United Kingdom - Wales
About United Kingdom - Wales
Currency | Pound sterling (GBP) |
Language | English and welsh |
Capital | Cardiff |
Wales is one of four countries of the United Kingdom, bordering England to the east and with coastline on the Irish Sea and the Bristol Channel. Wales has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. Romans occupied Wales for about 300 years beginning about AD48 followed by Anglo-Saxons. In 1284, Wales was annexed by England but remained separate with independent kingdoms. In 1536 with the Act of Union, Wales became a legal integral part of the kingdom of England.
The government of the UK is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a queen as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government. The parliament consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The local government of Wales includes a first minister and the National Assembly which is responsible for economic planning and development, health, education, transportation, and tourism.
Prior to World War I, Wales was known for the mining and export of coal and was one of the world’s leading industrial areas. The Welsh economy suffered during the Great Depression and the coal and steel industries collapsed in the late 20th century. By the end of the 20th century, the Welsh economy became diversified with tourism as a strong sector. Tourist attractions include castles and museums, national parks, beautiful scenery, and variety of outdoor sports.
Recommended Vaccinations For United Kingdom - Wales
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine is often recommended for travellers to this country.
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.).
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Recommended Medications For United Kingdom - Wales
There are no recommendations for United Kingdom - Wales at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for United Kingdom - Wales
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 Encephalitis 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.
Hepatitis A
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B occurs in this country.
Safety & Security in United Kingdom - Wales
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.