Arriving in the UK

When you arrive in the UK you will need a valid passport and possibly a visa. Find more passport and visa information on the VisitBritain website. You can also find out whether you need a visa on the UKVisas website.
 
And if you want to travel with your pet you will need to find out beforehand whether this is possible and what UK requirements are. Find out more about travelling with pets on the VisitBritain website.

UK Identity Card and the National Identity Scheme (NIS)

If you're thinking of working or studying in the UK or plan to stay for 6 months or more, you may also need to apply for a UK identity card. The NIS will deliver a universal and simple proof of identity for all those who are legally entitled to live and work in the UK.

From 25 November 2008 foreign nationals - that is non European Economic area (EEA) citizens - will be required to hold a UK Identity Card. For more information about whether you'll need a UK identity card see the Identity & Passport Service (IPS) Identity Card website and the UK Border Agency website.

Money and tax-free shopping

The UK currency is the pound sterling. Find out more on the VisitBritain money and currency website.

If you are a non-EU citizen you can take advantage of tax-free shopping when you visit the UK.

Keeping in touch

VisitBritain includes a range of information about keeping in touch with home while you're in the UK, including:

• UK phone system
• international dialling codes
• useful telephone numbers
• internet access
• post offices and posting letters
• sending letters abroad
• sending letters within the UK
  

VisitBritain also includes information about public holidays and British summer time on its website.

Utilities and services

You can find out about utilities and other services on VisitBritain.