New entry rules for Aussies to visit the UK

Dec 12, 2024

Share this article

New entry rules for Aussies to visit the UK

If you’re planning on booking one of UK pack-free guided walks in 2025 entry requirements to get into the country are changing from January.

A flat lay of travel items: a camera, a world map, a compass, a small rock, an illustrated passport with travel stamps, and sprigs of small white flowers on a light surface.
N Voitkevich/Pexels

 

Australian passport holders will soon need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. This is a visa waiver, similar to the ESTA system introduced by the US in 2008.

Except for British and Irish citizens, British Overseas Territory Citizens (BOTC) travelling on a BOTC passport will require an ETA.

A person with tattoos is planning a trip, marking a world map on a wooden table. Nearby, there are travel essentials like glasses, a hat, a passport, and various tickets.
Vlada Karpovich/Pexel

 

That includes anyone transiting through the UK. Eligible travellers are those nationals who are considered a low risk of overstaying or a low security risk, and therefore need not apply for an actual visa.

The ETA costs £10 ($AUD19) and the fastest way to apply is via the UK ETA app, available from the App Store and Google Play. You can also apply online.

A wooden signpost labeled "Coast Path" stands in the foreground, guiding walking tours toward a sandy beach and coastal path. The beach curves along a turquoise ocean under a clear blue sky, with green hills in the background. Life’s an adventure waiting to unfold here.

Applicants need a valid biometric passport (they’re the moden passports most of you should have) and an email address.

To submit an application, you need a photo of the data page of the passport you’ll be using to enter the UK. You also need to upload a selfie, answer some questions (including name, date of birth, nationality and details of any criminal convictions) and pay the fee.

A stone cottage surrounded by lush green fields and a winding road is set under a partly cloudy sky. Sheep graze on the distant hills, enhancing the pastoral charm of this tranquil countryside scene—a perfect stop for those enjoying walking tours in England.

Once granted, an ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months.

A coastal scene featuring Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch in Dorset, England, perfect for walking tours. The beach below has people relaxing on the sand, and the nearby sea is a vibrant blue. Yellow wildflowers dot the foreground on the grassy cliff.

So the big question is where do we go?!

We have six fabulous pack-free guided walks to choose from have been created specifically for Australians with limited time, showcasing the most stunning locations on each walk and avoiding the mundane, allowing you to achieve this walk in a more manageable timeframe.

West-HIghland-Way-walk-Scotland

Our South West Coast Path Pack Free walk, in England is one of our favourite walks and a real show stopper. Explore the stunning Coastal region and Jurassic Coast of Dorset as well as the medieval villages, ports and stunning coast of Cornwall.

Further north we offer our Coast to Coast walk. This superb walk takes us from St Bees on the Coast, through the stunning Lakes District and on to the Yorkshire Moors and Dales to the coast.

Whilst in Scotland our walk takes us along the famous Scottish West Highland Way. Explore the stunning lochs, mountains (munros and marilyns) and rich green landscapes.

You’ll stay in stunning locations during your 6, 7 or 8 day experience. Or combine two or three of these tours to create a longer walking journey.

Leave a Reply