Visiting from overseas

Bristol Airport

Bristol  Airport is situated just eight miles south of central Bristol, and is easily accessed by car, coach or bus. Direct flights operate to Bristol from 112 different countries across the world.

Find out more on our Bristol Airport page.

Foreign visitors and visas

If you're a citizen of the European Economic Area (including countries of the EU, plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) or a Swiss national, then you do not require a visa to live, work or study in the UK. However, nationals of the new EU member states of Romania and Bulgaria currently need to apply for permission to work in the UK.

If you're a citizen of Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand, then you do not require a visa to holiday in the UK. However, you will need to fill in forms to apply for entry clearance on arrival, and your stay duration is limited to a maximum of 6 months. You must apply for a visa to work in the UK.

Please note that visa regulations and EU member states are frequently revised and added – check the UK Visas website for up-to-date information or consult your local British Embassy.

Useful information

• All countries within the UK use British Pound Sterling currency (GBP).
• The standard electrical plug used in the UK is the British 3-pin plug (13A / 230–240V).
• Visitors from a European Economic Area country or from Switzerland can apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their home country's healthcare system. Having an EHIC card means any emergency healthcare received whilst in the UK will be free. For information on getting an EHIC, or for info on UK emergency healthcare for non-EU visitors, check your country's own foreign office website.