United Kingdom
About United Kingdom
| Currency | Pound sterling (GBP) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | London |
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) is located off the northwestern coast of Europe, northwest of France, and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the Irish Sea, and the English Channel. The UK is made up of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and many smaller islands. The population is approximately 63 million people. Although the official language is English, other regional languages are recognised including Scots, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Irish, and Cornish.
The government is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The chief of state is Queen Elizabeth II, and the monarchy is hereditary. The head of government is a prime minister.
The UK was the world’s first industrialized nation. During the 19th century, the British empire was at its peak and would have covered about one-fourth of the world. Two world wars and the withdrawal of the Irish Republic diminished the country’s strength and helped bring about the end of the empire. After World War II, Britain had to recover and redefine its role in the world. Today the UK has the world’s sixth largest economy with significant political, economic, and military power, and widespread cultural influence.
Recommended Vaccinations For United Kingdom
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.
Polio Vaccine
NathNAC recommends that all travellers complete a polio vaccination course according to the UK schedule or their national programme.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with wild animals or bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Recommended Medications For United Kingdom
There are no recommendations for United Kingdom at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for United Kingdom
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country.
Hepatitis B
There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.
For Some Travellers
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a risk of Tick-Borne Enccephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Polio
The United Kingdom reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) detected in environmental (sewage) samples in London in May 2022. All travellers should take care with personal and food hygeine.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in the United Kingdom and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.
Safety & Security in United Kingdom
Personal Safety
Most visitors to the United Kingdom do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns, however, maintain an appropriate level of personal safety awareness at all times. Petty crime does occur, especially in tourist areas. Regular strikes can occur across several industries, including ambulance services, hospitals and public transport. Check National Rail or the Transport for London websites for the latest service updates. Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. They include imprisonment and fines.
Extreme Violence
There has been an increase in terrorist attacks in the UK, causing injury and death. Since March 2017, four attacks have occurred in London and one in Manchester. The UK Government’s national terrorism threat level is ‘substantial’, meaning it assesses an attack is likely. On 28 March 2023, the terrorism threat level for Northern Ireland was raised from ‘substantial’ to ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.
