Visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
As of April 2025, all international visitors travelling to the UK (except British and Irish citizens) need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa, before travelling to the UK.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Process, Validity and Fees
Simply apply via the ETA App or online. A decision is usually made within 3 working days.
The ETA is linked to your passport and lasts 2 years or to the expiry of your passport, whatever comes first.
The cost of an ETA is £16 per person, including for babies and children.
Watch this useful video on how to apply for ETA:
Visa
We strongly advise you to find out if you need a visa to enter the UK as early as possible, and should a visa be required, to apply as soon as possible as the process can take up to 20 working days.
Process
You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre (VAC – see below) as part of your application. The application will not be submitted until that process has been completed. You will be able to book an appointment to provide your biometric information at the end of the online application.
In those countries where there is no visa application centre, you may find a temporary enrolment location is available on given days or you may need to travel to a nearby country where a visa application centre is available. Should you live in a country where no visa application centre is available you should take account of additional timescales for biometric submission when considering when to apply.
In support of your application, you should gather evidence of your circumstances, employment, ability to meet the costs of the trip and the arrangements in the UK.
Important Update on e-Gates
Visitors from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States of America will now be able to use e-gates upon arrival in the UK.
Important Note for British Citizens with Dual Nationality
British citizens with dual nationality are obliged to use their British Passport to travel to the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to apply for a Standard visa?
The cost for a Standard visa is £127 per person.
When should I apply for my visa and how long will my application take?
The process can take up to 20 working days from submitting biometrics, but we recommend that applications are made as early as possible, from up to 3 months before the Congress and allowing at least 4 weeks. In many locations, for an additional fee, delegates may be able to use Priority and Super Priority visa service.
I am applying late – what is a Priority and Super Priority Service?
Priority service means that the UK Visa and Immigration office will aim to make a decision on your application in 5 working days, this service is available in over 200 locations. Super Priority service reduces this to the end of the next working day, this service is available in around 20 locations. Both services are charged at an additional fee. Some applications may take longer if they are complex, please check the visa application centre website for any further information.
Fees for Priority and Super Priority Services apply in addition to the Standard visa fee, as follows: £500 for Priority and £1,000 for Super Priority.
Important note: Priority Service does not imply or guarantee in any way that a delegate will be successful in their visa application. All visa applicants must meet the requirements of the UK immigration rules.
I travel a lot and cannot be without my passport, are there any services that could help?
The UKVI offer a Keep My Passport service in over 40 locations, this allows the applicant to keep their passport while their application is being considered. If their visa application is successful they will need to provide their passport to the VAC for the vignette to be printed. This service comes at an additional cost and details of which services are available at each VAC are available on the commercial Partner website.
What travel date should be stated on the application form?
On the application you should be specific in stating planned dates of travel to and from the UK. Visitors cannot arrive in the UK earlier than the start date on their visa and the airline may not let you board their flight, or they may be refused entry on arrival in the UK. It is not usually possible to make changes to the validity dates of a visa, after it has been printed. If plans change, you may need to make a new visa application.
What can I do if my visa is refused?
A decision to refuse a visa is made only after careful consideration of all the facts by an Entry Clearance Officer, including the fact that the delegate is to attend or contribute to a specific event. If the application is refused, the refusal notice will provide details about the reasons for refusal. Visitors are free to make a new application, but it is strongly recommended that they read their refusal letter carefully and fully address all the reasons for the initial refusal.
General Information
Currency and Payment Methods
In the United Kingdom, the currency is the GBP pound sterling (£). Foreign currencies can be exchanged for GBP at banks, travel agencies and Post Offices, as well as at London’s airports and major train stations. For currency converter please click here.
£1 = 100 pence (p).
Coins: £1, £2 and 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p and 50p.
Notes: £5, £10, £20, £50.
Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, bars, cafes and shops in London. Although, it is advised to carry an alternative payment method with you during your visit.
Contactless payment cards are widely used in the UK, and many businesses accept them. Contactless payments are limited to £100 per transaction. Travellers can use a contactless card instead of an Oyster card on public transport in London. Google Pay and Apple Pay on phones are also accepted on Transport for London services.
Contactless payments on non-UK cards may incur an overseas transaction fee. Fees vary by card and by bank, so check with your card issuer before tapping your contactless card in London.
Some shops and cafes are cash-free, meaning they only accept card and contactless payments, so always take a card with you.
Weather
London and the South East have one of the mildest climates in the UK, but the weather can be unpredictable. Londoners get used to carrying both an umbrella and sunglasses to be prepared for all eventualities!
Phone and Internet On Your Smartphone
The UK dialling code is +44 (which replaces the 0).
If you’re using a smartphone to browse the internet and receive emails, be aware that your network might charge you to access this data while you are in London. Many cafes, venues and selected tube stations are WiFi-enabled.
Please also note that most hotels provide free Wi-Fi.
Useful Numbers
Emergency Services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) – 999.
To report non-urgent crime, call the police on 101.
The National Health Service (NHS) is the main healthcare provider in the UK.
Insurance
NHS treatment is free for UK residents. Overseas nationals are not eligible for free NHS treatment except if they need emergency treatment while in the UK.
You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.
Embassies in London
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) keeps an up-to-date list of embassies, high commissions and official representatives in London and the rest of the UK.
Plug, Socket and Voltage in the UK
UK appliances are fitted with three-pin plugs that can be connected to the UK mains supply through wall sockets. UK power sockets deliver an average voltage of 230v. Unlike the sockets in many other countries, these have a switch to turn the power supply on and off – make sure you’ve turned it on if you’re trying to charge your appliance.
Time Zone
London is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which has no offset from the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+ 0).
Public Transport
London has one of the largest urban transport networks in the world.
The London underground, also known as ‘The Tube’, is divided into 9 zones, with zones 1 and 2 being the most central where most of London attractions are located. There are 11 colour-coded Tube lines and 4 additional lines including the Elizabeth line and the DLR – both serving Excel London.
The fares depend on the zones you are travelling to/from, time of the day and how you pay. Tube services usually run from 5am until midnight, with Night Tube services on some lines on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Buses, taxis and Thames Clipper river services are also available to travel around London, although the Tube is usually the most convenient and quickest way to move around the city.
Useful Information, Theatre Tickets, Attractions and What’s On
To find out what’s on in London, book theatre and attraction tickets, tours and for other general information on what to do, please visit the Official London Visitor website.
Travel Information
Travelling to London by Plane
City Airport
London City is located only a few minutes from Excel London and is served by the DLR line.
To travel to central London, take the DLR towards Tower Gateway or Bank stations, or change at Canning Town for the Jubilee line towards Westminster.
Heathrow (LHR)
If you arrive at Heathrow (LHR), you can get to central London using the Elizabeth Line which interconnects with the Underground network at key stations. Other alternatives are the Heathrow Express train (4 non-stop trains an hour) or the Piccadilly line.
Heathrow Express Discount
Heathrow Express offers fast, affordable, and stress-free direct transfers between Heathrow (LHR) and London Paddington station in Central London, in just 15 minutes.
As trusted partners of the London Convention Bureau, Heathrow Express offers a 15% discount off full fare, flexible tickets for Standard and Business First ticket holders. Business First also includes complimentary departures Fast Track Security.
Delegates will be able to book their e-ticket via a dedicated white label booking site branded with the conference logo, or alternatively, using a discount code to redeem the offer on www.heathrowexpress.com.
Should you wish to promote the offer to your delegates, please let us know and we will introduce you to the team at Heathrow Express to discuss details and sign the discount agreement.
Gatwick Airport
If you arrive at Gatwick airport, the centre of London can be reached in just 20 minutes using the Gatwick Express train to Victoria station (direct train) or in just over 30 minutes by normal train (with stops) operated by Thameslink (via London Bridge) or Southern (to Victoria).
Thameslink – Timetables and tickets information here.
Southern – Timetables and tickets information here.
Note: If using the normal train services, Visitor Oyster cards, and contactless payments including Android and Apple pay are accepted, however a separate ticket is required if travelling via Gatwick Express.
Luton Airport
From Luton airport, the centre of London can be reached in just 45 minutes by Thameslink trains to St. Pancras, Farringdon and London Blackfriars stations.
Timetables and tickets information here.
Stansted Airport
If arriving at London Stansted, you can travel to central London in 45 minutes using the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street station. Once there, you will be able to connect with 5 Underground lines, including the Elizabeth line.
Southend Airport
From Southend airport, central London can be reached in 52 minutes. Once at Liverpool Street station, you will be able to connect with 5 Underground lines, including the Elizabeth line.
Information on timetables and ticket information here.
Travelling to London by Train
The Eurostar arrives and departs several times a day from King’s Cross St Pancras to destinations in France, Brussels and Amsterdam.
King’s Cross St Pancras station is centrally located and has an on-site Underground station served by 6 lines.
Comprehensive travel information can also be found on Visit London’s official website.
Taxis and Minicabs
When possible, public transport should be preferred to travel around London and to/from airports as this is the quickest and cheapest way to travel.
Black taxis (or Black cabs as they are also known) are metered therefore fares depend on the distance covered (km/miles). Indicative taxi fares and information can be found here.
Minicabs as well as Uber taxis can be pre-booked in advance and can be a cheaper option compared to Black taxis, however they will still be more expensive than public transport.
Note: Be sure to book with a licensed minicab with a Transport for London license disc: unbooked minicabs are illegal, unsafe and uninsured. A list of authorised minicab companies can be found here.
More information on taxis and minicabs can be found here.
Contactless Payments on London's Transport Network
PAYING BY CONTACTLESS CARD
If your bank card shows the contactless payment symbol you can use it to pay as you go, straight away.
Most credit/debit cards such as American Express (AMEX), Mastercard, Maestro and Visa are widely accepted.
Cards issued outside the UK can be used to pay as you go for travel, however overseas transaction fees may apply so please check with your provider.
MOBILE PAYMENT METHODS
You can pay for travel with mobile devices such as phones and watches, including:
- Apple Pay
- Barclaycard Contactless Mobile
- bPay
- Fitbit Pay
- Garmin Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
If you use a mobile payment associated with a non-UK bank card, your card may not work, or you may be charged overseas transaction fees. Check with your card issuer.
Using a contactless debit/credit card or mobile payment to pay as you go is the same as using an Oyster card and same fares apply.
HOW TO USE
- Touch in on a yellow card reader at the start and end of your journey (even where the gates are open or where there are no gates) – the fare is automatically calculated and detracted.
- Only touch in on buses and trams as this is a fixed fare – you do not need to touch out.
- Always use the same contactless card or mobile on each journey.
WHERE TO USE
- You can pay as you go to travel on London Underground (Tube), bus, tram, DLR, London Overground, and TfL Rail. Daily fares are capped.
- On most National Rail services in London and some outside London.
- On the Gatwick Express, Southern trains and Thameslink trains between London and Gatwick Airport.
- From all Heathrow terminals to London using London Underground and TfL Rail services.
Oyster Cards
Should you be unable to pay via contactless payment methods, you can still travel on London’s transport network, but you will require a Visitor Oyster card or Oyster card for your journeys.
WHERE TO BUY
Before travelling to London:
- Order your Visitor Oyster card online here and get the card delivered to your door!
- Your card is ready to go as soon as you arrive in London, so no queuing at stations.
- Simply select the date of your departure and the amount of credit you wish to order.
- A £10 non-refundable activation fee will be charged.
When you are in London:
- Buy your Oyster card at most Underground (Tube) stations or at Visitor Centres – locations also include Gatwick airport (North and South terminals), Heathrow airport (Terminal 2&3).
- A £10 non-refundable activation fee will be charged.
Note: You can’t buy a Visitor Oyster card in London, but Oyster cards work exactly in the same way – they are just blue.
HOW TO USE
- Touch in on a yellow card reader at the start and end of your journey (even where the gates are open or where there are no gates) – the fare is automatically calculated and detracted.
- Only touch in on buses and trams as this is a fixed fare – you do not need to touch out.
- Check your balance and top up credit at any London Underground (Tube) and DLR stations.
- Always use the same Visitor Oyster card or Oyster card on each journey.
WHERE TO USE
- You can pay as you go to travel on London Underground (Tube), bus, tram, DLR, London Overground, and TfL Rail. Daily fares are capped.
- On most National Rail services in London and some outside London.
- On the Gatwick Express, Southern trains and Thameslink trains between London and Gatwick Airport.
- From all Heathrow terminals to London using London Underground and TfL Rail services.