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Useful Information
Fast Facts
United Kingdom
The UK is made up of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland, and is one of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU).
Capital cities
London – England
Edinburgh – Scotland
Cardiff – Wales
Belfast – Northern Ireland
Area
Land and water: 152,033 square miles
Population
The population of the United Kingdom is approximately 60.6 million.
Languages
The two official languages in Britain are English and Welsh, English being the most widely spoken. Scottish Gaelic is also spoken in some parts of Scotland.
Government
The UK is a constitutional monarchy that is a representative democracy, where Queen Elizabeth II is recognised as the head of state, and the elected Prime Minister – Gordon Brown – is the head of government.
Currency
Britain uses the pound sterling. The sign for the Great British Pound (GBP) is £.
Climate
Britain has a fairly temperate climate and is sometimes overcast. The weather can vary greatly from day to day, but generally summer (June-August) is a warm 14 - 25°C, and winter (December-February) is a cool 1 - 4°C.
Electricity
Voltage is 240 volts AC at 50HZ. Appliances generally use standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.
History & Culture
We are an extremely diverse and progressive nation with a strong culture of social integration and tolerance. Britain was the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century and played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science.
Customs & Immigration
Passports & Visas
Passports
On arrival in the United Kingdom, you must show a valid national passport or other equivalent official document that satisfactorily establishes your identity and nationality.
Visas
You may need to acquire a visa – entry clearance certificate – before you travel to Britain, if you are not a British citizen or a citizen of one the European Economic Area (EEA) countries.
Nationals from some countries will need a visa whatever the reason they are travelling to the UK, while nationals from other countries may only need a visa for a particular reason; for example, to marry and live with a British citizen.
If you have a valid passport and UK visa, you will normally be granted entry to the UK. When you arrive in Britain your visa tells UK immigrations:
The reason you are travelling to Britain.
How long you are allowed to stay.
The last day you are allowed entry.
Entry clearance follows strict rules and procedures. For full details about visa requirements and application procedures, visit UK Visas.
Embassies
Canada +44 (0) 20 7258 6600
Japan +44 (0) 20 7465 6500
Russia +44 (0) 20 7229 3628
USA +44 (0) 20 7499 9000
FAQ's
Click for more practical information tips.
Practical information
Medical Emergency
Ambulance 999
National Health Service +44 (0) 20 0845 4647
TRAIN TRAVEL
National Rail Enquiries +44 (0) 845 748 4950
Transport for London
+44 (0) 20 7222 1234
Coach Travel
National Express
+44 (0) 870 580 8080
National Express services run into London’s Victoria Coach Station
Telephoning Abroad
AT&T 0-800-89-0011
AT&T will connect you easily and reliably with the U.S. You can use your AT&T Calling Card, any major U.S. credit card or call collect. For additional AT&T access numbers, ask the operator to connect you to AT&T or go to att.com/traveller
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LONDON INFORMATION
Bringing a coach to London?
Plan where you park your coach before you come to London.
More pratical information tips
Congestion Charge
Vehicles with nine or more seals are exempt from the congestion charge, paid to drive through the centre of London Mon-Fri 7am-6.30pm. Exemption must be applied for in advance of your trip to London.
Information and the exemption application form
Traffic News
Before you travel use Traffic Alert to help you plan your journey through London. This service from Transport for London provides information on planned works and events and real-time congestion alerts.
Tickets for London Transport
Travelcards - 1 day, 3-day or 7-day travelcards can still be bought from train stations or Newsagents ad are valid on buses, trains, the tube and DLR.
Oyster - London's transport smart card can be used for pre-pay (like a mobile phone top-up) or you can buy a 1 week travelcard on your Oyster. With pre-pay each journey by tube, bus or DLR is deducted from your pre-paid amount. (Pre-pay is not accepted for train travel). If you use your pre-pay for multiple journeys during the day then your travel will be capped at a daily rate. Oyster pre-pay is cheaper if you are not using the overland rail network as a daily-capped rate is less than a daily travelcard and each individual journey is also cheaper than a standard single/return ticket.
For more information see our Oyster FAQs