Find out more information on travelling and visiting London including visas, currency, weather and attractions to visit during your stay.

London is a city where history and modern innovation come together, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its diversity, openness and rich cultural heritage, it has grown into one of the world’s most dynamic and international cities.
 
From historic landmarks to contemporary architecture, London offers a setting where tradition and global influence coexist. Its welcoming and multicultural spirit makes it an inspiring place for people from around the world to meet, connect and exchange ideas.
 
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London, United Kingdom

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Getting to London

 
Arriving by plane
London is one of the world’s best-connected cities, with several international airports offering direct flights from destinations across the globe. Major gateways include Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, London City Airport, Stansted Airport and Luton Airport, all providing convenient access to the city. From the airport, travellers can reach central London easily via taxis, transfers, trains such as the Heathrow Express, or the extensive London Underground network, making the journey into the heart of the city quick and straightforward.
 
Arriving by train
London is well connected to the rest of the United Kingdom and Europe by rail. High-speed and regional train services link the city with major destinations across the country, while international travellers can arrive directly from continental Europe via the Eurostar, which connects London with cities such as Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. International trains arrive at St Pancras International, located in central London and well connected to the city’s public transport network.
 
Arriving by Car or Bus
London can also be reached easily by road from across the UK and neighbouring European countries. The city is connected by a network of major motorways, while long-distance coach services provide affordable and convenient travel options. Many international and domestic coach routes arrive at Victoria Coach Station, one of the main transport hubs in the city, with easy access to taxis, buses and the London Underground.

Visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

It is your own responsibility to check and fulfil any visa requirements for entry into the UK (and for any other countries that you stop at on the way to the UK). ISUOG strongly advises that attendees only register for the World Congress once they are confident that they can legally enter the country or will be able to obtain a visa in time to do so. Refunds will not be provided to those who have not allowed enough time to have their visa approved, or have their visa rejected. The official UK government website contains information on all visa requirements for entry.
 
All registered in-person delegates can also download an invitation letter from ISUOG to support their visa application, by clicking the link in their registration confirmation email.
 
Please note that, in order to enter the United Kingdom from outside the UK and Ireland, all travellers must ensure they have the appropriate permission to enter the country. Depending on their nationality and the reason for their visit, this may require either a valid UK visa or an approved UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
 
Please note that ISUOG does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of any external links provided on this page, and does not claim liability if any information is found to be incorrect.
 

Visa FAQs

How much does it cost to apply for a Standard visa?

The cost for a Standard visa is £127 per person. 

When should I apply for my visa and how long will my application take?

The process can take up to 20 working days from submitting biometrics, but we recommend that applications are made as early as possible, from up to 3 months before the congress and allowing at least four weeks. In many locations, for an additional fee, delegates may be able to use our Priority and Super Priority visa service. 

I am applying late – what is a Priority and Super Priority Service?

Priority service means that the UK Visa and Immigration office will aim to make a decision on your application in 5 working days, this service is available in over 200 locations. Super Priority service reduces this to the end of the next working day, this service is available in around 20 locations. Both services are charged at an additional fee. Some applications may take longer if they are complex, please check the visa application centres website for any further information. 

Fees - Fees for Priority and Super Priority Services apply in addition to the Standard visa fee, as follows: £500 for Priority and £1,000 for Super Priority. Important note: Priority service does not imply or guarantee in any way that a delegate will be successful in their visa application. All visa applicants must meet the requirements of the UK immigration rules. 

I travel a lot and cannot be without my passport, are there any services that could help?

The UKVI offer a Keep My Passport service in over 40 locations, this allows the applicant to keep their passport while their application is being considered. If their visa application is successful they will need to provide their passport to the VAC for the vignette to be printed. This service comes at an additional cost and details of which services are available at each VAC are available on the  commercial Partner website. 

What travel date should be stated on the application form?

On the application you should be specific in stating planned dates of travel to and from the UK. Visitors cannot arrive in the UK earlier than the start date on their visa and the airline may not let you board their flight, or they may be refused entry on arrival in the UK. It is not usually possible to make changes to the validity dates of a visa, after it has been printed. If plans change, you may need to make a new visa application. 

What can I do if my visa is refused?

A decision to refuse a visa is made only after careful consideration of all the facts by an Entry Clearance Officer, including the fact that the delegate is to attend or contribute to a specific event. If the application is refused, the refusal notice will provide details about the reasons for refusal. Visitors are free to make a new application, but it is strongly recommended that they read their refusal letter carefully and fully address all the reasons for the initial refusal. 

 


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