Overview
The UK packs a lot into a small space: London, historic cities, the Scottish Highlands and a rail network that goes almost everywhere (at a price). It's expensive, but contactless payments and good public transport make it easy to navigate.
Entry requirements
The UK is not in the Schengen Area. Depending on nationality, travellers need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.
- ETA (visa-exempt nationalities): this covers most of Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and some others. It costs £20, covers visits of up to 6 months, and every traveller needs one, including babies. Apply on GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app, and avoid copycat sites.
- Visa nationals: countries on the UK's visa national list need a Standard Visitor visa. That includes South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, India and many others. It costs £135 for up to 6 months, or £506, £903 or £1,128 for 2, 5 or 10 years. Apply up to 3 months ahead, and expect a decision in about 3 weeks after biometrics. See our South Africa → UK brief.
- An ETA or visa doesn't guarantee entry. Border Force makes the final decision.
Visa information
Use only GOV.UK (opens in a new tab) for applications. Standard Visitor visa applicants typically attend a visa application centre for biometrics.
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn for long days and milder weather. Expect rain in any month — pack a layer.
Currency
The pound sterling (GBP, £). Scotland and Northern Ireland banks issue their own notes; they're legal currency in the UK but can be harder to exchange abroad.
Typical daily budget
Per person per day, sharing a room (2026):
| Style | Per day | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | £70–110 outside London, £90–130 in London | Hostel dorms (about £35 in central London), supermarket meal deals, buses, free museums |
| Mid-range | £150–250 | 3★ hotel or pub-with-rooms, pub meals (about £18–20 with a drink), one paid attraction |
| Comfort | £350+ | Central 4–5★ hotels, restaurants, West End shows, first-class rail |
Money savers:
- Free museums: most major national museums are free, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate and Natural History Museum.
- Contactless caps: tapping a contactless card on London transport caps what you pay per day. A day of zone 1–2 travel costs less than buying single tickets.
- Advance rail tickets: booking intercity trains weeks ahead can cut fares by more than half.
Cards vs cash
The UK is one of the most card-friendly countries anywhere; many places are card-only. Some small shops, markets and rural businesses still like cash.
ATMs
Look for free-to-use ATMs (often labelled "free cash withdrawals"); some convenience-store machines charge a fee. Your bank's foreign fees apply either way.
Mobile data & eSIMs
All major UK networks sell prepaid SIMs; travel eSIMs are widely supported.
Transportation
In London, tap in and out with contactless on the Tube, buses and many rail services. National rail fares vary hugely by time of booking and time of day — advance tickets and railcards can cut costs.
Accommodation
London hotels are expensive and rooms are small; consider staying near a well-connected station outside the centre.
Safety considerations
Generally safe; watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
Travel insurance
Visitors are generally charged for NHS hospital treatment beyond emergency care — get medical cover.
Things to do
- London's free national museums
- Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands
- Bath, Oxford, Cambridge and York
- The Lake District and Snowdonia (Eryri)
Airport information
Heathrow (LHR) has the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express into London; Gatwick (LGW) has fast rail links. Manchester (MAN) is the main northern gateway. The Heathrow Express is fast but pricier than the Elizabeth line or the Underground.
Useful apps
A journey-planner app, national rail booking app, an offline map, and your bank app with international payments enabled.
Local customs
Queue. Say sorry. Tipping in restaurants is common (often around 10–12.5%, sometimes added as a service charge — check the bill).
Emergency information
Call 999 or 112 for emergencies. 111 for urgent non-emergency medical advice in England, Scotland and Wales.