Passport, Visa Requirements, & Travel Tips: London
As one of the leading global city in the arts, entertainment, fashion, finance, media, tourism, transport, history, and much more the capital of England should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Yes, we are talking about the city of London and due to the recent Brexit referendum the pound (London’s national currency) has dropped a record high of 14% so it’s more affordable than ever to travel here. In 2015 it was estimated that London welcomed over 31 million visitors, and by 2020 they have projected to welcome some 36 million visitors and we are sure you will be one.
Passport, Visa Requirements, & Travel Tips: London
History of London:
London’s age old history has its origins in AD43 when the Romans invaded and founded the city of Londinium what we know today as London. Londinium at this time was originally a small city comparably the size of Hyde Park. Shortly after London suffered bombings and virtually being burnt to the ground but then we rebuilt with a market, business center and a wall that protected the city. Buildings such as the Tower of London were erected in the 11th century and the Big Ben which was built in 1859 still stand today and are major points of interest for visitors. London’s unique history and British monarchy supplies the city with its culture and a lot of places to visit.
Places you must see in London:
The city of London is comprised of 33 boroughs, or “small cities”. Each borough has their own government, school, centers, suburbs, culture and overall sense of identity therefore there are so many options when traveling to London.
– Camden Markets: The borough Camden is home to one of the most creative and liberal areas that is home to the famous Camden Market. Here visitors can visit some of the funkiest shops, explore an international kitchen in the Camden Lock where they offer all types of foods, and get in touch with their inner rock star. There’s no place on the Earth like Camden Market.
– The Houses of Parliament: The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, or commonly called Big Ben, is a must see spot because here it is a short walk for traveler’s to visit the London Eye, the Big Ben, the Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.
– Free museums: There are hundreds of museums for visitors to check out when they want to escape the typical London rain. Some of the best free museums to check out are the British Museum, Imperial War Museum, Museum of London, and the National History Museum.
– Explore the set of Harry Potter: Among the many famous people who were from London, the most successful film series of Warner Brothers Studio was also from London: Harry Potter. Here fans can take a walking tour to experience the magic of Harry Potter, see all the behind- the- scenes and the props used. Also there’s the option to end the tour with a world famous Butterbeer.
Events you can’t miss in London:
– The changing of the guards at the Buckingham Palace
– Notting Hill Carnival:
During the last week of August, don’t miss the 19th-century Caribbean-inspired street festival where people will be dressed in costumes, live bands all day, and to dine on the best Caribbean food.
– The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Races: This friendly competition began in the middle 1800’s where the Oxford University Boat Club and the Cambridge University Boat Club would have a four- mile rowing match off in the centrally located River Thames. Come out to the river in April to witness this age old rivalry for free.
Passport and Visa Requirements to London
Fortunately you will not need a visa if you are an American citizen traveling to London. You will need a valid passport to visit London. A valid passport should have at least 6 months of validity AFTER the last day of your international trip. That means your passport expiration date should be well past your return date, otherwise you will need a new passport (or renewal) before you go. For more information, visit the Six Month Validity Passport Rule Explanation post. You can have all the passport and visa info you’ll ever need, all in your pocket.
