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.
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!
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!
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.
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. 😀
The amenities are all L'Occitane, and the apartment is spacious. The balcony offers a direct view of The Shard and the river, perfect for relaxation. It was ideal for a family of four with two bedrooms. We immediately canceled our next hotel reservation and extended our stay here. For the last night, we upgraded to a tower view room with two balconies, one with a tower view and the other with a Tower Bridge view.
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
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.
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.
The hotel is super close to the airport, and you can easily get there by public transport from the airport – it's just across the road. There are quite a few supermarkets nearby, and the staff are really friendly and welcoming. The overall environment is great, and the linens in the room are clean and tidy. All in all, it was a comfortable stay with good value for money.
The location of this hotel is very good. Got 2 tubes nearby and many bus services. Many cafes, restaurants, supermarkets within 5 mins walking distance.
The hotel is under renovation, our room is just renovated, so it is nice. But as our room is close to their housekeeping room, so it is so noisy as they keep opening and closing the doors and also exit door. It’s quite disturbing.
Cleaniness can be improved as the mugs still have previous lip print on it.
Overall it is convenient to stay in this hotel.
Great location near Canary Wharf. Room was well appointed and modern and staff were great. Even had a nice view. not sure I'm much of much of a fan of the hotel lobby's decor - it looks like they have tried to reflect Canary Wharf's former life as a dockyard and gone for an industrial vibe which I feel makes it look a bit shabby, but other than that everything was excellent.
King's Cross St. Pancras London|2.61km from downtown
Right next to King's Cross Station, making it incredibly convenient for catching trains. There are plenty of places to eat nearby. The room felt a bit spacious, but the superb transport links definitely made up for it. Considering I had a suitcase to lug around, I quickly decided this was the hotel for me.
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 Sutton
Overall, the service was excellent. The hotel has a lovely small garden, which is a rare find. When checking out, they ask if you'd like to pay an additional 5% service charge. The breakfast was fantastic; I highly recommend booking a room with breakfast included. The toiletries are all from Labo. As is typical for European hotels, the rooms aren't huge, but they do come with a Nespresso machine. My only regret is that the hotel's Wi-Fi was broken for a long time the night before I left and wasn't fixed.
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.
I was a bit nervous after seeing some negative reviews before my stay, but it turned out to be better than I expected. All the staff I encountered were very friendly, and the environment was decent.
The biggest plus is the convenient location. The Big Ben view is fantastic, and it's quite close to Westminster and Waterloo stations. I'd definitely consider staying here again on my next visit.
The hotel's location is absolutely fantastic! It's right in the heart of London, next to Chinatown. You can hop on a bus right outside, and a black cab stand is just 100 meters away. Plus, there are tons of great food options, coffee shops, accessory stores, bubble tea shops, supermarkets, and more – everything you could possibly need! The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming. They even offer taxi services, Chinese translation devices, and spa services. All the facilities are brand new, and the slippers and towels are super comfy! Truly amazing!
The hotel's location is incredibly convenient. Subway and bus stations are just a three-minute walk away, and luxury boutiques and Harrods are also nearby. The hotel service is excellent, with turndown service provided every evening. Highly recommend!
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 again
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.
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.
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 hotel
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!
Check-in was seamless and efficient, directions to the room were clear and concise, the room was well equipped with everything you would expect and the beds were very comfortable. You'd expect to pay a lot more for what's on offer here.
The location is fantastic, right next to St. Paul's Cathedral, truly in the heart of the city. The hotel itself is generally good and convenient.
Facilities: The hotel has most of what you'd expect, though the room is a bit small. But that's pretty standard for UK hotels; this king-size room is about 25 square meters. The air conditioning was a little noisy at night, but it didn't really bother me overall.
Ambiance: The atmosphere is nice. They have a rooftop bar on the 7th floor where you can enjoy night views of St. Paul's, but there's a dress code – no casual wear allowed.
Great location! There's a subway station right outside, plus a Waitrose. Bus 74 goes directly to Baker Street and Oxford Street, and bus 49 takes you to the big shopping mall at White City. Kensington Gardens is also about a 15-minute walk away. The service was excellent; they even let me check in early since a room was available.
The room was in excellent condition and the bed was very comfortable, upon arrival we received a very warm welcome from staff that were willing to help any guests if needed. The shower and bathroom facilities were also superb and I would 100% recommended and return.
Me and my partner stayed here for 7 nights in the standard double room with a Tower Bridge view. Wow we were absolutely thrilled with this hotel. The view was like nothing else and the location couldn’t have been better. I actually didn’t realise it was right at the Tower Bridge, it was so special staying right there. It has an amazing restaurant / bar open late and had such a fun atmosphere. The breakfast was amazing and the hotel was super cool. We loved that there was food trucks just out side the hotel and a grocery store around the corner opened until late which also sold alcohol. We did have a few problems with our room and the staff were super helpful and accommodating and made sure we were happy. The rooms were a little run down but I personally feel it’s worth it. Our biggest problem was the ac not working in the heatwave but they were able to change our rooms and provide portable fans and aircons. What you get for the price is a bargain and we were so happy to sacrifice the room not being luxury for the view and location.
This is by far one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. The service from the staff was incredible, so thoughtful and kind. The room wasn’t ready for check in time unfortunately. The hotel is beautifully designed. I will definitely be back.
Well what can I say, I have been visiting London for so many years and stayed in all categories of hotels, in the luxury part I stayed in Claridge's, Dorchester and Rubens and I can confidently say that from now on The Savoy will be my number one choice for a luxury hotel in London
We were upgraded to a one bedroom suite when they knew that it's my wife's first time in London, great service and great attention to detail from everyone..don't wanna forget names but Zibi and Konrad from Concierge team and Kayleigh from front desk (her colleague who showed us to our room, I apologize if I forgot the name but it's easy to get who was on the front desk with Kayleigh on September 22nd)
The room itself is vintage style with great amenities which we loved, my wife loved the Dyson hair dryer and I loved the bath amenities
Breakfast was the best I had in any luxury hotel in London in terms of service and quality, I highly recommend the gallery for breakfast, unfortunately we haven't tried other hotel restaurants
Location is right on strand and few minutes away from Covent garden and Piccadilly circus
You may find that I described the hotel with great value which sounds strange for an expensive luxury hotel but it's true, I felt it's worth every penny compared to other luxury London hotels
Overall a great stay and will definitely be back.
The room was excellent, and the air conditioning worked perfectly. I ordered room service twice, and both times the food was delicious – especially the fish and chips and the lamb chops.
The room felt really premium and was very comfortable to stay in. They have a swimming pool and breakfast, but my flight was quite early, so I opted for a room without breakfast. London's public transport is incredibly efficient; it didn't take much time at all to get to Gatwick Airport.
The hotel's location is good, and the service is excellent. I didn't experience any discrimination. The hotel is a bit old, but the cleanliness seems fine. For London, it offers good value for money.
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 thing
The hotel's location is excellent; we could walk to the London Eye, take a Thames river cruise, and visit Westminster Abbey. Using Uber was also very convenient, and there are double-decker buses right outside the hotel, making transportation accessible everywhere. On our first day, we received a welcome fruit platter. The front desk also provided a daily fruit basket near the elevators for guests to help themselves. Additionally, free iced water and lemonade were available, which was great for filling up bottles before heading out. A bespectacled Caucasian lady at the front desk was exceptionally nice, answering all our questions with gentleness and patience. She even gave our child a small gift, which kicked off our London trip wonderfully. The tall, Black gentleman at the concierge had a charming smile and helped us arrange luggage storage, ensuring a perfect end to our journey. The Executive City View room was particularly suitable for families, as the sofa bed was a fantastic 1.5-meter double bed! This meant the room effectively had two 1.5-meter beds, separated by a partition, making it ideal for families. Housekeeping cleaned the room daily, but towels and linens weren't changed every day, which is understandable for environmental reasons. However, it was a bit disappointing when stained sheets weren't replaced. Also, old bathrobes were taken away but not replaced with new ones, and slippers weren't replenished during our 7-day stay; by the last two days, they were practically falling apart. On the day of checkout, December 12th, the male receptionist severely lowered the hotel's service score. He was impatient during our conversation, and even though he knew we weren't proficient in English, he spoke quickly and mumbled. This was a stark contrast to the thoughtful attitude of the Caucasian lady on our first day, who slowed down her speech and emphasized important words for guests. The hotel breakfast was quite good, especially for London, which can be a 'food desert,' but the variety never changed, making it a bit repetitive after seven days. Furthermore, the room's hardware facilities were a bit old, and the bathroom was too small, with the toilet and sink almost touching, making it feel cramped. Overall, it's still a good hotel, and I hope the areas needing improvement will be addressed.
Overall, it's a good hotel. It's conveniently located right next to Victoria Station. The front desk staff were warm and polite, and the welcome cookies were delicious! The room was clean, hygienic, and quiet. There might have been a loose connection with the power strip, as the power cut out twice automatically. Housekeeping fixed it promptly. Breakfast was plentiful, but when I returned with a drink, I noticed the glass was cracked. Luckily, I hadn't taken a sip yet, otherwise, it could have been dangerous! I informed a staff member, who apologized and took it away. The restaurant staff really need to be more careful and thorough – that was quite dangerous! They offer free luggage storage, which is a great service.
Overall, a positive experience at Residence Inn, though some points need addressing. We appreciated getting an accessible room, as we were traveling with a person with reduced mobility (I had requested one during booking, but it wasn't noted. Luckily, a room was available on our arrival day).
The studio was spacious. However, a word of caution: if you book a triple studio, the space might quickly feel small for a stay longer than 3 nights (ours was 10 nights).
The location is okay: central in a quiet neighborhood. A bit far from the tube (about a 10-minute walk). Bus lines are nearby, which is convenient for getting around London. A Tesco 3 minutes away, which is very much appreciated. A big plus: washing machines and dryers available in the hotel. Pro tip: buy a small bottle of detergent; it'll be cheaper than the £1 pods sold at reception. The premises were modern, and the rooms have no carpets (a big plus) and are air-conditioned. We were there during London's heatwave and had no temperature issues. The bedding is comfortable, and the double bed is spacious. The sofa bed, a little less so.
HOUSEKEEPING was not satisfactory: a lot of dust accumulated throughout our stay.
Another downside: our door handle was broken. We had someone come on the first day to fix the immediate issue of us being stuck inside. I was then assured they would send someone to repair the handle: no news for the entire stay. The door was very difficult to open, so you couldn't be in a hurry. And this problem could have had serious safety consequences in case of an emergency evacuation...
A bit shocking for a hotel of this standing.
The breakfast was just acceptable - the quality wasn't necessarily there, and for a long stay, you get tired of it quickly.
For the price, I admit I expected a slightly higher standard of service.
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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