Current requirements for entry into England

Planning a trip to England? It is important to know the current entry rules to avoid problems at the border. This guide contains all the key requirements — from visas to animal import rules.

The UK government has defined the main entry requirements:

Documents:

• EU citizens will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) from 2025.
• A visa is required for long-term stays (study, work).
• The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the trip.

Medical insurance:

• Not mandatory, but recommended (treatment in the UK is paid).

ETA (for visa-free countries, including the EU)

• Cost: from 49 Euros.
• Validity period: 2 years or until the expiration of the passport (if it expires earlier)
• Online registration

Electronic visas (eVisa)

• Will replace BRP/BRC from 2025.

Main types of visas:

• Tourist (up to 6 months).
• Student (requires IHS payment £470/year).
• Work (Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker).

For more details about the types, necessary documents for obtaining visas read in the section “Visas” .

According to NHS vaccination recommendations:

• Mandatory vaccinations: No (except for yellow fever when entering from endemic countries).
• Recommended:
  • Measles, poliomyelitis (according to STIKO schedule).
  • Covid (not mandatory, but there may be restrictions).

• Minors without parents need consent (notarized).
• Child's passport or entry in parent's passport (for EU).
• Schools and kindergartens may require a medical certificate.

The import of pets is regulated by DEFRA UK rules:

 For cats and dogs required:

• Chipping.
• Rabies vaccination (no earlier than 21 days before the trip).
• EU Pet Passport veterinary certificate.

 Entry without quarantine is possible if all conditions are met.

In accordance with the customs regulations of the United Kingdom, a list of prohibited and restricted items for import has been created: 

1. Completely prohibited items (will be confiscated)

• Narcotic and controlled substances
• Weapons
• Offensive weapons (switchblades, brass knuckles, shurikens, etc.).
• Self-defense aerosols (pepper sprays, CS gas).
• Protected species of flora and fauna. Products from endangered species (ivory, tiger skins, products made from turtle shells).
• Uncertified rough diamonds without Kimberley Process certification.
• Indecent materials
• Meat and milk from most countries outside the EU. The import of fresh/frozen meat, milk and products made from them is prohibited (with some exceptions).

2. Restricted goods (permission or license required)

• Firearms and explosives
• Food and plants are prohibited if:
• Infected with pests/diseases.
• Not for personal use.
• Originating from countries outside the EU (phytosanitary certificate required).
• Counterfeit products. "Pirate" copies of movies, music, fake branded goods (may be seized, fine possible).

3. Additional restrictions

• Alcohol and tobacco – there are quotas for duty-free import.
• Money – amounts over £10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared.

Diplomatic representations of the United Kingdom in Germany

British Embassy in Berlin

• Address: Wilhelmstraße 70/71, 10117 Berlin
• Phone: +49 30 20457-0
• Email: info@britischebotschaft.de
• Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00 (consular section – until 16:00)
• Services: Visas, notarial services, assistance to UK citizens.

Consulates General:

• Munich: Möhlstraße 5, 81675 München
• Düsseldorf: Yorckstraße 19, 40476 Düsseldorf

Diplomatic representations of Germany in the United Kingdom

German Embassy in London

• Address: 23 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PZ
• Phone: +44 20 7824 1300
• Email: info@london.diplo.de
• Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–16:00 (consular section – by appointment)
• Services: Visas (Schengen), notarial services, assistance to German citizens.

Consulates General:

• Edinburgh: 16 Eglinton Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 5DG
• Manchester: 15th Floor, The Tower, Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN