🛂 Visa
Electronic Travel Authorisation
London is one of those cities that never stops delivering. The British capital mixes 2,000 years of history with one of the world's most dynamic food scenes, unmatchable theatre and music, world-class free museums, and a neighbourhoods culture that means every visit reveals something new. London is also a gateway to Europe, making it a natural base for a longer trip across the continent.
Top highlights
✓Tower of London and Crown Jewels
✓British Museum — free entry, world's best collection
✓West End theatre — Hamilton, Les Misérables, Phantom
✓Borough Market and Maltby Street Market
✓Greenwich and the Cutty Sark
✓Day trips to Bath, Stonehenge, Windsor Castle
Best time to visit
Best season
May–Sep
Long days, warm weather, outdoor events, Wimbledon (Jun–Jul)
Off-peak
Oct–Apr
Cold but cheaper, Christmas markets (Dec) are magical, fewer tourists
Sample flight routes
Prices last checked: July 2026 — see live prices in the planner below for current rates
Qantas
Melbourne via Dubai · ~22h
from AUD $1,400 return
Emirates
Melbourne via Dubai · ~22h
from AUD $1,300 return
Singapore Airlines
Melbourne via Singapore · ~23h
from AUD $1,500 return
💡 Prices are indicative and vary by season and booking time. Use our planner to find live prices for your specific dates.
Where to stay
Central London
Zone 1 — Soho, Covent Garden, South Bank — best location, premium price
Shoreditch/East
Hip, artsy, great food scene, cheaper, good Elizabeth Line access
South Bank
Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, river views — great for culture lovers
Notting Hill
Portobello Market, beautiful streets, residential feel
Visa requirements
Last checked: July 2026 — always verify current requirements with the official portal before booking
Example shown for Australian passport holders — Wanderior's planner checks the exact requirements for your own passport automatically.
Type
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Duration
Multiple trips up to 6 months per visit
ℹ️ Required since January 2025. Apply via the UK ETA app before travel. Usually approved within hours. Valid for 2 years.
Local tips for travellers
💡Oyster card for transport — daily cap means you won't overpay
💡Free museums include British Museum, V&A, Natural History, Tate Modern, National Gallery
💡Book theatre tickets on TodayTix or TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounts
💡Explore markets: Borough, Portobello, Brick Lane, Camden — best on weekends
💡Pret a Manger and Tesco Meal Deal for under £5 lunches — everyone does it
💱 Money & currency
British Pounds (GBP). Cards accepted almost everywhere. Contactless standard. ATMs charge fees — use Wise or Starling.
🚆 Getting around
London Underground (Tube) covers everything. Elizabeth Line is fast and modern. Buses are great for sightseeing. Uber and black cabs available.
Ready to plan your London trip?
Tell us your budget and travel dates. Get complete trip options with live flight prices, hotel recommendations, and visa requirements — all compared side by side.
✈️ Plan my London trip →