The safest way to travel the UK balances choosing reliable transport (trains, official taxis/buses) with personal vigilance against petty crime and terrorism, focusing on busy areas, securing belongings, and staying aware of surroundings, especially at night or in crowded spots like transport hubs, by using licensed operators and avoiding isolated areas.
Train is usually the most efficient way of getting around the UK. It is cheaper than flights, offers more stops at those less known towns and cities and is faster than a bus journey. Tickets can be booked in advance and various railcards can be purchased to give you further discounts on individual journeys.
Violent crimes such as muggings, knife crime and sexual assaults occur across the UK. Other crimes such as passport theft, pickpocketing, mobile phone and bag snatching, and muggings are common, particularly in summer. Take care to protect your belongings on public transport, in crowded tourist areas and at landmarks.
Yes, Australians need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK for short stays (up to 6 months) for tourism or business, effective January 8, 2025, which is a digital visa-waiver replacing the older EVW system for many nationalities. You must apply online via the GOV.UK website or the official UK ETA app, pay a £10 fee, and get approval before flying. The ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries.
Key Takeaways
Driving in the city is a horrific pain, with copious weird fees that tourists aren't used to. Public transport is definitely the way to go. Renting a car may make sense for further trips out in to the countryside, but just know that when you're in London itself, public transport or taxis should be your pick.
Know where you're going. Plan your route and think about what to take with you, especially if you're going somewhere you haven't been before. Keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV. Only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app.
The Government of the United Kingdom maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates terrorism and national emergency threat level changes online and through local media. The national terrorism and national emergency threat level is currently 3 (“substantial”) on a scale of 5.
For Australian passport holders, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £10 (around AUD$20) and must be applied for online or via the official UK ETA app before travel, granting multiple visits for up to six months each and valid for two years or until your passport expires, with most decisions made quickly.
Visitors to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months, or do not already have a UK immigration status. From 25 February 2026 eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK.
In London, DO stand on the right on escalators, use Oyster/contactless cards, carry an umbrella, explore diverse neighborhoods, and walk when possible; but DON'T stand on the left, block pathways, rush during peak hours (7-9 am, 5-7:30 pm), cut queues, or rely solely on black cabs, and remember to say "please," "thank you," and "sorry".
Terrorists in the UK plan attacks, raise funds, recruit, spread propaganda and receive orders, training and inspiration from overseas. Threats emanating from Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia currently pose the greatest risk to the UK and UK interests.
The No Fly List, maintained by the United States federal government's Threat Screening Center (TSC), is one of several lists used by the Transportation Security Administration's Secure Flight program and airlines to decide who to allow to board airline flights.
July and August are peak season throughout England, Scotland, and Wales — with very long days, the best weather, and the busiest schedule of tourist fun. May and June can be lovely anywhere in Britain.
It is customary to leave 10 to 15% of the bill when eating out. However, restaurants often add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), especially if you're in a large group, so it's worth checking your bill if you don't want to tip twice.
Visitor Oyster card
They're great value and can save you time as you won't have to queue for a ticket. There is a daily cap on fares, you won't pay any more for that day in the zones you travel in. If you run out of credit on your Visitor Oyster card, it's easy to top up.
Yes, Australians need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK for short stays (up to 6 months) for tourism or business, effective January 8, 2025, which is a digital visa-waiver replacing the older EVW system for many nationalities. You must apply online via the GOV.UK website or the official UK ETA app, pay a £10 fee, and get approval before flying. The ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries.
All U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study for 6 months or less must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travel. You can apply for an ETA and find information on new requirements on the UK Government website.
HOW TO SEND GIFTS TO THE UK FROM AUSTRALIA WITHOUT PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES
13 Things Not To Do When Visiting London
There are no faith area, or any areas, of London that are 'no go' areas for our Police. The Police do a wonderful job serving all the communities of London.
Terrorism. There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
So if ever you find yourself in an unfortunate mugging situation in the future, it would be best to hand over your wallet, gadget, or jewelry and live to tell the story. Give them your bag if they want it! Don't even think of negotiating with these kinds of people.
Trellis, thorny plants, or a suitable anti-climb topping such as plastic spikes make it difficult for anyone climbing over a fence or gate. Planting prickly or barbed shrubbery along boundaries and fence lines acts as an effective natural barrier. Gravel driveways and paths will make sure you hear anyone approach.
Yearly and Monthly Breakdown of Thefts
From April 2022 to February 2023, 14,237 handbag and shoulder bag thefts were reported. Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the reported thefts: April: 1,073. May: 1,170.