Travel + Visa Guidance

Please see the following guidance for the 2026 Northeastern University Global Leadership Summit in London. Be sure to check with the relevant consular authority for the most up-to-date visa requirements and processes. The information listed below is intended as informational guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

Please note that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions, the following information is subject to change at any time.

Participants of this summit will be required to complete this visitor form before their travel to the UK.

Do I need a travel authorization?

International guests attending the 2026 Global Leadership Summit in London may be required to obtain authorization before entering the United Kingdom. Most visa-exempt travelers, including citizens of the United States and Canada, must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to their visit.

The ETA permits short-term stays of up to six months for purposes such as business, tourism, or participation in academic events. Applications are submitted online and linked electronically to the applicant’s passport. It is recommended that travelers complete the application process well in advance of their departure.

Overview of the UK ETA: https://www.gov.uk/eta
Submit an ETA application: https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

Who is exempt from the ETA?

Travelers do not need an ETA if they meet any of the following criteria:

They are citizens of the United Kingdom or Ireland
They hold a valid UK visa
They have UK immigration status (including settled or pre-settled status)
They are transiting through the UK without entering border control

To determine whether an ETA is required based on nationality or travel status, please consult the following official guidance:

Check ETA eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Review ETA exemptions: https://www.gov.uk/eta/when-not-need-eta

What is required to apply?

To complete the ETA application, travelers will need the following:

A valid passport
A digital passport-style photograph
Personal and travel information
A payment of £16 submitted through the official UK government portal

The UK Home Office estimates that most applications are processed within three business days.

Invitation letter for travel

To request an official invitation letter for the 2026 Global Leadership Summit in London, please contact Ritika Dabhi for a general summit invitation letter at r.dabhi@northeastern.edu.

Please note that it is the responsibility of all travelers to ensure that they have the proper documentation/authorization for any regions/countries they may be connecting through en route to London.

Important Reminders

This document has been prepared based on the information, guidance, and links provided by the immigration authorities of the United States.

Northeastern University has no influence on the outcome of immigration applications, which are adjudicated by country-specific government officers and may not contact the authorities to inquire about an individual visa application or to expedite the process for an individual applicant.

Any information relating to visas is provided as general information and for reference only. Applicants are responsible for completing and submitting all required immigration application(s) correctly and for obtaining a valid visa prior to the start of their travel.

Please note that all entry decisions are at the sole discretion of the immigration officer at the point of entry, and immigration authorities reserve the right to reassess admission suitability at time of entry, regardless of visa status.