Fire and rescue services
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Medical emergencies
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Police
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We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in the UK due to the threat of terrorism.
Call 999.
Call 999.
Call 999.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in the UK due to the threat of terrorism.
Exercise a high degree of caution in the UK.
Exercise a high degree of caution in the UK due to the threat of terrorism.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
The overall UK terrorism threat level is currently 'substantial' (level 3 of 5), meaning an attack is likely. The 3 key sources of this threat are groups or individuals motivated by:
UK authorities have installed security barriers on London's major bridges.
Remain vigilant and:
Northern Ireland
On 28 March, the terrorism threat level for Northern Ireland was raised from 'substantial' to 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely.
In the past, terrorist groups have used firearms and bombs to target security forces. They have attacked or have attempted attacks in public places. Civilians have been at risk.
There's also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.
Northern Ireland has previously experienced street violence and rioting, including attacks on police with stones, fireworks and petrol bombs. The violence has mainly occurred in loyalist areas in west and south Belfast, Londonderry, and parts of County Antrim.
Avoid areas where violence is occurring and follow the advice of authorities.
More information:
International terrorism
Terrorists have attacked other European cities.
Targets have included:
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To stay safe:
Tensions can rise in Northern Ireland from April to August. This worsens in the weeks leading up to 12 July, also known as the 'Twelfth' or 'Orangemen's Day'.
Be alert and aware of your surroundings and safeguard your belongings. Petty crime, including muggings, pickpocketing and mobile phone theft, occurs across the UK. It happens more often in summer.
Be alert to other criminal activities, including drink spiking and fraud.
Violent crimes such as muggings, knife crime and sexual assaults occur across the UK.
To stay safe:
More information:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
The UK experiences severe weather, including:
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.
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 thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
More information:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
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, 365 days a year on 116 123 (UK free call).
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be illegal or controlled substances, 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 the following:
Check the UK Home Office for advice about medication.
More information:
Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.
More Information:
The standard of medical facilities is similar to those in Australia.
Call the National Health Service (NHS) on 111 to find your nearest GP surgery or hospital.
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 stay for over 6 months, you'll pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. This will be charged when you apply for your visa.
Your details will be shared with the NHS when your visa is granted, allowing you access to medical care. Under this scheme, you must produce your biometric residence permit at the doctor's or hospital.
There may be delays in accessing medical treatment through the NHS.
The NHS won't cover the cost if you need a medical evacuation. 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:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Visas and border measures
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.
If you're travelling to the UK as a tourist for less than 6 months, you usually won't need a visa.
If you're travelling to the UK for other purposes, seek guidance from the UK's Visa and Immigration Service on obtaining a visa.
The UK can refuse entry without a visa if they think you're trying to enter for something other than tourism. You'll need a visa if you plan to do paid or unpaid work, volunteer or get married. Arrange this before you travel.
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 and customs.
Departure from the UK
Stay in touch with your airline for the latest information on disruptions which can occur at short notice.
Check your route carefully with your travel provider, travel agent, and Smartraveller to confirm transit or entry requirements.
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:
You need a stamp in your passport if you're:
Read the Guide to faster travel through the UK border.
Security
UK airports have extensive security screening. If you're flying to or transiting through the UK, allow extra time. Check UK Department of Transport for details.
Check UK Visas and Immigration for details. Also, check the UK's hand luggage rules.
Contact your airline or travel provider for more details.
The UK and the EU provide updated guidance on the implications of Brexit 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:
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. You 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:
Passport with 'X' gender identifier
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The official currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP).
ATMs are available and credit cards are widely used. Contactless payment is widely accepted.
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.
You may have to pay a penalty if you don't declare this cash.
More information:
Regular strikes can occur across several industries, including ambulance services, hospitals and public transport. Check National Rail or the Transport for London websites for the latest service updates.
Severe weather can affect airline, bus and train services. Check with local transport 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 the relevant vehicle. After 12 months, you'll need to get a UK driver's licence. An International Driving Permit isn't required.
If riding a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.
Road travel
Road and safety conditions in the UK are comparable to those in Australia. Follow the advice from local authorities.
More information:
Taxis
Some people have reported sexual assaults and robberies in unlicensed taxis. Only use officially marked taxis.
Rail travel
Rail services are extensive. They can be affected by industrial action, weather, or engineering work.
Check National Rail or the Transport for London websites for the latest service updates.
More information:
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 999.
Call 999.
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:
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.