🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Australians now need an ETA - this changed in 2025.
No visa, but Australians need an approved UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding.
Pack a Type G adapter for the 230V supply, one Australian dollar buys about 0.52 GBP, and UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is compulsory before you fly.
Entry rules last checked 24 October 2026.
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 detailsFlights
Compare 3 searchs Search flightsConnectivity
Compare 10 plansFrom $8 Compare eSIMsTravel insurance
Compare 7 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 6 experiencesFrom $41 Explore activitiesPlan your days in United Kingdom
A day-by-day itinerary built from things you can book now, with the travel between cities worked out. Pick the kind of trip you want.
Wellness
Rest, move, and come home better than you left United Kingdom wellness itinerarySightseeing
Landscapes, landmarks and the views worth the detour United Kingdom sightseeing itineraryFood and drink
Eat where the queue is locals, not tourists United Kingdom food itineraryHighlights
The best of everything, if you have not decided yet United Kingdom highlights itineraryUnited 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
Busiest month for Australian travellers: July, quietest March. United Kingdom travel statistics
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
Australian dollar to Pound sterling
£0.52 GBP per AUD
Last recorded rate
These are mid-market rates - the rate banks trade at, published by the European Central Bank. It is not what you will be offered. Expect a card or exchange service to take 0.5% to 5% off it, which is exactly what our travel money comparison is for. Past movement doesn't predict future rates, and none of this is financial advice.
View the numbers as a table
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.
Planning United Kingdom?
We will send you the United Kingdom guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.