Take a trip to the ultimate global event.
See below for important entry information for visiting the UK.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
As of April 2025, the UK Government has introduced an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). The scheme is broadly for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays to the UK, or do not already have a UK immigration status prior to travelling.
This is strictly enforced and a legal requirement, therefore carriers (such as airlines, Eurostar, ferries) will not board eligible visitors without one.
Who needs an ETA
The ETA is required by anyone entering the UK apart from those with:
- A British or Irish passport
- Permission to live, work or study in the UK
- Those who require a visa to enter the UK, see visa details below.
Process, Validity and Fees
Simply apply via the ETA App or online at
https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply
A decision is usually made within 3 working days
The ETA is linked to your passport and lasts 2 years or to the expiry of your passport, whatever comes first.
The cost of an ETA is £16 per person, including for babies and children.
Help Video
For further information, please watch this useful video on how to apply for ETA
Visa
Not all visitors to the UK require a visa, however we strongly advise you to find out if you need a visa to enter the UK as early as possible, and should a visa be required, to apply as soon as possible as the process can take up to 20 working days.
Do I Need a Visa?
The following link will tell you if a visa is needed and explain the process https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Process
You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application center (VAC – see below) as part of your application. The application will not be submitted until that process has been completed. You will be able to book an appointment to provide your biometric information at the end of the online application.
Find details of your nearest visa application center using this link https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre.
In those countries where there is no visa application center, you may find a Temporary Enrolment Location is available on given days or you may need to travel to a nearby country where a visa application center is available. Should you live in a country where no visa application center is available you should take account of additional timescales for biometric submission when considering when to apply.
In support of your application, you should gather evidence of your circumstances, employment, ability to meet the costs of the trip and the arrangements in the UK. More details can be found via this link to the guide to supporting documents https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents
Invitation Letter & Conference Registration
Please contact [email protected] to request your visa invitation letter for inclusion with your application.
It is strongly advised that you pre-register for the conference and include a copy of your payment confirmation email together with your invitation letter.
Should your application be rejected, CVU will waive the US$100 cancelation fee when refunding your ticket as long as you submit a copy of your visa rejection letter no later than 1 October 2026.
Application Fee
The cost for a Standard visa is £127 per person.
Processing Time / When to Apply
The process can take up to 20 working days from submitting biometrics, but we recommend that applications are made as early as possible, from up to 3 months before the Summit and allowing at least four weeks. In many locations, for an additional fee, delegates may be able to use our Priority and Super Priority visa service.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am applying late—What is a Priority and Super Priority Service?
Priority service means that the UK Visa and Immigration office will aim to make a decision on your application in 5 working days, this service is available in over 200 locations. Super Priority service reduces this to the end of the next working day, this service is available in around 20 locations. Both services are charged at an additional fee. Some applications may take longer if they are complex, please check the visa application centers website for any further information.
Fees for Priority and Super Priority Services apply in addition to the Standard visa fee, as follows: £500 for Priority and £1,000 for Super Priority. Important note: Priority service does not imply or guarantee in any way that a delegate will be successful in their visa application. All visa applicants must meet the requirements of the UK immigration rules.
I travel a lot and cannot be without my passport, are there any services that could help?
The UKVI offer a Keep My Passport service in over 40 locations, this allows the applicant to keep their passport while their application is being considered. If their visa application is successful they will need to provide their passport to the VAC for the vignette to be printed. This service comes at an additional cost and details of which services are available at each VAC are available on the commercial Partner website.
What travel date should be stated on the application form?
On the application you should be specific in stating planned dates of travel to and from the UK. Visitors cannot arrive in the UK earlier than the start date on their visa and the airline may not let you board their flight, or they may be refused entry on arrival in the UK. It is not usually possible to make changes to the validity dates of a visa, after it has been printed. If plans change, you may need to make a new visa application.
What can I do if my visa is refused?
A decision to refuse a visa is made only after careful consideration of all the facts by an Entry Clearance Officer, including the fact that the delegate is to attend or contribute to a specific event. If the application is refused, the refusal notice will provide details about the reasons for refusal. Visitors are free to make a new application, but it is strongly recommended that they read their refusal letter carefully and fully address all the reasons for the initial refusal.
Update on E-Gates:
Visitors from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States of America will now be able to use e-gates upon arrival in the UK.
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