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UK Practical Travel Info

ETA and entry rules by nationality, money, safety, and getting connected.

The UK is not in the EU or the Schengen Area, so its entry rules are its own. Most visa-exempt nationalities (US, Canada, Australia, EU, and dozens more) don't need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 6 months, but do now need to apply in advance for a paid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), currently £20. The currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £); contactless payment is the default almost everywhere. The UK is very safe overall — the bigger practical risk is the weather, not crime.

This is the unglamorous section that quietly prevents a bad first day: whether you need an ETA (increasingly, yes, even if you don't need a 'visa'), how much cash to actually carry (spoiler: not much), what could genuinely go wrong, and when to fly for the best weather-to-price ratio.

UK ETA & Entry Requirements (2026)
Practical Info

UK ETA & Entry Requirements (2026)

The real answer, broken down by passport — the UK is not Schengen.

Money, Safety & eSIM in the UK
Practical Info

Money, Safety & eSIM in the UK

Cash, tipping, real safety risks, and staying connected.

Best Time to Visit the UK
Practical Info

Best Time to Visit the UK

May-September for weather, shoulder months for value.

Questions people actually ask

Do I need a visa for the UK?
For most visitors from the US, Canada, Australia, the EU, and around 80 other visa-exempt countries, no visa is required for tourism — but you do need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is not the same thing. See our full ETA and entry guide for the details by nationality.
Is the UK safe to visit?
Yes, it's considered a very safe country for visitors overall. Violent crime against tourists is rare; the more common issues are pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and, honestly, unpredictable weather catching people without a rain jacket.
What currency does the UK use?
The pound sterling (GBP, £) — not the euro. Contactless card and phone payment is accepted almost everywhere, including on public transport, so you'll need very little cash on a typical trip.