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How to Travel and Work in England

Last Updated: February 15, 2022

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People who love to travel and work in Europe, may wish to secure work in England. The UK Home Office judges most work visas based on a points system of importance, skill and connection. You must be able to prove a good connection to employment in the UK and financial support if you are living with family. Looking for work in England can be difficult, especially if you are not a member of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). You should research which visa category you fit into. Once you receive your work visa, you will be able to travel throughout the UK, Europe and other countries. Please note that you may require a Schengen visa if you are a visa national to one of the Schengen countries. The Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Find out how to travel and work in England.

• You must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid passport.
• You must be a student. You can be either an undergraduate or graduate level student who has completed at least 1 year of study. You cannot take the internship beyond 12 months after your degree completion.
• You must have between $3,000 and $4,000, depending upon if your internship is paid or unpaid, respectively.
• Look on the BUNAC website's internship directory, or try to find 1 on your own. If you find an internship, then you should apply for a BUNAC sponsorship. They take applications on their site all year round. Once you secure a sponsorship, they will help you to get the appropriate visa and insurance.

• To prove that they couldn't fill the job domestically, it must have been advertised for at least 28 days in the UK. The employer must prove that UK workers were given first opportunity to fill the job, but they were unable to find a suitable candidate within the country.
• Alternatively, the job can be listed on the UK shortage occupation list. This list includes, but is not limited to, engineers, social workers, musicians, chief executives, biological scientists, chefs, nurses and physicists. Visit ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/workingintheuk/shortageoccupationlistnov11.pdf to peruse the complete list.
• This type of visa also applies to inter-company transfers and sportspeople.

• If you have this history, you should apply for this type of work visa immediately. You will not be able to switch from a different type of visa application to this.

• Each type of Tier 1 visa requires a different amount of personal funding. Entrepreneurs and investors are required to show proof of a set amount of money in their account.

Community Q&A

• If you find the visa application process complicated, you may want to hire an immigration lawyer. In the case of a work sponsorship, the employer's legal department may be able to help you. If you are applying for a visa type that has a limited number of applications, hiring someone who knows all the requirements may increase your chances of receiving a visa on the first attempt. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Do not attempt to travel to the UK and overstay your visa. It is likely you will be found and deported, in which case you will be banned from entering the UK again for a long period of time. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
• Most UK working visas do not allow you to apply throughout the year. Once a certain number of visas are granted, or the deadlines have passed, you will not be able to submit an application for the current year. If you want to travel and work in the UK, you should try to plan at least one year ahead of time. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• Degree program (optional)
• BUNAC sponsorship
• IAESTE Exchange
• Work sponsorship
• UK ancestry
• UK shortage occupation list
• Exceptional talent
• Business entrepreneur or investor
• Travel visa
• Business representative
• UK home office website

You Might Also Like

• http://www.globalvisas.com/uk_immigration/england_work_visa.html
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/work-study-volunteering/work
• http://www.uk-yankee.com/guide/expat-guide-uk/uk-visas-immigration
• http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/

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Work and Travel in United Kingdom

Help us grow. share what you know about getting work in united kingdom for travellers., volunteer and paid work opportunities in united kingdom for travellers.

The United Kingdom (UK) is known for being one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. For those who want to travel in the UK, a volunteer role is one of the best ways to see the country without paying a lot for it. There are plenty of volunteer and paid work opportunities in the United Kingdom for travellers. The UK may not be part of the Schengen zone, but the majority of Western travellers will easily be able to take advantage of visas. Whilst you explore the four countries that make up the union, work in the UK and you’ll be left with memories that will last forever. Departing from the traditional travel guides for the United Kingdom, here are some of the volunteering opportunities in the UK you should look into. 1. Explore Archaeological Wonders in England and Wales The UK has a long, rich history which we’ve barely scratched the surface of. Sites around the UK are searching for archaeology students and trained professionals to give them a helping hand. Volunteer in the UK and you could be exploring old Roman sites in York or Bath. Experience levels will vary depending on the project, as will any opportunities for compensation. 2. Live in Self-Sufficient Communities A growing trend in the UK is self-sufficient communities. Communities of people from all backgrounds live together, grow their own food, and manage all repairs and household duties without outside help. They may also be in the form of housing cooperatives. Volunteer in the UK and you could join up with one of these communities. It’s an excellent chance to learn new skills and make new friends. You don’t need any experience to work and travel in the UK if you volunteer in a community like this. 3. Secure the Legacy of the UK with National Park Conservation Travel in the United Kingdom and you’ll see that much of the country is covered by national parks. National parks often run chiefly from volunteers. Volunteers from around the world are able to take part in national park conservation projects in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. No matter what skills you have as you travel in the UK, you’re surely going to find a position to suit you.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR UNITED KINGDOM

The United Kingdom is notorious for having one of the strictest borders in the world. Thankfully, Western visitors should have few problems volunteering in the UK. If you’re from the European Union (EU) and want to travel in the UK, you can enter without a visa. You can also do volunteering and paid work in the country without a visa until the country leaves the EU, which at the earliest will be March 2019. But what if you’re outside the UK? Travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea can apply for the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme if they’re between the ages of 18 and 30. They also have to meet eligibility requirements. This allows them to take paid and unpaid work in the UK for up to two years. Many foreigners prefer to live and work in the UK long-term if they can secure this visa. It’s relatively easy to get due to reciprocal agreements the UK has with the countries involved. Furthermore, there are large communities of people on these visas in London and Manchester, so you won’t feel alone if you decide to stay here for a while. For travellers from countries like Russia, the US, and South Africa they will have to apply for a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Charity Worker) visa. To work and travel in the UK you must have a position with a registered organisation and have full sponsorship from them. Take note that the UK usually takes at least a month or two to process visa applications.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN UNITED KINGDOM

Spring work.

Thistle Camps is the conservation project for Scotland that manages older buildings. Volunteers in the UK are needed especially in spring to manage new plant growth and many of the repairs that result from harsh winters. There are also equivalents in the other countries of the UK.

SUMMER JOBS

Summer is festival season in the UK and volunteers from around the world are able to act as stewards at festivals like the Leeds Festival, Reading Festival, and the iconic Glastonbury. Volunteer in the UK throughout summer and you can also join up with summer camps. Helping the kids out and maintaining a fun atmosphere is your only task.

Autumn is the time when many disabled centres and residential care homes conduct their residential holidays for their clients. Work and travel in the United Kingdom and you will be able to manage these themed holidays setup by charities. These getaways tend to be conducted throughout autumn in order to keep costs down.

Winter in the UK is not a time of great activity. In terms of volunteering in the UK, you’ll find projects that focus on social giving. Many homeless projects are desperately searching for volunteers at this time of year, even if it’s something as simple as handing out soup in kitchens. Believe it or not, these opportunities are not just confined to locals.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN UNITED KINGDOM

Working in the United Kingdom is one of the safest places you can work and travel in. The UK is an extremely diverse country with high levels of immigration. Don’t allow the media fear-mongering to deter you. The vast majority of people in this country regularly work with foreigners and someone from abroad volunteering is seen as nothing out of the ordinary. This is the same regardless of whether you decide to work in a rural area or an urban area. You’re sure to be welcomed with open arms when you enter the UK. Do you have any prior experiences you would like to share from working in the United Kingdom?

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• Edited on Nov 25 2022 by
• Edited on Jan 15 2018 by Yara

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A Guide to Jobs in England

Working abroad in England provides individuals with a plethora of resources and opportunities at their fingertips, whether it is traveling throughout Europe on the weekends or working for one of the top companies in the world—the opportunities of jobs in England will expand horizons personally and professionally. Experiencing British culture first hand and gaining work experience in England will provide international workers with priceless skills to build their future on. If you’re looking for incredible travel and work opportunities, you should check out these opportunities for jobs in England.

Best Cities for Expats

With so many amazing English cities comes incredible opportunities for working in England. You can find the perfect city for you based on what kind of experience you are looking for through jobs in England.

London . When considering where to work in England, individuals from all over the world will immediately think to look for jobs in London. A melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, London serves as one of the largest job markets in the entire United Kingdom. In London, almost anyone can find the job of their dreams because the city tends to be a great place to working in England in any field.

Manchester & Liverpool . Although colder and rainer than other parts of England, both of these cities have a more urban feel when compared to other large metropolitan areas, like Bath or Cambridge. Both cities have great art scenes and trendy corners to explore while working in England.

Oxford & Cambridge . If you are pursuing a job in England in the academics or education, working in Oxford or Cambridge is ideal. As the home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, if you are considering furthering your education while working abroad, these two cities are the perfect place to settle.

Popular Job Types

Foreign workers may find themselves working in the private or public sector, and jobs in England are most definitely plentiful in both. Regardless of the job or sector of society, employees are expected to be punctual, proper, polite, and professional at all times, in both manner and appearance. Though English language skills are a basic requirement of almost any job in England, Americans and other native English speakers may find themselves still on a bit of learning curve when it comes to British English.

Creative Fields. With a long history in the arts, it is no surprise individuals flock to England for jobs in theater, literature, journalism, fashion design, and music. The number of famous poets, writers, musicians, and performers from England is outstanding, so those interested in these creative fields should be prepared for a good deal of competition.

Business. Individuals interested in working in England’s business world will find positions in nearly every field, from marketing, finance, and economics to international relations and politics.

Child Care & Teaching. Like most of Europe, au pair jobs are common in England, providing foreigners with an easy transition into the British way of life. Opportunities to work with kids outside the home through teaching are also available in England.

Estimated Salaries

All jobs in the UK must pay workers sufficiently based on National Minimum Wage Legislation, which means workers over the age of 21 are paid at least between 7 and 8 Euros per hour of work. Obviously more professional or higher level positions will pay far more than this, but entry level jobs in England will usually be close to the minimum wage. If you are looking for long term jobs in England, it is important to consider your salary and the cost of living in England. The cities can get a bit pricey, but with a budget you can make it work.

Accommodations & Visas

In cities filled to the brim with universities, except to find a variety of housing options for a range of prices. Apartments, referred to locally as flats, are the most common housing option for young professionals. Unlike apartments and houses in the U.S., don’t expect a flat in England to be enormously spacious - in general housing in England is modest and smaller in scale.

Some employers will arrange housing for employees, and if working as an au pair housing is usually included as part of compensation. However if your new employer is not willing to assist you in finding residence, expect housing to be quite hard to find for an affordable price smack dab in the middle of London. If you’re working elsewhere in England, locating affordable housing should not be an issue, especially in cities with a large student population.

Obtaining the legal right to work in England can be quite a burdensome process. However your employer will be required to support you through it all, so be sure your employer is prepared to do so from the start. Those from the EU will find the visa process to be far less difficult. Check out the most up-to-date visa information by visiting your Embassy.

GoAbroad's Inside Scoop

It is truly difficult to find jobs in England if you are from outside the EU unless you get your foot in the door at a local company or you are applying for a highly skilled job. Despite the challenge of finding work in England, it will be well worth it. The experience you will gain will be invaluable and will help direct your path into your future. You will not only get work experience, but you will also learn how to live and work within a new culture—and eventually you’ll be able to laugh at your British coworkers’ dry sarcastic humor.

English speakers will have little to no trouble adjusting to work in England when it comes to language, as English is of course the national language. However, international workers should be prepared for a few linguistic misunderstandings, such as when they ask for chips or biscuits at a restaurant and receive fries or cookies. If foreigners work in England for long enough they may find themselves saying they “fancy a sandwich” instead of wanting to eat one. Despite being an English speaking country, there may still be some linguistic challenges while working in England.

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Find out all the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

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To find a job in the UK, you'll need to qualify for a work visa. This typically means you'll need to be hired by an employer in the UK who is also willing to sponsor you.

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Where can i work in england.

London is the easiest place for expats to find work in England, as it's a large international city full of multinational companies. You can also try other areas of England, such as Bristol and Manchester .

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5 Brilliant Ways to Work in England This Year

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Stop wondering where to look for work abroad because we have the best place for you to find jobs: England. US citizens need to take a trip across the pond and experience life abroad in England. But now you’re wondering how to work in England, right? No worries — we’ve got 5 great ways for you to do so, from being an au pair to breaking into the business industry.

A lot of people travel because it’s super affordable to live in exotic places like Thailand or Costa Rica . But not everyone can be a digital nomad . Some of us have a cosmopolitan side that we need to support with a full time gig. Work in England for a chance to truly thrive in a foreign land, and have a cracking good time while you’re at it. 

Why work abroad in England?

England is known for famous landmarks like the Eye of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Diagon Alley (shuddup you know it’s there), and Big Ben. Not only is the scenery delightful, but the culture is quite nice as well. Tea time means you’ll get oodles of scones, tea cakes, jam and cream sammys, and much more, on a DAILY basis. That’s sooo much yum for the tum. If sweets aren’t your thing, England’s mouth watering restaurant scene is sure to draw you in. There are over 10,000 Indian restaurants in the UK, which works out to approximately 30 samosas a day for a year if you play your cards right. And if you don’t fancy Indian food, there’s always good ol’ fish and chips!

Even though food is arguably a good enough reason to do anything, maybe getting hired is what will win you over. From Au Pairs to football (*ahem* soccer) coaches, there are so many jobs abroad in England that are hiring right now! It’ll be easy to start applying (as soon as you whip up a smashing good C.V.) since you likely already speak the language.

A lot of programs help you get situated, which is super helpful when moving to a foreign country to work. Having someone help you set up a bank account and find accommodations makes a world of difference when you’re finding work abroad. Even if you speak the language, navigating those bloody details is a pain in the arse. Luckily for you, the GoAbroad team is here to help you navigate these details by finding the perfect match for you. So grab your jumper, and prepare for work in England. 

What to think about before working in England

Did you even get your Hogwarts letter yet?? Or are you an imposter from another… roster…? That’s ok, you don’t have to be a wizard to work abroad in England. However, you do have to think about the requirements, work hours, and how much you’ll get paid. 

• Some jobs don’t require any experience whatsoever. Zero. zip. Nada. none. That’s perfect for a recent grad who just wants get the hell outta compton before they figure out what they’re doing with their life. Jobs that require little to no experience are often pretty baseline in terms of pay, but if you’re just looking to shake things up, what’s wrong with that? Just keep in mind you may need to be pinchin’ pennies while you work in England. 
• Other jobs need a little more… well, experience! If you’ve read any job description ever, this shouldn’t be a surprise. There’s all sorts of work in England for foreigners, all ya need is a little experience in whatever sector you want to go into. 
• Keep in mind that certain jobs require experience and a degree . It would be a total bummer to show up in England a nice suit and tie all ready for your corner office business job, and realize that you don’t qualify for lack of experience/ or don’t have a degree. Just a friendly reminder to check all the requirements when looking for work. England may be a foreign country, but they follow many of the same rules that you’re used to at home. 
• What kind of hours are you looking for in the UK? Jobs abroad offer a range of options, just like at home! If you want some time on the weekends to explore, look for a nine to five gig. If you would prefer to sleep in, maybe working weekends and evenings is for you. Some jobs, like Au Pairs, require 24/7 availability. That being said, they often offer perks like a house to stay, and food to eat. 

How to work in England

The term Au Pair is French for “equal,” or, “on even terms”. What makes au pairs work is the relationship you cultivate with the host family. Instead of working for them, you’re kind of working with them; you become a part of the family, where both you and the host family gets something positive out of the experience. You help out with housework and childcare and get to know the people and the culture. You also get a chance to represent your own culture by bringing things from your own background to England! You’re way more than a nanny. Plus, having a fancy French job title doesn’t look bad on a resumé.

If you’re looking for childcare work abroad, England is a great place to become an au pair. As long as you have applicable experience, you’re well on your way to being the next Mary Poppins. Au pair programs in England will organize your departure, hook you up with room and board, and offer flexible schedules so that you have a chance to explore while working abroad. 

• Requirements: Experience
• Work hours: 24/7
• Payscale: $$ 

2. Education

Raise your hand if you randomly shout “TEN POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!” when something great happens. Anyone? Anyone….? Ok, fine, maybe not all of us are deep in the Harry Potter fandom, but it would be pretty sweet to become a teacher in England, even if you’re not teaching at Hogwarts. 

First, there are plenty of options. #EducateYourself. Second, you won’t be confined to just teaching English! There are so many places you can teach English abroad , but not everyone is interested in that. Are you a science teacher? Great, England needs science teachers! What about maths (yes, they say “maths” there.)? Boom, you’re hired. England is the place for you to teach whatever subject is in your wheelhouse.

• Requirements: Experience, Degree
• Work hours: 9 to 5
• Payscale: $$$

3. Hospitality & Tourism  

Working in hospitality and tourism is perfect for all you recent grads looking for work. England offers a myriad of tourist hotspots like the Eye of London and Big Ben, loads of restaurants, and an assortment of seasonal gigs for the uber noncommittal. Going through programs like Student Works are great for someone just dipping their toes in the hospitality and tourism industry. They guarantee job placement, help you set up a bank account, and find housing. 

Most jobs in hospitality and tourism require minimal to no experience, offer flexible schedules, and a chance to actually make money while galavanting the globe. Whether you get a gig in a hotel lobby or as a server in a cheery pub, hospitality jobs in England are a great way to really experience authentic British culture.

• Requirements: None
• Work hours: Evenings & Weekends
• Payscale: $

4. Business & Finance  

If you want to get into business and finance, maybe you should be looking for jobs abroad in England. The industry is forecasted to add 2 to 3 percent to the UK gross domestic product along with 47,000 jobs by 2020. Which means YOU get a job, and YOU get a job! Programs like BUNAC's are great because they provide full-time, paid internships right in London! And they put you up. 

International experience will look fantastic on your resumé, so it’s really the best excuse to live and work in England for foreigners. You’ll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, with enough time to explore the country while living abroad. 

• Payscale: stacksonstacksonstancs

Ok let’s say this together: they call soccer football . Because your foot, hits the ball. Get it? Great! You’re ready to work in the sports industry in England. Not all jobs are delegated for the extremely sporty among us. If you love sports but can’t manage to kick a ball, why not check out sports journalism? It’s a great way to dabble in the world of sports without breaking any bones, practice your communication skills, and live, and work abroad. England is the perfect place for people interested in Euro sports like football, cricket, and rugby. Other jobs on that are more on the sidelines include sports marketing, recruiting agencies, and other desk based yet sport-centric office jobs.

If you are more of a hands on athlete, you can still get your head in the game. Are you a free agent looking for a team? Maybe you’ll be the next David Beckham! You could also look for a job at a gym as a personal trainer if you have the right experience. 

• Work hours: Evenings & Weekends 

You’re ready to find jobs in England for internationals!

What draws you to England? The dry, satirical humor? The way they toss an e at the end of words ad nauseum? Maybe it’s the lack of sunshine (save money on sunblock!) or the ridiculous amount of musical geniuses that hail from the nation. 

More likely than not, it’s a combination of these things. The best way to delve into this fascinating country is to find work. England is a perfect place to take an international hiatus in because you can do anything there you would in your home country. 

Speaking the Queen’s English is a perk, but, many jobs, like au pairs, encourage people who don’t speak English to apply. That way you get paid to practice speaking English with a local family. Jobs abroad in England really have something for everyone. From gung-ho business bros looking to crunch some major digits, to the flexible folks in the hospitality industry who are looking to pounds of tips. 

When it comes down to it, it’s stupid easy to find work in England for foreigners, you just have to start applying. If your friends say you sound a bit posh upon your arrival home, you can tell them to eat their trousers, because with a job in England, you’ll be singing “God Save the Queen” in no time. 

Get Matched with 5 Jobs Abroad in England for FREE →

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UK Working Holiday Visa Travel Guide 2024

by Sharyn McCullum | Last updated Dec 30, 2023 | London and UK Live Work and Play , Working Holiday Visa Destination

Living and working in the UK is a dream of many, and it can become a reality if you qualify for a UK working holiday visa. The United Kingdom is the most popular working holiday visa destination of all the working holiday visa destinations in the world. Literally thousands head there every year to live, work and play in the UK on a working holiday. Why? There are a number of reasons why a working holiday in the UK is so popular. These include the visas that exist so you can move abroad to live and work in the UK. The work opportunities available.   And the close proximity to Europe and beyond for travelling. Three great reasons don’t you think? And now you are considering heading overseas to the UK on a working holiday. To help you decide whether a UK working holiday is for you, read this essential guide to a working holiday in the UK for the ins and outs of the working holiday visa program in the UK. You’ll be on your way to living and working in the UK in no time!

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Key Facts About the UK

Population in the UK is about 68 million. Official language is English. There are 4 countries making up the UK – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The working holiday visa will let you live and work in any one of these countries. Each of the four countries have their own capital city. England – London, Scotland – Edinburgh, Wales – Cardiff and Northern Ireland – Belfast. Currency in the UK is the Pound Sterling GBP.

Is a Working Holiday in the UK for You?

If you are trying to decide why move abroad to the UK, you will be weighing up the pros and cons. There are pros and cons to any move abroad. So why move abroad to the UK? Here’s reasons why or why not a move to the UK could be for you.

Pros and Cons of Moving and Living Abroad in the UK

Pros to moving abroad on a uk working holiday.

• You get to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Not many countries will let you do that.
• As well as the working holiday visa, there is the Ancestry Visa.
• With a Tier 5 Visa or Ancestry Visa, work and travelling around the UK is simple. The transport network is very extensive.
• Use the UK as a base to make money to fund travels through Europe, Scandinavia and beyond. While living and working in the UK many countries, France, Spain and the Netherlands are a quick plane ride away.  
• Meet new people.
• Experience a different culture.

Cons to Moving Abroad on a UK Working Holiday

• The UK is expensive to live in – but lucky you will be working in the UK to cover the UK cost of living.
• Winter is very cold – if you aren’t use to cold winters the cold weather can be quite a shock. The weather can hover in single Celsius figures (or low 30s Fahrenheit). There can even be snow particularly in the Scottish Highlands where you could work and ski in a Scottish Ski Resort . Summers can be pleasant and this is a great time to explore the UK or travel around Europe .
• You may not know anyone and it can be lonely. Here are some tips to help you meet people and overcome loneliness .
• Life in the UK can be very different. You might find the food bland and not understand long-standing traditions. And find it difficult to settle into life in the UK – but that is part of travelling and moving abroad to live and work in the UK.

What is a Working Holiday Visa?

A working holiday visa is a visa that allows young people aged 18 to 30 years of age (sometimes up to 35 years of age) to live and work in another country. The time allowed to stay on a working holiday is usually 1 year, though some are for 2 or even 3 years. During your time living in the country, you can take work – usually a typical backpacker job – to support yourself during your stay.

What is a UK Working Holiday Visa?

The United Kingdoms’s working holiday program is kwon as the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS). It lets you work and travel in the UK for up to two years. It is a cultural exchange visa that exists between the UK and a number of countries.

Which Countries have a Reciprocal UK Working Holiday Visa Scheme?

The UK has reciprocal working holiday visa arrangements with a number of countries. The working holiday visa is no longer known as this, it is the Youth Mobility Scheme. The countries participating are:

• New Zealand
• South Korea

Overview of the Youth Mobility Scheme

The two most popular visas that allow you to extend your stay in the UK are the  UK Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa  (formerly known as the working holiday maker visa) and the  UK Ancestry Visa .

UK Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The UK Tier 5 Mobility Scheme Visa also known as the UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMNS) allows you to live and work in the UK for two years. To qualify you must:

• be a citizen of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Taiwan or Republic of Korea.
• be between the ages of 18-31 years inclusive.
• have the equivalent of GBP2,530 in a bank account at the time of the application.
• have no major criminal convictions.

UK Ancestry Visa

You can apply for a UK Ancestry Visa if you are a Commonwealth citizen and have a grandparent from the UK (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). Being granted an Ancestry Visa will enable you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. Towards the end of the 5 years, you can either apply to settle in the UK permanently or extend your visa. To be eligible you must:

• prove you are a Commonwealth Citizen
• be aged 17 years or over
• have a grandparent who was born in the UK, or have a grandparent that was born in the Republic of Ireland before 31st March, 1922.
• be both able and planning to work in the UK
• support yourself and your dependents without help from public funds.

The UK Ancestry visa is the visa I was granted for my working holiday in the UK. I stayed for 4 years in the UK on this visa. I based myself in London where I lived, worked and played. And used London as my base to make money to fund my extensive travels through Europe and Scandinavia.

If you do not qualify for the Youth Mobility Visa or the UK Ancestry Visa you might want to consider other visas such as a student visa. At time of writing this the UK was still part of the EU however and EU passport holders can live and work in the UK however, it is uncertain how things will change once the UK has left the EU.

When to Apply for the UK Working Holiday Visa

Is there a best time to apply for a working holiday visa for the UK? In my opinion, any time is a good time to apply. However, you may want to time your arrival for a specific time of year. Once granted your working holiday visa, you have 6 months to enter the UK so you could go travelling before you arrive or head to the UK straight away.

The two years you can stay in the UK begins on entering the UK. Ensure to take full advantage of the 24 months by staying the length of the visa. I say this because, the visa is only ever issued once in your lifetime. So enjoy living and working in the UK for the time you are allowed to.

How to Apply for a UK Working Holiday Visa

The procedure to apply for a UK Working Holiday Visa is as follows:

• Apply online . You will need to apply on-line for your visa. The online application is relatively simple and can take around 30 minutes or so to completed. Before you begin the application ensure you have all the documents on hand that are required to complete the application. These include current passport, birth certificate, intended address in the UK and your bank statement showing you have the equivalent of £2,530.
• During the application you will need to choose where to pick up your BRP (British Residency Permit). I suggest you choose a place that is as close to your initial accommodation as possible.
• Pay Visa Fee: Equivalent of £244 at this time
• Pay Immigration Health Surcharge. Once you’ve completed the online application, you’ll have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £470 per year. The fee will be doubled if you want to stay in the UK for 24 months.  
• Ensure you take a copy or write down your IHS Reference Number.
• Once the online part is done, you will need to book a Biometric appointment. You will need to attend an appointment at your closest British High Commission or Consulate to have your biometric data taken. This is the process where you will have your fingerprints scanned and a digital photo taken. From here, your passport is sent to a visa processing area to be processed. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, but this does depend on how busy they are. It is compulsory to have your visa entered into your passport before you arrive in the UK as you cannot apply for one in the UK. You can choose to either pick up your passport with your visa or have it posted to you.

How Much is a Youth Mobility Visa or Ancestry Visa?

The Youth Mobility Visa currently costs £244 while the UK Ancestry Visa costs £531.

Where Do You Apply for a Working Holiday Visa for the United Kingdom?

Contact your nearest British High Commission or British Consulate General to apply or visit this UK government website .

Best Time To Go On a UK Working Holiday

Working in a bar is a typical working holiday maker travel job

Whatever field you work in at home (teacher, trades, hospitality, accounting, banking and finance, administration, health and medical, etc.) you should be able to find employment in that field in the UK. There are literally hundreds of employment agencies that can help you find work. Some professions such as lawyers, doctors, nurses, physios, pharmacists, etc. require you to register with the peak body in the UK before you can undertake such work. This can involve sitting exams and can be expensive and time consuming, but many do it. If you decide not to, there is still plenty of work in those fields but as assistants. Many on a UK working holiday will do a ‘typical’ working holiday maker job.

Types of Work for Working Holiday Makers to the UK

TIP : Accommodation and work can be hard to find in the UK, lucky, there are plenty of jobs in the UK with accommodation. These are called ‘live-in’ jobs where you will receive accommodation as part of your employment. Popular live-in jobs include working as a nanny or in a pub.

Live-in Barwork : You don’t necessarily need experience to find a job in a pub. Mainly because ‘Guv’nors’ of the establishment are usually happy to show you the ropes. Though experience is good to have. A great thing about finding a live-in pub job is that you will get accommodation, some meals and a wage. Basically it takes care of finding a job and a place to live in the one hit. And that suits many working holiday makers.

Live-in Nanny or Mother’s Help : Securing a live-in nanny or mother’s help job will see you with accommodation and a job in the one go. You don’t necessarily need qualifications to find such work thought having some experience and a love of children will stand you in good stead. Positions range from being a sole-charge nanny where you have sole-charge of the kid/s to being a mother’s help which can involve helping the mother. This could mean light housework, cooking meals, etc. You can find a nanny or mother’s help job through one of the many recruitment agencies or check out  The Lady  magazine.

Scottish Ski Resorts : During winter snow comes to the UK and in particular Scotland. There are 5 ski resorts in Scotland where you could find a position. If you don’t find one in the resort then the local major towns might yield opportunities. In fact Aviemore is often referred to as Aussiemore due to the large number of Aussies who get work there.  Read my blog on working in a Scottish Ski Resort here .

Hostels : Hostels are not only great places to stay but they can also offer employment. You could find yourself greeting guests at reception to cleaning the rooms to working in the kitchen or bar if they have one. The best way to find such a job is to ask at the place you are staying or you could contact places that you find through  Hostelworld .  Read my blog on finding work in a Hostel .

Busking and entertainment :  Busking and street performing can be done pretty much anywhere, though the most popular places to ply your trade include shopping mails, outside or near tourist attractions and public transport stations. You should check with the local council whether or not you are required to have a permit. If you are ever approached by the law you can always plead ignorance.  Read my blog on Busking or Street Performing .

Freelance Travel Writing/Blogging : Many magazines and newspapers rely on freelance contributions to fill their pages. Travel editors in particular are always looking for well-written articles accompanied by photographs. There are many magazines and on-line forums who would be interested in your time in Italy. You may want to start your own blog specifically about some aspect of the UK.  Read my blog on How to Start a Blog . It gives a warts and all overview of starting a blog.

Hospitality and Tourism : Tourism is one of the bigger industries to find work in in the UK. Anyone wishing to work in tourism will stand their best chance at finding work in a hostel and other accommodation, cafes, restaurants and in bars. Though not always paid well, it can be a satisfying job for travellers. Some jobs offer accommodation such as if you find a job in pub – this takes care of finding accommodation and a job in the one go.

WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) : If you would like to experience life working on an organic farm, you could WWOOF your way around the UK. No, no, no, you don’t have to do dog impressions, even though you will find yourself digging in the dirt. WWOOF is an exchange program – in exchange for your willingness to work, you will receive food and lodging. As well as gain first-hand knowledge of agricultural methods and experience your host’s way of life. Check out WWOOF UK for details.

How to Find a Job in the UK

There are a number of ways to find a working holiday job in the UK. These include online job sites, recruitment agencies and applying in person.

Online Job Sites

Many working holiday makers find a job on the internet. There are large sites such as Glassdoor.co.uk and indeed.co.uk where positions are listed daily.

Recruitment Agencies

There are literally hundreds of recruitment agencies in the UK. And there is a recruitment agency for every type of industry. Some of the large ones include: Manpower, Reed , ADECCO and Hays .

Applying in Person

There are jobs to be had that are best found by applying in person, particularly jobs in cafes, restaurants and bars. Simply walk in with your CV and hopefully a job will be found.

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are another option for finding wok in the UK. Sites such as Aussies in London, Kiwis in London and South Africans in London.

What to See and Do in London and the UK

A two-year UK working holiday visa provides you with plenty of time to explore. You will have it in your mind what you might want to see, do and visit while in the UK. From discovering London to hunting for the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland. Or seeing the White Cliffs of Dover to enjoying good ‘craic’ in Ireland. There are plenty of things to experience in the UK either on a London day trip or weekend away or on a 1 month itinerary around the UK .

READ MORE : 5 Day London Itinerary – See the Best Bits

The UK as Your Travel Base

The UK is a great base to work to earn extra money to launch your travels in to Europe, Scandinavia and other countries. There are many well-worn paths that travellers take through Europe to include events such as Running with the Bulls in Pamplona, drinking a stein of beer at the Munich Beerfest and for Australians and New Zealanders being in Gallipolli for ANZAC Day. There are many ways to travel including taking a tour with  Contiki , purchasing a Eurail Pass , purchasing or  r enting a vehicle , getting a bus pass or purchasing a  cheap air ticket . So many options.

Are You Ready to Move Abroad to Live and Work in the UK on a Working Holiday

Living, working and playing in London and the UK is a unique opportunity that most people don’t get the chance to experience, but you have chosen to. There will be challenges and cultural differences but that is part and parcel of moving to another country to live, work and play for an extended stay. So with the visas available, the abundance of work opportunities and the potential to travel around Europe and beyond, London and the UK remain the most popular working holiday destination. Enjoy your working holiday in the UK. For extensive information on how to work and travel the UK get a copy of my ebook Live Work and Play in London and the UK .

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My favourite tools to Travel Live and Work Abroad

🏠 Where Will You Be Sleeping Tonight? – Get a bed in a hostel dorm through   HostelWorld or for a hotel room check out Booking.com . Get free accommodation house and pet sitting through Trusted Housesitters – this has saved me thousands on accommodation, no joke!

✈️ Need a cheap and flexible airfare – head to Skyscanner .

 🚙 Car Rental – search and compare vehicles at DiscoverCars .

 🚆  Train Travel: I love riding the rails. For a rail pass in Europe head to Raileurope . And Japan has a great one too –  JapanRail Pass .

🚌 Travelling by bus is often the cheapest way to travel. Compare and get a ticket or a pass at Busbud .

🏃🏻‍♀️ Jump-the-queue entrance tickets and day tours: I book these through GetYourGuide .

 🌏   How to pick a country to live and work abroad in? Check out my Working Holiday Visa Country Guides and Digital Nomad Visa Country Guides to see where you can live work play travel abroad.

 🚑 Should you buy travel insurance? Absolutely Yes! SafetyWing is great digital nomads and long-term travellers and World Normads has policies for general and adventure travel.

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Sharyn McCullum – Travel Writer / Blogger, Remote On-line Worker, sometime Digital Nomad and Travel, Live and Work Abroad Expert. Is a chocoholic, coffee connoisseur and lover of ’80s music. Been travelling all her life thanks to her dad who worked for an airline. Lived in London 4 years on a working holiday. Has holidayed in Hawaii over 15 times and currently calls Melbourne, Australia home. Is inspiring others to live work play travel around the world with this blog. Read more about Sharyn here.

14 Comments

Great info, I’m always curious how this works for other countries. I think working abroad at least once is a great thing for everyone to do. I did it, and loved it, you learn so much

Yes. I agree Emma. You learn so much when you go on a working holiday to another country.

Great post! I lived and worked in the UK almost 20 years ago, it was a great experience. So much to do in London!!

Thank you. And I agree living, working and playing in the UK is a great experience. And most set up in London where there is so much to do.

Love how detailed and informative this post was! It answered every question I had, thank you so much!

My aim with the post was to provide details and info so people can hit the ground running when they arrive in the UK on their working holiday. Seems like I achieved it! Thanks for saying.

Really helpful tips! The UK is such a great jumping point to explore the rest of Europe, too!

Absolutely, this is why so many go on a UK working holiday.

I have several friends that did this. It is such a good way to see the UK and enjoy life there for a couple of years.

One of my Kiwi friends lived in London, then fell in love with an Aussie. She crossed half the world to meet someone from her neighboring country! 🙂

I’ve had a few friends from (from Canada) to the UK and they’ve all had such an amazing experience! Maybe one day I’ll follow in their footsteps…

Such a great way to experience another country. Working on a UK visa throughout the EU nowadays isn’t so easy anymore sadly due to Brexit.

This is so informative! We travel fulltime, currently RVing the US, but are looking at abroad options for the future. Thanks for the info!

Great article! And, yes, I agree, the long-standing traditions of a country are sometimes difficult to understand. But, that is where the fun is.

Such a great post! I’m currently working on my plan to move abroad. This is so helpful!

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Live Work Play UK

5 experiences in one pack.

How does the Live Work Play UK Pack work?

Are you itching to travel and explore the UK & Europe? With a two-year work visa and income security, you can travel with confidence and peace of mind. Our program offers five different scenarios to keep you afloat, no matter what your plans may be. From top-paying London city jobs to live-in bar jobs and even castles in Scotland, we've got it all.

If you're planning on making London your home base, check out our Jumpstart London setup. We've got a great deal on housing, with a 15% discount on rent for stays of 12 weeks+. Live in central London Zone 1 for £130/wk incl. food. Great value compared to other rentals in London.

For those of you who want the nightlife of London, we have five huge bars with live in on-site housing. On the other side of the spectrum, we also have nine houses shared in Fullam reserved for semi-professionals with long-term job contracts. We have every base covered!

Jumpstart London

• Pre-departure job guarantee
• Travel flexible accommodation
• Travel friendly job
• UK Live Work Play essentials pack
• Tour Discounts

LIVE-IN PUB JOB UK

• Live-In Pub job in London or UK
• On site live-in accommodation
• Big Staff discounts

Adventure Camps

• Job offer in UK Adventure Camp
• On-site staff housing
• 3 month commitment
• Stoke Festival Pass

Live in Hotel UK

• Job in castle style hotel - UK
• Staff Accommodation
• 6 month commitment

Jumpstart Scotland

• Job in Scottish hotels & bars
• 4-6 month commitment
• Staff discounts

UK Youth mobility visa

• UK work visa guarantee
• Money back guarantee
• National insurance number
• UK bank account
• Pub Crawl & London Tour

How does the Live Work Play UK pack work?

Whats included in the UK Essentials Pack?

Everyone needs this essentials pack to get started in London! Once you arrive, we have an orientation day where you can access all your legal goodies - If you can’t make it, they can be sent to you online.

• National Insurance number
• UK SIM card
• Ongoing support in the UK
• Available to use 24 months
• Access to closed Facebook groups
• Discounted hostel stays
• Discounted Bogan Bingo events
• London Pub Crawl
• London Walking Tour
• Contiki & TWHC events at Belushi's
• Discounts on Contiki + Stoke Travel trips
• Meet & greet drinks
• A room in Notthinghill or Victoria

UK Youth Mobility Visa Eligibility

Aged 18 -35 years

From January 2024 age criteria will change from 30 years to 35 years

Hold a passport from an eligible, partnered country

(Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, or Taiwan)

No criminal convictions

Have not had any criminal convictions in the last 12 months

Have No Dependants

(children or other) under the age of 18

Proof of Funds

Have access to the equivalent of £2530GBP (i.e. in your bank account for at least 28 days)

No previous UK Visa

Must not have taken part in the Youth Mobility Scheme or travelled on a UK Working Holiday Visa

What country are you in?

We have dedicated support teams for each country. Please select the country you are applying from.

Frequently asked questions

General faq, why are their five different options.

As a traveller, you can select from our live, work, and play options according to your current circumstances. We offer various choices, including live-in accommodations and outdoor adventure work placements, to cater to your needs. Regardless of your situation, choose an option that will help you solve your new challenge.

What is the essentials pack?

The essentials pack includes everything you need to legally live and work in the UK. From the collection of your biometrics card, registration for your Right to work & suitable to rent share codes, Application for your national insurance number, as well as your UK bank account, is taken care of with the essentials pack. The essentials pack activation is a group activity the working Holiday Club offers as part of our weekly orientation session on Tuesdays. I require all participants on the live reply package to start the program in London so that the essentials can be activated.

What is the visa guarantee pack?

Takes the stress away and assist with your UK Youth Mobility Visa application. We will ensure your application is 100% correct and complete before submission.

• Complete and lodge the official UK Youth Mobility Visa application on your behalf
• Create a personalised supporting documents checklist tailored to your specific circumstances
• Provide you with expert advice on your Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) and book your appointment at a time and location that suits you
• You will have direct contact with our team of Visa Experts for advice and support throughout the entire process - whenever you need it
• If there are delays, we can follow up on your application directly with our contacts at the UKVI office

Why do I have to start in London?

All participants start with a Jumpstart London, your first job guarantee and housing guarantee is offered in London. A minimum of two weeks commitment is required before a change of program and location can be made. All participants require to be in London for 10 days to collect a biometrics cards activate the essentials needed to live and work legally in the UK. If you want to change locations to one of our live in options, then I'll support team will activate those for you. Our live in hotels, live on Scotland and Beds & Bars jobs are offered based on interview outcome

Can I apply for Adventure Resorts pre departure?

Yes, our adventure resort program can be selected as you're starting program. The employer offers pre departure placement guarantees for the camps. However you must start in London first to activate your essentials pack, there you can go to your camp to start your training

Can I apply to Beds & Bars pre departure?

Our beds & bar group offers placements in London and across the UK, however vacancies for a specific location can only be offered 1 to 2 weeks prior to the required start date. It is better to apply for beds and bars from within London.

Can I apply to Jumpstart Scotland pre departure?

Depending on your arrival dates, some applicants can start with Scotland if their arrival dates coincide with the pre season intake. Our Scottish partners higher for winter season and summer seasons.

Summer season is from April to September, and winter season from October to February. If you are arriving in the UK, ready to commence work in April for the full season, then we will submit your application for a starting program. You will still need to start in London to activate your essentials pack.

Can I apply to Live In Hotels pre departure?

Yes, I but only for Guernsey and Channel islands Locations. You must be available to start in April/May and work for the full season. Mainland locations vacancies are for immediate start only, you must already be in the UK to qualify for an application.

Application Process

What happens during a consultation call.

Our consultation team will provide a comprehensive overview of the five options available in our program for living, working and playing. We will guide you through getting started and inform you about what is available upon your arrival in the UK. All applicants must begin their journey in London. Hence the London program will be activated first. Before signing up, our consultants will request your estimated arrival date to provide you with a list of guaranteed arrival dates and accommodation options.

Getting started with the Jumpstart London?

We start you off in London so that you receive a job offer and a room guarantee prior to departure. Most other placements are offered based on experience and availability, therefor a pre departure guarantee cannot be provided. The job & room guarantees are valid for the duration of your visa.

• After two weeks you can request program change,
• After two weeks request a room change, such as moving into a shared house, changing buildings, or swapping roommates.
• In your first week you can request a jobs change, as part of the orientation sessions, where your life essentials are activated, a list of additional job opportunities is presented to the group; you can apply for them instead.
• Your original job guarantee spot will remain intact; your availability status will simply be changed to unavailable.

Do I get to see my room options first?

Before beginning our live work play UK program, we will provide you with information regarding the style of your room and its availability for specific arrival dates. This will help you understand the type of accommodation offered by the program. During our consultation call, you can express your preferences and provide us with your arrival dates. Based on this, we will respond with the available options.

Do I get to pick my job guarantee options?

We will let you know the available job type based on your estimated arrival date and level of commitment you would would prefer when you first arrive. You can pick one form our job guarantee list

• Indoor events & hospitality
• Outdoor event crewing
• General labouring

What is the activation payment?

• To start the live work play UK program $399 deposit payment is payable
• Payment in full is due within 30 days of deposit payment. However, we understand that some may need payment plans, which can be made available upon request.
• To secure your room for your arrival dates is £200 holding deposit is required.

What do I get once I have paid?

• Room booking forms
• Job application pack
• Visa activation pack
• UK bank account activation
• UK Sim card shipping form
• Closed Facebook group invite

Confirmations for me?

Pre-departure, you will receive a welcome pack containing all the necessary information about your room, lease types, and the agreed move-in date and rental rate. You will also receive a welcome email from your new employer confirming your job position and pay. This email will also specify your start and training dates and any uniform requirements.

Can I change programs?

If you would like to apply for any of the other live-in programs we have on offer complete, I change my program form. We will submit a new application on your behalf. Interview request will be based on your experience, available start date and your commitment period.

Can I change jobs?

If you would like to apply for any of the other jobs in London, complete, I change my job form. Request to interview will be based on your experience, their availability for the dates you provide for work to start.

Can I change rooms?

If you would like to view any other rooms we have in London, complete, I change my room form. During the application process for the Jumpstart London you will have the option to select “place me on the waiting list” for shared rooms. You can also see all new rooms and available dates on the closed Facebook group.

UK Working Visa

What is the age limit.

18-30 years of age (at time of application)

Jan 2024 increased to 35

What passport do I need?

Hold a valid Australian, New Zealand or Canadian passport

About criminal convictions?

No criminal convictions in the last twelve months

When must I arrive?

Be planning to arrive in the UK in the next 6 months

Lastest date to apply?

Latest date to start the application is six weeks before departure (fast track options available in some cases for 3-4 week applications)

Collecting my biometric card?

You will require 10 working days in the UK to collected Biometric Card

UK work visa processing time?

Processing time 4-6 weeks

Proof of funds?

• Proof of funds £2530 available (these funds need to have been in your account for at least 28 days consecutively at the time of application)

Cost of working holiday

Our program fee.

For $1499 you get

• Five work & play option
• One essentials pack
• Visa guarantee service

If you pay to program fee on full you will receive a $200 discount. You did not require a Visa service you'll receive a further $200 discount

Work Visa fees?

• Application Fee (British High Commission Cost) is £298.00
• Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (British High Commission Cost) is £940.00

Room holding deposit London?

£200 too secure your room in London

Why is the starting accommodation city rooms?

Shared housing in London is super competitive and limited. Data from spareroom.com shows in 2022, there were 8000 requests for a room in a shared house, and only 2000 rooms were available.

City rooms have short two weeks notice period and a small holding deposit, compared to the average rooms now asking for a six-twelve months commitment and two months rent upfront.

Start with a flexible option and move into a room that fits your budget when you see it.

Why take a program?

We are able to provide work and accommodation suitable for a traveller. Everything is organised before you leave, making your transition stress free. When you get back form travel your job & rooms request are prioritised. Start earning immediately upon arrival and save your funds for travel. Share rooms with other travellers on the programs and save on rent.

Why go with us?

We have exclusive access to Zone 1 accommodation in London, at a subsidised rate. Have have exclusive access to number of shared houses in London, rented by other participants.

Our programs include live in, live out, county wide and Scotland locations. We have weekly meet & greet events in London so you can meet other travellers who have arrived at the same time as you. We also have weekly pub crawls so you can start your social circle straight away.

Transparency, we provide pre approval for jobs & rooms types before you sign up, no surprises.

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@josh_hartmann_56, amazing service, 100% worth it.

I have used TWHC twice now, firstly 3 years ago to go to Canada and again now for the UK. I could not recommend this company enough! They have been a tremendous help and taken away all of the stress.

Eden Williams

@edenmonica.w.

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Work exchange and Volunteer programs in the United Kingdom: Hostels, Home stays, NGOs, Farms, Eco villages and more

218 opportunities found

Hospitality Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

Come help our Christian Charity in the UK!

Homestay Somerset, United Kingdom

Help us with our cottage garden, veg beds & mini orchard

• Higher approval

Homestay Urquhart, United Kingdom

Stay in a rural Scottish Church & help us in our garden/woodland

A day in the life of a worldpacker.

Painting murals in the desert of Jordan 🐪

Volunteering at a farm in France 🌱

My experience being a filmmaker in Bali 📽️​

Another day volunteering at a sea turtle conservation camp in Costa Rica 🌺

Guest House Highland, United Kingdom

Help me in my B&B and enjoy the Highlands!

Homestay Belton, United Kingdom

General help with horses, house and garden maintenance

Homestay ISLE OF COLL, United Kingdom

Experience life on a Hebridean island, apiaries & new build tasks

Homestay Tarbert, United Kingdom

Come and have a GREAT TIME in an Artist's Retreat :)

Homestay Aberlour, United Kingdom

A wee slice of Scottish paradise in Moray Speyside!

Homestay Norfolk, United Kingdom

English Homestay | garden/house work | A very special experience

• High demand

Holistic Center Churchstaton, United Kingdom

Help with our nature-based, off-grid healing retreat on the Black

• Sustainable project

Farm Argyll and Bute Council, United Kingdom

Give us a hand in our farm on Scottish Island!

Experience life on a Hebridean Island, indoor painting

Homestay Farnham, United Kingdom

Experience a beautiful English Spring Surrounded by Nature!

Farm Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom

Help preparing the garden for spring

Homestay Oban, United Kingdom

Looking for honest healthy hardworking humans who want to help

Guest House Oxford, United Kingdom

Give us a hand in our guesthouse in Oxford

Join the community.

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Wondering if Volunteer Abroad in the United Kingdom is for you?

The United Kingdom doesn’t have a definite style common to all countries that are part of it. Which makes it a great destination for a backpacking or work exchange trip. It’s easy to travel around the UK by bus, train or renting a car, much like their neighboring countries in Europe. No one can deny the weather is a little harsh, but there’s so much to see that you won’t even notice if the sky’s a little cloudy 

If you like pop culture, a lot of typical English stuff will leave you open-mouthed when you volunteer abroad in the United Kingdom, like the insane amount of Beatles-related attractions. Go to England if you are a fan of famous works like Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who, or if you’re one of those people that think they’re the only ones who get Monty Python! Jokes aside, a trip to the UK is certainly a cultural trip. Besides England, the UK also comprises work exchange opportunities in Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales. These countries are most known for their landscapes, rugged coastline, mountains, national parks, and each one has something unique, like the Welsh language or Celtic culture. In the capital of Wales, Cardiff you’ll experience a coastal city with a lively nightlife and a medieval castle! If you like to see lakes, hike and enjoy nature, but don't care much about the weather- you've found your spot.

Why you should do volunteer work in the United Kingdom

There’s always a reason to do a solo travel in europe  and the UK is a great way to start. If you’re looking for college cities with people coming and going all the time, try to work in exchange for housing in Oxford, Cardiff or Edinburgh. Larger cities with universities and famous attractions have a huge flow of international students and tourists. They’re great for volunteer opportunities like working in a hostel, school or a cafe. And they’re perfect if English isn’t your native language and you want to get immersed in the culture that came up with it .

To volunteer abroad in the United kingdom you can visit major cities like London, Birmingham or Manchester, but you can also venture into smaller cities. Life in the countryside of England, for example, is also very enjoyable if you want to use your trip to relax and get away from a busy routine. And they’ve got some great places to visit near London too. For example, you can get a train from London to Salisbury and then bike from Salisbury to Stonehenge (18km) to have what might be one of the coolest days of your life.

Best cities to get free accommodation in exchange for volunteer work in the United Kingdom

When you picture work and travel in the United Kingdom, probably the first thing that comes to mind is being a volunteer in London . The capital of England is famous for landmarks like the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Big Ben and many others. Living in London is definitely worth it. Hostel work is also available in the capital of Ireland. Just remember when traveling in Ireland - the country famous for the Giant’s causeway, Saint Patrick's Day and Guinness - that it's not part of the UK. Ireland has been a member of the European Union since 1973. You can still go there, just the visa requirements will be different from other countries in the UK.

Big cities like London and Dublin are great. However volunteer jobs are varied, and you can go further. For example, you can give farming a try over the Scotish Highlands, or use our filters to check out some Worldpackers eco hosts in ecovillages , farms and others . Other options are  volunteer in Belfast , volunteer in Liverpool and volunteer in West Sussex .

Costs and Visa: How Can You Volunteer in the United Kingdom

Now we know the UK is the union of 4 countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Besides being one of the most popular destinations in the world, the UK is not the cheapest. The currency is the Pound Sterling (£). Even with such a strong currency, it's completely possible to travel to the UK on a budget. You can be a volunteer in the UK using Worldpackers and get free accommodation in exchange for work. In addition, most big cities have free museums, galleries and other attractions, so you can prioritize free options and still have a wonderful time. We’re not done yet: you can also save with free breakfast and other benefits our hosts offer to Worldpackers travelers.

Depending on what country you’re from, you’ll need a visa to enter the UK. Countries which need a UK visa are: Non-EEA citizens, Non-Swiss citizens, Non-Commonwealth citizens, and holders of unrecognized passports by the UK. The first step is to check the requirements on their government website.

How volunteering experience in United Kingdom can change your life

Volunteering in the UK with accommodation is a great way to start a trip in a safe environment. You’ll be welcomed by a host, have a place to sleep and food. A short work exchange trip could be the first “taste” of what could turn into a global work and travel experience . A lot of full-time travelers started their life-changing journeys with a single weekend trip. All you need is that first step.

No matter how long you wanna stay on the road, many people dream of taking a trip to discover themselves, but don't know where to start. Many think it’s impossible to afford such a trip and for some it actually is. Getting free accommodation in exchange for work is an awesome way to save money while traveling . Become a member and we’ll help you out 

How do Worldpackers trips work?

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

Work and Travel in England

England quick-info, großbritannien ist trotz brexit so beliebt wie eh und je.

Work and Travel in England bietet dir die Möglichkeit, für einige Wochen oder Monate in London oder einer anderen englischen Stadt zu leben. Indem du vor Ort wohnst und arbeitest, erlebst du England, seine Kultur und die Menschen aus nächster Nähe . Das Leben in den großen Städten wie London, mit seiner Mischung aus multikulturellem Lifestyle und viel Tradition , wird dich begeistern. Oder möchtest du bei Work and Travel England lieber das englische Landleben und die typischen grünen Landschaften mit den alten Pubs und Burgen kennenlernen? Auch das ist möglich! Mit Work and Travel kannst du England nach deinen eigenen Wünschen intensiv kennenlernen und gleichzeitig wichtige „Work Experience“ sammeln .

• Warum ist England perfekt für Work and Travel?
• Voraussetzungen für Work & Travel in England ?
• Kosten & Finanzen – Was kostet Work & Travel

Die wichtigsten Planungsschritte

• Erfahrungsberichte
• Arbeiten & Jobsuche in England
• Work & Travel Programme in England

Warum England perfekt für Work and Travel ist

Wichtige Voraussetzungen für Work & Travel in England

Für Work and Travel in England gibt es einige Voraussetzungen, die vor allem davon abhängen, was für eine Auslandszeit du genau planst. Aufgrund des Brexit brauchst du seit 2020 auch ein Visum bzw. eine Arbeitserlaubnis. Es gibt einige weitere  Anforderungen, die von Programmen oder Praktikumsstellen unterschiedlich festgelegt  werden.

Folgende Voraussetzungen musst du für Working Holidays in England erfüllen

Was kostet work and travel in england.

Wenn du Work and Travel in England machen möchtest solltest du dir im Klaren darüber sein, dass die Lebenshaltungskosten in England und speziell in London sehr hoch sind . Neben den sehr hohen Mieten (in England leben die meisten junge Leute deshalb in WGs) sind auch Lebensmittel und Freizeitaktivitäten deutlich teurer als bei uns. Dementsprechend kann es auch mal vorkommen, dass du mit deinem Job nicht genug verdienst, um den Lebensunterhalt zu bestreiten und noch Geld für die Freizeit übrig zu behalten. Aus diesem Grund solltest du unbedingt über ein finanzielles Polster verfügen, wenn du für Work and Travel nach England gehst. Grundsätzlich hängen die Kosten für die Lebenshaltung natürlich stark vom individuellen Lebensstandard ab.

Mach dir keine Sorgen und hol dir zusätzliche Unterstützung bei deiner Planung

Die orga-app, e-mail tutorial, work & travel erfahrungsberichte aus england.

Über die letzten Jahre waren wir immer wieder mit  Bloggern, Vloggern  und vielen  Work and Travellern  in Kontakt und haben diese nach ihren  Eindrücken und Erlebnissen  aus dem United Kingdom gefragt. Die beeindruckenden und inspirierenden Erfahrungsberichte aus England findest du im Anschluss.

Unsere Top-Tipps für Jobsuche und Arbeiten

Darauf musst du dich einstellen.

Je nach Job solltest du davon ausgehen, bei einer Vollzeitbeschäftigung zwischen 35 und 40 Stunden in der Woche zu arbeiten, und bei einer T eilzeitbeschäftigung  zwischen 15 und 20 Stunden . Urlaubstage musst du mit dem jeweiligen Arbeitgeber absprechen

Das steht dir zu

Der Mindest-Stundenlohn (National Minimum Wage) für Work and Travel Jobs liegt in der Regel mindestens bei knapp 5 Pfund (und bei ca. 6 Pfund wenn du über 22 Jahre alt bist). Wichtig: In England musst du ca. 20 bis 25 Prozent Steuern und Sozialversicherungsabgaben zahlen, kannst die Steuern aber zu einem großen Teil nach dem Work and Travel wieder zurückfordern.

Was du wissen solltest

In England bist du über den sogenannten „National Health Service“ versichert. Allerdings stellt dieser nur eine absolute Grundversorgung dar, und es kann unter Umständen zu einer hohen Eigenbeteiligung kommen. Aus diesem Grund solltest du auf jeden Fall frühzeitig mit deiner Krankenversicherung sprechen und ggf. eine zusätzliche Auslandskrankenversicherung abschließen.

Hilfe bei der Jobsuche

Work and Travel England – der Begriff kommt nicht von ungefähr, und an dieser Stelle soll es um das „Work“, also um die Arbeit gehen. Jobs gibt es für „Work and Traveller“ vor allem in den Bereichen  Hotellerie und Gastronomie  (Hotels, Pensionen, Pubs, Restaurants, Cafés) sowie im  Catering . Darüber hinaus kannst du z.B. auch im  Einzelhandel  arbeiten oder einen  Bürojob  übernehmen. Welche Jobs du bekommst, ist auch stark von deinen Sprachkenntnissen und Vorkenntnissen abhängig. Wenn du Work and Travel England selbst organisierst, musst du dir selber einen Job suchen.  Wenn du ein Programm buchst, bekommst du dabei mindestens Unterstützung, häufig aber auch Jobs vermittelt . Viele der Programme beschränken sich dabei von vornherein auf einen Job-Bereich, meistens ist das der Bereich Hotel und/oder Gastronomie.

Mit oder ohne Organisation nach England gehen?

Dass England EU-Mitglied ist, macht einiges in der Planung leichter als bei anderen Work and Travel Ländern. Das bedeutet, dass du eine Auslandszeit grundsätzlich sehr gut selbst organisieren kannst – ohne die Hilfe einer Organisation oder eines Veranstalters wie  TravelWorks, Stepin, Praktikawelten oder AIFS . Dennoch stellen solche Organisationen auch beim Work and Travel in England eine wesentliche Hilfe und einen wichtigen Ansprechpartner dar. Sie beinhalten meist die Organisation des Aufenthalts inklusive Flug und oft auch Unterkunft. Auch sind die Programme in der Regel mit  Sprach- und Vorbereitungskursen  kombiniert, und man hilft dir bei der Jobsuche (teilweise gibt es auch eine Job-Garantie, vorrangig in Gastronomie bzw. Hotellerie).

Dagegen ist ein selbst organisiertes Work and Travel günstiger und flexibler, auch wenn es einen höheren Aufwand bedeutet.

Diese Möglichkeiten hast du

Ebenfalls zu Working Holidays gehört natürlich auch ein Auslandspraktikum in England. Wenn du vor allem  für dein Curriculum Vitae bzw. für deine berufliche Karriere  (erste) Berufserfahrungen in England erwerben willst, führt natürlich kaum ein Weg an einem Auslandspraktikum vorbei. Ob in London, „der alten Dame Europas“, oder in ländlicheren Gegenden, England hat viel zu bieten und du kannst in allen erdenklichen Branchen ein Praktikum machen!

Die englische Sprache lernen bzw. vertiefen

Sollten deine Englischkenntnisse nicht sonderlich gut sein, ist das kein großes Problem. Fast alle Veranstalter von Work and Travel England  bieten dir in ihrem Programm-Paket auch einen Sprachkurs an , der direkt nach deiner Ankunft in England oder begleitend zum Jobben stattfindet. Oft sind diese Sprachkurse auch  direkt auf das Jobben ausgerichtet , damit du möglichst schnell einen guten Job bekommst, bei dem du auch gut verdienst. Manchmal ist es auch möglich, in den Sprachkursen ein  Sprachexamen  abzulegen. Wenn du dein Work and Travel England selbst organisieren willst, es aber noch an Englischkenntnissen hapert, dann empfehlen wir dir für die Vorbereitung einen  Online-Sprachkurs .

Auslandsprogramme

Mit diesen Work and Travel-Programm kannst du die britische Lebensart kennenlernen und wirst feststellen, dass England weitaus mehr zu bieten hat als Fish & Chips, 5 o’clock tea oder schwarzen Humor. Alle Infos:

Finde das perfekte Veranstalter-Package für deine Auslandszeit

Du möchtest nicht alles selbst organisieren, sondern dir Unterstützung bei einer Organisation holen? Wir arbeiten mit den führenden Veranstaltern aus Deutschland und der ganzen Welt zusammen. Wähle aus über 100 Programmen das für dich passende Paket:

Der ultimative Auslandsjob-Guide! 🔥

Du suchst einen Job im Ausland? Dann hol dir jetzt den Job-Guide von Auslandszeit. Alle Anleitungen, Kontakte, Tipps & Tricks.

• 80 Seiten Tipps & Tricks
• Step by Step Anleitungen
• Kostenlos nur für kurze Zeit!
• Zusätzlich bekommst du den Onlinekurs "How to Auslandsjob" gratis dazu!

Bereit für deinen Auslandsjob?

Deine auslandsjob-community.

Du hast Lust auf Tipps, Tricks und offenen Austausch rund ums Thema Jobsuche und Arbeiten im Ausland? Dann tritt der offiziellen Facebook-Gruppe bei und werde Teil der Community.

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Travel and work within the Schengen Area: British citizens

16 November 2022

This article considers the rights of British citizens to access the Schengen Area as visitors post-Brexit for leisure, business and work purposes. It highlights some of the compliance and planning issues employers and individuals should be aware of.

What is the difference between the european union and the schengen area.

The European Union (EU) is an international political and economic union of 27 countries which issues common economic, social and security policies. Amongst other rights, EU citizens benefit from free movement of workers including the right to access, reside and work in another member state.

The Schengen Area on the other hand was created to enhance the functioning of the internal market with free movement of people (as apposed to workers) between the participating countries by abolishing internal border control whilst simultaneously strengthening and harmonizing external border control put in place for third country nationals, i.e. citizens of countries outside of the European Economic Area (EEA).

The following countries currently belong to the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The following EU member states are not part of the Schengen Area: Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Croatia.

Are British citizens entitled to access and reside within the Schengen Area?

On 10 April 2019, the EU decided to add the UK to the list of third countries whose citizens can travel visa-free to the Schengen Area, effectively ensuring visa free travel after the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.

In the absence of EU-derived free movement rights, British citizens can access the Schengen Area and reside on the territory of the countries of the Schengen Area for a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period without having to apply for a short-term visa (the so-called ‘Schengen visa’ or ‘visa type C’).

In order to be able to reside longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, a British citizen must apply for a long-term visa (‘visa type D’) or immediately obtain a residence permit in the country where they intend to reside after the 90-day period comes to an end.

How is the 90/180-day rule applied in practice?

In order to be able to access or reside within the Schengen territory without a visa type D or a local residence permit, a British citizen must ensure that their stay on the territory of the Schengen Area never exceeds 90 days in a rolling period of 180 days.

To correctly apply this rule, two factors need to be monitored:

• The duration of Schengen Area stay: each day the British citizen stays in a country belonging to the Schengen Area will count towards the 90 days credit including the day of arrival and the day of departure.
• Timeframe: the maximum credit of 90 days must be observed within a moving period of 180 days, effectively preventing the possibility to reset the credit by leaving the Schengen Area for a short duration.

The European Commission has issued a tool to assist employers and individuals with the calculation of the 90/180 days.

The 90/180-days rule can be applied in different ways including:

• Control (internal audit, border control or inspection services):
• Can a British citizen be refused access to the Schengen Area at a certain date?
• Can a British citizen legally reside within the Schengen Area based on his passport at a certain date?
• Planning (by the individual or global mobility HR):
• Will the British citizen need a visa type D in order to access the Schengen Area at a certain date in the future?
• Will the British citizen need to obtain a residence permit during the envisaged period of stay within the Schengen Area?

The following factors should be taken into consideration:

• Every day spent in a country belonging to the Schengen Area has to be taken into consideration regardless of the reason of the stay (i.e. both business and leisure)
• Every day spent in a country belonging to the Schengen Area has to be taken into consideration regardless of the time of arrival or time of departure (i.e. part days)
• The relevant timeframe to apply the 90 days credit is 180 days which does not always coincide with six months.

Which sanctions can be applied if a person overstays?

If a British citizen does not comply with the 90/180-days rule and has not applied for the required long-term visa and/or residence permits in time, they will be considered an illegal third country national.

In the absence of a common policy on penalties, sanctions will vary depending on the duration of the overstay, the purpose of the stay and the country establishing the breach. In general, the following sanctions can be applied:

• Criminal or administrative sanctions including fines for the British citizen and/or their employer;
• Deportation and/or temporary re-entry ban; and
• Refusal of future visa requests/work permits.

Are British citizens entitled to work in the Schengen Area?

There is a general misconception that the visa exemption for the Schengen Area also covers the right to work within the Schengen Area. It does not.

British citizens are not automatically entitled to work in the Schengen Area based on their passport. The visa exemption is exclusively related to the right to access the Schengen Area and the right to reside within the Schengen Area.

The right to work will have to be verified based on the applicable legal framework in each jurisdiction.

Although the Trade and Cooperation Agreement concluded between the EU and the UK provides for a limited number of work permit exemptions for short-term business visitors, local access to the labour market in each Schengen Area member country should always be verified, taking into account the circumstances and nature of the activities.

What should we do to ensure compliance with the applicable legal framework from an employer point of view?

As soon as a British citizen is required to perform work within the Schengen Area, either under an employer-driven temporary cross-border assignment or an employee-driven temporary agile work arrangement, a screening and verification process should be initiated.

Firstly, the Schengen Calculator should be used as a ‘planning tool’ to verify the residence-related requirements (i.e. British passport with at least three months’ validity beyond the end of the proposed visit, visa type D or local residence permit).

Because both business and personal travel must be taken into account, an employer may have a legitimate reason to monitor an employee’s recent and proposed travel to the Schengen Area for both purposes. Failure to correctly monitor all travel to the Schengen Area may disrupt necessary business travel and/or may lead to potential liabilities to the employer for overstay. This can be a serious issue for an employer, particularly if the employee is senior or required to travel for business-critical reasons. From a data protection perspective, employers should ensure they are transparent about the proposed monitoring by clearly explaining the extent and reasons for the monitoring.

In addition, any work-related requirements should be assessed (i.e. exemption or authorisation to work) to enable the envisaged activities to go ahead within the different countries of the Schengen Area.

The timing and scope of business or work-related activities can be significantly impacted if additional residence- and/or work-related requirements are identified late in the travel planning process. To avoid delays or other logistical issues, it is therefore recommended to start this screening and verification process as early as possible.

Do similar rules apply to visitors to the UK?

The UK is not part of the Schengen area. Visitors to the UK are ordinarily given permission to enter the UK for six months at a time. Although there is no defined rule on how many days a person can be present in the UK over a specific period of time, visitors are not allowed to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

The UK also operates its own rules on what activities are allowed for visitors and these are not the same as for rules for visitors to the Schengen Zone. With limited, defined exceptions, business visitors are not allowed to work in the UK, nor are they allowed to receive payment from a UK source for their activities.

If you have any specific queries about travel and work within the Schengen Area, please get in touch with a member of our Immigration Team .

Related items

Related services.

• Immigration
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Work and travel in the United Kingdom

Choose another destination

Global travel advisory

For all essential travel, check travel advisories and requirements before you leave Canada.

Follow all additional local public health measures while travelling.

Stay informed when you  return to Canada .

How to apply

Who can apply.

To work in the United Kingdom (UK) under the Youth Mobility Scheme, you must:

• be a Canadian citizen
• be 18-35 years old (inclusive)
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Other requirements may apply. Check  the UK website  for more details.

What type of work visa do I need?

You need to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

With this visa, you can change jobs and work most job types during your stay.

Learn more about what you can and can’t do with this visa, including what jobs you can’t hold, by checking the UK website .

Do I need a formal job or internship offer?

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How long can I stay and work?

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• currently live in the UK
• have a valid Youth Mobility Scheme visa

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EU proposes youth mobility agreement with UK to help youngsters travel, work and live in both areas

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses a media conference at the conclusion of an EU Summit in Brussels, Friday, March 22, 2024. European Union leaders on Friday discussed plans to boost investment and the economy. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

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BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Commission proposed Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.'s departure from the EU four years ago.

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K. Under the agreement proposed by the EU’s executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees. Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the U.K. The Commission says these vary between 11,400 and 38,000 pounds ($14,200-$47,300) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don’t have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK.

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The U.K. has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

Follow AP’s coverage of Brexit at https://apnews.com/hub/brexit

How to Use Your American (or other) Phone in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

Whether you’re needing to download some directions via Google Maps, call to make a reservation for afternoon tea in London , or use data to make a Whatsapp call back home, figuring out how to use your American (or other country’s) phone work in the UK is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to planning a trip to the UK or Europe or figuring out how to move to the UK from America .

There are a few different options on using a US cellphone in the UK based on your circumstances and how many days you’re spending in London , so in this post I’ll walk you through some of the most popular methods to help you make the right one for you and your family.

If you don’t want to scroll all the way through and just want to know exactly what provider and plan I recommend, click here or see the chart below.

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How to Use Your American Phone in the UK if Your Phone is Not Unlocked

The first thing you need to do to answer the question, “Can I use my US phone in the UK?” or “Will my phone work in the UK?” is find out whether or not your phone is “unlocked.”

The easiest way to do this if you don’t know it already is to to either call up your provider and ask, or try switching SIM cards with a friend or family member who is on a different network in your own country.

If their SIM card works in your phone and it is not the same network you use, then it’s probably unlocked and your phone can work in England.

If your phone is locked with no way of unlocking it, you need to either stick with the first option I’ll talk about in a minute or enter discussions with your provider on how to unlock it or look up one of the probably sketchy guides online on how to do so.

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

Option 1 for using a US Phone in the UK: Use Your Provider’s International Plan

The first option for using US phone in the UK is to purchase your existing provider’s international plan for the amount of time you’re going to be traveling.

This is a great option for people who don’t want any hassle besides dealing with their existing American company and are willing to pay what it takes to get international coverage, but you need to be very careful about researching what the international plan provides and ensure you will be able to use data in the UK as well (most of the need for international coverage isn’t making texts and calls – it’s using apps like Citymapper and looking up information as you go!)

This can be very pricey, depending on your provider and how long you’re going for, and if you plan to be a study abroad student or have people in the UK be able to call you or call you back, this isn’t the best option as people in the UK aren’t going to want to spend more to call an American or foreign number (or may not even be able to based on their plan).

How to Use Your Unlocked American Phone in the UK

Option 2: use your existing us phone and put in a uk sim card.

Let’s assume your US phone is unlocked and you have checked that you are able to put in SIM cards on other networks (ie, the answer to “will a UK SIM card work in a US phone” for your phone is, yes!)

The next thing you need to double check on when asking yourself, “will my US phone work in the UK?” is whether it is technically compatible with UK networks.

The vast majority of smartphones now are considered “world phones” and will be, but for a quick test, use this site which will let you choose your Make and Model of phone and choose “3” (Three) for the carrier.

Okay, so you’re good good to go – your American phone will work in the UK and be able to pick up some form of data or 3G. What next?

Phone and data plans in the UK are incredibly cheap, so by taking out your American Sim card and keeping it safe and then replacing it with a UK Sim card while in the UK, you’re going to have all of the functionality of your phone, just on a different network.

You’ll also be able to then text and call UK numbers, use your data for apps and directions and more.

This option does not allow you to use your phone function to call or text American numbers, usually, BUT – if you have an iPhone, you can iMessage anyone else with an iPhone in the world using your data and it won’t cost them anything extra (or you can do it over WiFi).

You can also use your data to make calls and texts via Whatsapp, so really there is no need to be able to use your phone function to call people in the US during your trip because you have other ways of reaching them.

Which Provider Should I Use in the UK? How to Use US Phone in the UK

You’ll get a million different answers from people who have good experiences with many UK providers including Three, Vodaphone, Orange, O2 and more, but my favorite and the one I have consistently used for almost five years is Three.

I do not recommend GiffGaff because of the inability to get your problem fixed in a store if you do encounter any issues.

To get a Three Sim Card, you can either purchase it ahead of time on Amazon by clicking here , get one from one of the Sim card vending machines at major airports, or pop by any Three store while in the UK (and they are numerous).

If you do have time, I recommend this option via Amazon which lasts for 30 days, has unlimited data (necessary for navigating via Google maps and using other apps), and unlimited calls and texts in the UK and across dozens of European countries if your travels will take you further.

You can also purchase other plans that have less data for less money like this one.

Option 3 for Using Phone in the UK: Get a New “Travel” Phone and Put in a UK SIM Card

Let’s say that the first two options don’t work for you for various reasons, but you still want the capacity to call and text (and use data, depending on the phone) within the UK OR you want other members of your family to be able to call and text you within the UK but don’t want to go through the process of getting their American phones adjusted and set up for it.

In that case, you can purchase a cheap phone when you get to the UK from a place like Curry’s or Carphone Warehouse and then plug in a cheap Pay as You Go Sim Card option into it (Three does these as well – for instance, you “top up” ten pounds and then don’t add more unless you need it).

There are cheap phone options for about £10 that will work as a “throwaway” phone so you can use it to do simple calls and texts for safety or emergency reasons and won’t worry about it breaking the bank.

Will My US iPhone Work in the UK?

The brand of the phone doesn’t matter as much as whether or not your phone is “unlocked” and able to accept other SIM cards.

Typically, you will have no problems using a US iPhone in the UK if it is unlocked.

Will my US Samsung Phone Work in the UK?

Typically, you will have no problems using a Samsung phone in the UK if it is unlocked.

How Do I Dial the UK from the US or the US from the UK?

It’s important to understand how to actually make calls, no matter what scenario you find yourself in.

How to call a UK number from the UK: you will use the format (this is a made up number) “07460 277 965” – you’ll notice that the number will start with “0” and you will need to dial that.

How to call a US number from the UK:  you will use the format “001 407 463 2119” where the American number starts with the “407” and you add “001” in front.

How to call a UK number from the US:  you use the format “011 44 7460 277 965” where “011” is the “exit code” to dial from the US (or you can dial a “+” instead by holding down the 0 key), “44” is the UK country code and “7460 277 965 is the UK number – do not include the 0 directly front of the UK number in this instance.

Can I Keep my American Number when in the UK?

If you’re using the “international plan” option, you will keep your American number while in the UK.

If you are just temporarily using a UK Sim card while in the UK, either in your phone or in another phone, you will have a UK number for the duration of your trip to the UK.

If you are moving to the UK long term and will be cancelling your phone contract back in the US and want to somehow retain your US number (though I would argue there isn’t a point for most people), it is possible to port your old number to a Google Voice account and to set up various call forwarding scenarios.

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

5 thoughts on “How to Use Your American (or other) Phone in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide”

Will same SIM card work in Ireland, Wales & Scotland? Thy

What do you do if your phone uses eSIM technology rather than a physical SIM card?

Say I’m in the UK and have my US phone, what number do UK people use to call me?

Do they use my normal US number e.g. 555-555-5555 or do they still have to add a code at the front?

I want to purchase a phone in the US and send it to a friend in Scotland for him to use there. If I have the key to remove the SIM card will that be considered unlocked?

No – Locked does not mean physically locked but locked-in to the US provider e.g. Verizon. In this example, your Verizon phone will only accept a Verizon SIM card. It would need to be unlocked by Verizon (virtually, using a code) to be able to use a UK or any non-Verizon SIM card

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EU proposes youth mobility agreement with UK to help youngsters travel, work and live in both areas

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The European Commission proposed Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.’s departure from the EU four years ago.

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K. Under the agreement proposed by the EU’s executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees. Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the U.K. The Commission says these vary between 11,400 and 38,000 pounds ($14,200-$47,300) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don’t have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK.

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The U.K. has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

Follow AP’s coverage of Brexit at https://apnews.com/hub/brexit

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EU proposing post-Brexit joint youth work and study scheme with UK

According to the Commission, they do not foresee the scheme allowing UK citizens to travel around the Schengen area unimpeded, but rather the visa would only be valid for a single state.

By Adam Parsons, Europe correspondent, and Tim Baker, political reporter

Friday 19 April 2024 00:21, UK

Young people could be able to move more easily between the UK and Europe and stay longer to work, study and train under proposed plans by the European Union

Under the proposal, which has been put forward by the European Commission, new rules would be drawn up to allow for greater movement between the UK and EU countries for people aged between 18 and 30.

Formal negotiations have not yet begun, and a UK source told Sky News no formal proposal had been put forward by Brussels to begin negotiating on.

The proposal will be further discussed by the European Council, which represents all the nations, before negotiations start in earnest.

Politics latest: Police issues Mark Menzies update

The plans proposed by the EU would allow young people to stay in Europe for periods of four years, with the same rules extended to EU citizens coming to Britain.

It would also mean EU students paying the same fees as British ones. Since Brexit , UK universities have charged much higher fees to European students.

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Announcing the move, the European Commission said it wanted to take an "innovative" approach to tackling the barriers experienced by young people looking to travel from the EU to the UK and vice versa for longer periods.

"The objective would be to facilitate youth exchanges, making it easier for young citizens to travel, work and live in the UK, with reciprocity for young UK nationals in a member state," said the Commission, in a statement.

"The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union has hit young people in the EU and UK who would like to study, work and live abroad particularly hard," claimed Maros Sefcovic, the Commission's vice-president who oversees relations with the UK.

"Our aim is to rebuild human bridges between young Europeans on both sides of the Channel."

This scheme is separate to the 90-day visa-less travel that UK citizens can take advantage of on the continent.

It added: "It is not about conferring to young UK nationals the benefits of the fundamental freedom of movement enjoyed by EU citizens."

However, visas would not be "purpose-bound" and would allow people to work, travel or study.

Read more: UK to rejoin EU Horizon programme through new agreement New Brexit border post could be demolished

Rather than just being a free exchange, the EU also says it wants people taking part in the scheme to be subject to checks with the bloc or the UK able to reject applications - for example if someone was thought to be a threat to public policy, security or health.

The UK government currently has a series of agreements with 13 individual countries - including New Zealand, South Korea, Andorra, Iceland and India, which provide a similar pathway to what the EU is proposing.

The government has said it is open to the idea of extending those agreements with European countries, but has shied away from doing a pan-EU deal and there will be those who fear that an agreement such as this would be the first step towards the UK being drawn into a "freedom of movement" deal.

The EU said it wants a group deal to "ensure that all member states are treated equally in respect of mobility of young people to the UK" - but the current government seems to prefer its current set of agreements.

The Commission has rejected these fears, with sources insisting there is no intention of either pulling the UK into such a deal, or even offering it.

A Number 10 spokesperson said: "We have spoken about wanting to reduce legal migration and also about wanting to support UK talent and skills and that's why we have a system in place whereby we have a number of agreements with individual EU member states where that works in our interests and we have that rather than a Commission-wide agreement."

Labour denied it had plans for a youth mobility scheme.

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Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, a trade body representing the hospitality sector in the UK, welcomed the move.

She said: "Such an agreement would be a huge success for hospitality and tourism and, practically, it would solve challenges for the live music and events sectors."

Related Topics

EU proposes youth mobility agreement with UK to help youngsters travel, work and live in both areas

The European Commission is proposing to open negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.’s departure from the EU four years ago

BRUSSELS -- The European Commission proposed Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.'s departure from the EU four years ago.

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K. Under the agreement proposed by the EU's executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees. Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the U.K. The Commission says these vary between 11,400 and 38,000 pounds ($14,200-$47,300) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don't have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK.

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The U.K. has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

Follow AP’s coverage of Brexit at https://apnews.com/hub/brexit

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From CNN’s Richard Roth and Michael Rios

A specialized UN committee failed to reach a consensus Thursday on Palestinian membership in the United Nations, according to the president of the UN Security Council.

Two-thirds of the committee members were in favor of moving on with membership, with many countries arguing that “Palestine fulfills all the criteria that are required” to be granted full state member status, Malta's Ambassador and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier said. 

She added that no one explicitly objected to the membership qualifications.

Frazier also said she would circulate a draft report on the deliberations as soon as Friday. If the committee doesn’t agree on the report, it could hold another meeting to iron out any differences.

Asked whether the process of deliberating Palestinian membership in the committee is now over, Frazier said, “Unless the next step of agreeing (to) the report of the committee warrants another meeting to iron out the differences, it’s not foreseen that there would be any further committee action.”

But she noted that any UN Security Council member can still table a resolution to vote on Palestinian membership at any time, regardless of the committee's report.

The US and Middle East brace for a possible Iran attack that could escalate the conflict. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Concerns about a possible Iranian attack against Israel has prompted many diplomatic conversations around the globe.

Here are some developments on diplomacy around the threat of an attack:

• Iran's statement: The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.
• US and UK diplomacy: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to tell them that countries should be urging Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East after  threats made by Tehran against Israel,  according to a State Department spokesperson. The top US general for the Middle East is also in Israel . Additionally, Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict .
• Israel receives US support: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US officials expressed the country's support for Israel against Iranian threats. Gallant warned that such an attack could lead to a regional escalation.
• Travel restrictions: The US State Department restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted. US officials  are on high alert  for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Meanwhile, here's some other updates:

• Hamas on hostages: A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations. "Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza, Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose."
• Updates on aid to Gaza: It is clear that Israel is working to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza, but it has not yet implemented all of the measures it has announced, a top United Nations humanitarian official said. Aid coming in trucks from Israel has to be "segregated from water, from food, from medical items" before it goes into Gaza, said Jamie McGoldrick, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Jerusalem. “Getting 400 trucks from Kerem Shalom doesn't mean 400 trucks go into Gaza,” he said, adding that the logistical complications are numerous, and take time to resolve. He also said Israel’s restrictions on movement inside the strip complicate matters.

Anera charity resumes work in Gaza after pausing when Israeli strike killed 7 World Central Kitchen staff

From CNN's Tala Alrajjal and Mohammed Tawfeeq

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) has resumed Gaza operations "after a temporary pause" following an airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers on April 1.

"As you know, the decision to temporarily pause our operations was not an easy one. We followed the direction of our staff in Gaza, who've faced death, loss, and destruction since the start of the war," Sean Carroll, the president and CEO of Anera, said in a statement on Thursday. "After the killing of Anera staff member Mousa Shawwa , followed by the attack that killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, we made the difficult but necessary decision to pause aid operations on April 2," Carroll added in the statement.

Carroll said Israeli authorities informed him during a meeting Thursday that "certain measures would be taken to protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza – including Anera's staff."

"With the full support of our Gaza team, we have determined that the circumstances have changed sufficiently to resume our vital humanitarian work in Gaza," Carroll said. 

Anera on Thursday resumed "full operations in Gaza to deliver meals, food parcels, hygiene kits, tents, medical treatments, and more to families in dire need," according to the statement.

Iran says its imperative to punish Israel could have been avoided had UN Security Council condemned attack

From CNN’s Natalie Barr and Adam Pourahmadi

The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.

“Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," the  mission said on X.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on April 1, according to a statement from the UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric. A Security Council discussion was held on April 2 to discuss the attack, but differences among members prevented any formal action or condemnation from taking place.

The United States is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region  in response to the strike in Damascus  that killed top Iranian commanders.

UK foreign secretary warns Iran not to draw Middle East into wider conflict

From CNN's Natalie Barr

Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict following a series of escalating threats made by Iran toward Israel.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that the United Kingdom was "deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks," according to a post on X .

Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency on Thursday reported that Amir-Abdollahian had told Cameron that the silence from the UK and the United States following Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week only served to encourage Israel to continue waging war in Gaza and expand its conflict in the region.

US and Israeli defense leaders discuss fears of Iranian attack

From CNN’s Michael Conte in Washington, DC, Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem and Larry Register in Atlanta

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today to “reaffirm the US ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The call comes a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel " must be punished and it will be" following a strike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed seven Iranian officials.

Israel “will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory,” the statement read, adding that the two defense leaders also discussed detailed preparations “for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel.”

Gallant said an Iranian attack on Israel could lead to a regional escalation.

It is the second discussion held between Gallant and Austin over the past week, according to the statement. Gallant expressed his appreciation for Austin’s personal commitment to the security of the State of Israel and for the deepening cooperation between the defense establishments of both countries, as well as between the Israel Defense Forces and US CENTCOM.

State Department restricts personnel travel in Israel amid concerns over Iranian threats

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department has restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” a  security alert  posted by the US Embassy Thursday said. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.” “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said he would not “speak to the specific assessments that led to us to restrict our employees and family members’ personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel.”

“We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days,” Miller said. “Israel is in a very tough neighborhood and we have been monitoring the security situation. You saw us slightly adjust for travel warnings at the beginning of this conflict and we conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground.”

US officials are on high alert for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Hamas says ceasefire with Israel is essential to collect data on hostages held in Gaza by different groups

From CNN's Abeer Salman and Mohammed Tawfeeq

A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations.

"Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose," he added.

Naim's statement was in response to questions from media outlets about whether Hamas has been rejecting the latest proposal, which was made in Cairo over the weekend, because it can not release 40 hostages in the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire deal.

According to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, Hamas indicated it is currently unable to identify and track down those 40 Israeli hostages, raising fears that more hostages may be dead than are publicly known. 

CNN's record of the conditions of the hostages also suggests there are fewer than 40 living hostages who meet the proposed criteria.

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• International
• Foreign affairs

Minister travels to China and Hong Kong to engage on world’s biggest challenges

The UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan will visit Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin to further and protect British interests.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan will begin a multi-stop visit to China and Hong Kong on Friday to further and protect British interests. 

The Minister will be visiting Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as Shanghai and Tianjin – holding meetings with the authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as engagements with a cross section of society including UK businesses, academics, journalists and civil society.  

Anne-Marie Trevelyan will be raising topics across the breadth of the UK-China relationship, including the importance of cooperation on global issues such as ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, helping to restore stability in the Middle East and tackling climate change. China is the world’s largest investor in sustainable energy and the largest emitter of carbon, demonstrating the importance of engaging with them on such topics. 

The Minister will also raise areas of concern, including human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. 

Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: 

We need China to play a constructive role in the biggest foreign policy issues of the day like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.  In Hong Kong, I will raise concerns on the passage and implementation of national security laws as well as discussing our important trade links. In Beijing I will be clear about our right to act when China breaks its international commitments or violates human rights.   I will also look to strengthen UK-China cooperation on issues across the world that affect us all – from improving AI safety to tackling climate change.     It is right we have discussions face to face and raise these issues directly with the centre of the Chinese system, making clear the UK’s position with the decision-makers in Beijing and Hong Kong.

Background  

The UK takes a multifaceted approach to China over three pillars, which are set out in the Integrated Review Refresh :

• first, to protect national security whenever the Chinese Communist Party poses a threat to UK people or prosperity
• second, to align cooperation with friends and allies in the Indo-Pacific and across the world to uphold international law, and
• third, to engage directly with China to promote stable relations   Robust action has been taken to protect UK interests and values, including creating new powers to block any Chinese investment that risks national security, and the new powers in the National Security Act will help ensure that the UK remains the hardest operating environment for malign activity.

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