Page 14 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

12 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

Practical Information

Travelling in Great Britain is easy, thanks to its generally up-to-date
infrastructure. Public services usually operate smoothly and its
health care system is among the best in the world. Police and
security services may appear low-key, but they are highly trained
to deal effectively with any emergency. Communication networks
from broadband and Wi-Fi to mobile phone services are usually
good, and most banks have ATM machines for out-of-hours use. Above Easily identifiable green pharmacy
In smaller towns and villages, shops are often closed on Sundays. sign displayed outside a chemist’s shop
Passports and Visas and Commonwealth Office in the UK, Health
Nationals of European Union countries the State Department in the US and Currently no vaccinations or
and Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and the Department of Foreign Affairs immunization documents are
Liechtenstein may enter Great Britain and Trade in Australia. required to enter Great Britain
with a passport or national identity card. unless travelling from a country
Irish citizens do not need a passport or Travel Insurance where infectious diseases such
visa if they are entering from Ireland. All travellers are strongly advised as yellow fever are present.
However, it is generally advisable to take out comprehensive travel There are no undue health hazards
to always have a valid form of photo insurance. In addition to medical in Great Britain. Tap water is safe to
identification handy, as most airlines insurance (see below), a full policy drink and bottled water is available.
and ferry compa nies will require either will normally cover travellers for loss In summer, the Highlands of Scotland
a passport or driving licence. If you or theft of luggage and belongings, are plagued with tiny biting flies called
don’t have a pass port, check to see if personal accident, damage to a third midges, so buy some strong insect
an alternative form of ID is acceptable. party, delayed or cancelled flights, repellent if planning to hike or camp.
All other visitors must have a passport, and in some cases the cancellation Standard over-the-counter remedies
ideally with at least six months validity of your trip due to personal illness or can be bought in local pharmacies
remaining to avoid problems at entry. that of a family member. Most policies or chemists, but make sure to bring
Travellers from the United States, also cover some legal costs. A standard enough prescription medication from
Canada, Australia, New Zealand and travel policy will not cover hazardous home to last the trip, otherwise it will
South Africa do not need a visa if they sports, so anyone planning to go take a visit to a doctor to obtain a
are staying for less than six months. surfing, skiing or rock-climbing must prescription. Pack them in carry-on
For longer stays, or for student or check their cover; it can usually be luggage with their original labels to
working visas, apply well in advance. added for a small premium. avoid problems at airport security.
Other nationalities may require Read the terms to see what the In the unlikely event of an illness
a visa, and visitors should contact excess is, and what cover is on while travelling, the hotel staff should
the British Embassy, Consulate or valuable items such as cameras be able to locate a doctor or dentist.
High Commission in their home and jewellery. In the event of a medical emergency,
country prior to travelling. Check Check to see what cover, if any, dial 999. NHS 111 provides round-the-
on the website of the Foreign and is offered under a home insurance clock medical advice by phone and
Commonwealth Office for details. policy. Some credit card companies has walk-in centres in many cities and
offer limited travel insurance if the card larger towns. Most pharmacies – look
Travel Safety Advice is used to book the trip or rental car. for a green cross – are open Mon–Sat
Visitors can get up-to-date travel But these are often not as good as during regular business hours. If they
safety information from the Foreign specialist travel policies. are closed there is often a sign in the

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