United Kingdom travel checklist (2026)

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What to sort before you fly to United Kingdom

Documents

Passport valid - valid for the duration of your stay Essential Check the expiry date now, not the week you fly. Australian passport renewals take about 6 weeks.
Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Essential £16 - At least 3 working days before travel Compare options →
Book proof of onward travel Checked by airlines at Australian check-in, not just on arrival.
Save digital copies of your passport and tickets Email them to yourself and save them offline in case your phone is lost.

Money

Sort a travel money card for GBP Effectively universal and often card-only. Contactless works on all London transport - just tap your Australian card or phone. Avoid the 3% fee most Australian banks charge. Compare options →
Plan your GBP cash Almost none.
Check your bank app for a travel flag Reduces the chance of a fraud block on your first overseas purchase.
Remember: always pay in the local currency Declining dynamic currency conversion saves 3-7% on every card transaction.

Connectivity

Buy an eSIM for United Kingdom Many UK and European eSIMs cover the whole of Europe for barely more than a UK-only plan - worth it if you're hopping to the continent. Compare options →
Check what your Australian plan charges to roam Under about four days, a roaming day pass often beats an eSIM.
Download offline maps and a translation pack Useful anywhere the signal drops.

Health & cover

Take out travel insurance Essential United Kingdom has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, but it doesn't cover evacuation or repatriation. Compare options →
Check vaccinations with your GP No vaccinations required.
Check your medications are legal Bring prescriptions in original packaging. Australian prescriptions can't be dispensed in the UK, so bring enough for your trip.
Subscribe to Smartraveller for this destination Current advice: Exercise normal safety precautions. Official site →
Pack your Medicare card Required to access treatment under the reciprocal health care agreement.

Getting around

Plan your arrival transfer From Heathrow Airport, about 24 km from the centre. Compare options →

Before you go

Pack a Type G power adapter You need a Type G adapter - the big three-pin British plug. Voltage matches Australia so no converter is needed.
Pack a refillable water bottle Tap water is safe everywhere. London water is hard but fine to drink.
Save the local emergency number and the Australian consulate 999 or 112 - Australian High Commission London - +44 20 7379 4334
Book anything that sells out Timed-entry attractions and popular tours often need booking weeks ahead. Compare options →

All set - you're ready to fly.

Have a great trip to United Kingdom.

Your United Kingdom trip checklist

What to sort before you fly to United Kingdom

Documents

Money

Connectivity

Health & cover

Getting around

Before you go

More United Kingdom essentials

Save your trip

What to sort before you fly to United Kingdom

Documents

Money

Connectivity

Health & cover

Getting around

Before you go

More United Kingdom essentials

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