Visa for travel to or stopover in London
London is the main gateway to the UK for tourists, students, professionals or travelers in transit. Since the UK left the European Union, formalities for entering the UK have changed. Depending on your nationality, length of stay or reason for travel, a visa or ETA may be required. Here’s everything you need to know to travel or stop over in London legally.
Do I need a visa for London?
Whether you need a visa to visit London depends on your nationality and the reason for your stay.
You do not need a visa if:
- You are an Irish citizen.
- You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and your stay is short (less than 6 months) for tourism, a family visit, a short business mission or short-term study.
Since 2025, these travelers have had to obtain an electronic travel authorization by completing the ETA form online.
You need a visa if:
- You are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa, even for a short stay.
- You want to work, study, settle or get married in the UK.
- You want to join a family member in London for an extended period.
Tourists wishing to spend more than 6 months in the UK must obtain an English tourist visa.
ETA: an alternative to a visa for visiting London
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a compulsory travel authorisation for nationals of certain visa-exempt countries when visiting the UK.
- ETA price: £16 (approx. €19)
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires
- Maximum length of stay: 6 months
- Use: tourism, business, short studies or transit
Since April 2025, European citizens have been required to obtain an ETA for London before departure.
Do I need a visa to stop over in London?
If you stop over at London airport (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton), formalities vary depending on whether or not you pass through British border control.
Case 1: transit without airport exit
If you are staying in an international zone and not changing airports: If you are a national of a member country of the UK Visa Waiver Program, you can apply for a UK ETA to stop over in London without a visa.
Case 2: transit with border crossing
If you need to change airports or go through customs (e.g. for a long stopover): you’ll need a transit visa or an ETA, depending on your nationality.
Good to know: even for simple transit, some nationals require a UK Visitor in Transit Visa.
How do I obtain a visa or ETA for London?
Here’s a simplified summary of the procedure, depending on your travel situation.
| Situation | Type of document required | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Short-stay tourism, business or study | ETA | Online application on gov.uk, payment by credit card |
| Residence over 6 months, work, family reunification | British visa | Online application + appointment at the embassy |
| Transit with international zone exit | ETA or transit visa | Depending on nationality and airport |
To obtain a visa for London, foreign nationals must follow an online visa application procedure. This process comprises several stages:
- Choose the type of visa according to the purpose of the trip;
- Gather the necessary supporting documents;
- Fill in the online visa application form ;
- Pay visa fees;
- Make an appointment with a British embassy;
- Submit documents to finalize visa application;
- Take part in a visa interview if your file requires it.
What documents do I need to travel to London?
Here are the most common documents required on arrival in the UK:
- A valid passport has become compulsory again since Brexit;
- A valid ETA authorization or visa;
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay ;
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or invitation;
- A return or onward ticket in the case of transit.
Conclusion
If you’re traveling to or through London, you’ll need to check your personal situation carefully. TheETA is now compulsory for many travellers, even Europeans, while others will have to go through the classic British visa route. If in doubt, it’s best to run a simulation on the official British government website.
