2025 Travel Info: London UK
Travel
Air
London is a major international travel hub. It is served by a number of airports: Heathrow, London City, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. All major and budget carriers fly into at least one of these airports. All airports have rail/underground and bus links to central London which can be found on the airport websites.
Rail
There is a UK-wide rail network which is served by a number of rail companies. Tickets can be purchased from company websites, or from stations. It is recommended to buy long distance train tickets in advance.
Transport for London
Transport for London (TfL) provides comprehensive public transport in London. TfL provides a journey planner on its website and there is a phone app which offers on the go services. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines for single journeys or day passes. You may also purchase an Oyster Card or tap with a debit or credit card, as payment is capped per day. Fares are based on a Zoning system. During the conference you will be using the inner Zones (1 & 2). Heathrow is in the outer Zone 6.
Climate
Summers in London are warm and sunny. It can get hot (mid to high 20s Celsius) in July and August. There is the possibility of rain, so bring an umbrella.
Visa information
• The UK requires a visa for entry for many countries. Please check for your requirements here on the UK Government website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-visa-requirements-list-for-carriers/uk-visa-requirements-for-international-carriers
• Separately, there is a requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for some countries. Details can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
• New in 2025: The UK Government introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), this is an entry requirement for travellers who do not require a visa to visit or transit through the UK for short stays of up to six months.
From 2nd April 2025 the ETA requirement will be extended to include EU nationals.
ETA does not apply to UK or Irish nationals, those with permission to live, work or study in the UK for example those on Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status, or those that hold a valid UK visa.
Further information about ETA such as the cost, nationalities impacted etc. can be found on the gov.uk website here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
It is your responsibility to check your visa requirement for the UK. Please check all relevant websites.
