A First-Timer's Guide to Visiting London 2026
Featured Question
What should you prepare before visiting London for the first time?
First, sort your entry permission early: visa-exempt nationals (including all Gulf states) must now get an ETA (£20, valid 2 years), mandatory from 25 February 2026; visa nationals (including Turkey) must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (~£135). Then choose a central base, set up contactless payment for transport, pack in layers for the changeable weather, and use a card instead of cash. Treating the first trip as a chance to scout areas is the smartest preparation.
A first trip to London is, for many, not just a holiday but the first step in a long-term relationship with the city. Whether you want to see investment opportunities in person or research areas with your family, the preparation before you go shapes the quality of the trip. In 2026, the most critical change concerns entry permission: who gets an ETA and who needs a visa. This guide explains entry permission, accommodation, transport, weather and money — and turns the first trip into a scouting visit.
What Do You Prepare Before a First Trip?
Preparation falls into five headings: entry permission, accommodation, transport, weather-clothing and money. The most critical and most changed of these is entry permission, because in 2026 everyone now needs a permission (an ETA or a visa) to travel. The other items make the trip comfortable and efficient.
In our experience, the biggest hitches on a first trip are the wrong entry-permission type and the wrong area choice. So getting the permission right first, then planning the city "through a resident's eyes", is the soundest approach.
Entry Permission: ETA or Visa?
This is the most critical step of preparation and depends on your nationality. The table below summarises the two routes.
- Who — Visa-exempt nationals (all Gulf: UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) — Visa nationals (including Turkey)
- Fee — £20 per person (from 8 Apr 2026) — ~£135 (6 months)
- Validity — 2 years (or passport expiry); up to 6 months per visit — 6 months (long-term 2/5/10-year options exist)
- Application — UK ETA app / gov.uk; minutes–3 working days — Online + biometrics (VAC); ~3 weeks
The ETA is the digital travel authorisation that visa-exempt nationals must now obtain, fully enforced from 25 February 2026; airlines will not board a passenger without a valid ETA. Every traveller, including children, gets their own ETA. Visa nationals such as Turkey are not eligible for an ETA and must obtain a Standard Visitor Visa; this is applied for online, with biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), and standard processing takes about three weeks. In both cases, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, and confirm your nationality's requirement at gov.uk/check-uk-visa. (British/Irish citizens are exempt.)
Where to Stay: Choosing an Area
Whether a first-timer loves the city is tightly bound to the area they stay in. Two areas that look close on a map can have atmospheres as different as night and day. Three prominent central options stand out.
Mayfair and St. James's are ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the business world and walk to luxury restaurants. Kensington and Chelsea offer a calmer, park-adjacent, safe atmosphere for families with children. Marylebone is perfect for those seeking a "village" feel within the city, with design shops and gourmet stops. Whichever you choose, staying a night or two in that area lets you truly feel it.
Optivest Note: Optivest is not a travel agency; it does not arrange flights, hotels or tours. But if you are considering buying property or relocating, your first trip is in fact a rehearsal for that decision. Our suggestion is to "test" areas by staying briefly in the neighbourhoods you have in mind; seeing the morning, evening and weekend atmosphere puts an investment decision on far firmer ground than a touristic impression. Optivest's role is to make sense of that scouting through a property lens.
Transport, Weather and Money
For transport, you no longer need to queue for an Oyster card; you can go straight through the gates with your contactless card or digital wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay), at the same fares. The system applies a "daily cap"; once your spending reaches a set amount, the rest of the day is free.
For weather, there is one rule: dress in layers. In London you can experience four seasons in a day; a smart waterproof trench coat, comfortable shoes and easily removable thin layers are ideal. For money, the city is largely cashless; many places are "card only". You do not need to carry much cash; an internationally usable card or a digital solution like Revolut/Wise is far more practical. If a service charge is included on the bill, you need not add a tip.
General-information / entry-permission disclaimer: This article is general information, not immigration/visa advice. Entry rules and fees can change; for your nationality's exact requirement, use gov.uk/check-uk-visa and official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ETA or a visa to visit London?
It depends on your nationality. Visa-exempt nationals (including all Gulf states) get an ETA (£20, valid 2 years, mandatory from 25 February 2026). Visa nationals (including Turkey) apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (~£135 for 6 months). Confirm your status at gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
How much is an ETA and how do you get one?
The ETA is £20 from 8 April 2026 (up from £16) and is obtained per person (including children). You apply through the UK ETA app or gov.uk; a decision usually comes within minutes, and within three working days at most. It is valid for 2 years (or until passport expiry).
As a Turkish citizen, can I get an ETA?
No. Turkey is a visa nation and is not eligible for an ETA; for tourism, you need a Standard Visitor Visa. The application is online, with biometrics at a Visa Application Centre, and standard processing takes about three weeks.
Where should I stay in London?
Central, prestigious options include Mayfair/St. James's (business and luxury), Kensington/Chelsea (families, near parks) and Marylebone (village feel, design shops). As nearby areas can have very different atmospheres, stay briefly in the area if you can.
How much cash should I bring on a first trip?
Very little; the city is largely cashless and many places accept cards only. An internationally usable card or a digital solution like Revolut/Wise is enough. If a service charge is included on the bill, no extra tip is needed.
In Summary, and How to Reach Us
With the right preparation, a first trip to London is all enjoyment rather than chaos: sort entry permission early (an ETA for the Gulf, a visa for Turkey), choose a central area, set up contactless payment, dress in layers and spend by card. Treating the first trip as area scouting lays the foundation for any later steps.
Optivest is not a travel agency; its role is to help you make sense of your first trip through a property and relocation lens. Contact us or reach us on WhatsApp. See our project listings for areas to explore, our investment consultancy service for end-to-end planning, and our taxes and costs guide for purchase costs.