London at Christmas,
with your ETA sorted
One £20 authorization, then Mayfair, Knightsbridge and the city's grand hotels.
This guide is for visitors planning a festive trip to London. Most visitors who do not need a visa now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — GOV.UK says you usually need one if you are from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries. It costs £20, is applied for online or in the official UK ETA app, and lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner, for as many trips as you like. Decisions usually arrive by email within a day, but can take up to 3 working days. Below: the details that trip people up, and where to stay for a five-star London Christmas.
Do I need a UK ETA to visit London?
Most visitors need an ETA or a visa, depending on nationality. GOV.UK says you usually need an ETA rather than a visa if you are from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries; check your nationality on the official Check if you need a UK visa tool. You do not need one if you have a British or Irish passport or permission to live, work or study in the UK.
Every traveler needs their own ETA, including babies and children.
How much does the UK ETA cost and how long does it last?
- Cost: £20 per person, online or in the UK ETA app. GOV.UK notes you cannot get a refund after you apply.
- Validity: 2 years, or until your passport expires — whichever is sooner.
- Trips: as many as you want while it is valid, for stays of up to 6 months.
- Decision: usually by email within a day; it can take up to 3 working days. You must wait for the confirmation email before you travel.
What about connecting through Heathrow?
GOV.UK says you need an ETA if you pass through UK border control before continuing your journey. If you stay airside and do not go through border control, check the transit rules for your nationality on GOV.UK before you fly.
Avoid look-alike ETA websites
GOV.UK warns that other websites may charge more to apply, and that you cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app. Use GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app only.
Where to stay in London for Christmas
- Mayfair — grand hotels between Bond Street, Berkeley Square and Hyde Park; the classic festive base.
- Knightsbridge — Harrods' Christmas windows and Hyde Park on the doorstep.
- Covent Garden and the Strand — theaters, the Covent Garden Christmas tree and the river.
- South Bank and the river — skyline views and an easy walk to Westminster.
Most hotels publish Christmas Day and New Year's Eve dining packages that sell out early, and public transport runs very limited services on Christmas Day — plan to stay close to where you want to be.
Where this information comes from
We checked these official pages on November 8, 2026. Rules can change, so please confirm before you travel:
- GOV.UK — Electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
- GOV.UK — Apply for an ETA
- GOV.UK — Check if you need a UK visa
🏨 Five-star hotels in London (live Agoda rates) (14)
Five-star only, ranked by nightly price. Live Agoda rates for 2 adults, taxes and fees included, checked 2026-11-08 — confirm the live rate on Agoda.
🎄 Where to stay in London
🎁 Festive moments worth planning around
❓ Frequently asked questions
How much is the UK ETA in 2026?
£20 per person, applied for on GOV.UK or in the official UK ETA app. There is no refund after you apply.
How long is a UK ETA valid?
2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can make as many trips as you want while it is valid.
How long does a UK ETA take?
Usually a decision by email within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days. Wait for the confirmation before you travel.
Do children need a UK ETA?
Yes. GOV.UK says each person travelling needs an ETA, including babies and children.
Do I need an ETA if I'm transiting through London?
You need one if you pass through UK border control. If you stay airside, check the transit rules for your nationality on GOV.UK.
Where is the best area to stay in London at Christmas?
Mayfair for classic grand hotels near Bond Street and Hyde Park, Knightsbridge for Harrods and Winter Wonderland, or Covent Garden for theaters and festive markets.
Some links are Agoda affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Hotel rates were checked on Agoda and change often. ETA details are summarized from GOV.UK as of November 8, 2026 — please confirm before you travel.