Travel to UK from Australia: Visa, Flights, Tips [2025]

Still firmly part of The Commonwealth, Australia continues to have strong ties to the United Kingdom and is consistently among the top destinations its residents travel to each year. In fact, according to official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than 1 million Aussie visits to the UK were recorded in 2023 alone.¹ Whether for work, study or travel, this represents a huge number of Australians heading to the UK each year.

Renowned for its cosmopolitan cities, historic buildings, pub culture, sweeping green countryside and cosy villages among other welcoming attributes, the UK has much to offer. Add to this the reciprocal working holiday visa and healthcare on offer to Australian citizens and it’s easy to see just why the UK is so popular.

No matter if you’re hoping to stay long-term or explore short-term during a European holiday, we’ve gathered up the essential details. From visa requirements and applications to sorting out sim cards, finances and insurance, here’s what you need to know when heading over to the UK.

We'll also introduce to you Wise Travel Card that can help you save on international transactions with currency conversions at mid-market exchange rates.

Table of contents
Australia to the UK Travel Requirements UK Visas from Australia Applying for a UK Visa Flying to the UK from Australia Checklist for Australia to UK Travel Travel Insurance for the UK Making Payments in the UK

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Australia to the UK Travel Requirements

Encompassing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Australians do not require a visa to visit the UK as a tourist for stays up to 6 months.² However, you will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departing.

UK Visas for Australian Citizens

A variety of visas enabling Australian citizens to live, work and study in the UK can be applied for online, these include:

Student Visas

If you’re planning to study in the UK, you’ll need to obtain a student visa. This requires proof of a place at a registered educational institution alongside the submission of several key documents and payment of the visa fee. Currently priced at GBP 490, this visa typically allows you to stay for the duration of your course and may permit part-time work in approved fields.³

Working & Extended Stay Visas

Known as the Youth Mobility Scheme, this visa option lets you have a working holiday in the UK for up to 2 years with the option to extend for an additional year available to Australian passport holders. To be eligible you must be aged between 18 to 35, demonstrate you have the required savings, pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and visa fee of GBP 298 and submit all necessary documentation.⁴

Alternatively, if you are over 35, you may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. This visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer that has agreed to sponsor you. The duration of this visa is typically five years and has the option to extend so long as the criteria for this are met. Costs vary depending on your circumstances.⁵

UK Visa Requirements for Australian Resident Permit holders

Should you be travelling as a tourist to the UK as an Australian resident on a foreign passport, you will need to review whether your country is counted as visa-exempt by UK immigration law. Where this is the case, you will still need to complete an ETA before travel and check how long you are permitted to stay. If not, you will need to obtain a dedicated tourist visa; we recommend contacting your local UK embassy or high commission for current advice.

For student or working and long-stay visas, the same rules and methods for application generally apply to Australian residents as Australian citizens. However, your eligibility for different visa types and classes may differ depending on your passport nationality. This is particularly true for the Youth Mobility Scheme which is only available to passport holders of select countries.⁴

Applying for a UK Visa from Australia

Generally, the most common UK visa being applied for from within Australia is the Youth Mobility Scheme or working holiday visa. Outlined briefly below is the application process for this as an Australian citizen⁴:

1. Visit the official Gov.uk website to review the full details of the Youth Mobility Visa.
2. Verify eligibility by ensuring you meet the age and financial requirements.
3. Gather all necessary paperwork including a valid passport, bank statement as evidence of savings and other documents as required.
4. Apply online up to six months before your intended travel date and pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge.
5. Verify your identity by either using the UK Immigration ID Check app to scan your identity document or by attending an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and a photograph.
6. Await a decision. You should typically receive a response within 3 weeks of your application. If approved, the visa is digitally linked to your passport. Where approval is declined, you will be provided with the reasons for the decision.

Flying to the UK from Australia

Who you can fly with and how long it will take to get from Australia to the UK will depend on your departure city and whether you choose a direct flight or one with stopovers.

To give you an idea of what to expect, the table below outlines some of the most popular flight options from Australia’s west and east coasts to major UK cities London, Edinburgh and Belfast. Currently, direct flights from Australia to the UK are only available from Perth to London. However, flights with stopovers can make for a great opportunity to explore another destination along the way.

Departure City	Arrival City	Airlines	Flight Duration	Stopovers
Sydney	London	Qantas, Emirates, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways	Approximately 24h to 26h+	Common stopovers include Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Abu Dhabi.
Sydney	Edinburgh	Qatar Airways, Emirates, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways	Approximately 26h to 30h+	Typical stopovers in Doha, Dubai, London, or Singapore.
Sydney	Belfast	British Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways	Approximately 26h to 32h+	Usual stopovers in London, Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi.
Perth	London	Qantas (direct), Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways	Direct: Approximately 17h 50m; With stopovers: 20h to 24h+	Direct flights available; common stopovers in Singapore, Doha, or Dubai.
Perth	Edinburgh	Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways	Approximately 22h to 26h+	Typical stopovers in Doha, Dubai, London, or Singapore.
Perth	Belfast	Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Singapore Airlines	Approximately 22h to 28h+	Usual stopovers in Dubai, Doha, London, or Singapore.

What can I bring into the UK?

Similar to Australia, the United Kingdom enforces strict customs regulations that all visitors must adhere to. While personal items such as clothing, toiletries, personal electronics, and prescribed medications (with appropriate documentation) are typically allowed without issue, it's crucial to be aware of items that are restricted or prohibited. These include⁶:

• Illegal drugs
• Offensive weapons, firearms, explosives and ammunition
• Indecent or obscene materials
• Counterfeit and pirated goods
• Endangered species products
• Certain foodstuffs
• Certain prescription medications; these must be accompanied by a valid prescription or a doctor's authority

To avoid issues upon arrival and remain compliant with UK legislation, it's advisable to exclude restricted or prohibited items from your luggage or declare them if necessary. For comprehensive and official information, please refer to the UK government's guidelines on bringing goods into the UK for personal use.

Duty-free Allowances

When travelling to the UK, you can usually bring in the following without paying tax or duty⁷:

• Alcohol: Up to 42L beer, 18L still wine, and 4L spirits (or 9L of fortified/sparkling wine)
• Tobacco: Up to 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
• Other Goods: Items worth up to GBP 390 or GBP 270 if arriving by private plane/boat

Please note these allowances and rates at which duty may be applied if exceeded can differ depending on where your goods originate from. We recommend reviewing the rules specific to your circumstances against current UK customs and duty-free guidelines in advance of travel.

Documents to carry before flying to the UK

To ensure an enjoyable journey to the UK and a relaxed arrival, make sure you have the following:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from your intended return date.
• Evidence of your approved ETA with the necessary validity
• Where required, proof of your tourist, student, work or Youth Mobility visa

Vaccination records or proof of insurance are not generally required for short-term visitors who hold Australian citizenship. However, if you have been asked to supply vaccination proof or evidence of insurance as part of your visa application process, it’s advisable to also travel with these documents.

Checklist for Australia to UK Travel

Ready to start your adventure in the UK? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Power Adapters & Electronics. The UK uses type G outlets, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Bring a suitable adapter and check if your devices support 230V to avoid damage or the need for a voltage converter.
• Mobile Connectivity. Check with your provider for roaming options or consider a local prepaid SIM card or eSIM for better rates. Ensure your phone supports eSIM activation before you travel to avoid issues.
• Seasonal Packing. The UK has a mild but variable climate. Winters (December–February) are usually cold and wet, while summers (June–August) are typically pleasantly warm with occasional heatwaves. Pack for rain year-round and opt for easily layered clothing to ensure you remain comfortable in changing temperatures.
• Health & Safety. Travel insurance is recommended. Carry prescription medications with a doctor’s note and ensure you have enough for your stay. While the UK is generally safe, monitor travel advisories and stay aware of local safety updates. Official guidance and up-to-date information can be found by visiting Smartraveller.

Travel Insurance for the UK

A reciprocal healthcare arrangement exists between the UK and Australia to provide urgent medical care to those holding an eligible Australian Medicare card. However, it is important to note that this agreement⁸:

• Does not cover all medical costs in all regions of the UK.
• Does not include dental care.
• Cannot be accessed after you have been in the UK for more than 6 months.

As such, taking out a comprehensive insurance policy that is valid for the duration of your stay is strongly recommended. This will not only provide coverage for medical emergencies, but theft, cancellations, urgent dental work, rental car hire and more.

Even where you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your long-stay work or student visa which provides free access to the National Health Service³, it is advisable to pursue adequate insurance. This is particularly relevant for those who may use the UK as a base but travel throughout wider Europe during their stay where these same benefits do not apply.

Managing Your Finances in the UK

In the UK, the official currency is the British Pound Sterling (GBP), not the Euro (€) unlike most of continental Europe. Unfortunately, the AUD to GBP exchange rate is often not in Australia’s favour, so it’s important to plan your spending wisely.

Whether you use cash or card, you’ll be subject to fluctuating exchange rates and potential fees. To help your money go further, it’s advisable to research ways to minimise these fees and exchange money at competitive rates before you travel.

Cash Considerations

While the UK is increasingly cashless, it's still smart to carry some cash for a pub round, a taxi, or for shopping in smaller towns and villages. Whether you withdraw this on arrival or arrange it beforehand, you'll want to ensure you’re getting the best exchange rate with minimal fees.

A dedicated travel money card can be an ideal solution for this. It allows you to track exchange rates, convert funds from AUD to GBP when the rate is good, and then hold that balance to withdraw from ATMs as needed. Look for a provider that uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups and low, transparent fees for ATM use abroad. This helps you maximise your budget and avoid travelling with large amounts of cash.

Best Ways to Get Foreign Currency 👉

The Hidden Costs of Using Your Australian Bank Cards

Most Australian-issued debit and credit cards from Visa and Mastercard work seamlessly across the UK. Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely supported for contactless payments, even on public transport like the London Underground.

While convenient, using your home bank's card abroad can come with several costly fees, including:

• Currency conversion fees, often 3% or more of the transaction amount.
• Overseas ATM withdrawal fees from both your bank and the local ATM provider.
• Poor exchange rates with hidden markups on top of the fees.

For this reason, it is important to review your card provider's terms and conditions for not only the foreign transaction fees but also the currency conversion rate. This is usually marked up from the mid-market exchange rate you usually see on Google — and the one used by Wise.

Heading to the UK? Maximise your GBP spending with the Wise Card

Don't let high bank fees and an unfavorable exchange rate eat into your UK travel budget. With the Wise card, you can hold, spend, and withdraw GBP like a local. The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 7x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up AUD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in AUD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

🚀 Get your Wise card

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This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Savings claim based on our rates vs. selected Australian banks and other similar providers in Jan 2025. To learn more please visit https://payout-surge.live/au/compare%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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Sources:

1. ONS - Australian/UK Travel Statistics
2. Smartraveller - United Kingdom
3. Gov.UK - Student Visas
4. Gov.UK - Working Holiday Visa
5. Gov.UK - Work Visas
6. Gov.UK - Customs
7. Gov.uk - Duty Free Rules
8. Services Australia - Reciprocal Healthcare

Sources checked on 19 September 2025