BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN
Practical Information
Travelling in Great Britain is easy, thanks to its generally up-to-date
infrastructure. Public services usually operate smoothly and its
health care system is among the best in the world. Police and
security services may appear low-key, but they are highly trained
to deal effectively with any emergency. Communication networks
from broadband and Wi-Fi to mobile phone services are usually
good, and most banks have ATM machines for out-of-hours use.
In smaller towns and villages, shops are often closed Sundays.Passports and Visas
Nationals of European Union
countries and Switzerland, Iceland,
Norway and Liechtenstein may enter
Great Britain with a passport or
national identity card. Irish citizens
do not need a passport or visa if they
are entering from Ireland.
However, it is generally advisable to
always have a valid form of photo
identification handy, as most airlines
and ferry companies will require
either a passport or driving licence. If
you don’t have a passport, check with
the carrier to see if an alternative form
of ID is acceptable. All other visitors
must have a passport, ideally with at
least six months validity remaining to
avoid problems at entry.
Travellers from the United States,
Canada, Australia, New Zealand and
South Africa do not need a visa if
they are staying for less than six
months. For longer stays, or for
student or working visas, apply well
in advance of departure.
Other nationalities may require a
visa, and visitors should contact the
British Embassy, Consulate or High
Commission in their home country
prior to travelling. Check on the
website of the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office for details.travelling from a country where
infectious diseases such as yellow
fever are present.
There are no undue health hazards
in Great Britain. Tap water is safe to
drink and bottled water is available
everywhere. In summer, the
Highlands of Scotland are plagued
with tiny biting flies called midges,
so buy some strong insect repellent
if planning to hike or camp.
Standard over-the-counter
remedies can be bought in local
pharmacies or chemists, but make
sure to bring enough prescription
medication from home to last
throughout the trip, otherwise it will
take a visit to a doctor to obtain a
prescription. Pack them in carry-on
luggage with their original labels to
avoid problems at airport security.
In the unlikely event of an illness
while travelling, the hotel staff
should be able to locate a doctor or
dentist. In the event of a genuine
medical emergency, dial 999. NHS
Direct provides round-the-clock
medical advice by phone and has
walk-in centres in many cities and
larger towns. Most pharmacies – look
for a green cross – are open Mon–Sat
during regular business hours. If they
are closed there is often a sign in theAbove Easily identifiable green pharmacy
sign displayed outside a chemist’s shopTravel Insurance
All travellers are strongly advised to
take out comprehensive travel
insurance. In addition to medical
insurance (see below), a full policy will
normally cover travellers for loss or
theft of luggage and belongings,
personal accident, damage to a third
party, delayed or cancelled flights, and
in some cases the cancellation of your
trip due to personal illness or that of a
family member. Most policies also
cover some legal costs. A standard
travel policy will not cover hazardous
sports, so anyone planning to go
surfing, skiing or rock-climbing must
check their cover; it can usually be
added for a small premium.
Read the terms to see what the
excess is, and what cover is on valuable
items such as cameras and jewellery.
Check to see what cover, if any, is
offered under home insurance policy.
Some credit card companies offer
limited travel insurance if the card is
used to book the trip or rental car. But
these are often not as good as
specialist travel policies.12
Health
Currently no vaccinations or
immunization documents are
required to enter Great Britain unless