United Kingdom: Practical Information to Prepare Your Trip

The United Kingdom is full of iconic tourist sites. Between the gems of London, the history of Scotland, and the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District, visitors are unlikely to be disappointed with their trip! Of course, good planning is essential for a worry-free trip. Here is our advice and all the useful information for a trouble-free trip on British soil!

Emergency numbers: who to call in case of a major problem?

• General European emergency number (police, emergency services, and ambulance): 112
• Ambulance: 999
• Police: 999
• Fire brigade: 999
• Card Stop (lost or stolen credit cards): +32 78 170 170
• Doc Stop (lost or stolen Belgian ID card or passport): + 32 2 488 21 23

Assistance: Redion (Belgium)

In case of an emergency, always contact the local emergency services first!

– Want to reach Redion for a medical or technical problem (e.g. a car breakdown)? Do so via the Redion app (downloadable from the Apple Store or Google Play)

– Want to reach Redion for an administrative request or a contract change? Do so via the site's Customer Area: https://www.redion.be

How can you travel through the United Kingdom with peace of mind?

A worry-free trip relies on good organization. Here is some useful information for a trouble-free stay in the United Kingdom.

What travel documents are needed for the United Kingdom?

To enter British territory, you must have a valid passport. Indeed, following its exit from the European Union (Brexit), the United Kingdom no longer accepts the Belgian ID card as the sole travel document.

From April 2, 2025, every EU traveler (adult and child alike) will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). This can be requested via the following government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

The ETA application costs £10 and remains valid for 2 years after approval. Approval is expected to take 3 days. It's best to apply via the app. You should have the following on hand: your passport, a payment card, access to your email, and the ability to take a photo.

For a stay of more than 6 months, a visa is required. Visit the following website to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

What is healthcare like in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom has a good level of healthcare, both public and private. However, for certain types of care, waiting times can be long. No mandatory vaccination is required for the United Kingdom. The European Health Insurance Card is still valid in the United Kingdom. However, it's recommended to take out annual travel insurance or a temporary plan with Redion to make sure you have peace of mind.

How safe is the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom is a safe destination. But even in the safest countries, small accidents can happen at any time. A few simple measures and precautions will let you enjoy your stay safely.

Here are some general recommendations:

• always carry a valid ID document on you (passport, adult or child ID card);
• make a copy of your essential documents and keep them somewhere safe;
• never carry valuables or large amounts of cash; it's best to only carry a small amount on you and keep the rest in a secure safe (at the hotel);
• be vigilant when paying with a bank card or withdrawing money;
• always exercise caution on the road, at rest areas, and when driving at night;
• if you're driving on the highway, only stop at designated rest areas.

Always keep an eye on your belongings, wherever you are. In a car, avoid leaving your personal items in plain sight. To prevent bank card fraud, stay alert when making purchases. Always pay for your purchases yourself, without handing your payment card to anyone else. Never share personal information with a third party.

It's always wise to check the current security measures provided by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Currency in the United Kingdom

The currency of the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (GBP), each unit of which is divided into "pence" (1 GBP = 100 pence). You can withdraw money from ATMs, available in every town and city in the country. Many bank cards are accepted, including Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, and American Express.

Note that if you're traveling with £10,000 or more (in banknotes, checks, or bearer securities), you must declare this to British customs. This rule also applies to groups: if the total amount carried by the group's members reaches or exceeds this amount, a declaration is mandatory.

Customs allowances in the United Kingdom

When traveling to the United Kingdom, be aware that carrying certain goods is regulated. Taxes or customs duties apply, particularly if you exceed the allowed threshold for each type of product.

Find more information on customs allowances by visiting this website:
https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.

What are the driving rules in the United Kingdom?

A Belgian driving licence is valid in the United Kingdom. If you rent a car there, it's useful to have an international driving licence (some rental companies require this document).
Driving on British territory is on the left.
Be mindful of the unit used to express distance: the "mile" (equivalent to 1.6 km). You must also follow the speed limits:

• In built-up areas: the maximum speed is 20 or 30 miles per hour (32 or 48 km/h).
• Outside built-up areas: 50 or 60 miles per hour (80 or 96 km/h).
• On highways: 70 miles per hour (112 km/h).

When approaching a roundabout, priority goes to vehicles coming from the right. Parking enforcement is strict in regulated parking zones and in towns and cities in general. If your car is towed away, the fine can be particularly high.

When driving in London, you must pay a toll when entering certain zones.

• The "congestion charge": this daily tax is a flat daily fee payable if you drive through the zone concerned between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
• The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone): this charge applies to drivers traveling within the local low-emission zone. It applies 7 days a week, at all hours.
• LEZ (Low Emission Zone): this covers a large part of the area known as "Greater London". It only applies to the most polluting vehicles (heavy goods vehicles, vans, buses, etc.).

These charges can be paid online, on the tfl.gov.uk/cc website.

The Oyster Card for getting around London

For getting around London, buying an Oyster Card is recommended. This is a travel pass that looks like a bank card. It can be used for trips by train, bus, subway, or tram. This option lets children under 11 travel for free. For adults, the fare is cheaper compared to a single ticket.

The Oyster Card costs five pounds sterling. You can order it remotely before you leave. It's also available at stations, airports, and subway stations in London.

It can be topped up by bank card or at subway stations in the United Kingdom. To use it, you tap it on the yellow readers located in stations. When traveling by subway, the Oyster Card must be tapped both when entering and leaving. For bus and tram journeys, however, you only need to tap once.

Find more information on the Oyster Card here: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster

The bus

The United Kingdom has a well-developed intercity bus network. This means of transport lets you travel from city to city, to airports, in Scotland, and in Wales. It's a good option for getting around London. That said, buses are delayed by traffic jams, particularly during rush hour. Thanks to night buses, you can get around the city at any time.

The subway

The subway or "tube" connects the major urban areas around London and in the United Kingdom's major cities (Glasgow, Liverpool, etc.). You can also take the suburban trains known as the "Docklands Light Railway" and "London Overground". During rush hour, this means of transport sees a huge influx of passengers.

The bicycle

Bike rental is a common practice in central London and in most British cities. This means of transport is available on a self-service basis at any time in most of the United Kingdom's major cities. Note that the price depends on how long you use it for.

The taxi

Taxis operate day and night in cities across the United Kingdom. Fares are generally cheaper than in Belgium. To ensure your safety, it's advisable to only use official taxi services: black cabs and mini-cabs. If you book online, choose an approved website.

What can you visit in the United Kingdom depending on the season?

The regions of the United Kingdom have different types of climate. In general, the climate is relatively mild (oceanic type). Rainfall is fairly common. In winter, days are short and temperatures are low. March and October have longer but colder days. Let's look at the weather conditions specific to each season in this country.

=## The United Kingdom in summer

Summer is warm, with temperatures above 20°C. Between June and September, the weather is ideal for trips to the beach and hikes. However, occasional showers are to be expected.

The United Kingdom in spring

The climate is pleasant and the sun makes an appearance in spring. Temperatures range between 10 and 25°C. Traveling to England in spring lets you enjoy the splendor of its landscape in full bloom. It's the ideal time to stroll through the parks and gardens of the United Kingdom's various towns and cities. That said, be prepared, as the weather can be rainy.

The United Kingdom in winter

During winter, England experiences windy weather and little sunshine. However, it snows fairly rarely. Besides winter sports, this season is ideal for staying in British cities such as London. You'll enjoy the decorations and the magical atmosphere of Christmas.

The United Kingdom in autumn

A trip to England during the autumn season lets you enjoy pleasant weather. The cool temperatures are ideal for walks, hikes, and visits to museums, castles, or churches.

Here are a few activity ideas for the United Kingdom depending on the season:

• From June to September: visit London, take trips to parks such as Hyde Park, enjoy the beach, go for a walk around Cornwall, go hiking, etc.
• From September to December: head to Scotland, visit museums and tourist sites in English cities.
• From December to March: relax in pubs, enjoy winter sports, go hiking, stay in Wales, discover the wonders of Northern Ireland, etc.

Did you know?

Besides English, more than 300 other languages are spoken in the city of London.

Other practical information about the United Kingdom

• Capital: London
• Language: English
• Currency: pound sterling (GBP - £)
• Area: 244,820 km²
• Population: 68,459,055 (2024 estimate)
• Tourist Office: visitbritain.com
• Embassy and consulates: https://unitedkingdom.diplomatie.belgium.be/fr

What are the United Kingdom's culinary specialties?

For the English, breakfast is a must: this is the famous Full English Breakfast. With bacon, scrambled eggs, and beans in tomato sauce, this breakfast will give your day a great start! Typical dishes include "Fish and Chips" and "Shepherd's Pie". This is a pie filled with lamb stew and topped with mashed potatoes.

From desserts to teas, not forgetting traditional sausages, these iconic British specialties are absolutely worth trying:

• Fish and chips: a traditional British dish made up of fried fish and crispy chips.
• Haggis: a traditional Scottish dish, a sausage traditionally made from sheep's stomach, liver, heart, and lungs.
• Grasmere gingerbread: an English culinary specialty originating from the village of Grasmere in the Lake District. This biscuit stands out for its crisp texture and unique taste, thanks to a secret recipe.
• Cream tea: an English afternoon snack made up of scones, thick cream, and jam. These treats are served with tea.
• Apple crumble: a dessert made of cooked apples topped with a crumbly, crunchy, sweet topping.
• Cornish Pasty: a British pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and spices, traditionally sealed in a half-moon shape.