Do you need a visa to visit London?

It depends on your passport and travel plans. London is in the United Kingdom, so visitors follow UK border rules rather than a separate London visa process.

For a short, eligible visit such as tourism, visiting family or certain business activities, many non-visa nationals need a UK ETA before travelling instead of a visa. Other travellers need a visa in advance. An ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee admission at the border.

Visa, ETA or no ETA: common passport situations

  • US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: for an eligible short visit to London, travellers normally need an ETA before travelling rather than a visitor visa.
  • French and many other European passports: for an eligible short visit, travellers normally need an ETA before travelling rather than a visitor visa. Irish citizens are an important exception.
  • British or Irish passports: an ETA is not required for travel to the UK.
  • Passport from a visa-national country: you must normally obtain the appropriate UK visa before travelling; an ETA is not available as a substitute for a visa.
  • Travellers with valid UK immigration permission: you do not normally need an ETA if you already hold a UK visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK, including settled or pre-settled status.

Practical examples for a London trip

  • US passport, a five-day sightseeing trip: a visitor would normally need an ETA before travelling, not a visitor visa, provided the visit is eligible under the visitor rules.
  • Canadian passport, a weekend visiting friends: an ETA would normally be the relevant pre-travel permission for an eligible short visit.
  • French passport, a three-day city break: an ETA would normally be required before travel. A national identity card is not generally a substitute for the passport and travel permission required for the journey.
  • Indian passport, tourism in London: a visitor visa is normally required before travel. An ETA is not the alternative route for a passport that is subject to the UK visa requirement.
  • British-Irish dual national travelling on another passport: a British citizen cannot obtain an ETA. They should normally travel with a valid British passport, or another valid passport with a certificate of entitlement proving their right of abode in the UK.

When a visa may still be needed

An ETA does not cover every reason for coming to the UK. A visa may be required if your passport is subject to the visa requirement, or if your planned activity, length of stay or personal circumstances do not fit the visitor route. Longer-term work, study or settlement plans usually require a different immigration permission.

Do not assume that being able to visit another European destination without a visa means the same rule applies to the UK. The UK has its own entry rules.

Children, transit and other useful exceptions

Each traveller who needs an ETA must have their own ETA, including babies and children. A parent’s ETA does not cover a child.

If you are changing planes at a UK airport and remain airside without passing through border control, you do not need an ETA. However, this ETA exemption does not by itself confirm that you are exempt from any separate UK transit-visa requirement. If your itinerary requires passing through border control, the answer can change.

People who live in Ireland and enter the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man can be exempt from the ETA requirement in specific circumstances. This exemption does not apply to travellers who need a UK visa.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Calling an ETA a visa: an ETA is a digital travel authorisation, not a visitor visa. The distinction matters if your passport is visa-national or your trip requires a different immigration route.
  • Assuming an approved ETA guarantees entry: an ETA allows travel to the UK, but border officers can still assess whether you can enter on arrival.
  • Using an ETA linked to an old passport: an ETA is linked to the passport used for the application. If that passport changes or expires, a new ETA is needed.
  • Overlooking a connection through the UK: airside and landside transit are different situations. Check whether you will pass UK border control.

Check the formalities for your own London trip

These examples cover common situations, but the correct formality can change with your passport, nationality, existing UK status, travel purpose, planned activities and transit route. In case of double nationality or an unusual travel document, the position may need particular care.

Use Go2entry to check the entry formalities that may apply to the passport and trip you will actually use for travel.