Overland United Kingdom Travel
Currency to display:
Contents
- 1 Visiting United Kingdom
- 2 Entering United Kingdom with a Car or Motorbike
- 3 Driving in United Kingdom
- 4 Gas price in United Kingdom and Diesel price in United Kingdom
- 5 Safety and Security Considerations
- 6 Camping in United Kingdom
- 7 Navigation
- 8 Special Overland Travel interests
- 9 Vehicle Maintenance
- 10 Buy or sell a car or motorbike in United Kingdom
- 11 References
- 12 Helpful External links
Visiting United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a country northwest of mainland Europe. It is divided into four parts: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The main capital city is at London, in the south.
The country is located on the island of Great Britain, with the exception of Northern Ireland, which is on Ireland. There are also some small islands off the coast, like the Isle of Man, Jersey, the Orkney Islands, etc.
There are some popular sights in the country, many of which are in London. Outside of London, Stonehenge is a popular tourist destination.
Entering United Kingdom with a Car or Motorbike
Correct as of: (date last confirmed correct)
Required Paperwork
(To check if you need a travel Visa for United Kingdom, application instructions and fees see: United Kingdom Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)
List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies
If you are from an EU or EEA member state, you only need your passport or national identity card. If you are not from an EU or EEA member state, you need your passport and potentially a visa (depends of the country you are from)
If you are travelling with children, you may be required to prove the relationship. This can be done with: - a birth / adoption certificate - a letter from the other parent giving permission for the child to travel with you Check Gov.uk - Before you leave for the UK before you leave to get the most up-to-date guidance
Process at border
Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle
At border control, you need to select the correct lane corresponding to your passport. EU / EEA / UK citizens have a separate channel to other passports. Follow the signage to ensure the correct lane is used. You need to ensure you have your passport ready, not in a cover.
If you have a visa, you must see a border control agent to get a stamp in your passport. You cannot use the ePassport gates with a visa.
Cost of entry
State the cost for a vehicle to enter
Permitted length of stay
State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle
Extension of stay
Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.
See the UK Visa and Immigration Office website: Gov.uk - Applying for a Visa
Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country
Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.
Exiting with a vehicle
Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.
Driving in United Kingdom
Recommended books for Overlanding in United Kingdom
The AA (Automobile Association) produces a wide range of map books and driving equipment for the UK.
Travel insurance for United Kingdom
World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.
Travel insurance is highly recommended,
Vehicle insurance requirements
Minimum insurance is third party, fire and theft. Fully comprehensive is recommended.
Cost of vehicle insurance
State the price of insurance and a time period.
Normally around £500 per annum, though depends on deemed risk / vehicle value, etc...
Where to purchase vehicle insurance
Describe where insurance can be purchased.
There are a number of vehicle insures, as well as comparison websites
Driving license
State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.
See this gov.uk website to find out whether your driving license is valid in the UK: Gov.uk - Driving License Validity
Driving side of road
Left.
LHD vehicles can be driven in United Kingdom without a problem.
Mandatory items in vehicle
State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle. (i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)
Roads
General Road quality
Most roads are of high quality, especially motorways. In many cities, there may be many one way streets (however these will be clearly signed). After the winter period (December - March), there may be pot-holes in A and B category roads. Most overland-style vehicles should be unaffected by these, though.
Road signs
Road signs are common on all roads.
Toll roads
There are very few toll roads in the UK. The only major toll road is the ‘M6 Toll’.
Bribery in United Kingdom
Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.
Checkpoints
Apart from ferry crossings, none.
Traveling with pets
List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.
Gas price in United Kingdom and Diesel price in United Kingdom
Last updated: December 2018
Currency and unit to display:
| Gasoline Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| Unleaded | £1.31 GBP per Liter[1] |
| Diesel | £1.34 GBP per Liter[1] |
Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency
Fuel shortages are not common at all. People tend to panic buy when refinery staff and tanker drivers go on strike but that is rare.
Generally, there are fewer than 100 miles between fuel stations. Very common in urban areas, the more rural you go the less they appear but towns and cities are quite close together.
Gas and Diesel Quality
Fuel quality is high. Majority of 'standard' fuel is 97/98 octane. 'Premium' fuel is around 98/99.
Safety and Security Considerations
Driving at night
Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.
Vehicle parking
Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night. If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.
Most areas are generally safe, some built-up areas may have a higher risk than the countryside.
Special driving considerations
In rural areas, there can be animals wandering about but it is not too common. Just don't go winging round corners. List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.
Security advisories and information
- Country Specific Information - U.S. Department of State
- Travel Reports and Warnings - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- Travel advice by country - Foreign and Commonwealth office (U.K.)
- Travel Advice for United Kingdom - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
See the [gov.uk] website for any advisories, particularly the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Camping in United Kingdom
Wild camping in Scotland is perfectly legal provided you don't make a mess or cause damage. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, technically not permitted but unless you cause criminal damage or annoy a farmer no one will care. Just park up out of the way and clean up. Leave no trace.
Some areas are having additional by-laws introduced to reduce the vandalism caused by large groups of people camping. Check the local restrictions, which are usually made very obvious.
Camping guide books
List and link to books specifically for camping.
Drinking water
Tap Water is completely safe. Tap Water in the UK is cleaned regularly.
Paper maps
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in United Kingdom
The best paper maps in the UK are produced by an organisation called Ordnance Survey - you can buy their maps on their website: [os.co.uk Ordnance Survey Maps] Ordnance Survey also have a digital subscription (about £20 / year), which lets you create routes, download maps to your iPad / phone, etc... and print out custom maps
GPS Maps of United Kingdom
Review different GPS companies, quality and coverage (Tomtom, Garmin, OSM, Tracks4Africa). (with links to each).
GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in United Kingdom
- iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.
Most fuel stations in the UK sell propane and butane gas. This is typically in a variety of cylinder sizes. Calor and FloGas are the two largest brands. You sign a cylinder refill agreement, which is normally around half the initial cost of the gas. You can then take the empty bottle back to any place that sells that brand, and get a refill. See [calor.co.uk Calor] and [flogas.co.uk FloGas] for more details. It is very uncommon to be able to refill propane cylinders, due to the safety risks associated. Almost all autogas dispensing machines are designed to not fit portable bottles. Do not use adaptors with them, they have been know to explode / cause severe injury.
Special Overland Travel interests
List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders
Vehicle Maintenance
Dealers
4x4s / Trucks
- Toyota Global Dealer Locator
- Land Rover International Dealer Locator
- Mercedes Benz International (select country on bottom right)
- Jeep International site locator
Motorbikes
Local Garages
Add known good mechanics here.
Buy or sell a car or motorbike in United Kingdom
Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.
List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.
Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'
References
Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.
Helpful External links
Add any helpful external links here.
- United Kingdom: Visa and Passport requirements | World Travel Guide
- Health Information for Travelers to United Kingdom - Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- United Kingdom travel guides at wikivoyage
- United Kingdom - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
