Practical travel tips for events in England
Visa requirements
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
By April 2025 all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to or transit through the UK.
An ETA is digital permission to travel to the UK and has been introduced as part of the Government’s transformation and digitisation of the UK border. An ETA costs £10, permits multiple journeys and is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever date is sooner. The ETA grants travel to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study, and for transiting through the UK.
British and Irish citizens do not require an ETA. See the full list of countries who will need to apply for an ETA on GOV.UK.
Visitors can apply in advance, and all visitors to the UK will require an ETA according to the following timeline:
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visitors need an ETA to travel to and transit through the UK.
- Eligible non-Europeans need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025.
- Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2024 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.
Applications must be made individually and can be made via mobile app or online at GOV.UK. Decisions are typically returned within three working days. Find more information about ETA requirements and how to apply.
Accessibility
Accessible travel
If you have accessibility requirements, related services are free in England. Most places of interest, including accommodation and travel hubs offer a host of support for all travellers.
There is a selection of detailed access guides with information on accessible accommodation and inclusive experiences, as well as the National Accessible Scheme, which supports users in finding accommodation and travel options to suit your needs.
Travel to and around England
By air
London, England’s capital city, has five major international airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City Airport. There are also international airports across the country in Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, LeedsBradford, Liverpool, Manchester, NewcastleGateshead and Norwich, making England an easily accessible destination with all major cities within an hour’s drive of an international airport.
By train
Distances are small in England, making the country quick and easy to navigate. All major English destinations are within a couple of hours’ travelling distance from London. Travel by train into England with high-speed Eurostar links from the European Continent serving both Ashford in Kent and London’s St Pancras Station.
Major train stations between the South and North of England are well-connected with regular services available, meaning you’re rarely more than 2 hours 30 minutes from London and a major international airport.
| Origin | Destination | Est. travel time |
| London | Birmingham & West Midlands | 2 hr |
| London | Devon | 2 hr 30 min |
| London | Manchester | 2 hr 30 min |
| London | NewcastleGateshead | 3 hr 10 min |
| Manchester | Birmingham & West Midlands | 1 hr 30 min |
| Manchester | Liverpool | 40 min |
| Manchester | Sheffield | 50 min |
| Manchester | NewcastleGateshead | 2 hr 30 min |
| Birmingham | Bristol | 1 hr 20 min |
| Birmingham | Warwick | 40 min |
| Birmingham | NewcastleGateshead | 2 hr 30 min |
By ferry
There are also numerous direct ferry connections from many cities across the European Continent with England home to two of Europe’s largest and busiest ports; Southampton and Portsmouth. You can travel to England by ferry from Ireland, Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
Public transport
Buses and trams are popular modes of public transport in many English cities, with regular and well-connected links both within specific regions and across the country.
Find more information about using public transport around Britain.
Good to know
Martyn’s Law
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, is new legislation requiring public venues to consider the security of the public and take steps to improve preparedness against terrorist attacks.
The bill sets out a tiered approach for event premises to take necessary but proportionate steps for public security according to the size of the venue, expected attendance and the activity taking place. Read more about the proposed legislation on GOV.UK.
The bill is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the 2017 attack on Manchester Arena. It was introduced in Parliament in September 2024. Learn more about its status in Parliament here.
UK bank holidays
Review England’s scheduled bank holidays through 2025-2026 to plan your visit.
