All the information you need to travel to the United Kingdom

Are you planning a trip to the UK in the near future, and would like to prepare your stay in the best possible way? Here’s all the information you need to plan and organize your trip to the UK.

Travelling to the UK: Administrative formalities in 2026

The UK has introduced a new travel authorization system called ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization. This system is compulsory for travelers from several countries, including the USA, Canada and Australia.

Since April 2025, it has also been available to EU citizens. This authorization allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months for tourism, business, or certain short-term educational and professional activities.

Not all visitors are covered by this system, so it’s essential to check whether you are required to obtain an eTA before you leave. Applications are made via the ETA UK mobile app or directly on the official UK government website. Processing is generally rapid, with a promised response within 72 hours.

There are exceptions, notably for permanent residents of the UK, holders of a valid UK visa and Irish citizens. To avoid any hiccups on arrival, we strongly advise you to consult the formalities for entering the UK according to your travel profile.

Understanding the difference between ETA and British visas

The ETA UK does not replace traditional visas. It is mainly intended for short stays with no intention of settling permanently or working on a long-term basis. If your travel plans go beyond this, you will need to apply for a specific visa adapted to your situation.

For example, travelers wishing to study, join a family member or work in the UK are required to apply for a visa. Each type of visa has its own specific criteria and eligibility requirements.

To help you quickly identify the right approach for your project, here is a summary table of the main British visas:

Type of visa	Description
British business visa to stay in the UK	For business travel, meetings, conferences or trade missions.
UK transit visa	For travelers stopping over in the UK on their way to another destination.
Student visa for the UK	For training or study in a British establishment.
Family visa for the UK	To join a relative legally residing in the UK.
Children’s visas for travel to the UK	For minors traveling alone or with an accompanying adult.

Why visit the UK?

The United Kingdom is made up of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each has its own character, history and treasures to discover. From emblematic cities to magnificent landscapes and culturally-charged sites, the British territory offers a diversity of exceptional experiences. This guide aims to help you discover the must-see sites, while also taking you to lesser-known but equally memorable corners of the world.

Discover the best road trips in the UK

There are many road trips in the UK, and the country lends itself very well to them thanks to its varied landscapes, picturesque roads and historical heritage. Here are some of the best road trips in the UK:

Explore the UK's must-see cities

For each destination presented, you’ll find a complete guide with places not to be missed, suggestions for activities and a selection of good places to eat. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast or looking for an authentic local ambiance, each city offers its own share of discoveries.