🧳 United States to United Kingdom: visa, money, time & plugs
Planning a trip to United Kingdom on a United States passport? Here is the visa rule for your trip, today's exchange rate, the time difference, plugs, safety level and local tips. Change the countries to plan another trip.
United States to United Kingdom at a glance
- Visa: Electronic travel authorisation (eTA) needed – An eTA is an online permission you get before you fly.
- Money: Pound sterling (GBP)
- Time: United Kingdom (London) is 5 hours ahead of United States (Washington D.C.) right now.
- Plugs: Yes, bring an adapter: United Kingdom uses plug type G, and United States uses A, B.
- Voltage: Voltage is different (120 V at home, 230 V in United Kingdom). Check your charger says 100–240 V before plugging in.
- Driving: on the left
- Emergency: 999 or 112 police, fire & ambulance
- Tipping: 10–12.5% in restaurants, often added as a service charge; not expected in pubs
- Best time: May–Sep – long days and the best chance of mild, dry weather
Visa rule updated 17 February 2026.
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United States to United Kingdom – questions
Do United States passport holders need a visa for United Kingdom?
Electronic travel authorisation (eTA) needed. An eTA is an online permission you get before you fly. (Visa data updated 17 February 2026.)
What currency is used in United Kingdom?
The Pound sterling (GBP). Use the converter on this page to see today's rate against your US dollar.
What is the time difference between United States and United Kingdom?
United Kingdom (London) is 5 hours ahead of United States (Washington D.C.) right now.
Do I need a plug adapter in United Kingdom?
Yes, bring an adapter: United Kingdom uses plug type G, and United States uses A, B. Voltage is different (120 V at home, 230 V in United Kingdom). Check your charger says 100–240 V before plugging in.
Which side of the road do they drive on in United Kingdom?
On the left.
What is the emergency number in United Kingdom?
999 or 112 police, fire & ambulance.
When is the best time to visit United Kingdom?
May–Sep – long days and the best chance of mild, dry weather.
What is the U.S. travel advisory level for United Kingdom?
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 9 Sep 2026). U.S. advice: Exercise increased caution in United Kingdom because of terrorism.
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Visa data: Passport Index Data (MIT licence), updated 17 February 2026. Travel advisories: U.S. Department of State (public domain). Exchange rates: ExchangeRate-API. Official sites: Wikidata (CC0) and government websites. Country facts: RoamSun country guides.