United Kingdom travel guide for Australians

Australian passport holders can visit the United Kingdom for tourism up to 6 months without a visa, but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure; budget AUD 250‑400 per day plus AUD 1,500‑2,500 for a return flight.

Australian citizens can enter the UK without a visa for tourism, visiting family, or short business activities, for up to 6 months. You cannot work or study without the appropriate visa. Border officials may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation, and funds for your stay, so have those ready.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for visa‑exempt nationals, including Australians, before travelling. Apply online, pay the fee, and receive approval electronically linked to your passport. Allow several days for processing, and note that the ETA is valid for multiple entries over a set period.

Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay. There is no minimum validity requirement beyond that for Australian citizens, but check the official UK guidance before you book.

The Australian High Commission provides consular assistance, passport services and emergency help for Australians in the UK. It is located in central London.

Address: Australian High Commission, 10 Cromwell Road, London, SW1X 0AA, United Kingdom.

Phone: +44 20 7959 1000 (consular emergencies 24 h).

Coordinates: at: [51.5074, -0.1278] (approximate, city centre).

Mid‑range daily budget: AUD 250‑400 per person (accommodation, meals, local transport).

London is the most expensive city; regional areas such as York or Edinburgh can be 20‑30 % cheaper.

Return flights from Sydney or Melbourne to London typically cost AUD 1,500‑2,500, depending on season and airline.

Typical flight time to London: 22‑24 hours total, including one stop (common via Singapore, Dubai or Doha).

Main departure airports: Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE) and Perth (PER).

Direct services are not available; most itineraries involve a single layover of 2‑4 hours.

The UK uses Type G plugs (three rectangular pins) with 230 V, 50 Hz supply.

Australian travellers should bring a Type G adapter; voltage converters are not needed for most modern chargers.

Restaurants: 10‑12.5 % of the bill if no service charge is added.

Pubs: tipping is not expected; you may round up the bill.

Taxis: round up to the nearest pound or add 10 % for good service.

999 or 112 – police, fire, ambulance.

111 – non‑urgent NHS medical advice.

101 – non‑urgent police matters.