California travel advice

Explore our complete guide to California with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for California.

California travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to California with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

California - quick facts
Flight time✝ 11 hours
Time difference UK -8 hours
Language(s) English
Currency US Dollar
Electricity A + B plug (120V)
Driving side Right
Visa✝ Yes

Why visit California?

Considering a holiday to the California? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

  • Beach babes - beaches
    Beaches
  • Culture vultures
    Culture
  • Nature lovers - nature & wildlife
    Nature
  • Night owls - nightlife
    Nightlife

California tourist information

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK and visa requirements for UK travellers.

Travelling to California?
  Holidays  Hotels  Holiday rentals  Car hire  Flights  Things to do 

Recommended for California

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California weather

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall

The California weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Los Angeles.

California destinations >>

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California travel advice

Check the latest travel advice on visiting California from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around California.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDOFCDO travel advice

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California travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to California with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in California, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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California covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in California with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

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California travel features

Do you want to learn more about California? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in California.

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California FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to California including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to California due to Covid-19?

California is open to fully vaccinated travellers only from the UK.

Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination required for arrivals from the UK.

Check out California Department of Public Health for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from the USA?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from the USA. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the flight time to California from the UK?

The flight time to California from the UK is typically 11 hours.

Flights to California

What is the time difference between California and the UK?

The time difference between California and the UK is UK time-8 hours.

What is the main language spoken in California?

The main language spoken in California is English.

Learn a language for California with Rosetta Stone*, Busuu* and Rocket Languages*.

What is the currency in California?

The currency in California is the US Dollar (USD).

Send money to California with TransferGo*.

Which plugs are used in California?

California uses electrical plug type A + B (120 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in California?

They drive on the right side of the road in California.

Find out more about driving in USA with International Drivers Association*.

Transport options for California

Do you need a visa for California?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter California.

Check California visa requirements for all passport holders with iVisa.com*.

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