Note: Please plan to arrive on Wednesday, the 20th, as the gathering will begin on the morning of Thursday, the 21st. Departure is recommended on Saturday, the 23rd; or Sunday, the 24th, if you plan to participate in the street reading and historic Jesus March.

📑 Immigration & Visa Documentation

🛂 1. Entry Overview

All travellers entering London (UK) must pass UK Border Control and show:

• A valid passport (or recognised travel document).

• Proof of legal entry: either a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), depending on nationality and purpose.

• The right visa type for your visit (tourism, study, work, etc.).
  
  

🌍 2. Who Needs a Visa vs ETA

A. Visa-Free / ETA Nationals

Citizens of certain countries (e.g. the US, Canada, Australia, EU/EEA nations, Japan, South Korea, etc.) do not need a visa for short stays (usually up to 6 months).
However, these visitors must now obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travelling.

About ETA:

• The ETA is digitally linked to your passport.

• It costs around £10 per person.

• It’s valid for multiple entries for 2 years or until your passport expires.

• You apply online before travelling to the UK.

• It allows short stays (tourism, business meetings, short studies).

More info: https://www.ivisa.com/united-kingdom/apply-now

B. Visa Nationals

Travellers from other countries (most of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, etc.) must apply for a visa before arrival.

• This includes most visitors who are not from ETA-eligible or visa-waiver countries.

• You cannot obtain a UK visa on arrival.

You can check whether you need a visa here:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

🧍 3. At UK Immigration (Arrival in London)

When you arrive at Heathrow, Gatwick, or other UK airports, you’ll go through border control. Be ready to show:

• Passport and visa/ETA.

• Proof of purpose (invitation, event ticket, etc.).

• Return or onward flight.

• Sufficient funds for your stay.

• Address of stay (hotel, host, etc.).
  
  

Border officers have final discretion to grant or deny entry.

⚠️ 4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Applying for the wrong visa type (e.g. work activity on a visitor visa).

• Providing incomplete or inconsistent documents.

• Overstaying beyond your permitted duration.

• Assuming ETA equals automatic entry (it doesn’t guarantee admission).

• Lack of return ticket or proof of funds at the border.

📌 8. Helpful Official Resources

• 🇬🇧 UK Government – Visas & Immigration: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration

• ✈️ ETA Information Portal: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

• 🏛️ UK Border Control Info: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

• 💼 Visa Application Centres (VFS Global): https://www.vfsglobal.com
  
  

• Travelodge London Oval Cricket Ground
  £105/night (approx.) · 40 min walk · 25 min by bus
  https://www.travelodge.co.uk/uk/london/index.html

• Travelodge Vauxhall
  £140/night (approx.) · 30 min walk · 15 min by tube/bus
  https://www.travelodge.co.uk/uk/london/index.html

• Premier Inn London Waterloo (Lambeth Road)
  £160/night (approx.) · 30 min walk · 20 min by bus
  https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-london/london/london-waterloo-lambeth-road.html

• Hub by Premier Inn Westminster (compact rooms)
  £200/night (approx.) · 5–10 min walk
  https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-london/london/hub-london-westminster-abbey.html

• Premier Inn Waterloo Westminster Bridge
  £215/night (approx.) · 25 min walk · 20 min by bus
  https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-london/london/london-waterloo-westminster-bridge.html

• DoubleTree by Hilton London Victoria
  £300/night (approx.) · 15 min walk · 15 min by tube
  https://www.guestreservations.com/doubletree-by-hilton-london-victoria/booking

• St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London
  £320/night (approx.) · 1 min walk
  https://www.stjamescourthotel.co.uk/en/