Practical information
Arriving in the UK
When you arrive in the UK you will need a valid passport and possibly a visa. Find more passport and visa information on the VisitBritain website. You can also find out whether you need a visa on the UKVisas website.And if you want to travel with your pet you will need to find out beforehand whether this is possible and what UK requirements are. Find out more about travelling with pets on the VisitBritain website.
UK Identity Card and the National Identity Scheme (NIS)
If you're thinking of working or studying in the UK or plan to stay for 6 months or more, you may also need to apply for a UK identity card. The NIS will deliver a universal and simple proof of identity for all those who are legally entitled to live and work in the UK.From 25 November 2008 foreign nationals - that is non European Economic area (EEA) citizens - will be required to hold a UK Identity Card. For more information about whether you'll need a UK identity card see the Identity & Passport Service (IPS) Identity Card website and the UK Border Agency website.
Money and tax-free shopping
The UK currency is the pound sterling. Find out more on the VisitBritain money and currency website.If you are a non-EU citizen you can take advantage of tax-free shopping when you visit the UK.
Keeping in touch
VisitBritain includes a range of information about keeping in touch with home while you're in the UK, including:
- UK phone system
- international dialling codes
- useful telephone numbers
- internet access
- post offices and posting letters
- sending letters abroad
-
sending letters within the UK
Utilities and services
You can find out about utilities and other services on VisitBritain.
Travel requirements for German citizens
German citizens need a passport or German ID card to enter the
The German 'children's ID card' is recognised for under-10s if there is no photograph and for under-16s if there is a photograph. If a child is included in his/her parent's passport (without a photo for under-16s), this is sufficient for entering the
The same provisions apply for entry to the
Some airlines require their passengers to carry different documentation to that stated above.
Airline security
For information concerning security requirements at
www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/CrimePrevention/DG_078569
Children and Youth protection
One is regarded as a child or young person up to the age of 18.
Children/young people are allowed to stay in public places (streets, parks) without being accompanied by an adult from any age on (there is no limit).
There is no law as to whether children/young people are allowed to stay in places harmful to young persons (such as places where there are prostitutes). They may however, be questioned by the police. The Home Office has produced legislation allowing local authorities to introduce child curfew schemes to protect children under the age of 10 in a particular area from getting into trouble. New legislation under sections 48 and 49 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 raises the upper age limit of children who may be the subject of a local child curfew to 15. This also allows the police, as well as local authorities, to apply for a local curfew scheme.
Children/young people are allowed to stay in restaurants. There is no age limit but there may be restrictions at the restaurant's discretion.
Children/young people are allowed to stay in night clubs, bars or similar entertainment venues if over 16. However, most bars and night clubs enforce a limit of 18 due to alcohol laws.
Children/young people are allowed to stay in dance halls/ ballrooms (there is no age limit).
Children/young people are only allowed to buy and freely consume spirits from 18 onwards. Children can consume in home or restaurants if they are with their parents. No distinction is made concerning the strength of alcoholic beverages.
The restrictions for children/young people visiting public film screenings are set by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) who awards films age based certificates according to their content. The age limits are - 12A (12 upwards, but younger if accompanied by parent), 15 (upwards of 15), 18 (upwards of 18).
Children/young people are not allowed to stay in casinos or places for gambling. They need to be at least 18.
Children/young people are allowed to smoke in public from 16 onwards.
There are no restrictions for young people who are EU nationals and want to work temporarily for money in order to get some pocket money during their travelling (working holiday). Non-EU nationals are generally not permitted unless they have a work permit. Young people are allowed to work from the age of 13 (with restrictions).
Children/young people are allowed to hitch-hike but may get questioned by the police.
Children/young people can turn to the following institutions/agencies if they have problems and need help - Childline, The Samaritans, Connexions.
It is a criminal offence to carry weapons such as knives and guns in the
The age of consent for sexual relations (heterosexuals and homosexuals) with children/young people is 16 in
Information on Legislation can be found at:
Her Majesty's Stationary Office - Legislation
Die wichtigsten Regeln zum Jugendschutz in Großbritannien
