Can tourists still claim VAT back in the UK?

No. The VAT Retail Export Scheme was abolished for travellers leaving Great Britain on 1 January 2021. The scheme continues for goods exported from Northern Ireland to non-EU destinations.

Europe

United Kingdom

London was the world capital of marine chronometry from the 18th century. John Harrison's H4 (1759) solved the longitude problem; George Daniels invented the co-axial escapement in 1976. The British watchmaking revival is led by Roger W. Smith on the Isle of Man and the rebooted Bremont and Christopher Ward marques.

Capital

London

Currency

Pound sterling (GBP)

VAT / Tax

UK VAT is 20%. The VAT Retail Export Scheme for visitors to Great Britain was withdrawn on 1 January 2021; refunds are no longer available on goods carried out of Great Britain in personal baggage.

Signature Brands

Roger W. Smith
Bremont
Christopher Ward
Garrick

Traveler Note

The Clockmakers' Museum at the Science Museum in London and the Royal Observatory Greenwich (home of Harrison's chronometers) are essential horological pilgrimages.

Watch Cities in United Kingdom

London
London is one of the world's most important pre-owned and auction markets, hosting the watch departments of Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams and Phillips. New Bond Street concentrates the brand flagships.