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London Vacation Guide - Free Printable Resource

London Arrival Day Checklist

Landing day - step by step

On the Plane / Before Landing

Complete any landing cards if required (check current requirements)
Have passport accessible (not packed in hold luggage)
Know your UK ETA reference number if applicable
Know your hotel name and address off by heart (or saved offline)

At the Airport

Queue for the correct immigration lane (UK/EU or All Passports)
Have accommodation address ready to state if asked
Collect hold luggage before exiting customs
Have contactless card or Oyster accessible BEFORE transport gate
Look for your pre-booked transfer or transport signs

Getting to Your Hotel

Check TfL Go for any service disruptions on your route
Tap contactless at entry and exit on the Tube/train (or use Oyster)
If taking a black cab, they are licensed and metered - safe to use
Save hotel address as a screenshot offline

At Your Hotel / Accommodation

Check in and leave luggage if room not ready
Ask hotel for neighbourhood recommendations and nearest Tube station
Test your phone / SIM / roaming data
Download offline maps if not already done
Get a local contact number for the hotel

First Hours in London

Find your nearest supermarket (Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local, M&S Simply Food)
Test your contactless card on a bus or at a Tube gate
Pick up an A-Z street map if you prefer paper navigation
Confirm next-day plans and any booking times