Page 15 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

Practical Information 13

Above left Policemen assisting visitors Above centre European Union passports Above right British community support officers, on patrol at a train station

DIRECTORY
window advising of the nearest areas where visitors are unlikely
all-night chemist. Pharmacists are to go, they should take the same PASSPORTS AND VISAS
highly trained, too, and can usually precautions against petty crime
advise on minor medical matters. as they would in any large town. American Embassy
33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US;
Visitors from Ireland and other EU Areas where there is a high volume 020 7499 9000; www.usembassy.gov
countries are covered for medical of tourists are frequently targeted Australian High Commission
treatment in Great Britain under the by petty thieves. Leave passports, Australia House, The Strand,
EU’s social security regulations, but jewellery and valuables in the hotel London WC2; 020 7379 4334;
they must see an NHS (National safe, if possible. Keep an eye on www.uk.embassy.gov.au
Health Service) doctor. To be eligible, handbags and wallets, particularly in British Foreign and
they will need identification and a crowds and on public transport, and Commonwealth Office
European Health Insurance Card don’t carry large amounts of cash 020 7008 1500; www.gov.uk
(EHIC), which has replaced the old around. Never leave bags, cameras Canadian High Commission
E111 form. Otherwise visitors will be or luggage unattended, or visible in Canada House, Trafalgar Square,
liable for NHS charges. Obtain the card cars, even if locked. If it’s not possible London, SW1; 020 7004 6000;
at home before travelling to the UK. to take them with you, it’s best to put www.canadainternational.gc.ca
Note that the situation may change items in the car boot before arriving Irish Embassy
when the UK leaves the EU in 2019, at an attraction, as car parks are 17 Grosvenor Place, London SW1;
so you should check before travelling. sometimes watched by thieves. 020 7235 2171;
www.ireland.embassyhomepage.com
Visitors from all other countries British police and community
are strongly advised to have private support officers are generally help- TRAVEL SAFETY ADVICE
medical insurance, as they will only be ful. Street officers wear dark blue Australia
eligible for free emergency treatment. uniforms (and often the famous www.dfat.gov.au; smartraveller.gov.au
Without insurance, they will have to domed hat), but do not usually United Kingdom
pay for follow-up care, doctor’s visits, carry firearms. If you are a victim www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
medication, etc. Check home health of crime, contact the police who United States of America
insurance plans for cover when can also provide victim support. To www.travel.state.gov
abroad. But travel insurance with telephone the Emergency Services –
medical coverage is a simple option. police, fire, or ambulance – dial 999. HEALTH
NHS 111
Personal Security Below left Pedestrian road crossing, known 111; www.nhs.uk
Great Britain is a relatively safe as a zebra crossing Below centre Emergency EHIC
country. Although most serious ambulance Below right Busy scene at www.nhs.uk/ehic
crime takes place in inner-city Barnstaple’s Pannier Market PERSONAL SECURITY
Emergency Services
For Police, Fire or Ambulance, dial 999

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