FAQ

What to Wear?
Proper decorum is mandatory at all times. We are the special guests of the Lady Chief Justice, The Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill and the President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, the Right Honourable The Lord Reed of Allermuir. When we attend court sessions, we often sit where only barristers are normally permitted. Although we are not required to wear wigs and robes, we are required to be dressed in dark conservative business attire. Men should wear dark suits and neckties. Ladies should wear dark suits, jackets with either skirts or slacks, and somber blouses. Since we will be doing some walking, you should wear comfortable walking shoes during the day; however, sneakers are inappropriate.

Friday’s Gala Event at the Houses of Parliament: This is our “formal” evening and you will want to plan accordingly. Ladies should wear cocktail attire and gentlemen should plan on a suit and tie. Black tie is not required. Ladies: please note that the floors in the Houses of Parliament can be smooth and uneven. You may want to take this into consideration when selecting your heels for the evening.

Customs and Immigration
Before you arrive...make sure you have the appropriate identification and the correct visa before you arrive in the United Kingdom:

Passports
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. U.S. citizens may not leave the country if their passport is due to expire within the next six months.

Traveling to London, England
U.S. passport holders will need to obtain an UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for landing in England. This can be easily be obtained using the ETA mobile app. More information can be found at the UK government’s ETA webpage.

Traveling to Dublin, Ireland
Currently no visa is required for U.S. passport holders entering Ireland. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. More information can be found at the U.S. State Department Ireland webpage.

Travel Restrictions and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Be sure to know what, if any, travel restrictions exist for travelers from the United States. As of May 2021, England is on system of red, amber, and green lists for international travel rules and in-bound requirements. Please visit the UK Coronavirus Rules, Guidance and Support webpage at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england?step-by-step-nav=8c0c7b83-5e0b-4bed-9121-1c394e2f96f3#history.

The U.S. State Department encourages all U.S. citizens traveling abroad to register. Please visit the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website at: https://step.state.gov/step/. Registrations will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency and will enable you to receive up-to-date information on security conditions.

The U.S. Embassy in London is now located at 33 Nine Elms Lane, SW11 7US, London (tel. [44] (0)20 7499-9000). The U.S. Embassy in Dublin is located at 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (tel 353 1 668-8777).

What is included in the registration fee?
The registration fee includes all MCLE sessions and materials, transportation to/from courts and event venues (Monday-Friday), Sunday evening reception/orientation, group lunches (Monday-Friday), and Gala Dinner on Friday evening. Travel to/from London and your hotel accommodations are NOT included in the registration fee. For those adding the Dublin dates to their itinerary, you will need to arrange your own travel from London to Dublin.

London Weather in April
London experiences defined seasons which affect temperatures and weather. April can be a pleasant or blustery month and Legal London participants should plan accordingly. The average high temperature in April is 59°F, with an average low temperature at 45°F. When traveling to London, it is always wise to be prepared for the possibility of rain. We recommend dressing in layers and carrying rainwear or an umbrella. Dublin tends to be a few degrees colder, and a bit wetter, than London.

Adaptors and Converter Plugs for Electrical Appliances
The electrical supply in London and Dublin is 230V AC and plugs have three square pins. An adapter plug and converter (Type G for US to UK conversion) are needed for appliances with any other formats. Be sure to bring an adapter plug and converter with you. Most hotels have two-pronged, European-style sockets for shavers in the bathroom.

Mobile Phones
Most dual and tri band mobile phones with GSM 900 or 1800 will work in Britain. Before you leave for A Week in Legal London, check with your mobile provider that the roaming function is activated on your phone. Many cell phone companies in UK can sell you an inexpensive “pay-as-you-go” cell phone with a UK phone number. You can add value to your phone by “topping-up” at newsstands and shops throughout the City.

Helpful Travel Websites
British Tourist Authority
Heathrow Express Train
Gatwick Express Train
London Public Transportation
National Rail

UK & Ireland Travel Guides
www.ukguide.org
www.londontown.com
www.visitlondon.com
www.ireland.com/en-us/
www.visitdublin.com