English
Español
中文
हिन्दी
FrançaisTravel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism in United Kingdom
Travel alerts, currency, climate, transit, health, and safety information for visitors to United Kingdom.
Practical Information
Travel alert status, currency, climate, and transit details.
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
- Time Difference
- UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: the time statements apply to the United Kingdom proper, not to its crown dependencies or overseas territories
- Currency
- British pound (GBP)
- Climate
- Prevailing southwesterly winds, influenced by the Gulf Stream, make Britain's climate temperate and equable year round. Weather patterns frequently change, but few temperature extremes occur. Temperatures range from a mean of 40°F in winter to about 60°F in summer. A low of 20°F sometimes occurs in winter, and a high of 90°F may rarely occur in summer. Average annual rainfall is 30-50 inches, usually distributed evenly throughout the year. Cloud cover is persistent, however, limiting sunshine to an average of about 6-7 hours a day in summer and 1-2 hours a day in winter.
- Language(s) Spoken
- English
- Ethnic Groups
- White 87.2%, Black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2%, other 3.7%
- National Holiday
- the UK does not celebrate one particular national holiday
- Geographic Coordinates
- 54 00 N, 2 00 W
- Location
- Western Europe, islands - including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland - between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea; northwest of France
- Airports
- 462
Destinations
Regions and cities, top sights, national parks, UNESCO sites, and festivals for visitors.
The United Kingdom's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The United Kingdom is home to an outstanding collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting the country's extraordinary historical depth, geological diversity, and industrial heritage. As of 2024, the United Kingdom has 35 inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among the largest national tallies in the world.
Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast (1986). Northern Ireland's only World Heritage Site, this extraordinary geological formation of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns was formed around 50 to 60 million years ago as lava from volcanic eruptions cooled and contracted. The site covers an area of approximately 70 hectares along the north Antrim coast and is managed by the National Trust. Durham Castle and Cathedral (1986).
Health and Safety
Medical facilities, vaccinations, disease risk, and sanitation conditions.
While medical services are widely available, free care under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents and certain EU nationals. Tourists and short-term visitors will be charged for medical treatment in the United Kingdom. Charges may be significantly higher than those assessed in the United States. Travelers to the United Kingdom should ensure they have adequate medical insurance to cover the cost of any treatment received - please see additional insurance information below.