Travel Advice for United Kingdom - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

27/04/12 9:51 AM

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre +61 2 6261 3305 (outside Australia) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia)

United Kingdom
United Kingdom overall
EXERCISE NORMAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Exercise a high degree of caution Reconsider your need to travel Do not travel

Latest update
This Advice was last issued on Friday, 10 February 2012. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary
We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security threats. The United Kingdom remains a potential target for terrorist activity, with terrorist attacks occurring in 2005 and 2007. On 11 July 2011, UK authorities reduced the threat level for the United Kingdom overall from Severe to Substantial, meaning that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility and might occur without warning. UK authorities assess that the Northern Ireland-related terrorist threat in Northern Ireland is Severe, meaning that the risk of a terrorist attack is assessed as highly likely. The Northern Ireland-related terrorist threat to the UK Mainland (Great Britain) is Substantial, meaning that the risk of a terrorist attack is assessed as a strong possibility. Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas: organise comprehensive travel insurance (http://tips/insurance.html ) and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy register your travel (http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au) so we can contact you in an emergency subscribe to this travel advice (http:///accounts/) to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

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Entry and exit

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the UK High Commission in Canberra (http://ukinaustralia.fco.gov.uk/en) for the most up to date information. Visa information is also available from UK Border Agency (http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front? pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1006977149953). Australia's High Commission and Honorary Consulates in the United Kingdom cannot provide assistance with visas or if you are refused the right to enter the United Kingdom. As a general guide, visas are not required for Australians entering the United Kingdom for a tourism or business stay of less than six months but are required if you intend to work. The British Government administers a very strict entry regime and you are likely to be refused entry upon arrival if you fail to comply with visa requirements or if you are suspected of intending to work in the UK but are entering as a tourist. The British Government considers both paid and unpaid working arrangements to be work and a relevant visa is required if you intend to undertake any form of work in the United Kingdom. Australian travellers refused entry into the United Kingdom may be required to return to Australia. There is also a risk that other countries may also refuse admission on the basis of the British government's decision, which in all cases is recorded in the traveller's passport. The UK Border Agency (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visitingtheuk/visitors/appeals/) advises that if you are refused entry into the United Kingdom then you will be informed in writing of the reasons why you have been refused entry, if you have a right of appeal, and when you will be removed from the United Kingdom. The UK Border Agency advises that if you can appeal, you will be given details of who you should contact. The most up-to-date information on UK immigration changes can be found on the UK Border Agency (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk) website. All applicants for a UK visa, including Australians, must now have their fingerscan and a digital photograph taken as part of the visa application process. Please note that the majority of Australian citizens who visit the UK each year for a holiday or business trip do not require a UK visa, and are therefore not affected by this change. Applicants for a UK visa need to complete an
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application online (http://ukinaustralia.fco.gov.uk/en/). You will then have to make an online appointment to visit a British Consulate so they can take your fingerscans and a digital photograph. People travelling directly to or from a country outside the European Union (EU) who are carrying 10,000 euros or more (or the equivalent amount in another currency) are required to declare the cash at the place of their arrival or departure from the EU. Under the legislation, the term "cash" includes cheques, travellers' cheques and money orders. Travellers failing to declare the cash or providing incomplete or incorrect information will incur a fine. There is no requirement to declare cash for people travelling to or from another EU country. Information on carrying money directly to or from another country outside the EU can be found on the HM Revenue and Customs (http://www.hmrc.gov.uk) website. Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Safety and security

Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers. We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security threats. The United Kingdom remains a potential target for terrorist activity, with terrorist attacks occurring in 2005 and 2007. On 11 July 2011 UK authorities lowered the threat level for the United Kingdom from Severe to Substantial, meaning that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility and might occur without further warning. Local information on public safety issues is available from the British Government's Civil Contingencies Secretariat website (http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilience.aspx) or the British Home Office's website (http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/counterterrorism/current-threat-level/).

Civil unrest/political tension

You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent. Instances of civil disorder can rapidly escalate into violence and property crime and you should avoid them wherever possible, including through careful monitoring of the media and following the advice of local authorities. Northern Ireland: Since the 1998 peace agreement, the political situation in Northern Ireland has improved. However, incidents of terrorist activity related to Northern Ireland continue to occur. In the last eighteen months, Northern Ireland-related terrorist groups have used firearms and explosives to target police, military targets and commercial interests including banks. Civilians have been injured in these attacks. UK authorities assess that the Northern Ireland-related terrorist threat in Northern Ireland remains Severe, meaning that the risk of a terrorist attack is assessed as highly likely. The Northern Ireland-related terrorist threat to the UK Mainland (Great Britain) is Substantial, meaning that the risk of a terrorist attack is assessed as a strong possibility. We advise you to avoid the annual parades which occur in Northern Ireland during the months of April to August, especially the weeks leading up to 12 July when tensions may be heightened. These parades may turn violent with little warning. Australians could inadvertently be caught up in violence directed at others.

Crime

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Petty crime such as pickpocketing and street theft occurs at tourist destinations, food outlets, on public transport, including the London Underground, and at airports. Do not leave valuables in unattended in cars. Pickpocketing occurs more frequently during the summer months in UK. Credit card and ATM fraud, often involving sophisticated equipment, is increasing in the United Kingdom, as is the incidence of identity theft. Take care to shield your pin number when using ATMs and when using internet cafes, particularly for internet banking. Exercise caution when using ATMs. If you are suspicious of any items that are stuck to ATMs or look unusual, do not use the machine. Thieves may attempt to distract you while you use an ATM. If approached while using an ATM, cancel the transaction before speaking to anyone. Instances of drink spiking have been reported. Do not leave drinks unattended in bars and nightclubs.

Money and valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home. While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves. As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (http://www.casa.gov.au/airsafe/trip/packing.htm). Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport (http://www.passports.gov.au) is lost or stolen overseas, report it online (http://www.passports.gov.au/Web/renewal/lost_stolen.aspx) or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate (http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/index.html) as soon as possible. You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Local travel
You should only use licensed taxis in the United Kingdom, as sexual assaults and robberies have occurred in unlicensed 'minicabs'. In London, only traditional 'London Taxis' are permitted to operate and are regulated by the transport authorities. Illegal taxis often target high traffic destinations such as airports, train stations, theatres and nightclubs. Assaults have also occurred on public transport services late at night. Seasonal weather conditions can be extreme, including flooding in warmer weather and snowstorms in the colder months. This can affect travel arrangements, including the cancellation of airline, bus and train services. The local emergency services in affected areas will provide up-to-date information and advice to travellers. See also our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.

Airline safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

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Laws
When you are in the United Kingdom be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter. Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia. Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.

Health
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) (http://www.who.int/ith/) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas. The standard of health facilities in the United Kingdom is comparable with that in Australia. We have a reciprocal agreement on health services with the United Kingdom that allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to obtain free medical treatment under the National Health Service (NHS) in certain circumstances. This agreement does not cover other countries in the European Union. Australians travelling to the UK for less than three months who wish to seek treatment under the reciprocal agreement first need to contact the NHS (telephone 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk (http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/)) to check whether they are eligible for treatment under the agreement. Please note that Australians who have been in the United Kingdom for less than three months are unable to register at a local doctor's surgery for NHS treatment. Should medical assistance be required, you should go to the accident and emergency department at the nearest NHS hospital for treatment under the reciprocal health care agreement. Should hospital admission or specialist consultations be required, this can only be arranged by a doctor. During your visit with the doctor you will need to make it clear that you are requesting treatment under the NHS. However, be aware that access to treatment under the NHS is not a right. The United Kingdom Health Department expects a doctor to offer you private treatment (not treatment under the NHS) if it appears you had travelled to the United Kingdom with the specific intention of obtaining medical treatment. If any treatment is provided to you as a private patient and not under the NHS, you are liable to pay any charges levied, including those for medicines. If you intend to stay in the UK longer than three months (residency, working, ancestry, highly skilled migrant or other visa), you may wish to register with a local doctor for the purpose of obtaining free treatment under the reciprocal health agreement. If you are having difficulty registering with a doctor, you can contact the NHS (telephone 0845 4647) and they will assist you to find a local doctor.
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An increasing number of doctors in heavily populated areas (particularly in London) are reluctant to register visitors from Australia as temporary patients for the purpose of obtaining free treatment under the reciprocal agreement. The out-patient department at a hospital providing NHS treatment may accept an Australian for free treatment. Further details are available from the United Kingdom Department of Health (http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/International/OverseasVisitors/fs/en) and Medicare Australia (http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/migrants/travelling/index.shtml). The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website (http://www.oie.int/downld/AVIAN%20INFLUENZA/A_AIAsia.htm). For more information see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to get help

In the United Kingdom, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian High Commission, London

Australia House The Strand London WC 2B 4LA, UNITED KINGDOM Telephone (44 20) 7379 4334 Facsimile (44 20) 7887 5559 Website www.uk.embassy.gov.au

Limited assistance, which includes Australian passport interviews, may be obtained from:

Australian Consulate, Edinburgh

Mitchell House 5 Mitchell Street Edinburgh EH6 7BD, SCOTLAND Telephone +44 (0) 131 538 0582 Facsimile +44 (0) 131 554 3646 Office hours: Tuesday Friday, 9.00am 11.30am & 12 noon 4.30pm

If you are travelling to the United Kingdom, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online (http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/) or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate (http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/index.html). The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue. In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia. In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.

Additional information
Wildlife
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Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure. If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia. Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise (http://www.childwise.net/) and the National Childcare Accreditation Council (http://www.ncac.gov.au/).

While every care has been taken in preparing this information, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees, including any member of Australia's diplomatic and consular staff abroad, can accept liability for any injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained herein. Maps are presented for information only. The department accepts no responsibility for errors or omission of any geographic feature. Nomenclature and territorial boundaries may not necessarily reflect Australian Government policy.

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