From January 2025, the UK introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for visitors from certain countries. This means some of our international guests—including those travelling from the United States and Europe (such as Finland, Switzerland, and Czechia)—will need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK.

What is an ETA?

An ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for:

• Tourism

• Visiting family and friends

• Business

• Short-term study

Key information

• Your ETA is valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first)

• You can travel to the UK multiple times while your ETA is valid

• It costs £16 to apply, either using the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK

• Every traveller, including babies and children, must apply individually

• You’ll receive an email confirmation once approved—your ETA is linked to your passport

How long does it take?

• Most people receive a decision within 3 working days

• Many get approved much sooner, but we recommend applying well in advance

🔗 For full details, including exceptions (e.g. dual citizens or travellers who already hold UK visas), please visit the UK government’s official ETA guidance:

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions—we’re so excited to welcome you to the UK!

For those traveling to England, flights are available to two of London's international airports. It is very easy to get into the city via train, whichever option you choose. You can pay via your existing contactless cards. You do not need an Oyster card or a paper ticket, unless you prefer.

🚝 Jump on the tube (Piccadilly Line) to get into Central London in approximately 1 hour. Prices start at £5.50 and trains run every 10 minutes.

🚝 Jump on the Elizabeth line to get into Central London in approximately 30 minutes (dependent on the final station). Prices start from £12.80 for a journey to or from Heathrow airport, where that journey starts, ends or goes through Zone 1.

🚝 Take the Heathrow Express to get to Paddington Station in 15 minutes. The cost of a Heathrow Express ticket depends on when you buy it and the class of travel.

NOTE: The tube or Elizabeth line are more budget-friendly than Heathrow Express.

All rail services operate from London Gatwick's South Terminal. If you arrive at North Terminal simply take the terminal shuttle service to the South Terminal which takes just two minutes.

🚝 Take the overground ‘Thameslink’ train into Central London (London Bridge) in approximately 35 minutes. A Thameslink train from Gatwick Airport to Central London can cost between £11.90 and £14.40, depending on the time of day, route, class, and when you book.