If a visa is not required, travelers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the UK; nationals of the EU require a passport valid on arrival.
Americans: US travelers must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.
Canadians: Canadian nationals must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six
months depending on reason for travel.
Australians: Australian nationals must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.
South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport and, from March 2009, a visa is required. The visiting visa will cost £65 while a transit visa will cost £45. UK Immigration officials will decide on a length of stay of up to six months depending on reason for travel. South Africans may no longer travel to the UK on a temporary passport.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa or a passport to enter the UK, but if traveling from a country other than Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, then a passport is required.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.
Health
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the UK and food and water can be considered safe. The British National Health Service is excellent; emergency treatment is free to visitors, but charges are made for routine medical care. A number of countries have reciprocal health agreements with the UK including Australia, New Zealand and EU countries. Visitors from other countries (including Canada, South Africa and the US) are advised to take out good medical insurance.
Safety
It is generally safe to travel throughout the UK, although travelers are advised to take special care of their personal belongings in central London, where pick-pocketing is often reported. There is a risk of international terrorism, as demonstrated by the deadly terrorist bomb attacks in central London on three tubes and a bus in July 2005 that killed over 50 people and injured about 700. Later that same month four attempted bomb attacks on three underground tube stations and a bus mirrored the earlier attacks, but no injuries were reported. Security at all UK airports has been tightened and restrictions on hand luggage introduced; security has been increased at transport hubs throughout the country.
