Travel Restrictions and Recommendations on What to Pack

Entry Requirements into the UK from the USA

As of December 2024, U.S. citizens planning to visit the United Kingdom for tourism purposes should be aware of the following entry requirements:

• • • • Passport Validity:
        Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK. While the UK does not require additional validity beyond your intended departure date, it’s advisable to have at least six months’ validity remaining to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.
      • Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):
        Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. Applications for the ETA can be submitted beginning November 27, 2024.
        ETA Application Process:
        • Apply online through the official UK government website or via the UK ETA app.
          Provide personal details, passport information, and answer security-related questions.
          Pay the application fee of £10.
        • Validity: The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
          It allows multiple visits to the UK, with each stay permitted up to six months.
          GOV.UK
      • Financial Means:
        Be prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in the UK. While there is no specified amount, having access to enough money to support yourself without recourse to public funds is essential.
      • Return or Onward Travel:
        Possess a return ticket to the U.S. or an onward ticket to another destination, indicating your intention to leave the UK after your visit.
      • Purpose of Visit:
        Ensure your activities in the UK align with those permitted under a tourist visa, such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or attending cultural events. Engaging in paid or unpaid work without proper authorization is prohibited.
      • Health Insurance:
        While not mandatory, it’s advisable to have travel health insurance to cover any medical expenses during your stay, as the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) may charge non-residents for certain services.
      • Customs Declarations:
        If you’re carrying £10,000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it upon arrival. Failure to do so can result in fines or seizure of funds.
        8. COVID-19 Considerations:

Stay informed about any health-related entry requirements, such as vaccination certificates or testing mandates, as these can change based on the global health situation.
By adhering to these guidelines, U.S. tourists can ensure a smooth entry into the United Kingdom. Always consult the official UK government website or contact the nearest British consulate for the most current information before your trip..
Always check the latest travel advisories and requirements before planning your trip, as policies can change.

What to Carry On or Check in.

Packing for international travel, especially for places like the UK, is crucial for an efficient, comfortable, and suitable journey. It is also important to understand what you can carry on or check in, per TSA Guidelines.

TSA Guidelines (and Check List) from USA to the UK

US Customs and Border Protection: 

There are certain restricted items from entering the USA that would injure community health, public, safety, American workers, children, or domestic plant and animal life, or those that would defeat our national interests. Do review these restrictions below before deciding what treasures you wish to bring back into the states. 

US Customs and Border Protection: Prohibited & Restricted Items

More Tips:

Here are some tips to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. (Remember to bring only two baggage pieces, including one large check-in luggage and a smaller carry-on.) 

Of Importance:  Make copies of all your important documents (i.e. Passport, ID’s, Credit Cards, List of Medications, or other important health documents, etc.)

What to Pack:

Clothes:

The climate in the UK is very unpredictable. 

Bring comfortable apparel that is easy to get into. Avoid restrictive garments, for it will impede your ability to walk around in old cities. In general, consider bringing:

• • • • • • TWO pairs (not one) of walking (or hiking) shoes. You will need a spare in the event the first pair gets wet. In addition, it is good to alternate your footwear to avoid injury. You may want to bring shoe covers, to protect them from nature’s elementals (rain, mud, etc.)
          • Leggings for ladies will help you walk around light and do not take too much room in your baggage.
          • Be prepared and pack clothes that you can layer. The temperature will change on you during the day, going into the night. This is a good method to keep you comfortable.
          • Thin rain jacket or small umbrella.
          • Head wear (hat, scarf, etc.)

Laundry:

Most hotels do have laundry services so that you can wash between check-ins’. We will alert you to those that do not offer it, so you can plan ahead.

Shrink It!

Use space-saver bags to compress your clothes while in their suitcase. The beauty is that it will also waterproof your items in the event your luggage gets drenched

Electronics

Electronic Conversions:

Using the correct plug type and voltage setting ensures your electronics work safely and without damage in the UK. In fact, the UK uses a completely different electrical systems than the EU.

Here is what to know:

• • • • • • • • Voltage and Frequency:
                • Voltage: 230 volts (with a tolerance of +/-10%).
                • Frequency: 50 hertz (Hz).
              • Plug Type:
                • The UK uses Type G plugs, which have three rectangular prongs in a triangular configuration. This plug type is unique to the UK and a few other countries.
              • Adaptors and Converters:
                • Adaptor: If you’re coming from a country with a different plug type (like the U.S., which uses Type A or B plugs), you’ll need a plug adaptor to fit UK outlets.
                • Voltage Converter: Since the U.S. operates on 120 volts, you may also need a voltage converter or transformer if your device isn’t dual-voltage. Many modern electronics (like phone chargers and laptops) are dual-voltage and can handle 100-240V; check the label on your device to confirm.
                • Difference between an Adapter and Converters
                  • • Here is a good article about the difference between a Converter and an Adapter. CLICK HERE.
                    • Converters actually change the voltage coming into your electrical device to what is tolerable for your USA-based device. Adapters only Adapt the prongs to be friendly to your appliance/device.  (TIP: Never use a hair blower without a converter. It will burn out!  Most hotels provide these, so no worries!)
                    • A “Step Down” Electrical converter IS NOT an adapter. Here is an International one with great reviews, including ones we’ve used with great success- CLICK HERE

Suggested Electronics to bring with you:

• • • • • • We may be lurking in dark places… We recommend bringing HEAD LAMPS to keep your hands free.
          • Baggage Tags: Attach tags to your luggage to prevent them from being lost while traveling. Later you can use these tags inside your purse in the event it gets lost or stolen.
          • Bring with you a Power Banks to refuel your phone’s battery. Don’t settle for a small piece but purchase one with multiple charges capacity.
          • Bring extra SD Cards in the event your phone (which is probably your main camera) runs out of space due to taking too many photos. (And why wouldn’t you?)
          • You will be happy to have these when you need them: Noise Cancelling headphones, or ear pods

Bringing back treasures home

One of the most popular activities is shopping. Sure enough, most of our travelers find themselves looking to purchase extra pieces to bring back their treasures home. Consider packing a good collapsible bag inside your primary checked-in piece. Now start shopping!

Health Care Considerations

• • • • For Gastro-Intestinal Symptoms due to changes in diet, pack some:
        • • Fiber Bars/Tablets:  Constipation is a common thing during all travel. 
          • Ginger Tablets. Is good for digestive issues. They also help you with motion sickness.
          • Lomotil (for diarrhea).
          • Chamomile Tea (for nausea/vomiting)    Reference CLICK HERE
          • Moringa Tea for digestive unrest/issues. Reference. CLICK HERE
          • Motion Sickness: Dramamine or Ginger Tablets. If are known to have motion sickness, please ask to sit in the front of the bus. This will help a bit.
      • Pain medication: You will be walking quite a bit in terrain your body is not used to. Bring along Ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc. to help you when it’s needed.
      • Insect Repellent lotions/spray. And when you get bit… anti-itch (Benadryl) ointment
      • Skin Protection: Protect against sunburn with good sunscreen.
      • Ear protection:  Athough not medically related, but it may be a good idea to bring ear plugs … for when you need quiet time.
      • Water and Food Contamination: Water and food in the UK is very safe. 

Hygiene Needs

• • Toileting Supplies:  You may wish to bring a roll of Toilet Paper, since some stations do not provide this.  Bring minimally some tissues or baby wipes. Some sites are so ancient and remote these may be a convenient feature that is not available.
  • Antisetic:  Don’t forget the antiseptic wipes (or minimally baby wipes). The best investment you can bring along!

Help with Mobility

• • Walking Sticks: If you have mobility issues, please consider bringing with you trekking/walking sticks. They are fabulous and will help you balance your body and take off much strain from your joints.
  • Braces or Ace Bandages for joints to optimize mobility or decrease pain.