United Kingdom

The UK terrorism threat level is currently "substantial" (level 3 of 5), meaning an attack is likely. The level was previously raised to "severe" in November 2021 following a terrorist attack in Liverpool on 14 November 2021 and a fatal attack on a British Member of Parliament on 15 October 2021. The three 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. 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

Northern Ireland

The threat of terrorism in Northern Ireland remains 'substantial'. An attack is highly likely.

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. 

Northern Ireland-related 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.

Avoid areas where violence is occurring and follow the advice of authorities.

More information:

• Terrorism threat levels in the UK

International terrorism

Terrorists have attacked other European cities.

Targets have included:

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

More information:

• Terrorism and national emergencies
• Terrorism

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

To stay safe:

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

Since the 1998 peace agreement, the political situation in Northern Ireland has improved. There have been increased tensions since 2021.

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.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings and safeguard your belongings. Petty crime occurs across the UK, including muggings, pickpocketing and mobile phone theft. It happens more often in summer.

Be alert to other criminal activities, including drink spiking and fraud.

Violent crime such as muggings, knife crime and sexual assaults occur across the UK.

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
• be alert to suspicious behaviour.

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.

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
• if your travel insurance covers cancellation for COVID-19, which covers you to cancel if you or a travelling companion contracts COVID-19.

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).

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)
• COVID-19 (Department of Health and Aged Care)

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 are found here:

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

For information on the UK's vaccination program, refer to advice provided for each country:

• England: COVID-19 vaccine (NHS)
• Scotland: COVID-19 vaccine (NSH inform)
• Wales: Getting your COVID-19 vaccine (gov.wales)
• Northern Ireland: COVID-19 vaccination program (Public Health Agency)

You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.

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.

Due to post COVID backlog, 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:

• Carrying or using drugs
• Arrested or jailed

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

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:

• Brexit bulletin

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. 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.

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.

Border Force disruptions

UK Border Force officers will take strike action at locations in England, Scotland and Wales between 23 and 31 December. Airports in Birmingham, Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, Manchester, and the port of New Haven will be affected. You should check the status of your flights before travelling and expect delays at passport control points. 

Entry into the UK

The UK has introduced COVID-19-related travel restrictions if you arrive from mainland China in England. If you're on a direct flight from mainland China to England, you'll need to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test. Airlines must check that passengers from mainland China have a negative test before departure. Monitor www.gov.uk for updates.

Departure from the UK

Heathrow airport has lifted the passenger number cap. Restrictions may be reintroduced. Stay in touch with your airline for the latest information.

Check your route carefully with your travel provider, travel agent, and Smartraveller to confirm any transit or entry restrictions and requirements.

Flight disruptions are not uncommon. Reconfirm your travel leading up to your departure and consider what you would do should your flight is rescheduled at the last minute or if one of your travelling party received a positive COVID-19 test. Make a plan.

If vaccinated in the UK, you can show your vaccination status for international travel purposes by obtaining your NHS COVID Pass using the NHS app (this is available from the NHS and is separate to the NHS COVID-19 app). The QR code on the digital pass expires after one month but can be refreshed at any time. Some countries don't accept the digital version as a downloaded PDF. However, you can apply to the NHS for a COVID Pass letter, and this doesn't have an expiry date. See Get your NHS COVID Pass letter.

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 six 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.

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. 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.

The official currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP).

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.

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

More information:

• UK Visas and Immigration

There are expected to be strikes across several industries through the Christmas/New Year period including ambulance services, hospitals and public transport. Check National Rail or the Transport for London websites for the latest services updates. 

Local restrictions

Understand COVID-19 restrictions for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The UK has removed domestic restrictions in England. You're advised to take steps to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19, including considering wearing a face mask in crowded, enclosed spaces.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Local travel

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 the relevant vehicle. After 12 months, you'll 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 the 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.

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 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

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