Attraction Overview
Big Ben
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower
London Eye
Also known as the 'Millenium Wheel', the London eye is a large Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London, and one of the Royal Parks of London. Home to several landmarks.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross.
Business
The United Kingdom is a developed country and boasts of the fifth largest economy in the world (based on GDP). During the 19th and early centuries, the UK was the world’s first industrialised country and the world’s powerhouse.
Business in London is intense and fast paced. Extended business lunches and post-work drinks were regarded as part of the modern working environment until relatively recently. Nowadays, the emphasis is increasingly on hard work and long hours.
Climate
The UK has a temperate climate, with plentiful rainfall all year round. The temperature varies with the seasons seldom dropping below −11 °C (12 °F) or rising above 35 °C (95 °F).
Communications
The kingdom's communication systems are technologically advanced and sophisticated.
8.6 million homes in the United Kingdom have Internet access (about 35 percent of all homes) and hotels and accommodations offer Wifi services.
Customs
Religion
Predominantly Christian (Church of England, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist), sizeable Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and Hindu minorities. Around 15% of the population have no religion.
Social conventions
Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. One kiss on the cheek is gaining popularity for close friends. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home and a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. It is polite to wait until everyone has been served before eating.
Duty Free
If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into the UK by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. These can be combined provided travellers do not exceed their total tobacco allowance.
• 4L of still wine.
• 1L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 2L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%. These can be combined provided travellers do not exceed their total alcohol allowance.
• 16L of beer.
• Other goods including souvenirs up to the value of £390 (or £270 if arriving by private plane or boat).
Banned imports
Prohibited items include illegal drugs, offensive weapons, self-defence sprays, indecent and obscene material, counterfeit and pirated goods, and meat, dairy and other animal products from outside the EEA.
Restricted items include firearms, explosives and ammunition, live animals, endangered species, rough diamonds, and certain radio transmitters.
Electricity
Electrical sockets (outlets) in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the "Type G " British BS-1363 type. They usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.
Getting Around
The railway system links major distant cities and its very affordable and safe. Air transport is also available connecting major cites like London, Glasgow etc.
The iconic black cab is essential for travelling within cities.
Health
The UK is not a risky destination but travellers should still take appropriate precautions. Summer temperatures in England rarely reach above 30°C (86°F), but on hot days there is still risk of sunstroke and it’s advisable to wear sunscreen, as well as appropriate clothing. The same goes for winters, during which weather can be very changeable. Waterproofs (or at least a strong umbrella) are mandatory at any time of year.
Language
Official Language is English
Money
The official currency is Pounds Sterling
Passport Visa
Passports:
To enter the United Kingdom, a passport valid for the duration of stay is required by all nationals.
Visa Requirements for UK:
Personal Requirement
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International passport ( 6 months validity)
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Bio data page
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2 passport photos
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Proof of employment
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6 month bank statement
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6 months pay slip
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Introduction letter from employer
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Self introduction letter
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Marriage certificate (if applicable)
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Official I.d card
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Family pictures
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Assets e.g landed properties, shares (if any)
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Certificate of Incorporation (if you own the business)
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Consent letter from Husband/wife
From Sponsor
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International passport bio data page
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Bank statements Valid up to 6 month, stamp and sign
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Introduction letter from the company
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Company's details Employment letter, pay slip, (Certificate of incorporation, Registration of business name, tax clearance etc. if you owns the company.
From Invitee
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Letter of invitation / Introduction letter
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Bio data page of international passport
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Utility bills, water bills etc
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6 months bank statements duly signed and stamp
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Residence permit (photocopy)
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Driver's license (photocopy)
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Letter from Employer stating your position with company’s stamp and signature
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6 months pay slip
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS.
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Bio Data page
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2 passport photographs
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International passport, 6 months validity
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Six Months bank statements
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Reference letter from the bank
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6 months Payslip
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Employment letter
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Official I. D card
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Statement of terms and conditions of employment of an overseas domestic worker in a private household in uk.
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Introduction letter from office (employer)
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Self introduction letter
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Medical card.
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Co-operative scheme letter if available
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Photographs of present and previous travel with the children
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Employers bio data page and visa copies
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Employer's children data pages.
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Undertaken form
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Cofirmation of tax paid
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Confirmation of health insurance paid
REQUIREMENTS FROM THE EMPLOYER;
1. Bio data page
2. 6 months Bank statements with a reference letter from the bank
3. Official I. D card
4. Introduction letter from the office
5. Self introduction letter
6. Sponsorship letter
7. Company's details Employment letter, pay slip, (Certificate of incorporation, Registration of business name, tax clearance etc if you owns the company.
8. Copies of visa pages
9. Landed Property documents if available
10. Family pictures
11. Marriage certificate
Safety
The United Kingdom is generally safe, just abide by sensible precautions.
Time
Tipping
Tipping in London's Restaurants. It is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill when eating out. However, restaurants often add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), especially if you're in a large group, so it's worth checking your bill if you don't want to tip twice.