United Kingdom

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:

• Islamic extremism
• extreme right-wing ideology
• the status of Northern Ireland.

UK authorities have installed security barriers on London's major bridges.

Terrorists have attacked other European cities.

Targets have included:

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

Remain vigilant and:

• be alert to the danger of terrorism
• be aware of your surroundings
• 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.

Northern Ireland

The terrorism threat level for Northern Ireland is 'substantial', meaning an attack is 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 local authorities.

More information:

• Terrorism threat levels in the UK
• Terrorism and national emergencies
• Terrorism

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

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

To stay safe:

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

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Be alert and aware of your surroundings and safeguard your belongings.

Petty crime is common, including pickpocketing, mobile phone and bag snatching, passport theft and theft from cars across the UK. Thieves use scooters and bicycles to snatch belongings. 

Violent crimes such as muggings, knife crime and sexual assaults occur across the UK. Be alert to other criminal activities, including drink spiking and fraud.

To stay safe:

• keep money and valuables such as mobile phones out of sight
• avoid putting valuables in your pockets, using shoulder bags or bags that can't be closed securely
• stay alert in public places, especially where there are lots of people, including other tourists
• when using ATMs and credit cards, keep your card in sight, conceal your PIN and check your bank statements
• be alert to suspicious behaviour.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can occur at popular nightclubs, sometimes leading to sexual assault.

Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas
• Scams

Cyber security 

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 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:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.   

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.  

More information:

• Kidnapping 

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.

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.

You may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care if you're not insured.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered).

More information:

• Travel insurance

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

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 116 123 (UK free call) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are 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:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use.

Check the UK Home Office for advice about medication.

More information:

• Medication

Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.

More Information:

• NHS information and advice

The standard of medical facilities is similar to that of 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.

If you stay for over 6 months, you'll pay an Immigration Health Surcharge, which will be charged when you apply for your visa.

Your details will be shared with the NHS when your visa is approved, allowing you access to medical care.

When you access healthcare in the UK, you may need to:

• provide your biometric residence permit if you have one
• prove your status online using a share code if you have a digital immigration status.

There may be delays in accessing medical treatment through the NHS.

The NHS won't cover the cost of a medical evacuation, which 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
• Arrested or jailed
• Controlled substances (GOV.UK)

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

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. The Australian government can't help you if you don't.

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.

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

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Australians who don't currently need a visa for short stays or don't already have a UK immigration status will need an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK.  

An ETA permits multiple visits to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner.

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. 

More Information:

• Electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

Online Immigration Status (eVisa)

UK Visas and Immigration is replacing physical documents (such as Biometric Residence Permits) with online immigration status records – known as eVisas.

The documents being replaced are:

• biometric residence permits (BRP)
• biometric residence cards (BRC)
• passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
• vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes.

For more information, see Online Immigration Status (eVisa) 

The UK can refuse entry without a visa if they think you're trying to enter for reasons 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.

Visa scams

Travellers have been scammed by private online visa services and travel agents.

Only apply for your visa through the Visas and immigration - GOV.UK website.

You can usually use eGates on arrival in the UK (free of charge) if you:

• have a biometric symbol on the cover of your passport; and
• are aged 10+ with an Australian ePassport (10 to 17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult).

You don't need to complete a landing card.

You must see a Border Force officer and get your passport stamped if you're coming to the UK with a Temporary Work - Creative Worker Certificate of Sponsorship for short-term assignments (up to 3 months).

Read the Guide to faster travel through the UK border, as these requirements can change at short notice.

Security

UK airports have extensive security screening. Allow extra time if you're flying to or transiting through the UK. 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.

Brexit

The UK provides updated guidance on the implications of Brexit for issues such as travel, residency, education and employment. The latest information can be found on the UK Government website.

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. 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:

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

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:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The official currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP).

ATMs are available, and credit cards are widely used. Contactless payment is widely accepted.

There are rules about how much cash you must declare upon arrival or departure from the UK.  These may differ between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland. This covers all forms of currency (i.e., bearer bonds, prepaid cards, gold coins, bullion or nuggets, cheques, and travellers’ cheques), not just cash.

You may have to pay a penalty if you don't declare this cash.

More information:

• UK Visas and Immigration - Bringing Cash Into UK

Regular strikes can occur across several industries, including ambulance services, hospitals and public transport. For the latest service updates, check the National Rail or  Transport for London websites.

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 (digital driver's licences may not be accepted). 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:

• Driving or riding

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:

• 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

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
Website: uk.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom
X: @AusHouseLondon and @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 the High Commission, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

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