UK Arrival Card Guide: ETA & Entry Rules

By Zora
August 13, 2026

Good news for travelers: the UK ditched paper arrival cards back in 2019! Just a heads-up for those who don't need a visa: starting February 25, 2026, you'll need to secure a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you head off on your adventure.
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What is the UK Arrival Card?

Did you know the UK’s paper arrival card—that old form used to collect traveler info—was officially retired back on May 20, 2019? Nowadays, there’s no need for any physical or digital arrival card to get in. Instead, all your pre-arrival and entry details are handled via the UK ETA (if you're a visa-exempt visitor) or a UK eVisa (if you're a visa-required national). If you're a UK or Irish citizen, just bring your valid passport and you're good to go!
Do Australians need a UK Arrival Card these days?
Nope, the paper arrival card is a thing of the past! The document you'll need for entry just depends on your nationality:
- Visa-exempt travelers: Get ready for the UK ETA (required starting February 25, 2026)
- Travelers who need a visa: UK eVisa (apply through UK Visas and Immigration)
- UK/Irish citizens: Valid passport only
What is the UK ETA and when does it start?

Think of the UK ETA as the modern, digital upgrade to those old-school arrival cards—it's your new must-have for short trips to the UK!
- Full enforcement begins on February 25, 2026—please note that carriers will be unable to board travelers who don't have a valid ETA.
- Price: £16 (GBP) ≈ $31.20 AUD
- Valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first!
- Application: Apply online and get instant approval for most requests
What is ETIAS means for your UK travels?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an EU-wide system for non-EU citizens heading to the Schengen Area, but it doesn't apply to your UK travels in 2026:
- Heads up: ETIAS is set to launch for the EU in Q4 2026, with enforcement expected to kick in during 2027!
- Just to clear things up: the UK ETA and the EU ETIAS are two completely separate, unrelated systems!
What are new UK Entry Requirements 2026?

1. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The biggest change to UK border entry is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a digital permission scheme required for non-visa visitors travelling to or transiting through the UK.
- Who Needs It: Foreign visitors who previously did not need a visa for short stays (including citizens from Australia, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and European nations).
- Validity: Valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires) and allows multiple visits to the UK for stays of up to 6 months.
- Cost: £10 GBP (~$19.50 AUD).
- How to Apply: Applied for online or via the official UK ETA App before departure. Approval is linked digitally to your passport.
Note: If you hold a valid UK visa, UK/Irish citizenship, or settled status, you do not need an ETA.
2. No Paper Arrival Cards
Traditional paper Landing Cards / Arrival Cards have been fully phased out by the UK Border Force.
- No Forms on the Plane: You do not need to fill out physical arrival forms on your flight or at the airport.
- Digital Records: Advance Passenger Information (API) collected by your airline when booking or checking in is automatically transmitted to UK Border Control.
3. Automated eGates at Passport Control
To speed up processing times, eligible passengers can bypass manual immigration counters and use the eGates (facial recognition passport gates).
- Eligible Passports: Holders of biometric passports from Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the UK, EU/EEA countries, and Switzerland.
- Age Limit: Travelers must be 10 years or older (children aged 10–17 must be accompanied by an adult).
- Process: Scan your passport photo page at the gate, look at the camera, and enter once the barrier opens.
4. Entry Checklist for Visitors
Requirement | Details |
Valid Passport | Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK. |
Digital Permission | Approved ETA (for non-visa nationals) or a valid UK Visa. |
Return / Onward Ticket | Border Force officers may ask for proof of onward travel or return flight bookings. |
Proof of Funds | Evidence that you can support yourself financially during your stay without working. |
How to apply for your UK ETA online?
Applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a fast, paperless process done entirely online or through a smartphone app. It takes about 10–15 minutes to complete, and decisions are usually issued within 3 business days.
Here is the step-by-step guide to submitting your application:
1.Gather Your Required Documents:Prepare these before starting。
Make sure you have the following ready before you begin:
- Valid Biometric Passport: Must be from an eligible visa-exempt country (e.g., Australia, US, Canada, EU/EEA, New Zealand, Japan).
- Active Email Address: To receive confirmation, status updates, and your official ETA approval.
- Payment Method: A valid credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to pay the £10 GBP application fee.
- Digital Photo/Camera Access: A clear photo of yourself taken against a plain background.
2.Download the App or Access the Official Portal:Beware of third-party scam sites。
Access the official government platform through either channel:
- UK ETA App (Recommended): Download "UK ETA" from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app allows you to scan your passport's chip and auto-fill your details.
- Official UK Government Website: Visit the official portal on GOV.UK.
3.Scan Passport & Upload Photo:Ensure good lighting and high clarity。
Follow the prompts to capture your documentation:
- Scan Passport Page: Use your phone camera to scan the photo page of your physical passport.
- Scan Passport Chip (App only): Hold your phone against the back of your passport to read the biometric chip.
- Face Scan: Take a selfie or upload a high-resolution face photo (no glasses or head coverings unless for religious/medical reasons).
4.Complete National & Contact Information:Double-check entries against your passport。
Enter your personal and travel details:
- Full name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Home address and contact telephone number.
- Occupational details (if requested).
- Basic eligibility/security questions (e.g., criminal record or travel history history).
5.Pay the Application Fee & Submit:Fee is non-refundable (£10 GBP)。
Review all details carefully to ensure there are no typos in your passport number or name:
- Pay the £10 GBP fee using your card or mobile wallet.
- Submit your application. You will receive an immediate email acknowledging receipt with a reference number.
When to apply for your UK ETA?
Be sure to apply at least 72 hours before your trip! While most applications are approved in just minutes, applying early helps you avoid any last-minute stress. Airlines will check your ETA status when you check in, so you won't need to worry about filling out any forms once you arrive in the UK.
What are Common Mistakes to Avoid when Entering the UK?

Mistakes to avoid
- Entering incorrect personal or passport details (these must match your travel documents exactly)
- Applying for your ETA too close to your trip
- Using unauthorized third-party websites (only apply via official UK government channels)
- Forgetting to update your ETA details after renewing your passport
What happens if you don't have a valid ETA (after February 25, 2026)
- Airlines and ferry operators will deny you boarding
- Heads up! UK Border Force might deny you entry if you try to travel without an ETA, so be sure to get yours sorted before you go!
- The £16 ETA fee is non-refundable for most rejected applications
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[10% Off] Top UK Hotel Recommendations
UK Hotels
5 star
8.9/10Very Good411 Reviews
Bank London|3.48km from downtown
Our family of four booked the Tower Bridge view suite, which was incredibly spacious and came with a kitchen and washing machine – super convenient! The view of Tower Bridge from our window was amazing, and the subway station was just a few steps downstairs, along with a ferry terminal. We used boats and the subway for all our travel, which was really easy. There's a small supermarket a few hundred meters away where you can pick up basic groceries, fruit, and daily necessities. The only downside was the price being a bit high during peak season, but other than that, no complaints! The front desk staff were also very nice! By the way, they provided slippers, toothbrushes, and toiletries, so I didn't even need to use the ones I brought. 😀FromTRY 7,420
9.4/10Amazing378 Reviews
Tower Hill London|3.18km from downtown
This is my second time staying at a hotel under this brand, and each experience has been fantastic. This particular hotel boasts an incredible location right by Tower Bridge in London. Within five minutes, you can reach the subway, supermarket, ferry, and even two major attractions. The ferry downstairs can get you to Greenwich in just twenty minutes. The room environment is consistently excellent, equipped with a full set of kitchenware and tableware, a refrigerator, and a washing machine. The daily housekeeping staff are very dedicated, replenishing drinking water and coffee capsules. I look forward to staying in a different room type next time!FromTRY 16,301
8.9/10Very Good104 Reviews
Shoreditch London|3.54km from downtown
very good. The location is very good, close to the subway station, the room is small and the bed is very comfortable. Breakfast is a bit simple and costs £25 for a separate fee. Bottled water is delivered daily and there is a bar downstairs. Overall still very good 乛FromTRY 14,025
8.2/10Very Good60 Reviews
South Kensington London|4.09km from downtown
The hotel is located in a very safe and convenient area, with easy access to transportation, which is a big plus. However, the service from many staff members was quite disappointing. They did not feel welcoming, especially during breakfast where some staff appeared unfriendly and unapproachable, and service overall was quite limited.
The room experience also did not meet expectations for a 5-star hotel. Housekeeping only changed bed sheets every three days, which feels quite infrequent. The in-room amenities were minimal and not well equipped.
The heating system in the room was also a major issue. The heater was not warm enough, and when I informed the staff, they only provided an extra portable heater, which was not practical in such a small room. The air conditioning could only be adjusted to around 24°C, which made the room too cold at night and too warm during the day, making it very uncomfortable.
Overall, the experience did not feel like a 5-star standard at all, and I would personally prefer to stay elsewhere next time where the comfort and service are much better.FromTRY 10,030
9.1/10Great97 Reviews
Bank London|3.24km from downtown
This hotel is located in East London, directly opposite Liverpool Street Station, making it incredibly convenient for getting around. The hotel itself is new and modern, and my stay was very pleasant. I particularly liked that the bathroom towel rack was heated, even in summer, which was really handy for quickly drying some clothes overnight.
The room size is also more generous than similar hotels. We booked two room types, a king and a twin. The twin beds were 1.5m wide, which is great for families with kids as you can comfortably share a bed.
The only minor drawbacks were that the curtains aren't blackout style and don't seal completely against the wall, so light streamed in around 6 AM, waking us up. Also, the sink was a bit small, causing water to splash out easily, and there wasn't much space for toiletries.FromTRY 23,454
Business travel
8.7/10Very Good273 Reviews
Heathrow London|20.26km from downtown
The check in was fast, friendly and efficient. The ambiance is a big plus. Bar and food service and offerings were excellent. Room was great and clean and comfortable. I'll stay here againFromTRY 4,255
7.4/10271 Reviews
Hyde Park London|4.15km from downtown
When our family went there, it has just been newly refurbished, with most of the building having finished reconstruction and our room was nicely decorated, with good lighting and a great view, along with an air conditioner and a fridge although there was no freezer, which were good as we went in the summer. The room was slightly small and cramped, but not very much. It was located just a few stops away from the main attractions in the city , which was convenient for going to lots of different places. The room cleaning service was good and the room was always kept spotless. The beds were nice and comfortable to sleep in and the overhead waterfall shower was nice, although the bathroom sink was small in size and the water would sometimes spill out. There was also disposable slippers available and a windowsill to keep your belongings or just to sit there and look at the view, where in our case was the view of a gorgeous building on the street and the park.
Overall, we had a great experience as a family, with a clean room and good amenities and the location was convenient for a holiday, and it was a comfortable stay for our days in London.FromTRY 4,633
8.8/10Very Good240 Reviews
London|7.11km from downtown
I recently stayed at Novotel London Canary Wharf and it was one of the most enjoyable hotel experiences I’ve had in London. From the moment I checked in, the atmosphere felt modern, welcoming, and effortlessly comfortable.
The highlight of the stay was definitely the view from my room. Waking up to the Canary Wharf skyline and watching the city lights come alive at night was incredible. The floor-to-ceiling windows made the entire room feel bright and spacious, and the panoramic cityscape gave the stay a real luxury feel.
Another standout experience was visiting Bōkan, the hotel’s restaurant and rooftop bar. The views from up there are absolutely breathtaking , you get a stunning panoramic perspective of the whole of London, from Canary Wharf to landmarks across the city skyline. Whether during sunset or later in the evening, the atmosphere is unforgettable. The combination of great food, drinks, and those sweeping views made it one of the best parts of the trip.
The hotel amenities were also excellent. The pool was clean and relaxing, perfect after a long day exploring or working in the city. The gym was well-equipped with everything needed for a proper workout, and the sauna added an extra touch of relaxation that really elevated the overall experience.
Overall, Novotel London Canary Wharf delivers the perfect mix of comfort, modern luxury, amazing facilities, and spectacular London views. I’d happily stay there again and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable stay in Canary Wharf.FromTRY 6,427
7.8/10Good65 Reviews
King's Cross St. Pancras London|2.61km from downtown
The location is convenient; it's easy to get around after arriving by Eurostar. Every day, I just told reception to clean the room and change the towels, and they did a great job, with plenty of fresh towels. Having air conditioning in the summer is really important; it's so nice to come back to a cool, relaxing room after a day of sightseeing.FromTRY 8,569
8.8/10Very Good95 Reviews
London|17.04km from downtown
First time staying here and I will def be back again me and my partner initially booked for a night but ended up staying for 2 ! loved the pool sauna steam room and the room service was top!
The staff were soo friendly and helpful and a shout out to Craig who was very helpful, friendly and efficient !
A very friendly welcome from all of the staff and I could have stayed longer. Also good location and good use of amenities and rooms were equipped with essential’s
Very please with hotel inn express SuttonFromTRY 4,070
Family friendly
9.3/10Great47 Reviews
Earls Court London|5.15km from downtown
10/10 experience! The convenient location made our travel so much smoother. We loved the breakfast every morning, which was both fresh and filling. What really stands out, though, is the attentive and helpful staff. They truly make you feel at home.FromTRY 11,712
8.7/10Very Good115 Reviews
Bank London|3.38km from downtown
First, the positive aspects:
- The staff were very friendly. Thank you!
- The hotel's location is very good, it is a 2-minute walk from Tower Hill Station (Circle/District line) and a 5-minute walk from Tower Gate DLR station.
- There is a coffee machine in the room and complimentary water is provided every day. The bathroom is equipped with the usual amenities.
- The bed is comfortable.
- The request for a room far away from the lift was granted.
The negative aspects:
- The room was cool (personal opinion). Despite adjusting the temperature control in the room, the room temperature did not change.
- In the second room, water suddenly dripped through the ceiling (in the bathroom) during the night, so there was a change of rooms. It would have been nice (not mandatory, but nice) to offer guests breakfast in return. The television in the new room did not seem to work.
Would I book again? In the summer yes.FromTRY 8,302
8.6/10Very Good464 Reviews
Tower Hill London|3.52km from downtown
From the moment we arrived, the staff made check-in seamless and welcoming. But the absolute highlight of our stay was the location—waking up every morning to direct, stunning views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames is something special. You are literally steps away from the iconic bridge, the Tower of London, and St Katharine Docks, which offers fantastic dining options right by the marina.
Tower Hill Underground Station and the Uber Boat/Thames Clippers pier are just a short walk away, making getting around the city fast and simple.
Highly Recommended .FromTRY 8,673
8.6/10Very Good477 Reviews
Waterloo London|1.02km from downtown
We booked the Double Studio and were impressed by how spacious it is, with extra living area, rare for central London. There is an automated umbrella kiosk at the lobby; guests can borrow umbrellas free for 48 hours, a thoughtful perk for London’s sudden showers. The location can’t be beaten – London Eye, Westminster Abbey are all within walking distance. The hotel is very big, expect queues at check-in and busy breakfast hours. Ideal for sightseers who want to stay central and enjoy iconic views.FromTRY 10,675
9.6/10Amazing93 Reviews
Theatreland London|0.36km from downtown
The hotel is brand new and its location is fantastic, only a 5-minute walk to Chinatown. However, if you're driving, parking isn't very convenient, and taxis can't drop you right at the entrance, which isn't ideal if you have a lot of luggage. The interior decor has a rich 'old money' vibe, with smart toilets and a separate shower (no need to shower in the tub!). The slippers are super comfortable, and they provide amenities like toothbrushes, cotton swabs, and cotton pads, so you don't need to ask for them. Room service is proactive and very friendly. The curtains don't seem to close completely, but it was very quiet.FromTRY 29,733
Hot spring
8.4/10Very Good66 Reviews
London|5.71km from downtown
Our stay here was a breath of fresh air after our experience in a shoebox hotel room in another hotel closer to London Kings Cross.
The hotel has been recently renovated and now has a modern artsy interior. Facilities and interior of the rooms are very new and clean. And we also appreciated the room size which was much more spacious compared to other hotels in London - both of us could open our large size luggages with ample room!
Although the location is not in the center of tourist attractions, we appreciated that the area was abit more quiet and peaceful but still very convenient as only a short walk to the tube (west Brompton district line) which connected us to majority of attractions easily and within short distance. It was also easy to get onto the picadilly line for Heathrow at the end of our trip as picadilly line stations are also close by. There were also busstops right outside our hotel & west brompton station is also an overground station if you need to travel to outside central london
Overall great experience and would definitely stay here againFromTRY 5,419
8.4/10Very Good106 Reviews
London|8.26km from downtown
The hotel rep was kind enough to reply that they could not refund or change the dates of my stay when I informed them with proof of an email by Emirates who cancelled the original flight and rescheduled it causing me to lose an entire whole day and of course my paid booking at the hotel. When I finally landed I actually went to have a look and found the hotel as above.
I really hope Trip.com will look into this issue of getting hotels to consider refunds in the event such as illness, emergency or flight cancellations or factors out of customers control regardless of the original clause of non refundable within 24 hours.FromTRY 4,715
7.9/10Good248 Reviews
Hyde Park London|4.22km from downtown
Booked here for four nights, this time, at the end of my UK holiday and it was right in the middle of high tourist season so was very busy! However, the service was still up to scratch, room (I think I’d booked the smallest one!) clean with a standing a/c (thank God) unit by the bed. It’s a delightful and historic building with a superb lounge and bar (which I still didn’t use, so next time!). Breakfast continues to be wonderful (had to ensure I arrived when it started, though, in order to get a table) with just about every option you could imagine. I would recommend some veggie sausages as well, though, in this day and age to go with your first-rate cooked breakfast selection. My only real complaint is the time it took to retrieve my luggage (and I saw some other customers also waiting quite a while). Thanks again!FromTRY 5,004
8.7/10Very Good121 Reviews
Theatreland London|0.76km from downtown
As a solo traveler, I had such a wonderful stay at Mimi’s. The staff were incredibly helpful, kind and friendly. It was a tiny room but worked for one person with all the needed items, including a hair dryer and the life saving air conditioner. They also offer £10 charge to store luggage which was nice for walking around before leaving the area. The lobby is also quite lovely and relaxing. Would absolutely stay here again, a wonderful spot in the center of theatres and restaurants.FromTRY 6,457
8.6/10Very Good147 Reviews
London|11.43km from downtown
Excellent location in Ealing ~10 minute walk from the main Ealing Broadway
Can't fault the customer service, they handed us warmed cookies as a welcome.
Hotel room has nespresso machine & pods, twinings tea bag selection & kettle. Smart TV able to cast from phone (android).
Great shower pressure & temperature control. Comfy bed.
Only issue would be the room AC, not sure it worked properly, temperature increased from 19 to 21 degrees overnight in the room, even though it was set at 18 degrees. It may well be the inferior 'fan coil unit' which doesn't seem to work as well.
If you stay over the weekend, there is free side-street parking next to the hotelFromTRY 4,900
Gym
7.4/10125 Reviews
London|13.5km from downtown
Absolutely loved the location and will definitely return. The service and attention to detail from the reception team especially is 10/10.
Certain areas of the hotel need refurbishing - even if just a lick of paint for now as they aren't in line with the rest of the hotel.
The room was small but practical and unfortunately didn't have the best of views but that's not an issue. I felt comfortable and safe during my stay. Had a minor issue with the air con unit which is very dated and didn't match the aesthetic of a modern and refurbished room which looks very appealing.
Overall, would be very happy to visit again especially during the summer and try out their dinner menu.FromTRY 4,018
9.2/10Great114 Reviews
Bank London|1.85km from downtown
The hotel's location is great, right next to St. Paul's Cathedral and within walking distance to the Museum of Contemporary Art. The family room was small, and the bathroom was tiny, barely allowing us to open a 30-inch suitcase. The rooftop bar requires reservations and is for guests aged 21 and over. Luggage storage is available, and early check-in is possible if a room is ready; we checked in at 1:30 PM. Overall, the location and service were good, and the room was quiet, but the facilities are only on par with a 3-star hotel in China. It's more suitable for couples.FromTRY 10,437
8.4/10Very Good307 Reviews
South Kensington London|4.34km from downtown
Service: The front desk staff was very enthusiastic and provided excellent service, offering free luggage storage which was perfect for my last day before catching a flight.
Facilities: The room was spacious, comfortable, and clean, and the coffee was delicious.
Environment: There are plenty of places to eat and shop around, from large supermarkets to smaller ones. I even found a Chipotle open late for a late-night snack! 🥳 It's within walking distance of the Natural History Museum and super close to the subway station, which was incredibly convenient.FromTRY 4,566
7.5/10144 Reviews
London|6.86km from downtown
A beautiful hotel with a truly excellent location and very friendly service staff. We were originally supposed to be three people, but only two of us came, so we kindly received a refund for breakfast. Unfortunately, on the very first day, I found a small maggot on my ham at the breakfast buffet. The gym is undergoing renovation, so it couldn't be used at all, which we found to be a real shame. The rooms are nice, although unfortunately without windows, and the air conditioning was broken, but we received a portable replacement. One day, our room was forgotten to be cleaned. My earplugs for the night were unfortunately thrown away, and when I asked for a replacement, I was told it would be taken care of, but I never received any. Also, when I asked for salt, nothing ever came. So, all in all, a good stay in a great area, and we would be very happy to come back.FromTRY 4,255
9.1/10Great155 Reviews
Hyde Park London|3.94km from downtown
Amazing hotel! Perfect location for the Albert Hall or South Kensington to get into central London. From check in to checkout the team could not have been more helpful. Beautiful rooms and a great compact gym area. Every detail has been thought through which was nice. The bar had its own terrace area and the service and food was superb. Would definitely return here.FromTRY 7,257
Swimming pool
8.9/10Very Good117 Reviews
London|3.31km from downtown
Great location with various eateries and groceries nearby. Close to train station and buses. comfortable and clean room. Staff were pleasant and helpful. Carpet was a little sticky in room when we arrived but it got better after housekeeping came twice.FromTRY 10,311
9.5/10Amazing42 Reviews
London|0.39km from downtown
My stay at The Savoy, London was an excellent experience. As a historic landmark hotel, its lobby exudes a classic 'old money' British charm with elegant and grand decor. The room design was a delightful surprise, perfectly blending the building's historical character with modern, top-tier amenities, ensuring a very comfortable stay.
All hotel staff were warm and polite, with particularly attentive and meticulous concierge service. The restaurant service was professional and seamless, and the traditional English breakfast was authentically delicious. With both excellent facilities and superb service, this hotel is highly recommended. I look forward to visiting again.FromTRY 46,894
9.5/10Amazing123 Reviews
Buckingham Palace London|0.25km from downtown
Corinthia is stunning in every moment.
After searching around, this one is highly recommended by everyone! It's really amazing. After getting off the bus, the staff came over immediately to help with luggage and open the door. The first impression was perfect.
Check-in at the front desk was also very fast. We arrived at the hotel after one o'clock and normally checked in at three o'clock. The room had been cleaned in advance. The staff took us into the room and introduced some specific facilities in the room. Soon the suitcases were delivered to the hotel for us. The elevator is very unique. There is a clock above to show the floor, which gives people a very different feeling.
The hotel's service is meticulous. I believe that many times if you need room service, it will be a headache if you don't know clearly or there are some obstacles in communication. But here you only need to scan the code on the hotel table and you can communicate in real time directly through What's app. It's super Incredibly convenient. I asked for an ironing machine and adapter and they were delivered quickly. The hotel's slippers are also very special, very thick and feel good on the feet.
The rooms are all equipped with bathtubs and heaters. It is a spa hotel after all. It is known as the best spa hotel. The spa facilities are really great. There is an elevator directly leading to the spa area on the room floor. The sauna pool and soaking pool are very comfortable. I come here every day to soak in it at night. Nine o'clock, if only it could be later.
The breakfast was great, the fruit was fresh and the eggs were excellent.
Of course, everything can't be perfect. There are still some small details. Most of the hotel employees are friendly and will say hello and cordial greetings when they see you. However, there are also some employees who will not say a word when they see you. Looking up and down, this makes people feel a little uncomfortable. The room we stayed in seemed to be connected to the room next door due to structural problems. We stayed for three nights. The sound from the opposite side was louder on the second night, which affected our rest. We contacted the hotel as soon as possible the next day, which was also very good. They took care of it and originally said they would change our room because we had too much luggage and really didn't want to move it. The hotel said they had communicated with the guests next door. Sure enough, the last night was very quiet and we spent it happily. The hotel also expressed its opinions. Sincerity, you can feel their attitude.
All in all, it was an overall very satisfying trip. If I come to London next time, I will choose this place again.FromTRY 48,369
9.1/10Great84 Reviews
Bank London|2.16km from downtown
The service was great, and the hotel is new and clean. However, there were no toothbrushes, toothpaste, or slippers in the room, so we had to either bring our own or ask the staff for them. Also, around 8:00 AM, the cleaning staff swiped their card to enter the room, which really startled my two sleeping daughters. Furthermore, the breakfast was the same every day and quite unappetizing. We stayed for 6-7 days and were thoroughly sick of it. I hope they can improve this.FromTRY 19,096
8.6/10Very Good54 Reviews
London|1.25km from downtown
The staff at this hotel were without exception, superb. Helpful, accommodating and friendly in all the departments.
Location is excellent with a great bus service practically outside the doors or it’s a pleasant 15/20 mins walk to Covent Garden, Soho, etc.
Only criticisms are regarding the rooms which are a bit too warm overnight with no way of regulating the system, and have very poor lighting.FromTRY 12,098
Breakfast
8.9/10Very Good55 Reviews
Heathrow London|17.42km from downtown
Everything was excellent. The rooms were very clean and the whole place was beautifully designed. The reception staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful. A very pleasant stay overall - highly recommended!FromTRY 2,869
9.3/10Great44 Reviews
St James London|0.28km from downtown
A truly excellent hotel that I highly recommend. It feels very safe, the location is super convenient, and the service is incredibly warm and friendly. The staff, especially the younger gentlemen, were fantastic. The only downsides were the breakfast, which had limited variety and was the same every day, and the fact that toothbrushes and slippers weren't provided unless specifically requested, which was a bit inconvenient.FromTRY 24,055
8.6/10Very Good51 Reviews
Blackheath London|10.36km from downtown
Here's a slightly toned-down version:
---
**A Pleasant Stay Overall**
Our stay was enjoyable for the most part. The staff were friendly and helpful, and check-in was smooth and efficient. The room was clean and comfortable, though nothing particularly stood out as exceptional. The bed was decent and we slept reasonably well. The location worked well for our needs, with most attractions within easy reach. Breakfast had a good selection to choose from. Overall, a solid choice and we'd likely consider returning.FromTRY 6,783
9.5/10Amazing40 Reviews
London|3.12km from downtown
Top class hotel and lovely room
Only downside was they no longer do the Executive Lounge which was a lovely touch to chill outside of the room and enjoy a nice ambience. One of the reasons I booked. Was disappointing to find was no longer a thingFromTRY 15,982
8.6/10Very Good347 Reviews
Waterloo London|1.01km from downtown
The service attitude of a long-haired female receptionist in her 50s was extremely poor and arrogant. When I went to check in, I politely greeted her in English and showed my ID. She didn't even look up at me, just stared at the screen without saying a word for at least three minutes. I couldn't help but ask if she had seen my booking, and she just replied ”yes” before going back to silence and avoiding eye contact for several more minutes. Finally, she handed me the room card and coldly stated the breakfast times. It was a truly shocking experience; I paid for her service, yet it felt like I owed her money.
What happened after I entered the room was even more unbelievable. The bathtub had stains, and since my child wanted a bath that evening, I asked housekeeping for help with cleaning. Someone arrived immediately, knocked once, and without waiting for me to get to the door, swiped their card and entered! Thankfully, I had the chain lock on, preventing them from coming all the way in, but such reckless and rude service is simply intolerable! After a brief attempt at cleaning, they told me the stains couldn't be removed and would require professional maintenance with chemicals or a part replacement. They offered to ask the front desk about a room change. I figured they would arrange it, so I went out for dinner, planning to discuss it upon my return. However, no one ever contacted me about a room change, right up until I checked out. The entire staff's cold, rude, and indifferent service completely changed my perception of Britain as a 'land of etiquette'!
Additionally, the shower faucet was extremely stiff; I had to use all my strength to slowly nudge it to turn it on. I seriously suspect the front desk deliberately assigns long-unused rooms to Chinese guests! The bedside lamp was also broken. I advise against staying at this hotel, even if it means downgrading your spending. I'd rather use the self-check-in machine at the Premium Inn next door than step foot in this hotel again. Apart from the location and breakfast being acceptable, nothing else justified the money spent – it was so not worth it!! Strongly not recommended!!!
Figure 1 shows the rusty and unremovable stains in the bathtub, along with a toothpaste-like blob that couldn't be cleaned off! Figure 2 is a screenshot from a video taken after entering the room, showing crumpled bedsheets that looked exactly like those in a cheap motel!FromTRY 10,793
FAQs about UK Arrival Card
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Do I need to fill out a form to enter the UK?
No, paper arrival cards are no longer used. Visa-exempt visitors need a UK ETA, while visa-required travelers need an eVisa. -
What date does ETIAS start for the UK?
ETIAS is an EU system and does not apply to the UK; it will launch for the EU in Q4 2026. -
Do I need an ETA to enter the UK?
Yes, a UK ETA is mandatory for 85 visa-exempt nations starting 25 February 2026 (UK and Irish citizens are exempt). -
What are the new entry requirements for the UK in 2026?
The key new requirement is the UK ETA for visa-exempt travelers, alongside a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds. -
What happens if I travel to the UK without an ETA?
After 25 February 2026, carriers will deny boarding, and you may be refused entry by UK border force. -
How do I get an ETA for the UK?
Apply online through the official UK government portal, pay a £16 fee, and receive digital approval for your ETA. -
Do European citizens need an ETA to enter the UK?
Yes, EU citizens are part of the visa-exempt group and will need a UK ETA from 25 February 2026.
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- 3. What is the UK ETA and when does it start?
- 4. What is ETIAS means for your UK travels?
- 5. What are new UK Entry Requirements 2026?
- 6. How to apply for your UK ETA online?
- 7. What are Common Mistakes to Avoid when Entering the UK?
- 8. [10% Off] Top UK Hotel Recommendations
- 9. FAQs about UK Arrival Card
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