FAQ: Main questions about traveling to England

Yes, citizens of almost all countries require a visa (tourist, visitor, or business). For countries with visa-free entry to England, an ETA must be issued. Read more in the section Visas

Apply online, pay the fee, provide documents (passport, certificates, hotel reservation) and wait for the decision. more details here ->Tourist visa

The cost of a visa to the UK depends on a variety of factors: the citizenship of the applicant, the size of the consular fee, the urgency of processing, and additional services. To find out the exact amount, use our convenient visa calculator.

Typically, it takes from 3 to 6 weeks to process a visa. An expedited option is possible, however, the timing depends on the type of visa and the consular load at a particular time. ETA is processed much faster - from 10 to 3 business days

Passport, photos, application form, financial guarantees, invitation (if any). Read about additional documents that may be required in the Visa section

No, the UK is not part of Schengen, a separate visa is required

Yes, but this can only be done while being in the UK.

According to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the following types of visas are available for entering the country: tourist, student, work, family, transit. Read about other types of visas in the section Visas

Yes, with a minimum of 6 months validity remaining.

No, a separate British visa is needed.

Lack of documents, false data, financial problems.

It is advisable to have confirmation of accommodation.

Yes, the rules are the same as for the whole of the UK.

Yes, if the child does not have a British passport. This rule applies to all minors, including infants. Exception — citizens of visa-free countries and the EU (but from 2025 they will need an ETA).

Required: visa (if required), original birth certificate with translation, notarized consent of the second parent (if traveling with one of them). Additional proof of accommodation and financial guarantee may be requested.

Only if the child is a citizen of a visa-free country (e.g., EU, USA, Japan). However, from 2025, electronic authorization ETA will be mandatory for such cases.

Yes, all documents (birth certificate, consent to travel) must be in English or have a certified translation. This is strictly checked at the border.

No, the consular fee is the same for all ages. For example, ETA costs 49€ for both an adult and a child.

Yes, but notarized consent from the absent parent specifying dates and purpose of the trip is required. In exceptional cases (divorce, deprivation of rights) court decisions are provided.

Airlines require a passport/visa for the infant and may provide a bassinet (book in advance). Children under 2 years usually travel without a seat for 10-25% of the ticket price.

Yes, medical insurance is mandatory. There is no free medical treatment for tourists in the UK, and a doctor's visit without a policy can cost hundreds of pounds.

Passport, visa/ETA, consent to travel (if required), return tickets, and proof of accommodation. For school groups, a list from the educational institution is additionally required.

Yes, parents submit the documents for him, but biometrics (photo and fingerprints from 5 years) are taken by all children personally at the visa center.

Only standard for age (measles, diphtheria, etc.). Additional vaccinations for entry into the UK are not required, but check your airline's requirements.

No, each child must have a separate passport. Inclusion in the parent's passport (as it was before) is now not allowed.

Even for a trip with a class, a visa is required. The school must provide a letter with the trip program, and parents — consent and financial guarantees.

Yes, but in addition to standard documents, a court decision on adoption translated into English and sometimes an additional interview at the embassy are required.

Yes, but strictly according to the PETS (Pet Travel Scheme) rules. The animal must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an EU veterinary certificate or an official equivalent for other countries. For some states (for example, non-EU), an additional rabies antibody level test is required.

No, if all PETS requirements are met. However, if the documents are not in order or the vaccination is done less than 21 days before the trip, the pet may be placed in quarantine (up to 4 months). This does not apply to animals imported from the EU with a full set of documents.

Only rabies vaccination is mandatory (not earlier than 21 days before entry). Other vaccinations (for example, against leptospirosis or distemper) are recommended but not required. If the animal is traveling from a country with a high risk of rabies, an antibody test is needed (3 months before the trip).

Yes, but only with a special permission from DEFRA (Department for Environment). For parrots, snakes, ferrets, and other non-standard pets, additional restrictions apply. Some animals (for example, rare parrots) may not be allowed without a CITES certificate.

Yes, of international sample (with the clinic's stamp and veterinarian's signature). It should include:

• Chip implantation date,
• All vaccinations (especially against rabies),
• Owner's details.

For the EU, a standard European passport will suffice.

Most international carriers, including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, but each has its own rules. For example:

• BA allows animals in the cabin (up to 8 kg),
• Lufthansa allows transportation in the cargo hold,
• Ryanair does not take pets at all.

Important: Book a spot for the animal in advance — quota is limited.

No, a microchip is mandatory (ISO 11784/11785 standard). If the chip is not scannable, the pet may be denied entry at the border. If it is implanted after the rabies vaccination, the vaccination must be redone.

Four breeds are prohibited:

• Pitbull Terrier,
• Japanese Tosa-Inu,
• Argentinian Dog,
• Fila Brasileiro.
  
  

They are confiscated even if all documents are present. For other 'dangerous' breeds (for example, Akita), a muzzle and leash may be required in public places.

Not mandatory, but highly recommended — treatment in the UK is expensive.

Policies cover:

• Veterinarian visits,
• Emergency operations,
• Return of the body in case of death

Yes, if its weight with the carrier is up to 8 kg (at most airlines). The carrier must be rigid and comply with IATA standards. Large animals are transported in the cargo hold as cargo.

Customs examines:

• Veterinary passport with vaccinations,
• Chip certification,
• DEFRA permission (for exotic animals),
• Health certificate (if flying not from the EU).

Inspection takes 10–30 minutes.

Yes, by the same PETS rules, but without the antibody test. The main thing is a valid European veterinary passport and chip. For countries with quarantine regime (for example, Malaysia), the rules are stricter.

Yes, but:

• A separate ticket for the pet is needed (from £15–50),
• Dogs usually in special areas on the deck,
• Cats — only in carriers in cabins.
  Companies: P&O Ferries, DFDS, Stena Line.

Immediately go to a local clinic (for example, PDSA for beneficiaries or private). If a repatriation veterinary certificate for export is needed, it will be issued for £50–100.

Important: English veterinarians do not accept foreign insurance — payment on site.

Although medical insurance is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining a UK visa, we strongly recommend that you arrange it. The fact is that medical services for foreigners in the UK are paid, and even a trivial visit to the doctor can cost hundreds of pounds. Insurance will protect you from unexpected expenses and provide access to quality medical care. This is especially important in emergency situations such as hospitalization or an accident.

The recommended minimum coverage level is £30,000, and it is important to ensure that the policy includes treatment for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Also, pay attention to the availability of options such as medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and legal assistance. The wider the coverage, the more peaceful your trip will be, especially if you plan active recreation or a long stay.

You can purchase reliable medical insurance for a trip to the UK right on our website in the section "Medical Insurance".

This depends on the specific insurance policy - some companies include coverage of exacerbations of chronic diseases, others exclude such cases. We recommend carefully studying the terms of the contract before purchase or discuss this issue with our manager. For patients with serious chronic pathologies, it is better to choose specialized insurance products with extended coverage, although their cost will be higher than standard.

If you have health problems, first call the service center of your insurance company - the contact number is indicated in the policy. The operator will advise which clinics you can go to, help with translation, and consult on further actions. Do not self-medicate and do not delay visiting the doctor with serious symptoms. Keep all receipts and medical documents - they will be needed for reimbursement of expenses.

Yes, medical insurance is mandatory for children of any age traveling to the UK. A child's body is particularly vulnerable to acclimatization, new food products, and local infections. Meanwhile, the cost of insurance for children is usually lower than for adults. Make sure that the policy covers not only emergency assistance but also visits to the pediatrician, as children may get a common cold or allergy.

Most standard insurance policies include only emergency dental care - for example, in case of acute tooth pain or jaw injury. Scheduled treatment, whitening, prosthetics, and other non-emergency procedures are usually not covered. If you have dental issues, resolve them before the trip or consider buying extended insurance with dental coverage, although this will significantly increase the cost of the policy.

To arrange a policy, you will need: a valid foreign passport (enter data exactly as in the document), exact dates of the trip, a bank card for payment, and a contact email. Some insurers may additionally request the age of travelers and the route of the trip. No medical certificates or additional documents are usually required - this is one of the advantages of tourist insurance.

Yes, but only if you have purchased comprehensive travel insurance that includes not only medical expenses but also protection from non-standard situations during the trip. Standard medical policies usually do not cover the theft of property. When arranging, be sure to specify which cases are considered insurable (for example, theft from a hotel room or only when breaking into a safe), and what the established compensation limit is.

Yes, insurance for travelers over 60-65 years old is mandatory, as the risks of health problems increase with age. However, the cost of the policy for pensioners will be higher, and some insurers may introduce additional restrictions or require a medical certificate. We recommend that older people choose insurance with maximum coverage and definitely include the option of medical evacuation.

Standard tourist insurance policies do not cover injuries sustained while engaging in extreme sports (mountaineering, diving, parachuting, etc.). For such cases, you need to purchase a special policy with appropriate coverage, which costs more. Be sure to check with the insurer which activities are considered extreme - sometimes even horse riding or skiing requires additional insurance.

Typical exclusions in insurance policies: conditions caused by alcoholic or drug intoxication, intentional self-harm, treatment of diseases known to the traveler before the trip (if they were not declared). Also, cosmetic procedures, treatment of infertility, HIV/AIDS, and venereal diseases are not covered. Each policy has a full list of exclusions - study it before purchasing.

The official currency is the pound sterling (£, GBP). Banknotes (£5, £10, £20, £50) and coins (1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2) are in circulation. Exchange rate in 2025: 1 GBP ≈ 1.2 USD. Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own banknotes, but they are accepted throughout the country.

• London — the capital with Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and museums.
• Edinburgh — medieval castle and festivals.
• Manchester — football, musical culture, and industrial architecture.
• Oxford and Cambridge — ancient universities and the atmosphere of student towns.

English significantly simplifies travel, but in popular tourist places (museums, hotels) staff often speak French, Spanish, or German. In major cities, signs are found in several languages.

The climate is temperate: summer +15...+22°C, winter +2...+8°C. Rains are frequent throughout the year, especially in Scotland and Wales. Snow is rare but possible in the mountains. The best time to travel is May–September.

The official language is English, but Welsh is widely used in Wales (street signs are duplicated). Local dialects are encountered in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Type G is used (three rectangular pins, 230 V). If you need an adapter, they are sold at airports, but it is cheaper to buy one in advance.

No, a visa is common for the whole of the UK (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). An exception is for citizens of visa-free countries (e.g., EU), but they will need an ETA from 2025.

• Twinings or Fortnum & Mason tea
• Wedgwood porcelain
• Scottish kilt or whiskey
• Magnets with symbols (Big Ben, red buses)

• Trains (National Rail) — fast, but expensive (tickets are cheaper when bought in advance).
• Buses (National Express, Megabus) — a budget option.
• Car rental — convenient for exploring rural areas.

• In restaurants: 10–15%, if tips are not included in the bill.
• In taxis: round up to the pound.
• In hotels: housekeepers — £1–2 for cleaning.

Avoid airport exchange offices — the rate is unfavorable. Better:

• Banks (Barclays, HSBC) — low commissions.
• Exchange offices (Post Office, Thomas Exchange).
• ATMs (withdraw pounds at your bank's rate).

• The British Museum (London)
• The National Gallery (London)
• The Science Museum (London)
• The Scottish National Museum (Edinburgh)

Yes, tap water is safe and often tastes better than bottled. In restaurants, it is served free of charge upon request ("tap water").

• The Tube — the quickest way, but expensive.
• Buses — cheaper, convenient for short distances.
• Bicycles (Santander Cycles) — £2 for 30 minutes.
• Taxis (black cabs or Uber) — cabs are more expensive, but they are a “business card” of England

• It's illegal to die in Parliament (theoretically, this entitles one to a state funeral).
• It is forbidden to wear armor in the royal palace.
• In Liverpool, it is not allowed to sell alcohol in supermarkets after 21:00 (local law).