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UK Expands Digital Travel Services to Attract Visitors

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The UK plans to extend its digital travel services to attract more visitors. The UK government is making significant strides towards digitising the border and immigration system, with new implementation timelines for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme confirmed. By enhancing its digital infrastructure, the UK aims to streamline travel processes and improve security while encouraging more international visitors.

Timeline for ETA Implementation

Starting on 27 November 2024, eligible non-European travellers can apply for an ETA, which they must have to enter the UK on 8 January 2025. The scheme will expand to include eligible European travellers on 5 March 2025, and they must have an ETA by 2 April 2025. These changes will not affect British and Irish citizens.

How the Electronic Travel Authorisation Works (ETA)

The system electronically links the ETA to a traveller’s passport, allowing authorities to conduct thorough security checks before departure. This enhances border security and helps prevent immigration fraud. The ETA costs £10 and permits multiple visits to the UK over two years. Each stay can last up to six months or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, making travel more convenient while maintaining strict entry regulations.

Accessing ETA Information

From today, detailed information on ETA eligibility is available on GOV.UK, and the application process can be completed quickly via the UK ETA app.

Existing ETA Requirement for GCC Visitors

Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are already required to obtain an ETA to enter the UK.

Global Alignment with Border Security Measures

This move is in line with similar border security measures adopted by other countries, including the US and Australia.

Minister’s Statement on the ETA UK Digital Travel Services

Seema Malhotra, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said:
“Digitisation is key to ensuring a seamless experience for the millions who pass through the UK border each year. The visitors we welcome are expected to contribute over £32 billion to the UK’s tourism economy this year. The global rollout of the ETA reflects our commitment to improving security and modernising the immigration system with new technology.”

Introduction of eVisas

The government has also introduced eVisas for those who require a visa to live, work, or study in the UK. These digital visas replace physical immigration documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). Physical documents can be lost or tampered with. eVisas streamline the process by removing the need for physical copies. They also allow holders to access their immigration status digitally.

Action Required for BRP Holders

The government encourages current BRP holders to create an online account before their BRP expires on 31 December 2024. This account will allow users to manage their personal details and immigration data while ensuring their immigration status remains unaffected. Additional support is available for vulnerable individuals to assist them in transitioning from physical documents to the new eVisa system.

Collaboration with Travel Industry Partners

The government is continuing to collaborate with global airlines, maritime companies, and rail carriers to ensure the smooth implementation of the digital travel and immigration programme.

To learn more about how to apply to travel to London, UK, please click here.

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Eid Al Fitr 2022 festivities will be held around the UK

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Eid Al Fitr 2022 festivities will be held around the UK as Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Eid al Fitr translates as “the festival of the breaking of the fast” and is one of the major holidays in the Muslim calendar. This year it is special after 2 years of COVID restrictions.

Sadiq Khan tweeted on Twitter: “As Eid celebrations across the globe begin, I want to pay tribute to London’s Muslim communities whose charity and huge contributions help to make our capital what it is – the greatest city in the world.”

In central London, Eid will be celebrated in Trafalgar Square on May 7 the Mayor of London’s 17th Eid in the Square, a festival developed by grassroots Muslim organisations. The Main Stage will be hosted by award-winning actor, filmmaker and BBC Asian Network presenter Mistah Islah alongside former teacher and trailblazing broadcaster Mehreen Baig and features a mix of traditional and contemporary acts including Baha Yetin Sufi Ensemble, Nafees Ifran & Qalandar Qawwali Band, Dur Dur Band, Star Children’s Choir and the Original Mummy’s Boy, spoken word poet Hussain Manawer, plus a special guest star. Don’t miss out on visiting Trafalgar Square on 7th May to exhibit the Eid Celebrations.

For the first time this year, the international Edgbaston cricket stadium in Birmingham is being used to celebrate Eid Al Fitr with 2,000 people on Monday.

Organisers at the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre, will also host another Eid celebration in Small Heath Park and welcome an estimated 20,000 people.

“We have worked with the Edgbaston team on several projects and have been impressed by their professionalism and genuine commitment to supporting the local community,” said Kamran Hussain, chief executive of Green Lane Masjid, a leading UK mosque in Birmingham.

In Manchester, more than 10,000 people are at Eid in the Park, which has become one of the fastest-growing events and is now, at Platt Fields Park, in its seventh year.

Two other events are being held in Ilford, East London, and another at Shepherd’s Bush in West London.

The Ilford event is back at Goodmayes Park for its 16th year and the Shepherd’s Bush event at Westfield Shopping Centre is now in its third year.

We wish all our Muslim followers an Eid Mubarak 2022.

Eid Mubarak 2022
Eid Mubarak 2022

Travel to London

In case you are planning to travel during Ramadan and Eid, you can check our tour packages and we also have shared information for you to plan your travel to London from your city.

SEE ALL LONDON TOURS

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“Major incident” declared by the Mayor of London due to the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

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Sadiq Khan said Omicron is now the “dominant variant” in London and was having an impact on staff absences in the emergency services across the city.

He said London was the UK region with the largest number of Covid cases.

Latest government data shows there are 1,534 Covid patients in London hospitals – up 28.6% on last week.

Mr Khan said in the last 24 hours, London had seen the largest number of new cases since the coronavirus pandemic began – more than 26,000.

He added: “Hospital admissions are going up, but also staff absences are going up by a massive level.

“So I’ve taken the decision in consultation with our partners to declare a major incident today.”

Major incidents have previously been called in response to the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 and the terror attacks at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge.

A major incident is any emergency which requires the implementation of special arrangements by one or all of the emergency services, the NHS or the local authority.

It means the emergency services and hospitals cannot guarantee their normal level of response.

Mr Khan also declared a major incident on 8 January due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 and its impact on the health service.

It was in place until 26 February as case numbers in the capital fell.

Making the announcement on Saturday, Mr Khan said: “The really bad news is those in hospital – the vast, vast majority are unvaccinated that’s why it is so important to get both the vaccines and the booster jab.

“Londoners will notice over the course of the next few days even more places across the city offering both the vaccines and the booster.

“What we can’t afford to see is even more of our crucial key workers going off sick because they have this virus.”

Mr Khan’s comments came as Wembley Stadium, Stamford Bridge and The Valley were all set up as mass vaccination centres.

Oxford Street will also have a vaccination bus and Mr Khan urged people who were eligible to get a booster jab and for others to make sure they were vaccinated.

He said: “It is still the case that in some pockets of London, there are black Londoners, there are Muslim Londoners, there are Jewish Londoners, there are Eastern European Londoners, who still haven’t had a vaccine.

“So reaching out to those communities…to explain why the vaccine is important and to make sure nobody is left behind, we are making sure more Londoners get the first dose.”

Latest government figures show 2.7m Londoners have received their booster jab.

Georgia Gould, chair of London Councils, said: “The rapid spread of Omicron across our city is of huge concern.

“Local councils have stepped up and played a vital role in supporting their communities through the pandemic. I know they will continue with these efforts, but we cannot do this alone.”

The mayor’s decision was announced as Cabinet ministers were set to be briefed on the latest Covid data.

Omicron is now thought to be the dominant Covid variant in England and Scotland, replacing Delta.

On Friday, the UK saw another record number of daily Covid cases for the third consecutive day, with more than 93,000 infections confirmed.

But there were also a record 861,306 booster and third dose vaccine jabs administered – the highest daily total so far.

Planning your travel to London?

Before you travel to London, please make sure that you have all necessary covid vaccines taken. Travel responsibly and safely. Keep checking our website and news, Covid section to keep up-to-date with the latest travel advisory for travel to London and the UK.

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Coronavirus London Latest Information and Advice

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29 March 2021: What’s changed

Some rules on what you can and cannot do changed on 29 March. However, many restrictions remain in place. It would help if you did not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with. You should continue to work from home and minimise the number of journeys you make where possible. You should get a test and follow the stay-at-home guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

You can read the “COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021 (roadmap)” for more information on the roadmap out of lockdown in England. It is underpinned by law.

From 29 March:

  • you can meet outdoors either in a group of 6 (from any number of households) or a group of any size from up to 2 households (a household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible)
  • you can take part in formally organised outdoor sports with any number of people (outdoor sports venues and facilities will be able to reopen)
  • childcare and supervised activities are allowed outdoors for all children
  • formally organised parent and child groups can take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under 5 will not be counted in this number

Keeping yourself and others safe

You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.

You should follow the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus at all times, including if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

You should follow this guidance in full to limit the transmission of COVID-19. It is underpinned by law.

Face coverings

You must wear a face covering in many indoor settings, such as shops and places of worship, and on public transport unless you are exempt. This is the law. Read guidance on face coverings.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you should continue to follow the guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. From 1 April, you will no longer be advised to shield. However, you should continue to take precautions to protect yourself.

If you have been vaccinated against COVID-19

To help protect yourself and your friends, family, and community you should continue to follow all of the guidance on this page even if you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The vaccines have been shown to reduce the likelihood of severe illness in most people. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so those who have received the vaccine should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection.

We do not know how much the vaccine stops COVID-19 from spreading. Even if you have been vaccinated, you could still spread COVID-19 to others.

Meeting family and friends indoors

You must not meet indoors with anybody you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with (if you are eligible), or another legal exemption applies.

Meeting friends and family outdoors (rule of 6)

You can meet up outdoors with friends and family you do not live with, either:

  • in a group of up to 6 from any number of households (children of all ages count towards the limit of 6)
  • in a group of any size from up to two households (each household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible)

If you’re in a support bubble

If you are eligible to form a support bubble, you and your support bubble count as one household towards the limit of 2 households when meeting others outdoors. This means, for example, that you and your support bubble can meet with another household, even if the group is more than 6 people.

Where you can meet

You can meet in a group of 6 or a larger group of any size from up to 2 households (including their support bubbles) outdoors. This includes private outdoor spaces, such as gardens, and other outdoor public places and open venues. These include the following:

  • parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
  • public and botanical gardens
  • the grounds of a heritage site
  • outdoor sculpture parks
  • allotments
  • public playgrounds
  • outdoor sports venues and facilities

If you need to enter through a house to get to a garden or other outside space and there is no alternative access, you should wear a face covering, wash or sanitise your hands when entering, and then go straight to the outside space. If you need to use the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly and go back outside immediately. You should maintain social distancing from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble.

When you can meet with more people or meet indoors

Gatherings above the limit of 6 people or 2 households, or gatherings indoors, can only take place if they are permitted by an exception. These exceptions are listed on this page.

Where a group includes someone covered by an exception (for example, someone who is working or volunteering), they are not generally counted as part of the gathering limit. This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaking the limit if they are there for work, and the officiant at a wedding would not count towards the limit.

Travelling to England from outside the UK

All visitors to London, England are subject to the coronavirus restriction rules.

All those planning to travel to London should follow the guidance on entering the UK. Before travelling to the UK, you must complete a passenger locator form and have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, unless you are exempt.

All arrivals must take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on day 2 and day 8 of quarantining. Arrivals must book a travel test package. See the guidance on how to quarantine when you arrive in England.

You cannot travel to the UK if you’ve visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK has been banned in the last 10 days unless you’re:

  • a British national
  • an Irish national
  • anyone with residence rights in the UK

Everyone allowed to enter England who has visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days must:

  • quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel
  • take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of quarantining, the tests are included in the hotel package
  • follow the guidance on this page

See the guidance on booking and staying in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in England

Check out the London Tour Packages here.

Advice for visitors and foreign nationals in England

Foreign nationals are subject to the national restrictions.

If you are visiting the UK, you may return home. You should check whether there are any restrictions in place at your destination.

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Notting Hill Carnival London 2018

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The 52nd Notting Hill Carnival this year showed an amazing array of colours showcased by revellers and participants. The carnival kicked off in west London with carousers showcasing a vibrant display. Pictures show smiling carnival-goers covered in body paint and bejewelled outfits as Notting Hill was transformed into a feast of music, dance and colour.

Floats are parading through the streets today as a million people flock to the two-day event over the Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the Caribbean and West Indian culture in the capital. The carnival featured steel bands, dance troupes and elaborate floats, with many among the crowds tossing paint and coloured powder at each other while dancing on the Notting hill streets.

Beautiful dance performer in sky blue dress Notting Hill Carnival London 2018 waves at the ongoing crowd
Beautiful dance performer in sky blue dress Notting Hill Carnival London 2018 waves at the ongoing crowd

A celebration of the Afro-Caribbean community, the two-day event has its roots in a 1964 London procession to bring people together despite racism and a lack of opportunity that blighted day-to-day life.

Police deployed metal-detecting arches to counter potential knife crime and have been given additional stop-and-search powers at this year’s carnival based on intelligence and after a spate of violent crime in London over the past week.

Notting hill Carnival 2018 London dance performers on the bank holiday MondayNotting hill Carnival 2018 London dance performers on the bank holiday Monday
Notting hill Carnival 2018 London dance performers on the bank holiday Monday

Almost 7,000 officers, some from the Metropolitan Police’s newly formed Violent Crime Task Force, are policing Monday’s event to “combat the threat of violent crime”.

This is up from the 6,100 on-duty officers at the less busy family day on Sunday. Undercover police as well as officers from the force’s firearms and dog units will be in place. The event attracted more than a million revellers to its floats, food stalls and music scene.

Beautiful dancers in varied colour costumes in Notting hill London Carnival 2018
Beautiful dancers in varied colour costumes in Notting hill London Carnival 2018

Heavy rain played a big spoiler, however, the attendance was still immense and police patrolling was well managed. Police made 133 arrests for a variety of weapon and drug-related offences, which has been a scene in past carnival events as well. A total of 20 weapons, including knives, were also seized as metal detecting knife arches were used at the event for the first time.

Millions of people took part in the event over the Bank Holiday weekend, and despite heavy rain on Sunday’s family day they proved they were out to party.

Instead of the t-shirt and shorts sported for the intensely hot weather of just a few weeks ago, there were umbrellas and a roaring trade for colourful plastic raincoats at Europe’s biggest street party. The community celebration carved its way around the streets in a mass of music, dancing, bold costumes and floats of soaked entertainers.

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A surge in Indian tourists brings big spending to a cheaper London

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A surge in Indian tourists brings big spending to a cheaper London. Some key statistics are below:

  • Spending by Indian tourists in London’s West End was up 38 per cent year-on-year in July 2017
  • Only visitors from China and the U.S. spent more money in London
  • Over the past decade, the value of the international Indian tourist market grew by 150 per cent
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China’s recent Golden Week holiday saw an influx of Chinese tourists to London, but a different Asian consumer has increasingly been spending money in the U.K. capital.

Spending by Indian tourists in London’s West End was up 38 per cent year-on-year in July, according to the New West End Company, a body that represents the central London shopping and theatre district.

Visitors from the world’s second most populous country ranked third for international spending in the West End in July, outstripping typically high-spending Middle Eastern visitors, and falling behind only China and the U.S.

Economic growth in India is expected to rise to 7.2 per cent in the fiscal year of 2017/18, and 7.5 per cent the following year, according to the World Bank. India is home to 1.3 billion people, trailing only China’s 1.4 billion population; by a United Nations estimate, India is set to overtake China’s population by 2024.

However, according to the New West End Company, there was a marked lag between the spending power of Indian consumers in comparison to the Chinese an average of 677 and 1,478 respectively in July. VisitBritain, the U.K.’s tourism authority, said that the average spending by Indian tourists in the U.K. was 74 per cent higher than the all-market average.

Sterling, despite recovering some losses since its initial drop following June 2016’s Brexit vote, is still down roughly 11 per cent since before the referendum. International tourist numbers have since been on the up, sparked by cheaper prices.

VisitBritain, in a report on Indian tourism to the U.K. out last Thursday, said that over the past decade, the value of the international Indian tourist market had grown by 150 per cent, rising from $6.2 billion in 2005 to $16.4 billion in 2016.

The report said that the U.K. was the 10th most popular destination for travel, and second to France in Europe, with Indian tourists preferring to visit Gulf countries and the U.S.

India’s overhaul of its Goods and Services Tax was launched on July 1, resulting in a fall in the taxation of economy flights from 5 to 6 per cent, while business class flights are now taxed more at 12 per cent, up from 9 per cent.

Source: Justina Crabtree(Digital News Assistant, CNBC)

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Record year as 19 million tourists visit London

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Record year as 19 million tourists visit London

The number of foreign visitors to London has smashed through the 19 million mark for the first time in another record year for tourism.

The total number of visits rose 2.6 per cent from 18.6 million to 19.1 million with a particularly strong 8 per cent surge in the final three months of 2016, according to official data from the Office for National Statistics.

Tourism bosses said the fall in the value of the pounds after the Brexit referendum in June had helped make the capital an even more attractive destination for visitors.

However, spending on hotels, restaurants and attractions was slightly down over the year at £11.9 billion, although it was up in the last quarter.

Numbers have risen steadily since the Olympics and Paralympics of 2012 gave London an unprecedented shop window to the rest of the world. Annual visits are now 25 per cent higher than five years ago.

Tourism is vital for this city’s future prosperity

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: I am delighted that more people than ever before are choosing to visit London, immersing themselves in all that our great city has to offer including an unbeatable array of restaurants, museums, shops and theatres.

“This is further evidence that London is Open and has an appeal that clearly extends across the globe.?

Major events that boosted tourism numbers last year included Great Fire 350, which saw thousands of people lining the River Thames to see the burning of a replica City of London.

Also popular among visitors were blockbuster exhibitions such as David Hockney at the Royal Academy, and EXHIBITIONISM at the Saatchi Gallery; the first retrospective of the Rolling Stones’s life and career.

Many museums also saw record numbers of visitors. Joanna Mackle, Deputy Director of the British Museum, said: The British Museum is delighted to be the most visited attraction in the UK for the 10th year running.

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London house prices: Map shows average property price near capital’s train stations July 2016

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The map, by property company eMoov, reveals huge disparities between areas, with prices plummeting just by moving from Zone 1 to Zone 2. We all know that Zone 1 in London is an expensive place to live. But how Expensive The Map shows the average property price for somewhere near one of the capital’s 14 main rail terminals/train stations is just over £1 million. But, moving slightly further out to near Clapham Junction, that figure falls to £711,000. Further east, in Zones 2 and 3, Stratford’s average price is around half that – only £359,000. How much do you and I earn Well surely we can’t afford these expensive areas to live in?

Heading out slightly further down to somewhere like Bromley South in Zone 5, the price topples to a far more affordable £295,000. The station with the cheapest price shown on the map for London is Barking, where homes are an average of just £255,000. So, should we move to the Far East Should we all move to Barking Well that is what it looks like.

Interestingly, the map shows how this pattern is spread across the entire country, albeit on a cheaper scale. Russell Quirk, founder of eMoov, said: The latest trend for homeowners in London has been to forsake the capital’s inflated property market for the commuter belt surrounding it. “But when you look elsewhere in the country there are other examples of homeowners opting to live outside larger cities to save on the price of their property. “This property rail map allows you to visualise these.”

There you go, property priced in Central London are inflated 3 fold that of any part of the city and Barking sounds like a place to buy a home. What say, readers?

UK house prices near train stations july 2016
UK house prices near train stations July 2016

You can see the whole country’s Property value map in the image below. Click on the image below to see a bigger and much clearer picture of the property area you are interested in. You can also “Click Here” to see the larger version of the London Property value map.

Map National rail with property prices UK July 2016
Map National rail with property prices UK July 2016

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London is the favourite travel destination for Americans in 2014

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London is the favourite travel destination for Americans in 2014. Yes, you heard it right, as per the survey done by Hotels.com. The second pole position was taken by Paris and then Toronto, which to many is a surprise. Americans love visiting London for many reasons, and most importantly, they started liking historic places and the unique culture of London. Most visitors to London from America come from New York and California. New York brings the highest number of visitors to London. There are more than 20 flights are day from New York to London. London serves as a perfect destination for family trips. Noticeably, the Buckingham Palace tours, the Stonehenge tours are the top-most visited places by American tourists when they visit London. The international cuisine, the music scene, live shows, theatre, sports, and historic sites, all make London a gem for all holiday types. As per Visit Britain statistics, more than 55% of tourists from America visit museums and nearly 50% visit castles and religious buildings. These figures clearly demonstrate the importance and significance of cultural and heritage sites in boosting tourism.

A noticeable survey done by Visit Britain highlighted that 46% of holiday visits are made with a spouse or partner, surprisingly, 20% are being made without a companion, while 7% are with a group tour. Also, 73% of the study visitors are travelling on their own with the rest remainder typically travelling with adult friends. Also, it will noticeable to say that Americans are used to living in bigger rooms generally available in the Britain hotels and guest houses. American tourists tend to stay in bigger hotel rooms and they will spend extra and stay in a grand/heritage accommodation which helps them to get a real feel of the culture and traditions of the British.

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