Most visitors from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and the Gulf states can enter the UK for the show without a visa but must hold a valid passport and, for visa-exempt nationalities, a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) obtained online or via the UK ETA app before departure. Nationals of visa countries — including India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa and Turkey — need a Standard Visitor visa, applied for online, with biometrics taken at a visa application centre; apply at least six to eight weeks before travelling. Visitors from Ireland do not need an ETA. Business visitors may attend the show, network and negotiate on a visitor visa or ETA, but paid work in the UK is not permitted. Bring printed evidence of your event registration, hotel booking and return travel.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Apply online through the UK government portal and attend a visa application centre for biometrics. You may attend, network and negotiate on a Standard Visitor visa, but paid work in the UK is not permitted. The Electronic Travel Authorisation permits multiple visits of up to 6 months over a 2-year validity period; it is required in addition to a valid passport. Irish nationals do not need an ETA.
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