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Update January 10, 2024

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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Everything you need to know about traveling to the U.K.

This story has been updated.

In London , it’s not immediately obvious that the world is still dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. In the halls of Borough Market, you’ll see maskless, smiling faces of patrons and shopkeepers back to business as usual. On the Tube, few masks, if any, make an appearance. At the airport, travelers can now enter the country without testing, quarantines or proof of vaccination.

“The city is full of life. The city is full of people,” says Jim Strong, president of Strong Travel Services , who recently returned from a trip to London.

A local's guide to London

The United Kingdom lifted all remaining travel restrictions in March, after two years of complicated rules. In the wake of that change, here’s everything you need to know to get prepared for a trip to the U.K.

What to know about restrictions

Britain has removed all of its coronavirus travel restrictions. Visitors from any country are welcome, regardless of vaccination status, and no longer need to test before their trip or complete a U.K. passenger locator form before arriving.

Travelers are not required to mask on flights and public transportation, although the government does encourage doing so in crowded, enclosed spaces.

How to dine and explore

Travel experts, including Strong, say London is one of the most popular European destinations for travelers this year, so plan ahead in anticipation of competition.

“Now that the testing requirement to return to the U.S. has been removed, I think we’re going to see much more intense interest in traveling, not only to London, but to all of Europe,” Strong says.

If there are certain attractions you’d like to visit or restaurants you’d like to eat at, be sure to make reservations.

“If you are going to the London, you must — in our opinion — do everything possible to have things prearranged, such as cars and drivers, restaurant reservations, entrance into certain sites,” Strong says.

Many attractions have ended limited-entry policies, making it more convenient to visit, but some remain.

“Everything is operating as it was pre-covid, however, sometimes at a diminished level,” Strong says, noting that he has seen London hotels and restaurants not operating at full capacity or limiting reservations because of staffing issues.

Richard Cooke, general manager of the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, recommends that travelers talk to the concierge at their hotel and get a few reservations on the books, whether you’re hoping to tour the Macallan Distillery in Speyside or go to a football match.

“We have a bar with over 500 single malts,” Cooke says. “It’s been busier than ever with guests trying things they’ve never tried before or seeking to understand differing nuances. It’s a thirst for knowledge.”

Where to get a coronavirus test

It is no longer required to test before returning to the United States. If you’d still like to test, you can pack a self-test or find them for purchase from U.K. shops and pharmacies. You may be able to have one arranged at your hotel, but if that’s not the case, you can make an appointment at a pharmacy near you. The U.S. Embassy in the U.K. has a list of local labs to find tests . Testing is also available at Heathrow Airport .

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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Last updated: Tuesday 30 th January 2024 4:43pm (UK Time)

Please check the travel advice for all countries in your itinerary .

Entry requirements

You must check all requirements before heading to the airport.

For fully vaccinated travellers

There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions in place.

For non vaccinated travellers

It will be your personal choice to wear a face mask onboard. Masks remain available for anyone still wishing to wear one during the flight.

Passport and Visa

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.

If you have a connecting flight please ensure you check the entry requirements for your final destination as many countries still have Covid-19 measures in place.

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Is it safe to travel to Iceland? UK travel advice after latest volcanic eruption

A volcano in southwestern  Iceland  has erupted yet again, following former eruptions from the Fagradalsfjall volcano .

A state of emergency has been declared after fast lava flows in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula were spotted, after the volcano erupted without warning.

Fast moving lava has already reached the eastern side of the small evacuated town of Grindavik, which was initially evacuated late last year due to similar eruption activity.

Pools of lava gathering near the town’s defences have sparked concern, although the lava streams appear to be slowing, according to local authorities.

But the new eruption has worried travellers who were planning on spending time in the icy country, with visitors concerned that their flights from the UK may be cancelled in light of the seismic activity.

Here is the latest travel advice issued by the government for those planning to fly to the country.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland?

Yes, it is still safe to travel to Iceland , but travellers are urged to check government websites for warnings if the situation changes.

The UK Government posted on its website: ‘Recently there have been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest occurring on 16 March.

‘These have affected the town of Grindavik and area to the north of it. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed and you should stay away from this area. Keflavik International Airport and the road to it is unaffected and operating normally.

‘The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland is not impacted by the eruptions. The likelihood of further eruptions in this location remains high.

‘You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities’ advice on travel to the area.’

Are flights still going to Iceland?

Flights to and from Keflavik are generally running without a hitch at the moment.

‘The principal information on the eruption can be found on the  website of the Civil Protection Department  and the  website of the Icelandic Meteorological Office .’

But those travelling will be warned that major tourist attractions, including the Blue Lagoon, have shut.

The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal spas, has announced it will remain closed through March 17.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

For even more unmissable travel news, features and inspiration in your inbox each week, sign up to Metro's The Getaway newsletter

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‘We can’t afford to take the kids away with us any more’

Travel troubleshooter kathy lette on the delicate art of how to say no to funding family holidays, and the best winter sun spots for lgbt couples.

Q My husband and I have two children in their mid-twenties and we have been taking them on holiday to the Alps every summer since they were young. However, we’re about to retire and our income is going to decrease significantly. I think we will still be able to afford the annual trip for us, but will struggle to pay for them too. Assuming that they still want to come, how should we go about asking them to chip in?

A Human beings are the only creatures on God’s earth who keep looking after their offspring once they’re adults. I mean, it’s just not natural. Of course your offspring will still want to go on holiday with you while you’re picking up the tab. Their regression to teenage behaviour gives them the expectation that parents fork out for everything.

They also recast you as the responsible grown-up. On a family holiday in Mykonos not long ago my son ticked me off because he saw me coming out of a nightclub at 2am. “You’re mistaken,” I replied. “I wasn’t going out; I was going in!”

“Isn’t it time you started acting your age?” he chided me.

“Um, ditto, darl!” (though I didn’t say this out loud. It’s no good arguing with your offspring — negotiating with terrorists is completely pointless).

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Your reluctance to discuss changed financial circumstances indicates that you’re keen to be best friends with your kids, which means never saying “no”. Many of my girlfriends deny themselves new clothes or holidays because they’re funding a gap year. Thanks to parental generosity, most of our kids are better travelled than we were aged 40.

However, while my pals are scrimping, their offspring deny themselves nothing — spray tans, hair extensions, smashed avocado on toast for brunch, mocha latte frappuccinos at five-minute intervals, European mini-breaks …

There really should be a statute of limitations on parental self-sacrifice. It’s time to end the handouts, while possibly also wearing a T-shirt with the slogan: “I had sex with my spouse and all I got was this sponging kidult.”

And if they aren’t willing to pay their way, will you really miss them? Kidults’ lack of financial contribution is often matched by parsimonious social input. Most 20-year-olds consider a post from a TikTok influencer to be up there with the Dead Sea Scrolls and are so addicted to their mobiles that you’ll probably only see the top of their heads for the whole holiday anyway.

Just explain to your progeny that you love them dearly but life is also dear, meaning it’s time they removed their travel stabilisers. And make sure to point out that after all the Alpine trips you’ve taken them on, if they even think about locking you away in a maximum-security nursing home there’s not a ghost of a chance you won’t come back to haunt them.

Q I’m a man with a new boyfriend who really wants to take me for some winter sun in the Middle East or the Caribbean. He’s mainly dated women before, so hasn’t had to deal with homophobia on his travels — where can we go?

A Is there anything more fun and fabulous than exploring the world with a new lover? I just wish my answer could be equally celebratory and joyous. Sadly, even in 2024, your gay question requires a straight answer.

Travelling as an LGBT couple means that you must be more considered than a heterosexual couple, especially when booking trips to the Middle East and the Caribbean. In the Middle East, sex between men is illegal in nine of the eighteen countries in the region, and punishable by death in five of these. Homosexuality is legal in Israel, Jordan and Bahrain; Israel has long been considered one of the most LGBT-friendly destinations in the Middle East, but the Foreign Office warns against travel there.

The Caribbean is a mixed bag. Sexual activity between men is illegal in Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, but other islands — including Barbados, Puerto Rico and St Barts — welcome LGBT travellers. That said, certain hotels, especially in rural areas, may refuse bookings from same-sex couples, and it’s worth emailing or calling to check before you check in.

When it comes to LGBT rights it’s a complex picture and a lot depends on local attitudes and which hotel you pick — many gay travellers report hassle-free visits to Jamaica and St Lucia, for example.

Make it happen

To take the vexation out of your vacation I would suggest an LGBT-friendly cruise. Celebrity Cruises is among the most popular lines thanks to its LGBT socials (it even hosted the first gay wedding at sea in 2018) and during June it runs sailings to celebrate Pride. Ten nights’ cabin-only, sailing from Barcelona on June 8 to destinations including Ajaccio, Cannes, Cagliari and Naples, costs from £2,248pp in an ocean-view room (celebritycruises.com); fly back from Rome.

Alternatively, you could try an expert-guided tour of Jordan. Intrepid, with its network of local guides, can offer individual support on LGBT safety and has seven nights’ B&B on a tour from Amman to Madaba, including visits to Petra and the Dead Sea, from £847pp (intrepidtravel.com); fly to Amman. Whatever you choose, just go forth and be fabulous.

Do you need Kathy’s help with a travel problem? Email us at [email protected]

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Brexit ban on European ID cards is a ‘disastrous act of economic self-harm’, says tourism boss

The main beneficiaries of extra uk red tape on prospective language students are ireland, malta and the us, article bookmarked.

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With visitor numbers to leading UK tourist attractions struggling since the pandemic , a tourism leader has put part of the blame on Britain’s ban on Europeans travelling on ID cards.

After Brexit, the UK banned EU citizens from making business or leisure trips with their national identity cards . More than 200 million potential visitors from Europe have ID cards but not passports.

The government’s central forecast in its impact assessment is that the UK would lose 890,000 visits by European citizens each year, with a financial loss of £590m.

Bernard Donoghue, director of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (Alva), described the decision as “illogical”.

He told The Independent : “We thought that was a disastrous act of economic self-harm.”

The UK’s top tourist attractions are still well below pre-Covid visitor numbers. Mr Donoghue – who is also the mayor of London’s ambassador for cultural tourism – said: “We’re down about 11 per cent compared to 2019.

“The biggest missing group are the Chinese. They came out of lockdown last. They’ve been prioritising travelling within China and within East Asia first, but are starting to come back to the UK.

“We’re hopeful that we should get back up to pre-Covid levels of Chinese visitors by the end of 2025.”

But he said the ID card ban is also causing harm to the UK inbound tourism industry.

“It had nothing to do with immigration,” the Alva director said.

“It just felt illogical. Our English-language schools here in the UK have been suffering. They’ve been missing out on both customers and money for the last three years.”

The main beneficiaries of the UK imposing extra red tape on prospective language students are Ireland, Malta and the United States.

“It really has affected the visitor economy here in the UK,” Mr Donoghue said.

The Institute of Tourist Guiding reported an almost total collapse of school group bookings after Brexit and Covid. Compared with 2019 they were 99 per cent down.

In 2022, Patricia Yates, chief executive of VisitBritain, told MPs: “You will find destinations like Hastings absolutely decimated by a lack of school visits.”

.A government spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of cultural and educational exchanges between the UK and other nations.

“Last year, the prime minister committed to ease the travel of school groups to the UK by making changes to documentary requirements to make it easier for schoolchildren on organised trips from France.”

In December 2023 the Home Office U-turned in the case of parties of children from French schools. They are now allowed to visit the UK using ID cards once again, rather than every child having to have a passport.

The government spokesperson said: “We would consider negotiating with other countries in the context of wider discussions on migration issues.”

Talks are understood to have taken place between senior UK tourism figures and opposition politicians on the prospect of widening exemptions swiftly were a Labour government to be elected.

Mr Donoghue also described Rishi Sunak’s decision to abolish tax-free shopping as “another act of economic self-harm”.

The Alva director said: “It means that overseas visitors are just spending less time here.

“They’ll leave on day four of seven and go to Paris or Milan or Rome and do their shopping there.”

The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated in 2020 that the government would save around £400m a year by withdrawing the VAT refund scheme.

The number of tourists was predicted to drop between 20,000 and 30,000 annually as a result of the move.

“This would reduce the withdrawal-related revenue by about one quarter,” said the OBR.

Listen to Simon Calder’s travel podcast with Bernard Donaghue on the state of UK tourism

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Politics live: China set to be blamed for cyber attacks on UK - as PM issues nuclear warning

Rishi Sunak has warned it would be a "dangerous fiction" to think the UK can go without its nuclear deterrence. Meanwhile, the government is today expected to blame China for cyber attacks against the UK.

Monday 25 March 2024 13:50, UK

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• MPs 'targeted by Chinese cyber attacks' giving statement - watch above
• PM says UK can't go without nuclear weapons
• Sunak warns China an 'epoch-defining challenge'
• Statement expected on suspected Beijing cyber attack
• Explained: What we know about Electoral Commission hack
• Tamara Cohen: A significant moment in UK-China relationship
• Politics At Jack And Sam's:  Listen above or tap to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live updates by Tim Baker

Three Tory MPs who say they have been targeted by Chinese cyber attacks are giving a statement in Westminster.

Among them is former party leader Iain Duncan Smith.

It comes ahead of a government announcement later this afternoon, which we're expecting to see Beijing directly blamed for a number of operations against UK targets.

You can watch the statement live in the stream above - and we'll bring you the main points shortly.

You may remember last month saw publication of the first report from an independent inquiry into the murder of Sarah Everard.

It found Wayne Couzens - the Met Police officer who abducted, raped, and murdered her - should never have been employed by the force and red flags were "repeatedly ignored" ( read more ).

Recommendations by report author Lady Angiolini included overhauling police vetting and recruitment, improvements to the police response to indecent exposure, and an immediate review of indecent exposure charges against serving police officers.

'Sarah's murder was tragically avoidable'

The government has now said it accepts all of them and will implement them accordingly, including launching a public campaign to raise awareness that indecent exposure is a crime.

It also pointed to changes it has already made, including making it so any police officer charged with an indictable offence is automatically suspended from duty until an outcome is reached.

Violence against women and girls has also been classified as a national threat and the government is funding a programme to change the way rape cases are investigated by police and the CPS.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: "Sarah's murder was sickening and, tragically, avoidable. She was fundamentally failed by the institutions which were meant to keep her safe.

"Since her death, huge strides have already been taken to root out officers not fit to wear the badge and bolster safeguards to prevent the wrong people joining the force.

"Now we will work with policing partners to understand the link between indecent exposure and an escalation in behaviour to ensure the right measures are in place to catch more criminals, earlier."

Shamima Begum, the east Londoner who journeyed to Syria to join Islamic State in 2015, has lost her initial bid to challenge the removal of her British citizenship at the Supreme Court.

Her citizenship was revoked on national security grounds by the then home secretary, Sajid Javid, in 2019.

It came shortly after she was found in a refugee camp, four years after she left the UK as a 15-year-old.

She lost her first appeal against the decision to revoke her citizenship at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission last year.

Earlier this year, three judges at the Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed her bid to overturn the decision.

And today, a judicial spokesperson confirmed Ms Begum had asked the Court of Appeal to take her case to the Supreme Court, but was refused.

Ms Begum may now ask the Supreme Court directly for permission to have her case heard by the UK's highest court.

Rishi Sunak has been in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, today for a government announcement about nuclear investment.

Number 10 hopes a £763m investment will create more than 8,000 career opportunities to help the sector fill 40,000 new roles by the end of the decade, with Mr Sunak saying the UK cannot afford not to commit to nuclear energy and the country's nuclear deterrence.

To promote the announcement, he's been at defence firm BAE Systems, checking out its so-called Submarines Academy.

We've heard a bit more from the prime minister's spokesperson about what we're expecting from the government later.

In our 12.37 post , Number 10 said it has its "eyes wide open when it comes to China" amid reports this afternoon's announcement will see Beijing blamed for cyber attacks on UK targets.

One of those targets was the Electoral Commission in 2021.

The PM's spokesperson has refused to pre-empt the announcement later but did say the government worked "closely" with its allies to identify the suspected perpetrator.

"The investigation was obviously complex and sensitive, and we have been working closely with international partners over a period of time to identify those responsible and hold them to account," they said.

While the attack happened in 2021, it didn't come to light until 2022.

Some experts wrongly attributed it to Russia previously, and the government has never pointed the finger at China before.

This afternoon's announcement, to be made by the deputy PM, is expected around 3.30pm.

We'll bring you the main points here in the Politics Hub.

It was one of the lasting moments of David Cameron's premiership.

In 2015, the now Lord Cameron took China's Xi Jinping to a Buckinghamshire pub and shared a pint.

This was the time when the UK declared a new "golden era" of the relationship between the two countries.

However, it since has come to represent the degradation of ties between the UK and China ( see 12.22 post ), especially in the wake of the clampdown on democracy in Hong Kong.

And of course, today we're expecting to see the government directly blame China for the first time over a wave of cyber attacks on UK targets.

We've just heard from Number 10, only a few hours before the government's expected to blame China for a series of cyber attacks against the UK (see previous post for more on this).

Asked whether Downing Street still welcomes investment from Beijing, the prime minister's spokesperson said: "Judge us on our actions."

"We have our eyes wide open when it comes to China," they insisted, saying the government would be "robust and vigilant" against any perceived threat to the UK.

"It's right we take measures to protect ourselves," they said.

It comes after a senior Tory MP warned "we need to do a lot more" to combat attacks from Beijing.

Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, Foreign Affairs Select Committee chair Alicia Kearns called on the government to be more open about its strategy surrounding the country.

She said: "I've had attacks on my cyber attacks on my emails, which emanated from China.

"The threat is real, they are trying to undermine our democracy.

"And if we do not have a public strategy of which the whole country can unite, we will have gaps in our resilience and that will leave us vulnerable."

Our political correspondent Tamara Cohen says the announcement we're expecting from the government later marks "a significant moment in the UK's relationship with China".

As a reminder, we're expecting to see the deputy prime minister point the finger of blame at Beijing for cyber attacks against British citizens and politicians - and may even name specific individuals and companies.

Sanctions are also expected to be announced.

One of the major attacks we're expecting to be cited was against the Electoral Commission in 2021, which at the time some experts wrongly attributed to Russia.

The commission holds the data of 40 million British citizens.

Tamara says China is also believed to be behind attacks against specific politicians that have been especially critical of the regime there, notably former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith.

"The UK has gone on quite a journey from when David Cameron hosted the Chinese President Xi Jinping in a pub in 2015 and talked about a 'golden era'," adds Tamara.

And while Rishi Sunak has not gone so far as to describe China as a "threat" yet, instead using the word "challenge", today is set to be "another step towards [the government] being very concerned about the influence of Chinese actors on UK citizens and politicians".

Rishi Sunak has announced extra funding in the nuclear industry today, as he visits the home of the UK's nuclear submarine fleet, Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria.

As Sky  security and defence editor Deborah Haynes  said earlier, this "announcement is anything but soft and cuddly" - adding "they might want to talk about civil nuclear stuff, but this is about nuclear weapons".

You can read Deborah's full analysis in the 7.45am post .

On social media, the prime minister says it is a "dangerous fiction to believe we can live without nuclear power and our nuclear deterrent".

And speaking to broadcasters in Barrow-in-Furness, Mr Sunak says his party has overseen a "renaissance in the nuclear industry".

"These decisions do take time, but if you look at what's happened since 2010, we have green-lighted Sizewell C [and] Hinckley Point - so two nuclear power stations - we are making progress on small modular reactors, and we have recommitted to our nuclear deterrent and a new generation of nuclear submarines and a replacement warhead," he adds.

Junior health minister Maria Caulfield wrote to the House of Commons this morning to explain that things are changing with the way the UK manages COVID.

The crux of the written ministerial statement is that "COVID-19 is now recognised as an established and ongoing health issue in the UK and the approach to managing it will now be even further aligned with other established respiratory pathogen".

In simple terms, COVID will be treated pretty much the same as other illnesses.

One part of this is those discharged from hospitals to care homes or hospices will no longer get tested for the coronavirus.

The discharge of people from hospitals to care homes and hospices without testing at the start of the pandemic has been widely criticised, and is being examined by the official COVID inquiry.

There will be a manual override for individual trusts to reintroduce the tests if they believe it is warranted.

Ms Caulfield said: "While the virus causing COVID-19 continues to evolve, new variants have not required a return to large-scale public testing. 

"Given the high levels of vaccination among groups at higher risk, wider access to treatments and reduced impact of outbreaks, the government is now able to remove some of the highly targeted testing which remains in place from the height of the pandemic."

The changes take effect from 1 April.

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