travelling to london 🇬🇧

Legal Issues

General Laws Overseas

While overseas, in the UK, many of the same Australian laws still apply to you. If you go to the United Kingdom and plan/do hostile activities, you can also be prosecuted under Australian law. The primary Australian laws that still apply to you while overseas are:

Differences in laws overseas

The main difference pointed out by the Australian Smartraveller website is stricter rules regarding drug possession and/or supply. If you are caught supplying or producing drugs, you can get a maximum of 14 years in jail in the lowest categorised drug tier. Cannabis or Khat can get you an on-the-spot fine too, of £90. Before your travel, make sure to check if medication you require (and the Australian prescription you have) is legal.

When you have been involved in crime

If you come into contact with police or authorities make sure to obey their instructions and give any information requested, and not cause a massive incident in public. You should also contact the Embassy on advice on what to do next. The Australian Government cannot help you if you are arrested overseas or are given any other sorts of punishments, although they will they their best to rescue you if a sudden crisis comes up (eg. terrorism attack close to you). If you have been convicted of crime, the Embassy will check up on your wellbeing while overseas to ensure you are being treated fairly. You should carry your passport on you at all times when in the UK aswell.

If you also witness any crime it is in your best intrest to call the local authorities at 999 for emergencies and 101 for the local police.