United Kingdom Travel Guide
Swift has put together this resource page for all travelers heading to the United Kingdom. Whether you have questions about the top things to do when you arrive or what currency is used in the United Kingdom, we have you covered. Below are some of the visa services we offer to travelers looking to visit the United Kingdom. If you need a visa, you can start your order here.
Work Visas
Student Visas
United Kingdom Travel Overview
Get ready to explore the United Kingdom! This amazing destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re looking to learn all about the history of the United Kingdom, see some famous landmarks, or enjoy delicious treats with your friends – we know that you’re going to love the U.K. as much as we do.
Travel to United Kingdom FAQ
Do I need a visa to go to the United Kingdom?
You will need a visa if you plan on staying in the United Kingdom for longer than six months. In some cases, you will also need a visa for the U.K. if you plan on traveling there for work or school.
Is the United Kingdom expensive to visit?
According to Budget Your Trip, you can expect to spend around $139 a day while vacationing in the United Kingdom.
Can I get a visa on arrival in the U.K.?
Yes, you can obtain a visa on arrival in the United Kingdom as a United States citizen. However, we recommend getting a visa ahead of time to save yourself some time.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Visa to the United Kingdom?
You can expect the United Kingdom visa process to take between 10-30 business days, depending on the type of visa you’re looking to obtain.
United Kingdom Travel Tips
- Make a Bucket List: There are so many things to do in the United Kingdom, and you probably won’t have time to get to all of them. Create a bucket list of the top 3-5 things you want to see, and save the other items for your next trip to the United Kingdom.
- Use Public Transportation: Save some money and stress by using public transportation.
- Avoid Traveling to the United Kingdom During the Holiday Season: It can be very crowded with tourists during this time, and accommodations can be expensive.
- Ask the Locals For Suggestions: They’ll be able to give you suggestions for things such as good restaurants and fun attractions.
Expedite Your Visa to United Kingdom
Select
Visit our order page and select United Kingdom as your country. Use the dropdown menus to make appropriate selections, and you'll be directed to the right Ghana visa product for you.
Submit Order
Place your order, and you will be charged for our visa service. From here, we'll guide you step-by-step by giving your instructions, telling you what documents to gather, and answering your questions.
Get Your Visa
After you complete the necessary steps and provide requested documents, Swift will process your order and ship your visa when it's ready.
Currency Used in the United Kingdom
The official currency used in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling. The exchange rate is 1.19 United States dollars to 1 pound sterling. Pound sterling currently comes in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50.
United Kingdom Vaccine Requirements
The Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has put together a list of recommended and required vaccines for those visiting the United Kingdom:
Recommended Vaccines For All Travelers:
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu
- Polio
- Shingles
- COVID-19
Recommended Vaccines For Most Travelers:
- Hepatitis A
Recommended Vaccines For Some Travelers:
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
What are the current CDC travel requirements?
If you would like the latest updates on what the CDC requires for travel to Vietnam, we suggest that you visit the United Kingdom section of the CDC website. There you will find health notices, alerts, and updates on Covid-19.Â
Top Things To Do While in the United Kingdom
- Visit the Tower of London
- Check out historic Stonehenge
- Watch a soccer game at Etihad Stadium
- Spend the day at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Take a ride on the London Eye
- See everything that the British Museum has to offer
- Get a glimpse of the historic Windsor Castle
- Take a hike at Lake District National Park
Traveling in the United Kingdom
There are numerous different modes of transportation that you can use to get around the United Kingdom. Some popular ways include car, train, and bus.
Weather Outlook For the United Kingdom
Below is a chart in order for you to get a better idea of the average monthly temperatures in the United Kingdom’s capital city, London:Â
- January – High: 47°F Low: 39°F
- February – High: 48°F Low: 39°F
- March – High: 52°F Low: 42°F
- April – High: 58°F Low:45°F
- May – High: 63°F Low: 50°F
- June – High: 69°F Low: 55°F
- July – High: 73°F Low: 59°F
- August – High: 72°F Low: 59°F
- September – High: 67°F Low: 55°F
- October – High: 60°F Low: 50°F
- November – High: 53°F Low: 44°F
- December – High: 49°F Low: 41°F
The United Kingdom’s Culture
History: The United Kingdom was founded in 1922 and is made up of four different parts – England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Today, more than 67 million people live in the United Kingdom.Â
Religion: The main religion practiced in the United Kingdom is Christianity,Â
Food and Drink: Some of the most popular food and drink in the United Kingdom include fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, crumpets, full English breakfast, tea, eggnog, and whiskey.
United Kingdom Packing Checklist
- Passport
- Visa
- Driver’s license
- Travel insurance
- Photocopies of important documents
- Credit Card
- Cash
- Medications
- Filtered water bottle
- Athletic shoes
- Backpack
- Portable charger
- Headphones
- United Kingdom guidebook
- Neck pillow
- Toiletries
- Mask
- Hand sanitizer