel bills, taxes, or airline security fees. Invariably, the person contacted becomes a victim of fraud. If you receive an email from family or friends requesting assistance you should first try calling them, as that person may not know their email account has been hacked. You should view any unsolicited invitations to travel to the United Kingdom to collect winnings or an inheritance with skepticism. Also, there are no licenses or fees required when transiting a UK airport, emergency medical treatment is never withheld pending payment of fees, and hotels in the UK will not detain guests for lack of funds without involving the police. A claim that a hospital or hotel will not let someone depart until their bill is settled is usually a red flag for a scam.

Visit the Embassy London website for more information about Internet Financial Scams and how to protect yourself. The site contains useful tips to prevent becoming a victim. To view a common example of Internet financial scams, see Embassy London’s YouTube video. The U.S. Department of State also provides information about other types of international financial scams.

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VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates ). If your passport is stolen, we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you get money sent from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are 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.

The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in the United Kingdom is 999; in Gibraltar, it is 112.

The Victim Support website is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime. A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar victim’s support website. In Scotland victims of crime should contact Victim Support Scotland.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in the United Kingdom, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. If you break local laws in the United Kingdom, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the United Kingdom 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

Many pocket knives and other blades, and mace or pepper spray canisters, although legal in the United States, are illegal in the United Kingdom and will result in arrest and confiscation if detected. Please refer to “ A UK Customs Guide," detailing which items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.

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 United States.

Drivers of non-UK-registered vehicles may have to provide an on-the-spot deposit of up to 900 pounds (approximately $1400) if stopped for a motoring offense. If the driver cannot pay due to lack of cash or credit, the vehicle may be impounded until payment is made, and a release fee will be charged in addition to the deposit. 

Non-UK-resident drivers charged with motoring offenses are often unable to provide a verifiable address where a summons (subpoena) to appear in court can be delivered and/or enforced, or fail to return for court if released on bail. U.S. citizens may be detained and arrested if they cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense. If alleged offenders attend court and are found not guilty, the deposit is returned.

UK authorities nearly always promptly notify the U.S. Embassy or a consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in the UK, but to ensure the State Department is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained in the UK.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The legal drinking age (18 years old to purchase alcohol) in the United Kingdom is lower than in the United States, and social drinking in pubs (bars) is often seen as a routine aspect of British life. 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 website to help you plan a safe and enjoyable experience.

The United Kingdom has strict gun-control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated. Travelers should consider leaving all firearms in the United States. There are restrictions on the type and number of weapons that an individual may possess. All handguns, such as pistols and revolvers, are prohibited, with very few exceptions. Police control the licensing of firearms in the United Kingdom. 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  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing web page. For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with the police constabulary in the city you wish to visit as Scotland has separate regulations. Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.

Accessibility: In the UK, accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities may be very different from what you find in the United States. UK law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, and the government effectively enforces this requirement in practice. The law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make "reasonable adjustments" to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.

Getting around in UK cities may be difficult at times since many sidewalks are narrow and uneven. Although the London Underground and the UK’s National Rail System are very efficient methods for traveling throughout central London and the UK, most stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities. Very few stations have elevators, and most have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. However, many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers. Taxis are also a good means of transportation.

The Transport for London and National Rail websites provide information for passengers with disabilities. There are many other resources available on the internet for disabled persons traveling to or living in the UK. You may also contact any of our consular offices by e-mail for further information on this topic

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: While medical services are widely available, free care under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents and certain EU nationals. Tourists and short-term visitors will be charged for medical treatment in the United Kingdom. Charges may be significantly higher than those assessed in the United States. Travelers to the United Kingdom should ensure they have adequate medical insurance to cover the cost of any treatment received - please see additional insurance information below.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website, which also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Hiking in higher elevations can be treacherous. Several people die each year while hiking, particularly in Scotland, often due to sudden changes in weather. We encourage visitors, including experienced hikers, to discuss their intended routes with local residents familiar with the area and to adhere closely to recommendations.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctor and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

Visitors to the UK should be aware that effective November 1, 2011, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) now requires any visitor or resident without recourse to public funds to clear any National Health Service (NHS) charges before being admitted back into the UK. The threshold for defaulters is £1,000 (approximately $1,600). Anyone who has not paid their outstanding NHS debts will be refused entry or the issuance of a visa until the charges are settled. Visit the UKBA website for more details.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in the United Kingdom, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

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 U.S. and continental European traffic, which moves on the right side of the road, UK traffic moves on the left. Visitors uncomfortable with or intimidated by the prospect of driving on the left side of the road may wish to use the United Kingdom’s extensive bus, rail, and air transport networks. Roads in the United Kingdom are generally excellent but are narrow and often congested in urban areas. If you plan to drive while in the United Kingdom, you may wish to obtain a copy of  the Highway Code, available for purchase at most UK bookstores.

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in the UK while you are using a hand-held cell phone or similar device, including a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) that incorporates a cell phone. Hands-free phones may be used. Use of cell phones and hand-held communication devices while driving can lead to a substantial fine, and in the event of an accident, could result in a jail sentence.

The maximum speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph. 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 £150 (approximately $240). However, membership fees of automotive associations such as the RAC (Royal Automobile Club) or AA (Automobile Association) often include free roadside towing service.

Travelers intending to rent cars in the United Kingdom should make sure they are adequately insured. U.S. auto insurance is not always valid outside the United States, and travelers may wish to purchase supplemental insurance, which is generally available from most major rental agents. Authorities impose a congestion charge on all cars entering much of central London Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Information on the congestion charge can be found on the Transport for London website.

Public transport in the United Kingdom is excellent and extensive. Information on  disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the Transport for London website. Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the National Rail Enquiries website. Information on bus and train services in Northern Ireland can be found on the Translink website. Many U.S. citizen 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. You should exercise extra care when crossing streets; remember to remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Driving in Gibraltar is on the right side of the road, as in the United States 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 page for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the UK Department for Transport website or  the Driving Standards Agency website. The  U.S. Embassy in London can also provide information.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the UK government’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for the United Kingdom dated July 24, 2012 to update the following section: Entry and Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens, Medical Insurance, and Scams.

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