What comes to your mind when you think about the United Kingdom? The UK is known for many things, from the royal family, Buckingham palace to the rolling green hills. The UK is also one of the biggest countries in the European Union and has a vast history with many beautiful places to visit.
The UK is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, and many tourists are flocking the nation either for leisure or business. If this is your first time traveling to the UK, there are some things that you need to know.
Not everyone is English
Many people think that all Brits are English. They also think of British and English as exact substitutes. England might be the biggest country in the United Kingdom; however, many other people in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are proud of their distinct heritage and countries. Keep in mind that the queen is not only the queen of England; she is also the queen of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Visa and Passport Requirements
When traveling for tourism purposes to the UK, citizens from English-speaking countries don’t necessarily need a visa. However, it is essential to check your particular visa requirement before traveling. If you are traveling to the UK for work, ensure that you get the help of an immigration law firm to confirm your visa requirements. Usually, you will be required to have a passport valid for the duration of time you plan to stay. But, this will also depend on your native country.
Safety
The United Kingdom is a relatively safe country. It prides itself as the country with the lowest crime rates in the European Union. However, you must be careful and observant about your surroundings. Don’t go walking carelessly in crowded areas; pickpockets are everywhere.
Another safety factor to consider when traveling to the UK is traffic. UK citizens drive on the left side of the road. This means that many tourists get confused and forget to cross the streets. This makes them more susceptible to accidents.
Don’t Refer to Football as Soccer
In the UK, football fans take the game very seriously. While football violence now belongs to the past, the conflict between teams still exists especially, if the fans reside in the same area. Soccer might technically be the correct name, but in the United Kingdom, it is called football.
Some Foods have Pretty Questionable Names
Some foods are given names to precisely define what they are, without suspicion or the need to question the waiter, for instance, fish and chips. But then again, other food names will leave you wondering. You might end up ordering something and get a different thing than you anticipated. Britain cooking has possible tests that are waiting for a naive visitor like you.
Avoid BREXIT Conversations
Until now, BREXIT remains a sensitive subject in the United Kingdom. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid discussing the topic. Similarly, never try to criticize the National Hospital Service (NHS). The Citizens of the UK are very proud of the free, empathetic care that the NHS offers.
Conclusion
You should now be confident enough to plan your travel to the UK without any worries. Another thing to note is that accommodations in the UK can be expensive, save time and money when traveling by going for economical options.
