United Kingdom

There's a raised threat of terrorist attack in the UK. The 3 key sources of this threat are groups or individuals motivated by:

• the current conflict in Iraq and Syria (international terrorism) 
• extreme right-wing ideology
• the status of Northern Ireland

International terrorism

There's a threat of international terrorism to the UK:

• In November 2019, a terrorist attacked pedestrians on London Bridge. There were two deaths and three injuries.
• In September 2017, terrorists attacked a Tube train in south-west London. There were injuries.
• In June 2017, a vehicle hit people outside a mosque in Finsbury Park, North London. There were injuries.
• In June 2017, terrorists attacked London Bridge and Borough Market. There were deaths and injuries.
• In May 2017, a suicide bomber carried out an attack in Manchester. There were deaths and injuries.
• In March 2017, terrorists carried out a vehicle and stabbing attack. This happened on Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament in London. There were deaths and injuries.

The UK Government has raised its terrorism threat level to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

Terrorist have attacked other European cities.

Targets have included:

• aviation
• public transport and transport hubs
• sporting venues and mass gatherings, including places popular with foreigners

European security services have also stopped several planned attacks in recent years, including in the UK.

More information:

• Terrorism and national emergencies

UK authorities have installed security barriers on London's major bridges. More police are at public events and on public transport. Authorities have asked people to:

• be alert to the danger of terrorism
• report suspicious behaviour or bags left alone on public transport and in other public places to the police
• monitor official warnings
• follow the advice of local authorities

Extreme right-wing terrorism

UK authorities remain concerned about the threat from violent extremism linked to extreme right-wing ideology.

In March 2019, authorities arrested a man for a non-fatal stabbing. Authorities declared it a terrorism event linked to far-right ideology.

Northern Ireland

There's a moderate threat in England, Wales and Scotland from Northern Ireland-related terrorism. An attack is possible, but not likely.

The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Northern Ireland remains 'severe'. An attack is highly likely.

In April 2019, violent clashes happened in Londonderry during a police operation at a housing estate. One person died in an attack that police are treating as a terrorist act.

Northern Ireland-related terrorist groups have used firearms and bombs to target security forces. They have attacked or attempted to attack in public places. Civilians have been at risk.

Police are continuing to investigate the links between Northern Ireland dissident groups and suspect devices sent to various addresses in the UK in March 2019. 

More information:

• Terrorism threat levels in the UK

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To stay safe:

• avoid all protests
• monitor the media for latest information
• follow instructions of local authorities

Since the 1998 peace agreement, the political situation in Northern Ireland has improved.

Tensions can rise in Northern Ireland from April to August. This worsens in the weeks leading up to 12 July. This is known as the 'Twelfth' or 'Orangemen's Day'.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime occurs across the UK. This includes pickpocketing and mobile phone theft. It happens more often in summer.

Credit card and ATM fraud is on the rise. It often involves sophisticated equipment.

There have been drink spiking and acid attacks across the UK.

Knife-related crime is increasing.

To stay safe:

• be alert in tourist areas, airports, restaurants, pubs and bars, and on public transport
• when using ATMs and credit cards, keep your card in sight, conceal your PIN and check your bank statements
• don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended in public places, such as bars and nightclubs

Check the UK Metropolitan Police website for more safety and crime prevention advice.

The UK experiences severe weather, including:

• strong winds
• flooding
• rain
• snowstorms

Expect transport disruptions.

Monitor local weather reports. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

This advice pre-dates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

More information:

• Travel insurance

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you need counselling, the Samaritans provide private phone support. You can call 24 hours a day on 116 123 (free call).

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the UK. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

Check the UK Home Office for advice about medication.

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in the UK. The devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales continue to direct citizens and visitors to follow their own public health guidance. Further advice can be found here: Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Details may be found here:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response
• NHS information and advice
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Other health issues

Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities is similar to those in Australia.

To find your nearest GP surgery or hospital, call the National Health Service (NHS) on 111.

If you need urgent medical care, go to your nearest hospital.

Accessing NHS medical services

There's a reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and the UK.

Some GP and hospital treatments are free if you're in the UK for a short visit.

Check the Department of Human Services to find out what's covered. You'll need to prove you're eligible.

This agreement doesn't cover other countries in the EU.

If you're staying more than 6 months, you'll pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. This will be charged when you apply for your visa.

When your visa is granted, your details will be shared with the NHS. This lets you access medical care. Under this scheme, you'll need to produce your biometric residence permit at the doctor's or hospital.

If you need a medical evacuation, the NHS won't cover the cost. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave Australia.

You're subject to local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. They include imprisonment and fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The UK recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

On 31 December 2020, the transition period for the UK leaving the EU (‘Brexit’) ended. This follows the exit of the UK from the EU on 31 January 2020. The UK and the EU are providing updated guidance on the implications for issues such as travel, residency, education and employment. You can check for the latest information on the websites of the UK Government and the European Commission.

More information:

• Brexit bulletin

Australians who plan to live in the UK can use the UK's visa and immigration tool to seek guidance on visa status and rights to stay. 

If you're travelling as a tourist for less than 6 months, you usually won't need a visa.

Get a visa if you're planning to do paid or unpaid work, volunteer or get married.

The UK Home Office has issued advice that foreign nationals in the UK who intend to leave but aren't able to do so, because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus, and have a visa or leave that expires between 1 December 2020 and 31 January 2021, may request additional time to stay, also known as ‘exceptional assurance’, by contacting the coronavirus immigration team (CIT).

The grant of an assurance does not grant you leave but will act as a short-term protection against any adverse action or consequences after your leave has expired. If you are granted an Assurance, your existing rights to work and access other services in the UK will be preserved during this period.

You'll be required to provide supporting documentation to confirm you are unable to leave through no fault of your own. The decision to grant exceptional assurance rests solely with UK immigration authorities. For more information please see advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents. 

If you were granted assurance and are unable to leave the UK by the assurance date given, you must reapply for exceptional assurance nearer to this date.

The UK can refuse entry without a visa. This happens if they think you're trying to enter for something other than tourism. You'll need a visa if you're planning to do paid or unpaid work, volunteer or get married. Arrange this before you travel.

Check with UK Visas and Immigration if:

• you're going to the UK for more than 6 months
• you're travelling for any reason other than tourism
• you want to make sure you apply for the correct visa

Australian Government officials can't help you change your UK visa status.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the UK High Commission for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Entry to the UK

From 18 January 2021, all international travellers must show a negative COVID-19 test result before departure for the United Kingdom. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure and applies to all travellers to the UK, regardless of nationality or residency status. Some exemptions exist, including for children under 11.

Passengers arriving in the UK are required to self-isolate for 10 days. The list of countries exempt from this requirement, also known as ‘travel corridors’, will be temporarily suspended from 18 January (Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)). 

The self-isolation period may be shortened if a person pays for a COVID-19 test after five days and receives a negative result. For more information see Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel (UK Government).

If you plan to transit through the UK on your way back to Australia, you may need to provide proof that you have an onward flight booked. Transit passengers are subject to self-isolation requirements for the duration of their transit if less than 10 days.

You'll need to complete a contact locator form so you can be contacted if you, or someone you may have been in contact with, contracts COVID-19. You could be contacted regularly throughout this period to ensure compliance. If you fail to comply with the mandatory conditions, you may face enforcement action. More information can be found here.

Departure from the UK

There are no restrictions on foreigners leaving the United Kingdom. Commercial flights are available. If you're returning to Australia check your route carefully with your airline or travel agent as a number of key transit hubs have restrictions in place, including on transit.

Some countries have temporarily restricted travel from the UK. Consult your travel provider for the latest information.

Staying in the UK

A national lockdown has replaced the regional, tiered approach. You are legally required to stay at home and can only be outside where absolutely necessary (shopping for basic necessities, go to work if you cannot reasonably do so from home, seek medical assistance and attend education or childcare for those eligible). Non-essential retail, gyms and personal care services have closed (and restaurants, pubs and bars remain closed). You can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor, public space for exercise, and overnight stays away from home aren't permitted. You're not permitted to mix with anyone outside your own household unless in a support bubble. 

Colleges, primary and secondary schools will only be open for vulnerable children and children of critical workers.

Scotland has banned travel between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Full details of current restrictions is at National lockdown: Stay at Home (UK Government).   

Understand what you can and can't do under current restrictions for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

Additional measures may be implemented at national or local levels at short notice. Face coverings are required to be worn in many situations. Check face covering requirements for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Police have been given powers to enforce rules, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.

Some hotels in the UK are closed. Confirm your accommodation booking with your hotel or travel agent, and consider other accommodation options if necessary.

• Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19.
• Ensure you have arrangements in place an extended stay.
• Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.

More information:

• COVID-19 Winter Plan - summary (UK Government)
• Local restriction tiers: what you need to know (UK Government)

The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

If you’re travelling on an Australian ePassport, you can use eGates on arrival in the UK, free of charge. You don't need to complete a landing card.

You can use eGates if you're:

• over the age of 12 years with an Australian ePassport
• a member of the registered traveller service

You need a stamp in your passport if you're:

• travelling on an emergency passport or Document of Identity travel document
• visiting for short-term study (less than 6 months)
• visiting for other specific reasons or certain types of work (such as Permitted Paid Engagements or with a Tier 5 Creative and Sporting certificate of sponsorship)

Read the Guide to faster travel through the UK border.

Registered Traveller's Scheme

If you have a UK visa, you can apply for the UK's Registered Travellers Scheme (RTS). If you're eligible, this gives you faster clearance through UK border control.

The RTS lets you use electronic passport gates. These are the UK and EU passport queues. They're at most UK airports and Eurostar stations.

Check UK Visas and Immigration for details.

Security

Some airports have enhanced security rules. These affect people leaving the UK or transiting through. Check UK Department of Transport for details.

UK airports have extensive security screening. If you're flying to the UK, allow extra time.

You'll also go through extended screenings and luggage checks when you leave for the UK.

Check UK Visas and Immigration for details. Also check the UK's hand luggage rules.

Contact your airline or travel provider for more details.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The official currency is the Pound Sterling (GPB).

ATMs are available and credit cards are widely used.

If you're travelling to or from a non-European Union (EU) country, declare cash of more than 10,000 euros or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Authorities will fine you if you don't declare this cash.

More information:

• UK Visas and Immigration

Be sure to follow guidance for use of public transport and other transport options due to COVID-19.

Face coverings are required while using public transport in England. More information can be found here.

Weather can be extreme. Flooding can occur in warmer weather. There are snowstorms in the colder months.

Severe weather can affect airline, bus and train services. Check with local transport providers and emergency service providers for up-to-date details.

Driving permit

You can drive a car or motorbike for up to 12 months. You need a full Australian licence for that vehicle, after 12 months you will require a UK driver's licence. An International Driving Permit is not needed.

If riding a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.

Road travel

Road and safety conditions in the UK are comparable to Australia. Follow advice from local authorities.

Weather and other conditions that may affect driving in the UK.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Some people have reported sexual assaults and robberies in unlicensed taxis. Only use officially marked taxis.

More information:

• UK Metropolitan Police

Rail travel

Rail services are extensive. They can be affected by industrial action, weather or engineering works.

Check National Rail or the Transport for London websites for latest service updates.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

The Australian Government doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the UK's air safety air profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call 999.

Police

Call 999.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

For criminal issues that aren't an emergency:

• call 101 for the local police
• call 0800 555 111 to make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian High Commission, London

Australia House
Strand
London WC 2B 4LA, United Kingdom
Phone: (+44 20) 7379 4334
Fax: (+44 20) 7887 5559
Website: uk.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom
Twitter: @AusHouseLondon
Twitter: @AusHCUK

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia