travel checklist uk to usa

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Packing checklist for your U.S. vacation

To print this checklist, just click on " print this checklist " at the bottom of the page.

Before you go...

Check your passport expiry dates Check the validity and limit on your credit card (for example, to pay the deposit for your car rental) Notify your bank that you are going to the United States (to prevent your card from being blocked) Confirm your flight times 24 to 48 hours prior to departure on the airline's website (schedules can change without notice) Purchase travel insurance (medical, cancellation, luggage and civil liability) Ask someone to visit your house once a week (to water the plants, etc.) Make arrangements for your pets Have your mail held Empty the fridge Unplug electrical appliances Lock all windows and doors Shut the water main Turn down the heat in every room Make a photocopy of official documents (passports, driver's license, etc.) Fully charge the batteries of your phone, camera, video camera, tablet etc. 

Your Passport Your ESTA authorization Proof of insurance (medical + luggage + civil liability) Valid driver's license and international license Credit/debit cards Cash (American dollars) Exchange vouchers and booking reservations (where applicable) Plane tickets (round-trip) Phone numbers and addresses of friends/loved ones (for postcards) Health booklet (or vaccination booklet) Person to contact in case of emergency (contact info) Travel guide / Book to read Pens

Underwear Socks Cool clothing (shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, dresses, etc.) Warm clothing (jeans, pants, sweatshirts, etc.) Shoes / Sandals Warm sweater (polar fleece or wool) Raincoat / Windcheater Sun hat / Tuque Scarf Pyjamas Swimsuit / Towels

Accessories

Suitcase with wheels Backpack (for day trips) Sunglasses Water bottle Converter / Adapter (electric) Camera + charger Video camera + charger Tripod / Selfie stick Memory card Mobile phone + charger Ziploc bags (to protect electronics) Garbage bags (dirty clothing) Music / Playlist Hairdryer Travel pillow and ear plugs (airplane) Snacks Child's car seat Diaper bag for infants (diapers, changing mat, wipes, cream, bottles, toys, etc.)

First aid kit

Moleskin for blisters Disinfectant Adhesive bandages Thermometer Motion sickness medication Anti-Diarrheal medication Aloe gel or afterburn for sunburn

In your carry-on

Passports ESTA travel authorization Wallet (driver's license, debit/credit cards, American dollars, etc.) Proof of travel insurance Exchange vouchers (where applicable) Plane ticket Travel guide / Book to read Pen Snacks / Water bottle Toothbrush / Toothpaste Deodorant Tampons / Sanitary napkins Facial tissues Aspirin (or other pain medication) Personal medications Sweater (polar fleece or wool) Camera / Video camera Mobile phone

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• Help centre
• Travel advice

USA travel advice

On this page:

USA travel alerts

There are currently no travel alerts - You're good to go!

Please check the travel advice for all countries in your itinerary .

Entry requirements

Please make sure you check all the US entry requirements that apply to you before heading to the airport. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) US travel advice is here .

Good news – for all customers arriving by air to the USA, including foreign nationals, effective 12 May 2023 there is no requirement to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or complete an attestation form.

If eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program, you’ll need to apply and obtain an ESTA for travel .

For more information, including other Visa types please visit the US Department of State website.

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

USA and Canada - Mobile Passport Control:

If you are an American or Canadian citizen you can download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to create a profile.

This will enable you to submit/upload passport information on arrival into the USA. You will then receive a QR code, and this will significantly speed up your journey through US immigration at selected airports.

Please be sure to check that your destination airport is supported by MPC.

You can download the MPC app here:  https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control .

Face masks are a personal choice for our customers and people travelling in either direction between the UK and the United States.

We encourage everyone to be respectful of fellow passengers’ mask preferences, with masks still available for those wishing to wear them.

Helpful links

International travel guidance from the  US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)  advice for the United States

US Embassy in the UK  travel and visa FAQs

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  application

Airport guides

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Los Angeles

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Miami International Airport (MIA)      

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

San Francisco

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Washington DC

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and US security

Passenger screening and us security.

The US Transport Security Administration (TSA) screens all baggage going through commercial US airports, for security reasons.

When flying to or from the US you may notice your baggage has been opened after it was checked in.

When this happens, a notice will be placed inside your bag telling you that it was opened for inspection by a TSA official, and your bag will be resealed with a tamper evident label.

Locking your check in bags

You should always make sure your bags are securely locked before checking them in. The TSA recommends you leave your bags unlocked to make them easier to search, but we disagree with this policy.

You can buy special TSA-approved locks, which can be opened by security officials with a master key. The locks can be bought from luggage shops at most airports.

Please be aware that the TSA has the right to break into your locked baggage, which can cause damage if you're not using the TSA-approved locks.

Loss or damage of items during TSA screening

If there is any damage or loss of items incurred during the TSA’s screening process you should make a claim on your insurance.

You can also contact the TSA Consumer Response Centre on 1-866-289-9673, where your case will be assessed on an individual basis. Further information is available on the TSA website at www.tsa.gov .

Baggage security screening in the US

This section tells you about US passenger security screening, and what to do if you've experienced difficulties when flying to or from the US in the past.

In order to ensure security on flights into the US, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens passenger information for all travellers entering the country.

When you give us your Advance Passenger Information (API) for a flight to the US, your full name, date of birth and gender will be supplied to the TSA for watch-list screening. Find out more about this process on the TSA website .

How to make an enquiry when you have API problems with flying to and from the US

If you've experienced difficulties when flying to or from the US in the past, it may be the case you share the name of someone on the US government’s ‘no fly list’, or there may be another issue with your records.

If this is the case you can apply for a ‘redress number’ from the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveller Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). This number may help prevent problems in the future.

Contact us  to add your redress number to future bookings with us, so we'll have it as part of your Advance Passenger Information.

TSA pre-check

This section explains what TSA Pre✓ and Global Entry are, who is eligible to use them, and how they can apply.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has developed a pre-screening process called TSA Pre✓. This allows qualifying travellers, including Virgin Atlantic passengers, to enjoy faster security screening and use dedicated TSA Pre✓ lanes at participating US airports.

With TSA Pre✓, you don't need to remove shoes, light jackets or belts when you go through security. Compliant liquids and laptops can stay in your hand luggage as well.

UK nationals can use TSA Pre✓ by joining the Global Entry programme , which also allows a faster entry through US immigration on arrival.

Who can use TSA Pre✓ at the airport?

Membership of the TSA Pre✓ programme itself is to US citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Citizens of other countries, including the UK, can join the Global Entry programme , which allows use of the TSA Pre✓ lanes at the airport.

The Global Entry programme, for non-US citizens

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection 'Trusted Traveler' programme for non-US citizens, including UK passport holders. It helps you get through customs and immigration more quickly when you arrive in the US at certain airports , by using automated kiosks.

You will also be able to use the faster TSA Pre✓ security lanes, if they are in operation at your airport.

To join Global Entry, you will need to apply and undergo a background check and interview. There is a non-refundable application fee, currently $100.

Applying for TSA Pre✓ and the Global Entry programme

The application process for TSA Pre✓ or Global Entry involves a background check by the TSA. This includes taking your fingerprints and verifying your identity to check your criminal history, legal status, and other intelligence-related information.

You will also need to have an in-person interview at a US airport. We recommend you sign up for an interview ahead of time, so you can meet with a TSA official when you're next in a participating US airport.

Apply for TSA Pre✓

(US citizens and lawful permanent residents only)

Apply for Global Entry

(For citizens of other countries, including the UK)

How to use TSA Pre✓ or Global Entry

Once your application for TSA Pre✓ or Global Entry has been approved, you'll be issued with a Known Traveler Number (KTN).

You should add this number to your booking, via My booking , at least 72 hours before you fly. A TSA Pre✓ symbol should appear on your boarding pass, and you'll be allowed to enter the faster security lanes at the airport.

If you have a connecting flight on another airline, including our partner Delta Air Lines, you'll also need to add your Known Traveller Number (KTN) to your booking with them.

Global Entry members arriving in the US enter dedicated kiosks, scan their passport or U.S. permanent resident card, have their fingerprints checked and complete a customs declaration. They can then get their bags and leave the airport.

Additional information

The TSA authorises passengers for expedited screening, not Virgin Atlantic. Random and unpredictable security measures are incorporated throughout US airports, and no passengers are guaranteed expedited screening.

Not all US airports currently offer TSA Pre✓ , including some that Virgin Atlantic fly from.

Children aged 12 and under can accompany an eligible traveller through TSA Pre✓.

Help topics

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• Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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• Holiday packing and pre-travel checklist

So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?

Let’s make sure you’re not leaving anything out – from what to book and arrange upfront to the essential items to pack when you go.

Posted: 24/1/2022 | By Amanda Duffy

We’ve put together checklists for travel in general and for specific types of holiday too, so you can tick things off easily, wherever you’re off to. With so much else to keep in mind when you’re getting set to travel, checklists can help you avoid forgetting something important.

Before you go

Packing list essentials.

• Checklists by holiday type

There are a few things you should do to get your house in order before you leave for your holidays.

Bills and utilities

• Let your credit/debit card company know you may be using it abroad – it will help avoid problems later
• Pay bills in advance that will be due while you’re away
• Turn off electrical wall sockets (except the fridge and the freezer) if your home is going to be empty
• Set timers for devices or appliances you still want to come on while you’re away, like lights (to put off would-be burglars) or your boiler
• Contact your mobile operator to see if roaming charges apply where you’re going – if they do, discuss your options

Practical tips

• Clear out the fridge of anything that’s going to go off while you’re away
• Find a place for your pets – ask a friend, family member or neighbour to look after them or book with recommended local kennels or catteries
• Let a neighbour know you’ll be away – give them spare keys and emergency contact details just in case
• Book airport parking – paying in advance could help you save money, especially if you book reputable services a bit further away and catch a shuttle bus to the airport

Protect what matters when you go with good travel insurance

Documents and travel insurance, check your passport.

How long is left on your passport? Check in good time for everyone who’s due to travel, in case any are about to expire. Some countries refuse entry to tourists whose passports are less than six months from expiry.

Applying for a new passport can take at least six weeks, while renewing a passport takes three weeks – so don’t leave it to the last minute. Passports can be renewed or replaced at any time. 

You should also check well in advance if you need a visa for your destination. The time it takes to apply and receive a visa can vary.

Get travel insurance

Good travel insurance for everyone in your family should be top of the holiday checklist. It can provide extra reassurance as it may cover you for cancellation before your trip, missed or delayed flights, or lost, stolen luggage and other belongings such as passports and cash. Most importantly, it may cover emergency medical costs if you need attention while away.

In EU countries, a Ghic or Ehic will give you free or low-cost emergency and state medical care, but they’re not a replacement for travel insurance . They won’t cover you being airlifted from a mountain or flown back to the UK, or extra accommodation or transport costs for a family member if you need a long stay in hospital. So, it’s best to have your travel insurance in place well before you go and take all documents with you.

It’s important to have some cash wherever you are going, even if you are visiting a largely cashless place. You never know what you might need it for. So local currency comes high on any holiday essentials list.

Don't pay over the odds for travel money at the airport. Get it sorted as soon as possible, ideally when the pound is strong against the foreign currency you need. Use a currency converter to check the exchange rate.

Make sure you have at least two different debit or credit cards – memorising both PIN numbers. Keep one in a safe place as an emergency backup. Note that some banks charge for cash withdrawals overseas. You can also load travel money onto prepaid travel money cards .

Travel apps are also available that help you keep track of your holiday spending and convert local prices into pounds easily when you’re away.

Your travel itinerary

Find out your flight times, including departure time and when to check in by, and add in plenty of extra time to get to the airport and for unexpected delays.

Check in online the night before if you can and print off your boarding passes, as some airlines charge you to issue a boarding pass at the airport. Print off an extra set and keep them separate, just in case.

Double-check your accommodation check in times. If you get there early, you may need to wait for them to get your room or whatever you’re staying in ready.

Find out if they’ll hang onto your luggage in the meantime – then you can explore without carrying your bags around with you. Just remember to take any valuables with you or ask to leave them in the reception safe.

In the following checklists, we cover off the absolute essentials you’ll need wherever you’re going, and whatever type of holiday you’re going on. And we answer the question “what documents do I need for my holiday?”

We haven’t listed clothing – just take what’s appropriate for the climate in your destination and any activities you’ll be doing. And remember to pack a pen and paper – they’ll be useful in all kinds of situations, especially if your electrical gear fails you.

When you’re packing, make sure you know the airline’s weight limits for hand luggage and checked bags. Weigh your luggage on the bathroom scales before you go. If your hand luggage is too big, you’ll have to check it in – and that usually means an extra charge.

Don't forget the essentials

Travel documents.

The travel documents you need in order to be able to travel are:

• Boarding passes
• Visas (if required – print and take with you)
• ESTA  (if you’re travelling to the USA – print and take with you)

Take a copy of your passport details in case it gets lost and you need to apply for an  emergency replacement . Other important documents for your travels might include:

• Travel insurance  documents
• Itinerary details – a list of addresses of where you’ll be visiting and when
• Home address details in the UK
• Contact details for your bank, particularly the overseas contact number
• Any onward travel (such as train) documentation
• Information about the British embassy in the country your visiting, or your nearest consulate
• Travel agency contact details if relevant
• Ghic or valid Ehic for EU trips (see ‘health and medication’ below)
• Driving licence  (as a form of ID whether you’ll be driving or not)
• International Driving Permit  (IDP)
• Hire car details
• Booked excursion details
• Licences for activities you need them for (e.g. PADI certificates for scuba diving)
• Contact details of next of kin
• GP contact details
• Prescriptions and lists of  personal medications  currently being taken
• A letter from your GP confirming you’re taking, and need to take, your medicines
• Inoculation and vaccination certificates
• Organ donor card (if you have one)
• Medical bracelet (if you wear one)
• Images and serial numbers of valuable items you’re taking with you
• ATOL certificate

You don’t need physical copies of all these things, but it’s a good idea to have digital copies. If you’re taking photos of them, they need to be accessible if you don’t have internet access, so you could store them on your phone’s memory or laptop hard drive (if you’re taking one). Just make sure you keep them charged.

It’s also wise to email all of these to someone at home so that there are emergency back-up versions available should you lose your phone or computer.

Toiletry items to pack could include:

• Conditioner
• Toothbrushes
• Moisturiser

With a few of you going away, your luggage may tip the airport scales with toiletries alone, so take smaller bottles of everything, including shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Remember that you’ll be able to buy full bottles at your holiday resort if you run out.

As well as the basics, don’t forget things like glasses, contact lenses and any medicine. And remember that you can’t bring any  liquids over 100ml in your hand luggage  to avoid having to bin toiletries at the airport.

Entertainment and electronics

If you’ll have lots of time on your hands, such as on a beach holiday, taking enough reading material, devices and other items to keep you entertained for the full trip is a travel essential. That’s especially important if you need to keep little ones busy.

• Mobile phones
• Books/magazines
• Activity books and guides
• Tablets such as iPads
• Portable games consoles
• Music player if you don’t use your phone
• Fitness trackers / watches
• Pack of cards or selection of games (for family trips)
• Pillow and light cover for longer flights/journeys
• Chargers for all devices you’re taking

Bring mains plugs for chargers, don’t just rely on USB. Remember the right international plug adapter for your destination too. If you don’t have one, buying one before you get to the airport will save you paying over the odds there. Portable USB charging packs are a handy backup for phones and other devices when you’re on the move.

Wi-Fi in your destination may be slow, expensive or non-existent when you travel to your destination. Download all the music, books, games, guides, maps, films or TV box sets you’ll need to entertain the whole family, especially the children – or if you want to get a bit of relaxing time to yourself.

Health and medication

Medical care for Brits in the EU

Your travel necessities should include a  UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic)  or, if it’s still in date, your current  European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) . These give UK nationals access to free or reduced-cost medical care while in European Union countries. 

While a Ghic or Ehic is certainly a travel essential for any trip to EU countries, it’s still important to get  travel insurance  too. Neither Ghic nor Ehic will cover you for extras such as being airlifted from a mountain or flown back to the UK, known as repatriation. And an Ehic or Ghic won’t cover the costs to transport or accommodate a family member to stay nearby if you need a long stay in hospital. So, it’s best to have your travel cover in place well before you leave.

Make sure you also take full details of any medical conditions you have, including a record of any jabs and other medical documents that may help a local doctor should you fall ill. 

Prescription medication

If you or one of your family take regular  medication , pack enough in your hand luggage to last you more than the length of your holiday, including potential delays. Include a recent prescription and letter from your GP explaining what the condition is and what you’re taking for it. If you take  liquid medication  or need extra medical equipment such as syringes, you’ll be required to prove why you need them to travel at airport security.

First aid kits

A good first-aid kit is one of the most essential travel items to take with you. Besides your prescription medication, include a small amount of any of the following normally kept in your medicine cabinet at home:

• Painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Indigestion tablets
• Antihistamines (for insect bites and minor allergic reactions)
• Travel sickness tablets
• Plasters and bandages
• Cotton wool
• Antiseptic cream and wipes
• Infant or child's medication (if needed)
• Insect repellent
• Safety pins
• A pair of tweezers
• A pair of scissors

Remember, standard travel insurance policies typically provide only limited cover for gadgets, so if you’ll be taking more than your policy provides consider if you’ll need additional  gadget cover .

Travel checklists by holiday type

Where are you heading? To the beach or a camp site? On a cruise or perhaps a skiing trip or city break? here are a few extras you’ll need for specific trips depending on what you’ll be doing.

What should I pack for a beach holiday?

• High factor sun protectio
• Insect repellent 
• Antihistamines
• Painkillers
• Water sterilisers
• Flip flops/sandals
• Beach towels
• Portable safe (for keeping valuables safe outside of the hotel)
• Anti-theft bag
• Waterproof covering for electricals
• Light clothing
• Inflatables
• Beach activities (bucket and spade, beach tennis)
• Snorkelling kit
• Books and magazines
• Refillable water bottles

Sun, sea, sand – beach holidays are the gold standard in relaxation. As well as sunbathing and swimming, you’ll probably want to be eating and drinking your fill too.

It’s important that your travel insurance covers you for everything you’re doing. Activities that you might want to get involved in spontaneously may not be covered and you could be putting yourself at risk without making sure before you buy. You can also invalidate your policy by drinking excessively, so know your limits.

Sunbathing and tanning are what lots of us go on beach holidays for, so it’s important to remain hydrated while you’re there. It’s not always easy to buy lots of bottles of water when you’re at the beach itself, so make sure that your shops include enough bottled water. You lose lots of moisture just sitting out in the sun, so you might need to drink more water than you think in order to stay properly hydrated. Failing to do so can contribute to things like sunstroke, which can be deeply unpleasant.

And it goes without saying that you should protect yourself against the sun with a combination of high-factor sun protection for sensitive areas and clothing.

Avoid taking your valuables to the beach. Keep them in a safe in your accommodation. Or see if nearby establishments have a secure locker service. Don’t leave valuables unattended or try burying them in the sand as they risk being lost or stolen.

What should I pack for a family holiday?

Packing for a family holiday will depend on the age range of its members. A toddler and baby holiday checklist is always going to be much longer than that for older children. But remember that they have their own luggage allowance. Here’s a suggested packing list for families – just tailor it to your trip.

• Changing mat
• Teething ring
• Milk / powdered milk
• Food and snacks
• Pram/stroller/bassinet
• Clothes (for you both)
• Rusks (if you need them)
• Nappy cream
• Moisturising cream
• Sheet for travel cot
• Baby cutlery
• Nasal aspirator
• High factor sun cream
• Sun hat and suits
• Umbrella or sun shield for pushchair

What should I pack for a city break?

On top of the general items we’ve listed for any type of trip, a suggested packing list for city breaks would include:

• Map software, downloaded to be used offline
• Translation app, again downloaded to be used offline
• Sensible shoes
• Evening clothes

You may end up needing to use your phone often in a new city. Having offline apps means you won’t need to rely on Wi-Fi or data roaming charges to get around or know what to say.

Sensible shoes don’t have to sacrifice style. But if you’re going to be walking all day, it’s important to do so in comfort. And evening clothes doesn’t mean formal evening wear; simply clothes that you feel good in to go out in the evening.

What should I pack for a skiing holiday?

A ski packing list could run into many pages, but some of the essentials – depending on what you’re taking or decide to hire when you arrive – include:

• Sun cream and sunblock
• Muscle pain relief (eg. Deep Heat)
• Normal winter gloves
• Snow resistant boots/shoes (for apres ski)
• Ski hire details
• Ski boots / snowboard boots
• Walking boots
• Skis / snowboard
• Multi-purpose tool kit
• Day pack / rucksack / backpack
• Hydration bladder
• GPS tracker

Don’t forget details about your resort, including your accommodation and the best places to hire equipment from, as well as the tickets and passes to get you up the mountain. You may need spare  passport pictures  for your lift pass.

Ski gear can be expensive, so unless you go frequently it might be sensible to see if there are items you can borrow from friends and family rather than buying new. Again, you may not need everything on this list. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboard, for example, then it’s more common to hire them at your venue.

Sunlight reflects off snow and intensifies in the process, meaning that on the mountain you are getting sun from above and below. This can cause severe sunburn, rapid dehydration, sunblindness and chapping. Wear high-factor sun cream on exposed skin and sunblock on your lips. Carry a full hydration bladder in your backpack. Always wear UV goggles or sunglasses if you’re proficient. Chapstick can be a lifesaver if your lips do become cracked by wind and sun.

It’s sensible for your ski clothing to be brightly coloured. This is to make you stand out if you become stranded, or need to stay close to your buddies during a white out. A GPS tracker can be extremely important for those going off-piste. Remember that, if you do go off-piste, your travel insurance policy may stipulate you must still stick to recognised routes and resort boundaries in order to remain covered.

Read our detailed guide to  packing for a skiing holiday .

What should I pack for a cruise?

The great thing about cruises is your comfort’s quite often in the hands of the crew, but there are a few additional items to remember, especially if you’ll be exploring the sites on shore along the way.

• Travel money  – for each of the countries you’ll be stopping off at
• Prescription medications – enough for the cruise duration plus a bit more
• Evening wear
• Warm coat – something for all weathers will be handy when it gets nippy out at sea
• Footwear that can grip when wet
• Sportswear if you need it
• Daypack – to carry your travel money and other items you’ll need on shore

If you’re going on a cruise holiday, be sure to check your travel insurance policy for what it covers. Some may require you to add on  additional cruise cover  to your standard policy.

What should I pack for a backpacking holiday?

This checklist seems a lot to take in a backpack, leaving little room for clothes. Many of these items can be bought where you are, but if you think it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get them where you’re going then pack them in advance.

• Large backpack
• Torch (perhaps head-mounted)
• Water sanitisers
• Sun cream, sunblock and after sun
• Laundry detergent for cold water
• Clothesline (length of nylon cord)
• Portable power block
• Waterproof wallet for travel documents
• Microfibre towel
• Dry shampoo
• First aid kit – see ‘health and medication’ section above – other items to consider include constipation and diarrhoea relief, plus electrolytes and rehydration sachets (such as Dioralyte)
• Waterproof cover for backpack
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Drinking bladder
• Portable safe
• Pen and paper

If you take prescription medicines, take plenty, a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note explaining why you need to take them. Check there aren’t restrictions on the medicines you’re carrying in any countries you’re visiting. You may be able to get an exemption via the country’s embassy. Some common, over-the-counter medicines in the UK are prohibited in other countries. Make sure that you are not carrying these.

Bin liners can be incredibly useful and take up little space until unrolled. They can provide as makeshift waterproofing, a receptacle for dirty laundry, as normal rubbish bags and many other things.

Some items, like a cagoule, are in case you end up in weather you hadn’t expected. You won’t want to take your large backpack everywhere you go so having a daypack helps you only take what you need on excursions.

Laundry detergent might not be something you want to carry around but, if you don’t have access to supermarkets, it might prove extremely useful.

A microfibre towel is a highly-absorbent, quick-drying, miniature towel that takes up nothing like as much space as a normal one. It can be an invaluable travel buddy.

A drinking bladder (or hydration bladder) is a ‘bladder’ you fill with water that is integrated into your backpack or daypack. This can save on carrying around water bottles and keep you hydrated.

What should I pack for a camping holiday?

The first item on any camping holiday checklist is, of course, the tent. Choose one as large as your budget will allow and take your time putting it up. There’s nothing worse than an unstable tent or a water leak when the weather is bad. Other items to take along include:

• Sleeping bags
• Portable stove
• Camping chairs
• Warm sleepwear, as it can get cold at night, no matter how warm it is in the day
• Waterproof clothing
• Water bottles
• Cooking utensils
• Washing up liquid
• Washing up bowl
• Lots and lots of wet wipes

What should I pack for a walking holiday?

Suggested items for your walking holiday travel checklist are:

• Walking boots – study and comfy, ideally with ankle support
• Breathable clothing – to keep you warm or cool as needed, but ventilated
• Daypack – to take out just what you need for the day
• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Snacks – such as energy bars, trail mix, sweets and chocolate
• First aid kit – see ‘health and medication’ section above
• High factor sun cream or block and lip balm
• Handheld and head torches, plus batteries and spares
• Camping gear if you need it (see camping checklist above)

Other common questions

What should i pack in my hand luggage.

It’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes and essential toiletries in your hand luggage in case you need to call on them during your travels. Just don’t pack any  liquids over 100ml , including toiletries or drinks.

Remember that, usually, once you’ve been through airport security you can buy drinks in the departure lounge to take onto the plane for your flight. It’s also worth taking some snacks, as doing so can avoid you paying sky-high prices in the air.

Another important but sometimes overlooked essential is a pen – useful for filling out immigration cards, for instance.

Have something warm to wear in your hand luggage, for use on the plane or in case it’s cold when you arrive in your destination or back home. A head pillow and eye mask, if not provided by the airline, can add extra comfort if you’ll be sleeping on the flight.

Entertainment and electronics wise, you can take mobile phones, laptops, tablets, MP3 players, electric shavers, hairdryers, straighteners and e-cigarettes in your hand luggage but must be able to switch them on if asked so make sure they’re charged. Don’t forget headphones too.

Essential medication is okay, even if it’s over 100ml, if you have a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note saying why you take it and confirming that you need to.

You’ll find more about on hand luggage dos and don’ts on the  FCDO hand luggage page .

What is not allowed in carry on?

Whenever you board a plane in the UK, there are restrictions on what the hand luggage you take into the cabin can contain. Check the full  government guidance on hand luggage restrictions  before you pack your hold and hand luggage to make sure you’re taking only what’s allowed – and in the right bags.

Liquids cannot go through airport security in containers of any larger than 100ml, even if only partially full. The exceptions are for essential medial purposes (such as prescriptions), special dietary requirements or baby food and baby milk.

Sharp items aren’t allowed in hand luggage, but  personal items  like tweezers, nail clippers and small scissors with blades no longer than 6cm are fine. You can typically carry one lighter. Any more must go in your hold luggage.

On a practical point, remember to also check in advance with your airline the number, size and weight of hand luggage allowed for each passenger.

Is a handbag classed as hand luggage?

Some airlines allow you to take a small extra bag, such as a handbag, on board in addition to their hand luggage allowance per person. This isn’t the case for all carriers, though, so you should check with yours to be sure. Details will usually be available before, during or on confirmation of your booking, and when you go to check in online.

What is the 3-1-1 rule?

Each liquid you take in your hand luggage must be a container of no more than 3.4 ounces. You must place each container in one clear plastic bag that’s a quart in size. And only one of these bags is allowed per passenger. This is known as the 3-1-1 rule.

Is it better to fold or roll clothes?

There are different schools of thought but often, and depending on the items of clothing you’re taking, a combination of rolling and folding works best to keep them in good condition during transit.

Try rolling smaller items like shorts or dresses that could crease more easily if folded.

For bulkier items like jumpers and jeans, folding should be okay. Flat packing items can be even more effective and can help free up extra space too.

Read out guide to  how to pack a suitcase .

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The Complete Travel Packing Checklist for 2024 & the Best Packing Tips [Printable]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet

When you’ve done your prep and you’re almost ready to pack, apps for packing assistance, apps for itinerary management, before leaving the house.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When it comes down to it, packing for a trip (domestic or international) can be stressful. Do you wait until the last minute? Put off researching what you’ll need for certain activities or weather at your destination? Get distracted easily, or have young kiddos that need attention? It happens to the best of us!

On one hand, if you under-pack you might not be prepared. But if you over-pack, you run the risk of incurring hefty baggage fees or missing out on space to bring home that lovely souvenir. If you forget an essential travel document, you could even miss your trip altogether! We get stressed just thinking about it!

That’s why Upgraded Points is bringing you a guide full of packing tips and tricks, a printable travel checklist, a list of apps to help you out, and reminders for to-do’s around the house before you leave.

We’re here to assuage your anxieties and make sure you’ve got what you need, you’ve cut what you don’t, and there’s no wallet/phone/swimsuit/teddy bear left behind!

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to also check out our “Carry-On Travel Essentials” guide where we’ve compiled a “His” and “Hers” list of some great products that we simply can’t do without when we travel!

📋  Click To View Our Printable Travel Packing List >>  📋

General Packing Tips & Tricks

Check the weather at your destination.

This seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people are stuck traveling in rainy season without a raincoat.

Note how many days/nights you will be away.

This will help you decide the number of necessary outfits. Obviously, how often you prefer to wear the same clothes plays a part in this as well.

Note any special activities/events you may partake in.

Traveling for a birthday? You don’t want to forget that heartfelt gift you bought weeks in advance. Going to a wedding? It’d be a shame if you showed up without your suit. Hiking in Hawaii? Your water-shoes won’t get much use if you leave them behind.

Make a packing list early and review it at least twice. (Yes, twice.)

You can easily find printable vacation packing lists online (like ours above), or you can write out your own. There are also a number of apps you can utilize if you prefer something more tech-based. Read about several of these below!

Timing is key here. If you jot things down or review your printed list in advance, it gives you the opportunity to take a second look with a fresh mind. All too often you’ll remember something you didn’t yesterday when your brain was thinking about pizza instead of packing.

If you’re printing a list that’s not trip specific, review it first and immediately cross off items you won’t need. Why bring a winter coat to the beach?

Take items you can grab at your destination off the list.

If you’re planning to travel with only a carry-on, this tip is especially important as it will save space (at least for your outgoing journey!).

Most times when traveling, your hotel will provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.; why waste space packing them? If you’re a little picky about your toiletries or you’re not staying at a hotel, you’ll probably still encounter a drugstore where you can buy anything you might need.

Purchase travel-sized containers or toiletries if you plan on bringing your own.

Remember regulations for the amount of liquids you can bring in a carry-on for a flight. You’ll want travel-sized containers if you plan on carrying liquids this way.

Even if you’re flying with a checked bag and are allowed more liquids, do you really need that 16oz bottle of shampoo for a weeklong trip? Cutting it will save you room for other essential items.

Choose the right luggage.

Yes, different airlines have different restrictions on sizes for carry-ons and checked bags but stick to some general guidelines and you should be safe.

For carry-ons, you’re generally accepted at/under max linear dimensions of 155cm/45in. For checked bags, you’re generally safe under 158cm/62in max linear dimensions. However, be sure to check the airline you’re flying with prior to packing, as some can be stingy!

You also want to seriously consider the type of bag you enjoy traveling with – shoulder bag , backpack , roller bag, hard shell , soft shell, etc. There are definitely loads of options so just remember, your bag shouldn’t stress you out, it should make traveling easier.

Hot Tip:  We’ve done tons of research on this topic so don’t miss our articles on the best carry-on bags and the best checked luggage bags for any type of traveler. 

Essentials first.

Gather your most important items first. This includes all travel documents such as your passport, ID/driver’s license, boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc. This also includes anything you’ll seriously regret forgetting and can’t purchase while traveling: wallet , credit cards , camera , cell phone, etc.

This being said, there are a number of apps that can assist with itinerary management and decrease the number of printed documents you’ll need to carry. See our list of helpful packing apps at the end of this post.

Choose an appropriately sized suitcase.

If you only have 1 suitcase, then you’re set. If you’ve got more options, attempt to use the smaller one – most people tend to overpack when their suitcase is too large for their trip. You don’t really need an extra sweater, 2 more t-shirts, and another pair of boots just because they fit! Plus, your baggage will be a lot easier to handle if it’s smaller and lighter, which will cut your stress level significantly.

Lay everything out.

Laying all of your items out allows you to plan outfits and account for your days/nights away. When everything’s laid out, you can clearly see how much you’re bringing and spot missing items easier. This also includes shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc.

Dividing items into sections based on where they’ll be packed is also helpful.

Lastly, don’t forget to lay out your plane/travel day outfit and consider it with your other pieces.

Pick simple mix-and-match pieces to prevent overpacking.

In general, choose simple tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Did you know that just 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.), 4 tops (tee, tank, etc.), and 2 outer layers (sweater, coat, or cardigan) can make up to 24 different outfits??

Depending on the reason for your trip, you might need to pack a special item that can only be worn once (suit, bridesmaid dress, etc.), but try to keep these to a minimum! This step is key if you’re pressed for space.

PUT STUFF BACK!

Once you’ve laid out all your items, really consider the number of days you’ll be on your trip. Chances are you could stand to put a few things back in the closet in order to pack more efficiently. Remember, no one wants to pay a fee for overweight baggage or lug around extra clothes for no reason!

Pack it up.

You never thought we’d actually get to this step, did you? There are a number of recommended packing tips when it comes to getting everything neatly in the suitcase. This can be overwhelming, but if you pick up the right habits packing will seem much less stressful.

Check, double-check, and triple-check your essentials.

Put a checkmark next to each item you’ve packed and DON’T TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR BAG. If you’re not ready to pack an item, do NOT check the box! That’s exactly how you leave your phone at home on the charger next to your bed. “But the box was checked!!!” you’ll say…

(Note: this rule actually goes for everything, not just essentials.)

If you’re notorious for leaving essentials at home, print an extra travel checklist just for those items and tape it to your front door the night before you leave. Make a promise that you can’t walk out without reviewing the list one final time.

Fold, Interfold, Bundle, or Roll?

By now you’ve probably heard that old-fashioned folding isn’t the best method to use when it comes to packing, especially in tight cases. If you have the room to spare, virtually any of these methods will do.

Interfolding involves layering clothes on top of each other in a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top format, then interweaving them as you fold them together. If you fold the items in accordance with the size of your suitcase, you’re left with a neat little bundle that will fit right in. Additionally, this style of folding will leave your clothing virtually wrinkle-free.

Bundle packing is very similar to interfolding, but you are tightly folding or wrapping your clothing items around a soft core (like a dopp kit , stack of underwear, cloth zippered jewelry bag , etc.). Bundle packing is also said to reduce wrinkles and save space.

Many people also recommend rolling when packing your clothes – at least for softer items and jeans. Again, this method tends to save room and reduce creasing in the process.

If none of the above methods are doing the trick and you don’t have the option of a hanging garment bag , it may be beneficial to learn the proper way to fold nicer items (like a dress shirt or suit coat ) for the best results.

Pack liquids in secure bags.

Toiletries that can leak will leak. These should be placed in a plastic zippered bag or another secure bag of your choosing. Some travelers even encourage cutting small squares of plastic wrap to cover the opening between bottles and their lids in attempts to prevent further seepage.

Utilize shoe space when you can.

Rolled-up socks, belts, gloves, stocking caps, and other small items can easily fit into shoes (as long as they’re relatively clean and not smelly!). This also helps the shoe hold its shape throughout your travels. Rolled-up belts can also be used to keep a shirt collar stiff if needed.

Prevent dirty shoes from soiling clothes.

Pack them in a separate space or utilize plastic bags/shower caps to cover the bottoms and prevent dirtying the rest of your clothing. Have a delicate pair of dress shoes or heels? Pack them in their own bags if possible, or clean the bottoms and wrap with a durable garment.

Toss a dryer sheet into your suitcase to keep things smelling fresh.

While you’re at it, grab a stain pen or stain wipes for your carry-on. If you happen to spill on one of the only tops you’ve brought and don’t have laundry facilities, you’re cutting your number of outfits drastically. If you know you’ll have laundry facilities or need to wash your clothes by hand, you can purchase individual detergent packets.

Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.

By packing a change of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on , you’re covered for at least a day if your baggage gets delayed or lost. Some travelers may want to pack an extra pair of shoes just in case.

Similarly, if you’re heading to a beach locale, pack a swimsuit and sandals . If you have to wait to check into your hotel, you can head to the pool while the concierge keeps your luggage.

Keep expensive/irreplaceable items on your person.

As a general rule of thumb, you should leave irreplaceable items at home. This includes objects such as expensive jewelry and heirlooms. If you must travel with them, these items should be kept with you at all times. Do not trust them to be safe when placed in checked baggage; if your suitcase is lost, delayed, or stolen, you’re out of luck.

Similarly, if you must travel with official documents such as birth certificates or social security cards, check to see if a certified copy will suffice. Or maybe take a photo on your phone for less hassle. Otherwise, the same rule applies to these irreplaceable documents.

Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage.

3 – Travelers may carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller.

1 – These items must fit into 1 clear plastic quart-sized bag.

1 – Only 1 bag per passenger is allowed.

Remove this bag from your carry-on and place it separately in the screening bin. This is meant to slightly expedite passing through security .

The following apps can be ultra helpful for those who prefer a mobile device to the standard pen and paper methods.

Evernote: While Evernote isn’t technically travel-oriented, it’s all about lists and can be a big help for packing. With Evernote, you can sync your packing list across all your devices, making it easy to keep track of things no matter where you are…even out at the store buying items from your list!

Evernote also enables sharing notes with others, which is especially helpful for group trips. Need reminders? No problem, you can set alerts in Evernote to keep you on top of your game.

Packing Pro: This app is everything you ever wanted if you’re a list maker, and everything you didn’t know you needed if you’re a forgetful person. Packing Pro helps travelers get organized via packing lists. From templates and suggestions to customizable designs, Packing Pro has options for every type of traveler. Users are allowed an unlimited number of packing lists of an unlimited length, and you can even add images, alerts, and mark “need to buy” items.

It also has iCloud support and the ability to share your lists via email, AirDrop, Dropbox, etc. You can also export and edit your lists with Excel, Numbers, or Google Docs. If you’re the type that physically needs to cross things off, you can send directly to a printer too.

The Expert List-Making Assistant is a cool feature if you’re low-maintenance: it will take your parameters (number of people, destination, weather, etc.) and automatically create lists for you.

PackPoint: PackPoint’s purpose is to take the guesswork out of packing. The app pretty much tells you what to pack based on how long you’re traveling, where you’re going, the weather when you get there, and any activities you have planned (chosen from a pre-defined list in the app). With PackPoint Premium, users can connect to TripIt, share their lists across devices, and add customizable packing items/activities.

Travel List: Travel List seems to have fewer bells and whistles. You can do many of the same things as with Packing Pro and PackPoint: create customizable packing lists, sync across your devices, share with other people, and create alerts/reminders. One nice component is their calendar view, which gives a different type of visualization that some people really prefer. And this one is compatible with Apple Watch, which can be a huge organizational perk.

Lists To Do: This app keeps things simple for general to-do lists and is super easy to use. See your list’s percentage progress for a clear visual on how much you have left to do/pack before jetting off and set yourself reminders and share lists with your travel companions.

The following apps are helpful for keeping all your travel information in one place. From flight itineraries to hotel confirmation, event tickets to dinner reservations, they’ve got you covered. Plus, this means fewer printed travel documents you need to worry about carrying with you.

Google Trips: In a nutshell, Google Trips seamlessly integrates reservations (flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.) from your Gmail and creates a specific “trip” in the app. These trips are like folders of information including some basic categories like Reservations, Things to Do, Saved Places, Day Plans, Food & Drink, Getting Around, and Need to Know.

It also provides opportunities for travel inspiration, traveler reviews, dining/drink options, and encyclopedic information on several hundred top cities and attractions around the globe.

Also good to note: when you download your trip, everything is available offline in case you’re stuck without WiFi or data.

Kayak Trips: Part of Kayak’s main app includes a platform called Trips, which acts as an itinerary management app to keep all your pertinent travel information together. With Trips, you can forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] , where your itinerary is managed for you in a nice timeline format with maps and important info all on one screen.

Kayak Trips gives you the ability to send other people access to your travel plans through sharing options, link to your calendar app for planning consistency, and receive SMS and email flight alerts.

TripIt: TripIt is one of the most popular travel organization apps on the market. The app automatically imports flight, hotel, rental car, and other booking confirmations ( concert tickets from StubHub, dinner reservations from OpenTable, etc.) from your e-mail. If you don’t appreciate the e-mail scan, you can always forward your emails to [email protected] or manually input all the information into the system.

TripIt then creates an itinerary in an easy-to-read format, including space for directions between airports, rental car pickup, and hotel details. TripIt also allows for calendar syncing and makes it easy to send your travel info to family/friends by sharing via text, Evernote, LinkedIn, Slack, or WhatsApp.

With TripIt Pro, users get real-time flight alerts, help to find alternative flights, an airline seat tracker for better seats, reward program points tracking, and interactive airport maps.

In this section, we list some steps you might forget to take when you’re in a hurry to leave for vacation.

Remember to:

• Download your travel resources (guidebooks, language apps, etc.)
• Notify credit card companies of upcoming travel if required (international trips)
• Set an email auto-responder if necessary
• Take out the garbage
• Check the washing machine for wet clothes
• Check the dishwasher for dirty dishes
• Turn off all lights and electronics
• Set lighting timers
• Water the plants
• Drip taps (in cold climates where pipes could freeze)
• Close/lock all doors and windows; pull all curtains
• Set alarm system

For longer trips, don’t forget to:

• Empty the refrigerator/pantry of perishable food
• Unplug electronics
• Put a hold on your mail
• Consider having a friend check on your house from time to time

The Upgraded Points team is always jetting off somewhere and even we  still have trouble packing sometimes!

Additionally, if you’re interested in “the best of the best” travel products to up your packing game, check out these posts:

• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place
• The Best Checked Luggage Bags For Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market

Lastly, if you’re looking for the top travel-related gifts, we’ve got you covered with our Best Gifts for Travelers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to fold or roll clothes in a suitcase.

Whether it’s better to fold or roll clothes for your suitcase may depend on a number of things. If you’ve no concern about saving space, folding could be just fine. However, if you’re trying to fit a lot of clothes into a small bag, there’s no shortage of youtube videos out there which prove rolling clothes can help with this task.

Additionally, interfolding and bundling are other techniques that could be helpful space savers. However, to save the most space, vacuum bags will be your best bet – just keep in mind your weight limit when packing a lot of things into one case!

Do packing cubes really save space?

Packing cubes don’t necessarily save space but they definitely help you stay organized when packing.

They can also help by keeping items separated — who wants smelly gym clothes next to their fancy dinner outfits?

How do I maximize space in my luggage?

To maximize space when packing, try using these methods for your contents: roll, bundle, or interfold (explanations above). Each has its own special technique but all can help you save space and fit more into your luggage of choice.

Another quick space-saving tip? Utilize typically unused space. For example, pack socks or belts inside your shoes.

How to I pack clothes without wrinkling them?

Here are a few quick tips to decrease wrinkling when packing your clothes into a suitcase: iron first, use a roll or interfold method, pack wrinkle-prone items in garment bags or utilize tissue paper between folds and layers, and/or choose fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle in the first place (wool, Tencel, knit, cashmere, polyester, nylon, spandex).

How should I pack toiletries in my suitcase?

When packing toiletries, you’ll want to be sure they’re kept separate from your clothes in a special bag or case. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — a Ziplock baggie will do — but this will prevent the leaking of liquid onto your clothing items.

Additionally, you can place a small piece of cling-wrap between the bottles and lids of your liquids to prevent leakage.

If you’re bringing them in your carry-on, you’ll want to be sure you’re adhering to the 3-1-1 rule (use 3 oz containers max, in 1 quart-sized bag, with one bag per traveler) in order to pass easily through security.

Should I pack valuable items in my suitcase?

Always keep valuable items on your person while traveling. This includes identification cards, passports, visas, money, credit cards, jewelry, important medications, etc.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

London Packing List: What to Pack for London and the UK at any time of year

Last updated: October 19, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 29 Comments

We’ve spent a great deal of time travelling throughout the UK, plus we’ve taken many trips to London, a city we love to visit. I even lived in London for a number of years.

There’s so much to see and do in London that we find ourselves returning time and again for new adventures – everything from seeking out Harry Potter sites to hitting the Winston Churchill trail .

Based on our experiences, we wanted to put together a guide to what to pack for London, to help you when planning what to bring.

This London packing list will also work for visiting other cities and parts of the UK and is designed for visiting London and the UK any time of year, with some items being more required in winter or summer, and noted as such.

The climate does not vary too greatly across the country, although it is usually a little cooler as you get further north, especially up into northern Scotland.

The key thing with travelling in the UK is to be prepared for anything. The weather in the UK is famous for being fickle, and weather forecasts are notoriously unreliable.

So even in summer you can expect cold, grey days, whilst winter can provide unexpected sunshine and even a little warmth!

Now we’re going to go through our packing list in some detail, after which you’ll find a checklist so you don’t forget anything!

London Packing List

1. clothing.

Generally, for cities in the UK you will find that folks will tend to be fairly well dressed, so you will likely want to pack your nicer looking clothes – although you don’t need to be super dressy for most occasions.

Just bear in mind that if your travel plans include fine dining, nice bars or trips to shows like the opera or the west end then you might want to bring some smarter clothes.

I normally pack a button-up shirt and a light cotton jacket whilst Jess will pack a smart dress.

Clothes for London in Winter

When we travel to London in winter, we usually wear jeans or pants and Jess will wear layers with a warm sweater  like this on top ,  while I will usually have a shirt and a fleece .

We will also both wear a warm winter coat . A warm scarf and good gloves are also essential winter items for London!

In terms of gloves, there are a number of options on the market. These are a good pair specifically designed for photography, with a warm merino wool lining and magnetic finger caps, and are the pair that I own.

However, you’ll find plenty of gloves to choose from if you don’t need a photography specific pair. Our main suggestion is to get a pair with touchscreen capability so you don’t need to take them off to use your phone when navigating or looking up information.

For scarves, we love our cashmere scarves as they are really warm and look great, you can get them for women here and for men here . We have a guide to travel scarves here if you need some more inspiration!

If you suffer from the cold, you will also likely want a warm hat .

Clothes for London in Summer

For visiting London in summer, Jess will usually bring along a pair of pants, capris, and have a light dress with a shoulder wrap to wear depending on the weather.

I usually wear jeans, although on the odd rare hot day I can find that jeans become uncomfortably hot to walk in sometimes, so I will also pack light pants or shorts. For bright days (they do happen, we promise!), you’ll also likely want a pair of sunglasses .

The key thing for either time of year is to bring a series of clothing you can layer so you can adjust to the climate accordingly.

As mentioned at the beginning of the post, if you are doing anything more formal such as a nice afternoon tea at a nice hotel, you should definitely check the dress code in advance so you are prepared.

You are unlikely to need outdoor gear such as hiking pants or boots for your London trip, although if you are heading out to the countryside for a little while, (perhaps following one of our UK itineraries ), then a good pair of hiking pants will likely be a good addition to your UK packing list.

A decent pair of shoes can make or break a holiday. You’re going to be doing a fair bit of walking as you explore the UK and her cities, and the last thing you want is sore feet or blisters.

Recently, we’ve been loving travelling in our Allbirds shoes (see our detailed Allbirds review here ). For cool weather, we like the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles , and for warmer weather the Allbirds Tree Runners . The Tree Runners are the most comfortable travel shoes I’ve ever worn, even in very hot weather exploring hot European cities in summer.

Of course, sometimes you want something a little bit smarter. In that case, I have a pair of Timberland shoes that I love.

They are dressy enough for a night out or a nice meal, but also comfortable enough for walking in all day. They’re also 100% waterproof, which can be a real benefit, as rain showers can happen at any time in the UK!

For slightly more formal situations, Jess loves her versatile black Rockport shoes. Whatever shoes Jess wears though, she finds she suffers from arch pain, probably because of high arches. After a lot of research, we settled on these cool insoles , which have solved that problem.

For more shoe tips, check out our guide to the best travel shoes for men and the best travel shoes for women for tips on picking a great pair to travel in.

3. Toiletries / Make up

Naturally you’re going to want to bring your toiletries with you on your trip to London!

You don’t need much different for London and the UK than anywhere else, so just remember your essentials – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizer, travel razor and any make-up or sanitary products that you might need.

Of course, all these things are easily available to buy in the UK as well, although as brands might differ slightly, if there is a product you love from home it is best to bring it with you to be sure. If you are on any medication, you should definitely bring this as well.

We’d also advise sunscreen for travel in the summer months, and a good Chapstick for travel in winter as the cold winter air can very quickly dry out your lips which isn’t fun.

4. Electronic Gear

The UK uses a 220v three pin system, so if you’re travelling from nearly anywhere else in the world you are going to need a travel adapter. We normally use an adapter like this  and then pair it with an extension setup like this , which gives us all the plugs and USB ports we need to charge our all devices.

Note that if you are travelling to England from the USA, which uses a 110v system, not all your equipment will work.

Most laptops, phones and cameras will be fine, but in our experience, many hair dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners don’t support dual voltages. You can check on the plug or in the manual to find out.

Jess has a dual voltage hair dryer and a dual voltage hair straightener  for just this reason.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

You will also of course want your smartphone. If you have an unlocked phone, the cheapest way to get online will be to pick up a SIM card on arrival, or if you want to be fully prepared you can order one in advance . SIM cards are easy to come by in the UK and data is cost effective.

See our advice on getting online when you travel for tips on the best options.

If you’re thinking of a new smartphone for your trip, check our guide to the best cameras for travel , which has a section on smartphones that are good for travel and taking photos.

We would also recommend you travel with an external powerpack to keep everything charged, and a set of decent noise cancelling headphones can be a life saver if you want to watch a movie or listen to a bit of music.

If you like to read, you may also want to travel with a table or e-reader like a Kindle . For most trips you probably won’t need a laptop, but of course if you find it easier to travel with a laptop or tablet then bring one by all means!

5. Photography Gear

London is a very photogenic city (see my guide to the best photography locations here for some ideas), so you’re definitely going to want to bring some kind of photography gear with you on your trip. Even if that’s just a smartphone!

Our photography setup is likely overkill for most, but if you want to get the best photos, then we advise investing in a dedicated camera and ideally a tripod. See our guide to why you need a tripod for suggestions on the best travel tripods.

We also travel with a selfie stick to get nice photos of the two of us together if we don’t want have time or space to set up the tripod.

Don’t forget when travelling with your camera to bring a few accessories. We’d advise spare batteries, spare memory cards, a UV filter for the lens, and a decent bag or case to keep it all safe. If you don’t get a dedicated camera bag, a camera insert  that goes inside your daypack or carry-on is a wise investment.

We also travel with a number of large Ziploc bags which can be really handy to put electronics and wet clothes in should the weather turn bad.

6. Luggage & Backpacks

Picking the right luggage for you is a big decision. The right bag should last you for many years of travel, and suit your particular style – be that carry-on only or checked luggage.

We travel with a fair amount of gear, so we invariably have one checked bag each, and then one piece of hand luggage which has our high value items in. One tip I learnt from my mum’s years of travel wisdom is to split our belongings across our two checked bags – that way if one of them doesn’t make it, we still both have clothes!

For my camera and electronic gear, I currently use a Vanguard Alta Sky 49 , which works well as both a carry-on and a day pack. Prior to that, I used an Osprey day pack with a camera insert, which was also super comfortable.

Jess loves her Eagle Creek bags , and has both a carry-on sized backpack and a larger wheeled backpack that we check-in. For a long time my main checked bag was an Osprey Sojourn 60 . This travelled with me from 2013 until 2021 through multiple countries and countless baggage handlers, and never let me down.

Currently though, we travel with two main checked bags. We have a Level8 trunk bag , and a Delsey Hardside bag . We picked luggage with four spinner wheels as it’s honestly so much easier to move around, and both these bags have survived the rigours of travel very well, including a five week African safari, which is tough on any bag!

If you’re in the market for a new bag, we have no hesitation recommending Eagle Creek , Osprey , Level8 , Delsey and Vanguard as great choices.

7. Reusable Water Bottle

We highly recommend bringing a reusable bottle for water with you so you can fill it in sinks and water fountains and not need to pay for drinks or purchase bottled water. Tap water across the UK is safe to drink, so there’s no need to spend money on water.

If you need to get a water bottle for your trip, we personally like the Klean Kanteen bottles like these .

We have a few different sizes and find the anti-leak lids and easy washability make them perfect for travel. You’ll be saving money and creating less plastic waste, which is always a good thing!

8. Miscellaneous

Obviously, there are a few items you need to bring with you when travelling to the UK, such as your passport. Depending on where you are coming from, you might also need proof of onward travel, a visa, and proof of funds for your time in the UK.

Check the UK government website here to get an idea of what documentation you might need.

We’d also advise having a note of your hotel address available in non-electronic format, as you may need this during immigration proceedings.

Beyond the documentation requirements, don’t forget all the cables for your electronic devices. You are unlikely to need a towel for travel in London and the UK unless you are staying in particularly budget accommodation like backpacker hostels or some of the more budget hotel options that charge for add-ons like towels.

We would recommend you bring a  travel umbrella  or a travel poncho – these can be very useful in London and the UK as rain can happen at pretty much any time! You can also buy these at many shops in London although the quality might not stand the test of time.

If you would like to keep track of your adventures, we also recommend bringing along a travel journal. We always journal our travels so we can remember what we have seen and done. See our guide to the best travel journals for some ideas.

For London, we can also recommend the Streetwise Map , which is handy for helping you get around. We also recommend a physical guidebook, either the latest Rick Steves London guide , or the Lonely Planet London guide .

London Packing Checklist

Here’s a full list for you to use as a reminder for your trip to London. You can also download this London packing list in PDF form to print off here .

• Shirts / t-shirts
• Sweater / fleece for layering
• Jeans / Pants
• Underwear / socks
• Shoes (bring a pair that is versatile so you can travel with just one or at most two pairs)
• Swimwear (if needed, such as hotel has pool for instance)
• More formal wear (if needed, such as planned fine dining or theatre experience)
• Warm winter Coat
• Additional Sweaters/ Fleece
• Short sleeve t-shirts / tank tops
• Spring/Summer skirts/dresses
• Capris / Shorts
• Light jacket / sweater
• Sunglasses / hat
• Reusable water bottle
• Toothpaste / toothbrush
• Deodorant/Fragrance
• Moisturiser
• Medications
• Hygiene Products
• Other __________________
• Tripod / selfie-stick
•  Memory cards
• Spare batteries
• Camera accessories
• Portable power pack
• Travel adaptor
• Extension lead
• Laptop / tablet / e-reader
• Checked bag
• Carry-on bag
• Visa / proof of onward travel etc (if required)
• Travel towel (backpackers only)
• Jewelry / watch
• Travel journal / reading materials
• Cards / games
• Travel umbrella or poncho
• Other ___________________

Further Reading for your Visit to London and the UK

We have written many guides that will help you plan and prepare for your trip to London, plus we have some other go-to resources we think you will find useful.

• To help you plan your time in London effectively, check out our itineraries for 1 Day in London , 2 Days in London , 3 Days in London and 6 Days in London
• If you’re flying into London, see our post on advice on getting to London from the airport,  which includes detailed information for all six of London’s airports
• Getting around can be a bit daunting on your first visit to London. See our guide to public transport options in London , as well as our overview of how to buy and use an Oyster card to help get prepared
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’re going to want to take a look at our guide to the best Harry Potter locations in London
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• Fans of Winston Churchill will want to see our detailed guide to seeing all London’s Winston Churchill sights
• Military history buffs will want to check out our guide to   London’s Best Military Museums and Memorials
• London has four UNESCO world heritage sites, we have a guide to visiting all of them here
• If you want to get the best photos during your time in London, see my guide to the best Photography Locations in London
• We have a full guide to some of the best walking tours in London , which is also worth reviewing if you are interested in a walking tour while you are in the city.
• Many of London’s attractions are quite expensive, so if you plan on doing a lot of sight-seeing, you can save money with a London Pass . See our full review of the London Pass here to see if it will save you money on your trip
• If your visit to London is part of a wider trip to the UK, check out our detailed 1 week and 2 week UK itinerary posts for inspiration
• For accommodation, we recommend Booking.com. See all their London listings here
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it for our detailed packing guide for London, which hopefully covers everything you need to know for what to pack for London and the UK in general!

As always, we’re happy to take your questions and feedback – just leave us a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Safe travels!

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There are 29 comments on this post

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Prashuk says

12th September 2023 at 7:28 am

Your London packing list is incredibly helpful for travelers! Packing for varying UK weather can be a challenge, and your guide covers all the essentials. Thanks for making trip planning easier

Laurence Norah says

12th September 2023 at 9:29 am

It’s my pleasure Prashuk, have a safe trip to the UK and let me know if you have any questions!

23rd April 2022 at 3:09 pm

Thank you for your blog! We leave next week for 3 week driving tour in UK, & then 1 week in London (car-less) before returning to US. We are bringing iPad & iPhone, Roku streaming stick for evening Prime Video/Netflix/YouTubeTV in the airbnbs, & wired adapter(lightning to hdmi) to connect to bigger screens when they are available. What should we buy/bring to adapt those items for UK use? Thanks!

23rd April 2022 at 3:17 pm

So all you should need is some kind of adaptor to convert a US plug socket to a UK plug socket, also known as a travel adaptor. I have a guide to travel adaptors here , but most people opt for something simple like this .

I say should because in my experience most lower power electronics like iPads, iPhones and laptops are already capable of handling the voltage difference. As you probably know, the UK uses 220-240v power, whilst the US uses 110-120v. If you look on the plug or adaptor for the device, it should tell you what the input voltage if accepts is. If it’s in the range of 100v – 250v, or therabouts, it should be fine. However, if it’s fixed around 110 – 120v, it will not work and would in fact be dangerous to try plugging it in to a higher voltage output.

Other than the power adaptor so you can charge your devices, the rest should work fine. HDMI and USB ports are the same around the world, so that should all just work as expected.

Let me know if this makes sense or if I can help any more, and have a great trip to the UK!

Eddie Moricle says

21st April 2022 at 3:38 pm

Thanks for the Info. We are headed to London next month for 8 days!

21st April 2022 at 3:43 pm

My pleasure Eddie, have a great trip!

su Hal says

29th November 2021 at 1:47 pm

hello is it ok to bring cooked from in a container from India ie chicken curry on a flight.

29th November 2021 at 11:23 pm

This might be possible, but it will depend on the quantity of the food and also whether it is very liquid, in which case it may be classified as a liquid which has to then meet the airline requirements. If in doubt, it’s best to reach out to the airline. In addition, if you plan to bring it into the UK you will need to check the regulations in the UK as to what you are allowed to bring in.

Have a great trip to London!

vertoe says

14th November 2021 at 12:22 pm

Great blog! Thanks for sharing informative content with beautiful pictures.

14th November 2021 at 12:26 pm

My pleasure!

Elyonda Mckenzie says

30th May 2021 at 1:47 am

Hi, I’m going to London the last week of September and first week of October, how heavy of a coat should I take. I’ll be in Paris the first week of October. Thanks

31st May 2021 at 8:27 pm

Hi Elyonda! Great question. I’d say a medium size coat. At that time of year you’re looking at temperatures probably between 12C (53F) and 20C (68F). So it shouldn’t be too cold, however rain is always a possibility. So I’d recommend a waterproof coat but it shouldn’t need to be too thick 🙂

Have a great trip!

Renee Cundy says

5th December 2019 at 5:24 am

I booked a visit to London for end of summer 2020, this site is very helpful & informative, so thank you for that. I am a huge fan of the band Queen & plan to seek out any & every place associated with them that I can find while I’m there. Would love it if you could add a link among your other places of interest that would include “A guide to all things Queen related”. I don’t want to miss a thing on my once in a lifetime trip to London.

5th December 2019 at 10:35 am

Thanks very much for your comment 🙂 I do like the band Queen, but I am definitely not an expert! However, if you search for Queen locations in London, a number of helpful results come up which should help in your search 🙂

Kathy Draper says

29th June 2019 at 8:24 pm

Excellent and clear information (especially about how to handle cell phone decisions while in Britain). Thanks much!

29th June 2019 at 8:29 pm

Thanks very much Kathy – have a great trip to the UK, and do let us know if you have any questions!

Betsy Kerr says

27th March 2019 at 3:27 pm

FB Messaged you: First-time overseas travelers going to Scotland and England (Edinburgh area and London) in late July-August. Saw USA Today article regarding attire that said, “First, unless the sun shines and the temperature rises into the 80s, it’s fairly rare to find an Englishman in shorts. However, schoolboys under age 13 may wear long shorts with knee-high socks all year-round, typically as part of a school uniform.” Fine for Englishmen but what about male tourists? Or female tourists for that matter? Do they wear shorts? Thanks! Betsy Kerr

27th March 2019 at 5:18 pm

You’re welcome to wear shorts whenever you like! I’m not sure that USA Today article is exactly representative of reality today 😉 If it’s a warm day, we wear shorts over here too. It’s just not warm as often as we’d like, and shorts aren’t something you would see as business attire, but certainly, if you’re on holiday shorts are perfectly acceptable attire!

27th March 2019 at 5:22 pm

Thank you! Don’t want my hubby to stand out like a sore thumb! 🙂

Pam Heathcote says

11th January 2019 at 10:40 am

Off to London for the first time since primary school ( now in my 60s). Have found your website very helpful, not only for packing advice but also for the photography tips. Many thanks Pam

11th January 2019 at 10:57 am

Our pleasure Pam. Do let us know if you have any questions, and have a fantastic trip!

Ryan Jones says

5th January 2019 at 5:58 am

Just wondering about the travel adapter and extension. Coming from the US to the UK will I need a power converter to bring the power down from 220v to 120v or will a travel adapter and power strip work?

5th January 2019 at 10:52 am

So it really depends on your electronics. In our experience, most smaller electronics like laptops, camera chargers and so on are rated for both 110v and 220v, so all you would need is the adapter and power strip. However, you definitely need to check each device – the voltage it accepts will be written on the charger part somewhere.

Higher power devices usually are not dual voltage, in our experience this includes things like hair dryers and straightening irons. There are travel versions of these devices available which support two voltages, but it’s not a standard.

Usually a power convertor isn’t necessary, and in our experience they tend to be fairly bulky, so best avoided if possible – it’s best to get a travel version of the device instead in our opinion if one exists.

Hope this helps!

Timothy Aull says

6th November 2018 at 5:19 pm

I was fortunate enough to live in London for three months as a study abroad student while I was in college. I am now headed back to London for my honeymoon. Just wanted to say that I have found your website a great resource for planning my wife’s first trip to London. Thank you for such a wonderful source for those who love to travel and explore new things.

7th November 2018 at 4:02 pm

Hi Timothy!

What a lovely comment, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and let us know. It’s always wonderful to hear from readers that we are able to help them, and we hope you and your wife have a wonderful trip to London (we’re actually in London as I type this, investigating all the latest attractions and ensuring our content is all up to date!)

Barbara says

17th June 2018 at 1:24 am

Thank you very much for this list – I’d forgotten ziploc bags – great item to pack!

17th June 2018 at 11:52 pm

Thanks Barbara – they are very useful for all sorts of things 😀

7th June 2018 at 1:38 pm

Thanks for taking the time to create this blog . . . headed to London next month and you have provided some information and tips!

8th June 2018 at 10:29 am

Our pleasure Peter – have a great trip!

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American Express Travel UK

Travel Checklist & Essentials

Whether it’s applying for a visa, the rules of hand luggage, or buying your currency before you travel, the American Express Travel Checklist will make sure you’re fully prepared and ready for your adventure to begin.

Travel Advice:  Coronavirus (COVID-19)

At American Express, the health and safety of our Cardmembers is a top priority. Before leaving the house, find out more about how we and our travel partners are keeping you safe during the Coronavirus pandemic with our essential travel advice.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Advice  

Know your destination before you travel

You’ve probably already researched the local attractions and best restaurants at your destination, but don’t forget about other information you need to know, such as last minute travel warnings due to COVID-19.

There may be some restrictions imposed at the destination such as additional entry requirements, requiring a negative COVID-19 test result prior to travel, or restrictions & closures of hotel amenities or other tourist facilities. Be sure to review the latest government advisories and travel provider policies before booking or travelling.

Foreign Travel Advice

Know your airline's COVID-19 requirements

Travelling in the COVID-19 era requires you to have a little more knowledge before booking a flight. You can check your airline's COVID-19 policies by choosing from a list here . Be sure to contact your particular airline about any changes in travel rules, including: 

• COVID-19 testing requirements prior to travel
• Current mask policies for kids and adults (throughout check-in, boarding and the flight itself)
• Traveling with infants on your lap
• Changes in meal service
• Updated seat spacing, and more 

Check your airline's COVID-19 policies

Check your hotel's COVID-19 policy before you go

Make sure there are plenty of contactless options available at your hotel before you book. From online reservations and check-in, to mobile room keys, to contactless payments – most hotels are taking those steps and more to keep you safe, including:  

• Mandatory staff/guest mask requirements
• Plexiglass barriers at check-in counters
• Signs reminding of physical distancing throughout the hotel 
• Updated cleaning and disinfecting policies for surfaces and items (such as pens, room keys, tables, phones, doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, remote controls, etc). 
• Changes in food and meal services 

Check your hotel's COVID-19 policies

Visas and entry requirements

Depending on where you’re travelling to and the length of your stay you may need a visa to enter the country. For example, if you’re travelling to the USA you’ll need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Avoid an embarrassing encounter at the airport by checking the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s entry requirements advice for your destination.

Foreign Office Travel Advice, by Country

Check your passport is valid

Don’t get caught out by a lapsed or about to be lapsed passport. Some countries insist you still have at least six months left on your passport before they allow you to enter. Check your passport has got plenty of time remaining on it, and if it doesn’t, get your passport renewed or extended.

Renewing or extending your passport

Order your currency online 

Don’t leave it until the last minute to order your local currency. Some currencies may need ordering in advance, or, depending on your destination, you may find you need travellers’ cheques or US dollars as backup. Remember your American Express card can also be used and is accepted all around the world.

Order currency online

Using your American Express card abroad

Ensure you’re insured

As an American Express Cardmember, you may have some travel insurance in place already. Check the details in case you need to add extra cover for certain sports, valuables, healthcare or anything else relevant to your trip. UK residents may be eligible to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or an UK-issued EHIC for travel in the EU. To be safe you should buy travel insurance that comes with healthcare before you travel.

American Express Travel Insurance

Apply for a European Health Insurance Card

    Packing your bag....

While forgetting something like pants or socks can be annoying, they're generally easy to replace. So, aside from the obvious packing necessities, here are some essential items to keep in mind that aren't so easily replaceable— especially if you're faced with an unexpected delay or change of plans due to COVID-19. Make sure you add these to your holiday packing list:

Health Supplies

Medication, copy of your prescription/s, eye glasses, contact lenses and solution, contraception, extra masks/ hand sanitizer (COVID-19)

Travel Documents

Passport, visas, boarding passes and tickets, insurance, vaccination certificates, EHIC card if applicable, drivers licence/ID. You should email copies of these to yourself for backup.

Useful Numbers

The Embassy or Consulate, your Airline, American Express support numbers, your travel insurance company, emergency contacts. You should email these to yourself for backup.

And don't forget...

Your mobile phone and charger, travel adapters, house/car keys (for your return home), your wallet and of course, your American Express Card.

And finally…. Enjoy your trip!

Advance Passenger Information (API)

You might find that your airline needs to collect certain personal details about who’s travelling in your party. For example their passport number, name and date of birth. This is usually done for security reasons and varies from country to country. API should not affect your journey, but it’s useful to be aware of it.

Advanced Passenger Information before you travel

Vaccinations and medications

You may need vaccinations for your trip. Speak to your GP or nurse who will be able to advise you on what’s required. Try to do this around eight weeks before you travel as some vaccinations need time to start working or require several dosages. If you regularly take medication make sure you have enough to cover your holiday period, and it’s useful to take a copy of your prescription or a letter from your GP with you for customs.

NHS Travel Vaccinations

Can I take my medicine abroad?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a rare blood clotting disorder that’s been known to happen on flights. Luckily, there are some simple ways to reduce the risks, from staying hydrated to wearing flight socks or compression stockings. The NHS has some great advice on how to prevent DVT when travelling.

NHS - Prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis) when you travel

Hand luggage

You should check hand luggage limitations with your airline before travelling. Some items, such as sharp objects and liquids above a certain amount, are not be allowed in the cabin with you, but your airline may also have restrictions on the amount and size of luggage you can take on board. 

Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports

Are you fit to travel?

Pregnancy, recent surgery, epilepsy and fractures are some of the conditions that can affect your fitness to travel. If in doubt, always check with your nurse or GP. 

NHS – Travel Health common questions

Travelling while pregnant

When can I fly after surgery?

• American Express Travel Checklist
• COVID-19 Travel Information Hub

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• American Express Travel sitemap

Travel support

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• Frequently Asked Questions

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American Express Europe LLC (AEELLC) trading as American Express Travel, Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom is a member of  ABTA  (ABTA number C4330) and  ATOL  (ATOL number 0151). Being a member of ABTA (ABTA number C4330) means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct and this allows you to book with confidence. All the package and Flight-Plus holidays we sell are covered by a scheme protecting your money if the supplier goes out of business or is no longer able to provide the intended holiday. Other services such as hotels or flights on their own may not be protected and you should ask us what protection is available. American Express’s ABTA membership does not cover cruise bookings and should therefore not be relied upon when booking cruises or cruise packages. These bookings are covered by our third-party provider, ICE Cruise’s ABTA membership (ABTA number L6366). Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are also protected by the ATOL scheme, this ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to:  www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate  . Please contact us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

Vatican City (Holy See)

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Checklist for Travelling to the USA

Preparing for a trip to the USA can be stressful. There are so many things that you have to think about and lots of things you need to do to avoid any issues.

Make sure your trip to the States goes without any problems by checking out our ultimate USA travel checklist which includes important things to know and do before departing.

Whether you are travelling to America for the first time, or have already been before, by planning ahead you can make sure your experience goes smoothly and avoid simple mistakes which can be easily made. With our tips we are sure you will not end up in the tricky situations and are confident you will have a stress-free departure and arrival. 

Check out our list of things you should know which will help you to prepare for a big trip to the US below... 

1. Search Flights

Search flights well in advance to get the best deals on flights to the USA. Lots of airlines fly to the USA and to get the best deals be sure to book well in advance.

We recommend searching flights on Skyscanner which is one of the best flight comparison websites allowing you to search hundreds of deals with all the major airlines.

2. Check Your Documents

Nothing destroys the pre-holiday excitement like finding your passport and noticing that it is out of date. You should always make sure your passport has at least 2 months left to run and be sure that it is valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Not everyone checks documents and there is a general lack of knowledge about what paperwork is actually needed to enter the USA. This can lead to delays and even cancelled trips for example finding your passport has expired.

In some countries there are huge waiting periods to get a new passport (some longer than 2 months) so this is important to check.

If English isn't your first language you could consider using online services before you head out to translate your travel documents, visa, insurance, and other papers for convenience. Combined with a pocket dictionary, this will make your traveling and learning process much more enjoyable.

Other things to check before departing are boarding passes, hotel confirmation and anything else you might need. We recommend putting all your documents inside a folder that you have on you at all times. 

3. Get a Visa

Wondering 'do i need a visa for the USA'? Yes. For most worldwide destinations you can travel without a visa but to gain legal entry into the United States you will need what is known as an ESTA USA visa.

This applies for most people and nationalities, and is something very important to get sorted way before your arrival date.

The ESTA application is very important and needs to be applied for online in advance. If you do not apply for this visa you are likely to arrive in the USA, be questioned at the airport and refused entry. 

4. Understand Luggage Allowances

Check with the airline you are going to be flying with to make sure you know what your luggage weight and size limit is for both flights departing and coming back.

Sometimes the weigh limit changes, you can be allowed more on the departure flight but coming back the limit can be less which a lot of people are unaware of.

Be sure to know how much you are allowed, together with items which are not permitted. This simple check might sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many people arrive at the airport and either need to re-pack, or pay an extra charge.

5. Book Accommodation

Unless you are lucky to have friends or family in the USA you will need to find somewhere to stay. There are literally thousands of hotels and hostels available to book throughout the country and options for all budgets.

If you are looking for somewhere cheap to stay, use Booking.com to search for budget accommodation and book well in advance to get the best prices.

6. Important Last Minute Considerations

Sometimes when banks noticed a card has been used overseas and they suspect fraud they cancel the card which can cause a lot of issues.

Contact your bank before departing to let them know you will be in the USA - this way your bank cards should all work.

Make sure you also cancel any deliveries and if you are friendly with your neighbours let them know you will be away and see if they can keep an eye out  Light timers are also recommended to ward off any potential burglars.

7. Plan Your Trip to & from the Airport

Every experienced traveler will tell you that it is better to get to the airport earlier than risk missing your flight. There are many things that can go wrong on your trip to the airport e.g. traffic, delways, cancelled trains etc. 

Always be sure to check your route and for any unexpected delays. At the same time, it is a really good idea to pre-book your parking space if travelling by car as this will save you money rather than paying on arrival. 

Another thing to consider is how you will get from your arrival airport to your accommodation. Research on the internet so you don't have a panic on arrival.

8. Get Travel Money

The cheapest currency rates are available online and it is best to get this weeks in advance of departure. If you wait to do it at the airport you will usually get a much worse rate.

You want to have enough money on you but do not take too much. Getting an international prepaid travel card is something you might want to consider as well. These types of cards generally have lower fees and have been specifically designed for traveling overseas.

9. Buy Travel Insurace

Travel insurance is one of the most important things you can buy before departing for the USA. From cancelled flights, accidents, illness or theft it is important to be covered.

For example, healthcare costs in the USA are huge and if you do not have a good insurance policy you risk running up a massive bill. Be sure to buy travel insurance in advance, we recommend World Nomads.

10. Research Things to Do

The USA is an amazing destination and no matter if you are travelling for work or pleasure, you will be able to enjoy so many different experiences.

Make sure you make the most of your time and try to see as many of the sights as possible. Research as much as possible in advance to make your experience as memorable as possible.

• Most spectacular national parks
• Top places to see in California
• East coast USA where to go

If you want to see as many places as possible check out USA tour companies .  

We hope our checklist for travelling to USA will be helpful if you are keen to travel to the States anytime soon. Now go enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

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