Traveling to England for the Wedding:

We’re so excited to welcome our friends and family traveling from the United States! Below is everything you’ll need to plan a smooth and stress-free trip.

Travel & Entry Requirements

Passport:

Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay. No traditional visa is required for short tourist visits. But you will need an ETA. See below.

UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization):

You need to apply for before coming to the UK, it’s a digital travel authorization. It is recommended doing this well in advance of your flight so there are no surprises at the airport. The cost is £16, it’s valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Be careful to use official sites (GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app) — there are scam sites out there!!

Customs & Immigration:

You’ll pass through UK Border Control upon arrival. Keep your passport handy and be prepared to share the address of your accommodation.

Flights & Airports

The closest major airports are London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW). Both offer direct flights from many U.S. cities.

Heathrow is typically more convenient for reaching London and surrounding areas, due to the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express.

Getting Around

Trains: The UK has an excellent rail system. You can book tickets in advance on sites like National Rail or Trainline.

Driving: If you plan to rent a car, keep in mind that driving is on the left side of the road.

Taxis & Rideshares: Uber, Bolt, and local taxis are widely available.

Currency & Payments:

The local currency is British Pounds (GBP).

Most places accept credit/debit cards and contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay).

Time Zone

Greenwich Mean Time is 6 hours ahead of Central Standard Time.