🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Australians now need an ETA — this changed in 2025.
The UK used to be a walk-up destination for Australians. Since January 2025 you need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before you board, even for a two-hour transit through Heathrow. On the upside, Australia's reciprocal health care agreement with the UK gives you access to NHS treatment.
Your United Kingdom trip setup
21 things Australians need to sort. Tick them off as you go.
Entry requirements
ETA requiredUp to Up to 6 months per visit View detailsConnectivity
Compare 8 plansFrom $8 Compare eSIMsTravel insurance
Compare 5 policysFrom $18.10 Compare insuranceMoney & payments
Compare 5 cards0.43% – 0.65% conversion fee Compare cardsAirport transfer
LHR → LondonFrom $11 Compare optionsDriving
AU licence OKDrives on the left Compare car hireTravel essentials
Adapter type GTap water: safe to drink View guideThings to do
Compare 5 experiencesFrom $42 Explore activitiesUnited Kingdom at a glance for Australians
Best time to visit
May – September
August is peak and Edinburgh is chaos during the Fringe. May and September give you the long days without the crowds.
22h+ with one stop from Sydney
Health & safety
Smartraveller: Exercise normal safety precautions
Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with the UK. You can get medically necessary NHS treatment at the same cost as a UK resident — show your Australian passport and Medicare card. It doesn't cover repatriation, ambulance transfers between hospitals, or pre-arranged treatment, so insurance still matters.
Emergency: 999 or 112
Money
Effectively universal and often card-only. Contactless works on all London transport — just tap your Australian card or phone.
Free at bank ATMs. Avoid the standalone 'convenience' ATMs that charge £1.99 or more.
Tipping: 10 – 12.5% in sit-down restaurants, and many add an optional service charge you can ask to remove. No tipping in pubs when you order at the bar.
Language & culture
English
English: Native
Capital: London
Where Australians go in United Kingdom
London
Edinburgh
Manchester
Bath
Belfast
United Kingdom FAQs for Australian travellers
Do Australians need a visa for the UK?
No visa for visits up to six months, but since 8 January 2025 Australians must hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding. It costs £16, is valid for two years and covers multiple visits.
Do I need a UK ETA just to transit through Heathrow?
In most cases yes — the ETA requirement generally applies even if you're transiting airside without passing through UK immigration. Check the exemptions on gov.uk for your specific route before you fly.
Does Medicare cover me in the UK?
Partly. Australia's Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with the UK gives you medically necessary NHS treatment at the same cost as a UK resident. Bring your passport and Medicare card. It won't cover repatriation to Australia or non-urgent treatment, so travel insurance is still worth holding.
Can I drive in the UK on my Australian licence?
Yes, for up to 12 months. No International Driving Permit is required, and the UK drives on the left like Australia.
What power adapter do I need for the UK?
A Type G adapter — the large three rectangular pin plug. The UK runs 230V like Australia, so no voltage converter is needed.
Watching United Kingdom?
We'll email you if the visa, arrival card or entry fee rules change for Australian passport holders travelling to United Kingdom.