Fire and rescue services
Call 999.
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 due to the threat of terrorism.
Exercise a high degree of caution in the UK due to the threat of terrorism.
Health advice due to COVID-19 is continually changing. Rules and restrictions to prevent outbreaks can change quickly. Many countries, including Australia, are implementing COVID-19 measures for people travelling from China, including Hong Kong and Macau. It’s important to regularly check the rules in the destinations you’re travelling to and transiting through. For the latest details on entry and exit conditions, you should contact your airline or travel provider, or the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination you're entering or transiting through.
Read our global health advisory and step-by-step guide to travel during COVID-19 for more information.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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 1000s 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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
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 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:
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:
Check the UK Home Office for advice about medication.
More information:
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:
For information on the UK's vaccination program, refer to advice provided for each country:
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.
Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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, including COVID-19 vaccinations and tests, 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. 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:
You need a stamp in your passport if you're:
Read the Guide to faster travel through the UK border.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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 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:
Some people have reported sexual assaults and robberies in unlicensed taxis. Only use officially marked taxis.
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:
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:
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.
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.