ETA London: What You Need Before Visiting the Capital
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Planning a weekend, a business meeting or a family visit? An ETA London authorisation is now required for most visitors who do not need a visa. This page explains when it applies to the capital, what it costs and how to get it.
Is an ETA required to visit London?
London is in England, so the national rule applies in full. If you are a citizen of a country that can visit the United Kingdom without a visa, you need an ETA before you travel, whether you arrive for one night or several weeks. A single authorisation covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so there is no separate ETA UK London document and no extra fee for the capital.
British and Irish citizens are exempt. People who already hold a valid UK visa or permission to stay are also exempt. You can check your own case with the government tool Check if you need a UK visa, or read the list of covered nationalities.
How you arrive changes nothing
A London ETA is checked before boarding, whatever the transport:
- flights to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton or London City;
- the Eurostar from Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam to St Pancras;
- ferries and coaches that reach England from the continent.
Carriers verify the authorisation before departure, so a traveller without it is stopped at the check-in desk or at the station, not in London. This is why the ETA London step should be completed before you buy non-refundable tickets.
ETA for London: validity, stay and decision time
| Valid for | 2 years, or until the passport expires |
|---|---|
| Entries | Multiple, each for a stay of up to 6 months |
| Decision | Usually within a day, up to 3 working days |
| Our price | From €83 per traveller, £20 government fee included |
This makes the London ETA convenient for frequent visitors: one approval covers all your city breaks during two years. The authorisation is tied to the passport you used, so renew it before the trip if it expires soon. The ETA UK London rules are the same all year round. An ETA does not guarantee entry, because the final decision belongs to the border officer on arrival.
Changing planes in London
If you only connect at Heathrow and remain airside, without passing border control, no ETA is needed. If you must collect your bags, change airport (for example from Heathrow to Gatwick) or leave the terminal to see the city, you need one. All the details are on our ETA UK transit page.
How to apply for your London trip
- Prepare your passport, a photo, an e-mail address and the address of your London hotel.
- Fill in the form and answer the security questions.
- We check the file before it is sent.
- Pay and wait: your London ETA decision is sent by e-mail.
Start your ETA UK application at least three working days before departure. You can also apply on the government service at gov.uk/eta/apply for £20. Families should read the rules for children, American visitors can check the page for US citizens, and if a decision is negative, see what to do when an ETA UK is rejected.
Do you need a separate ETA UK London document for each visit?
No. The ETA UK London trips you make during the validity period all use the same authorisation, as long as your passport and your personal situation have not changed. Keep the confirmation e-mail, and you can check the status on the government service Check your ETA at any time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ETA for London if I arrive by Eurostar?
Yes. Rail operators check the authorisation before you board, like airlines do.
Is the ETA London price different from the rest of the UK?
No. The authorisation is national, and the price is the same wherever you go.
Can I stay in London for several months with an ETA?
Each stay can last up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, business or a short course. Work or longer stays need a visa.
How early should I apply for my London trip?
Most decisions arrive within a day, but allow at least three working days.
Is a London ETA needed for a day trip from Paris?
Yes, if you are from a country covered by the scheme. Even a few hours in the country requires the authorisation.