UK Travel Advice & Safety

Updated:14 October 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update:We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in the UK. Petty crime is common, including pickpocketing, mobile phone and bag snatching, passport theft, as well as theft from cars, across the UK. Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence. Monitor the media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
 

We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in the UK due to the threat of terrorism.

Advice Levels

Level 2

Exercise a high degree of caution in the UK due to the threat of terrorism.

Full Advice

  • International terrorists have staged attacks in the UK. The UK Government’s national terrorism threat level is ‘substantial’, meaning it assesses an attack is likely.
  • The terrorism threat level for Northern Ireland is ‘substantial’, meaning an attack is likely.
  • Islamic extremism, extreme right-wing ideology and the status of Northern Ireland contribute to the threat. Always be alert to terrorism. Take official warnings seriously.
  • Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence. Monitor the media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Violent crimes such as muggings, knife crime and sexual assaults occur across the UK.
  • Other crimes such as passport theft, pickpocketing, mobile phone and bag snatching, and muggings are common, particularly in summer. Take care to protect your belongings on public transport, in crowded tourist areas and at landmarks.
  • Stay up to date with public health guidance and confirm coverage with your insurance provider.
  • Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel, and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
  • The standard of medical facilities in the UK is good.
  • We have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. Some GP and hospital treatments are free if you’re in the UK for a short visit. If you stay more than 6 months, you’ll pay a surcharge when applying for your visa.
  • Penalties for drug offences are severe. Don’t use or carry illegal drugs.
  • The UK recognises dual nationality.
  • UK Visas and Immigration is replacing physical documents (such as Biometric Residence Permits) with online immigration status records (eVisas).
  • Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest High Commission or Consulate of the United Kingdom for the latest details.
  • Regular strikes can occur across several industries, including ambulance services, hospitals and public transport. Check National Rail or the Transport for London websites for the latest service updates.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider
  • employer
  • airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call 999.

Police

Call 999.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

For criminal issues that aren’t an emergency:

  • call 101 for the local police
  • call 0800 555 111 to make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers