Before you plan a trip to Great Britain, you need to be aware of the following items:
- check the expiration date of your passport. It must be valid for the entire period of your stay – as well as an additional 6 months;
- you will need a visa, on a biometric passport
- the review of documents by the embassy is generally 15 working days. For an additional fee, the review can be done in 5-days;
- if you are planning to bring a minor child, make sure that you have all the necessary documents, that is: a passport and birth certificate, if a child is accompanied only by one of the parents a notarized consent from the second parent/guardian for the child's trip is required and a valid UK visa of person with whom the child travels.
When all the necessary documents are in order and you are ready to go, be sure to ask about the country's customs rules. Every visitor to England needs to know what is allowed and not allowed. You are allowed to bring duty-free:
- tobacco products - 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco;
- perfumes - 60 ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette;
- alcoholic beverages - 2 liters of regular wine, 1 liter of spirits (22 % alcohol or stronger), or 2 liters of fortified (over 14% alcohol) wine, sparkling wine or port wine.
- duty-free importation of other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, is permitted, provided that their total value does not exceed 145 £.
- the import of such goods as meat, fish, honey, eggs, milk and some other animal products is prohibited to bring with you to UK.
- ammunition, explosives, firearms are prohibited.
f you plan to bring your pet with you, you need to provide a veterinary certificate for your pet. Also, the pet needs to have a microchip implanted under his skin (this requirement is valid in the territory of all EU countries).
At the border you may be briefly questioned. The most often asked questions are about:
- the purpose of the trip
- return ticket and hotel reservation;
- the length your trip;
- your plans such as if you want to visit to relatives and friends. Be prepared to tell at what address they live. It is better to have an invitation from them;
- if you are going on business, there could be questions about your business partners and your plans;
- how much money you have, where you work, what your income is.
Also note that all questions are asked in English, so it is advisable to think in advance about what you would say. Be prepared to answer any questions in English. If you have an invitation or documents about your plans including business plans, bookings and reservations, they should all be in English. This will make it easier for the border guard to understand your visit and may hasten your entry into the UK.
