Travelling to…

UNITED

KINGDOM

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

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VISA & Immigration

A visa is an official document that allows a foreigner to enter, stay, or work in the United Kingdom, this includes the countries England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for a specific period and purpose.

Do I need a VISA when travelling to the UK?

If you are from one of these countries listed below, you do not need a visa for stays up to 6 months for tourism:

  • United States

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

  • European Union

  • EEA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland)

If you are not from one of the countries listed above, you do need a visa for any sort of visit to the UK

How to Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa?

If you do need a visa to visit the UK for tourism, here is a quick step-by-step on how to apply for a visa:

  1. Check eligibility (be visiting for tourism, prove you will leave the UK at the end of your visit and have enough money to cover your trip)

  2. Gather required documents listed above

  3. Book a visa appointment (biometric appointment at a UK visa application center in your country)

  4. Wait for a decision (processing time is around 3-6 weeks)

What Do I need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa?

Here is a simple guide of what you need when applying for a visitor visa:

  • Valid passport (with at least one blank page in the passport)

  • Bank statements (proof of funds)

  • Travel itinerary (flight and hotel/Airbnb booking)

  • Invitation letter (if staying with friends/family)

  • Employment or study proof (to show ties to your home country)

Renting

If you're visiting the UK for a holiday (1-2 weeks), you have a lot of options for renting accommodations. However, long-term rentals are not available for tourists.

Options for Renting in the UK

    • Best for short stays

    • No paperwork required

    • Prices vary a lot depending on the location

    • Best for stays of a few days to 1 month

    • Furnished apartments which is great for families or groups

    • Fully furnished apartments with a hotel-like services

    • Include cleaning, Wi-Fi, utilities and sometimes breakfast

    • For stays 1-6 months

    • Usually required a deposit and proof of funds

    • More affordable than hotels for longer stays

    • Some UK universities rent out student dorms to tourists during summer and winter breaks

Transportation

As you are moving to the UK to travel, you may need to drive or use the public transportation. This section will explain everything from getting a drivers license, renting a car and what type of public transportation is available in the UK

Renting a car in the UK

If you are visiting the UK, and want to rent a car, here is everything you need when renting a car.

  • Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, if you are younger, you may have to pay a young driver fee

  • If your license is not in English, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) (some rental companies may still ask for an IDP, so check before booking)

  • Passport and Visa (required for identification and show that you are in the UK legally)

  • Most rental companies require a credit card for payments and security deposit

  • Proof of address (a hotel booking confirmation or utility bill from your home country may be needed for verification)

How to get an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

If your drivers license is not in English or the car rental company is requesting an IDP, here is how to apply for one:

  1. Apply for an IDP in your home country before traveling to the UK

  2. Bring drivers license, passport sized photo, a complete IDP application, Passport and pay an application fee

  3. Submit an application and your local automobile association office (some countries allow online applications with mail delivery)

  4. Processing time can vary from same-day or next-day in most cases, if applying by mail, it can take 1-3 weeks

  5. After you have been accepted, your IDP is valid for 1 year

Public Transportation in the UK

The UK has an incredibly well connected transport system, including buses, trains, trams and the London Underground (Tube)

    • London (The tube) is the most used transport system in the UK

    • You can use contactless card or an Oyster Card

    • Local Buses operate in every city and town

    • Payment methods are contactless cards or travel card

    • Coaches (long distance buses) are cheaper than trains for intercity travel

    • Black Cabs (expensive but licensed)

    • Uber, Bolt, FreeNow (Cheaper alternatives to taxis)

    • Minicabs (pre-booked private taxis)