Documents and entry requirements
Passport: check expiry — EU Schengen often requires validity 3+ months after planned return; US requires validity for stay duration. Renew early — UK processing peaks spring.
GHIC: free at NHS website for EU/EEA/Switzerland medical care — not a substitute for insurance. /guides/ghic-ehic-uk-travellers-guide.
ETIAS: UK visitors to most of Europe — waiver application before travel from late 2026. /guides/etias-uk-travellers-guide.
Visas: US ESTA, Canada eTA, Australia ETA — apply before booking non-refundable hotels.
Money, insurance, and booking protection
Travel insurance: buy at trip booking to cover cancellation from that point — compare limits at /guides/compare-uk-travel-insurance. Include airline failure cover on DIY trips without ATOL.
Payment stack: no-FX card for abroad, UK credit card for £100+ flight bookings direct with airline (Section 75). /guides/uk-travel-money-spending-abroad.
ATOL: package holidays only — verify certificate on confirmation. /guides/package-holiday-atol-rights-uk.
Getting to the airport and through the terminal
Parking: pre-book 2+ weeks ahead or take train — /guides/uk-airport-parking-guide. Know Uber/Bolt pick-up zones on return: /guides/uk-airport-uber-pickup-zones.
Hiring a car at destination: compare rates online and decide excess cover before the desk — /guides/car-hire-uk-travellers/ and /guides/car-hire-excess-insurance-uk/.
Lounge access: credit card Priority Pass, airline status, or paid day pass — /guides/how-to-get-airport-lounge-access and terminal guides for Heathrow, Manchester, Gatwick.
Liquids 100 ml, laptops out for security — budget airline bag sizes: /guides/hand-luggage-uk-budget-airlines.
If something goes wrong — know before you fly
Delays 3+ hours at arrival on UK261 flights: fixed compensation £220–£520 — /hubs/flight-delay-passenger-rights. Screenshot arrival times same day.
Schedule change emails before travel: /guides/flight-schedule-change-rights-uk. Cancellations: /guides/flight-cancellation-refund-rights-uk.
Stuck airside today: demand duty-of-care vouchers or keep receipts — /guides/flight-delay-duty-of-care-reimbursement-uk and /guides/stuck-at-airport-delay-rights-uk.