Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. 

The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel. 

However, travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It is essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and ensure a smooth journey.

Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.

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Passport/Visa

Cardiff's climate is mild, and while extreme temperatures are rare, the weather remains unpredictable. Visitors should come prepared with waterproof coats and shoes. The best time to visit is from April to September, which offers warm temperatures and moderate rainfall, ideal for enjoying the city and its major summer events like the Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival. Expect high visitor numbers until mid-September. Autumn tends to be rainy, with occasional snow in late November and December, and winters are cold and slow for tourism.

Pink cherry blossoms in Alexandra Gardens, Cathays Park, Cardiff

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Best Time to Visit

Cardiff is served by its own international airport with regular direct flights from the UK and Europe.

Hourly train services to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport operate on weekdays and Saturdays, with a reduced frequency every two hours on Sundays. A new partnership between Transport for Wales and Adventure Travel introduces a combined rail and bus ticket. Travellers can purchase this ticket, known as 'Cardiff Air Ria', to use the train to Rhoose and the 905 bus service for direct airport access.

A shuttle bus from the train station to the airport is available for a £1 fee and takes about 10 minutes. Additionally, cyclists can reach the airport via several dedicated cycle routes.

Bristol International Airport, located just one hour away, offers direct flights with Continental Airlines from the United States and budget-friendly options from EasyJet for routes within the UK and from Europe, including Germany. Additionally, Birmingham, Manchester, and London’s major airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton — are conveniently reachable via high-speed InterCity trains or coach services.

silhouette of man holding luggage inside airport

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Cardiff Airport (CWL)

Cardiff offers excellent connectivity across the UK. Frequent train services link many cities directly to Cardiff, complemented by easy access via the M4 motorway.

Once in Cardiff, navigating the city centre on foot is a breeze. For a unique perspective, visitors can take a waterbus connecting the city centre and Cardiff Bay, or hop on the City Sightseeing bus, which provides insights into the local heritage and culture along the route.

For those looking to venture beyond the city centre, Cardiff is an integral part of the South Wales Metro network. The network boasts 20 railway stations throughout the city, including major hubs like Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street, situated right in the heart of the capital.

Public transport in Cardiff is run by Cardiff Bus (Bws Caerdydd), which covers the urban area.

water bus floats by a wooden bollard in Cardiff Bay, Wales

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Public Transport

London-style Hackney cabs are available in Cardiff and can be hailed from the roadside. Private hire taxis are also available but cannot be hailed from the roadside and must be pre-booked instead.

Dragon Taxis Cardiff 
www.dragontaxis.com
+44 29 20 333 333

Premier Taxis
+44 29 20 555 555

Capital Cabs
+44 29 2077 7777

Close up of a black cab illuminated taxi sign

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Taxi

If you are in need of medication, there are many local pharmacies in Cardiff, as well as big chains like Boots.

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Pharmacy

You can find several post offices spread throughout the city, the main branch being located in Queens Arcade.

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Post

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Telephone

Electrical appliances are connected to the UK mains supply using a three-pin plug known as plug type G. The sockets come with on-and-off switches, unlike in many other countries.

The average voltage of a UK power socket is 230V or slightly higher, so check the voltage of your device before plugging it in.

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Electricity

Cardiff, the youngest capital city in Europe, is known for its castle, art, dragons, river, Victorian arcades, parks, rugby, music, university, bay, and Brains beer. This diverse list of attractions means that whether you enjoy art, rugby, historical castles, modern architecture, classical music, or new bands in pubs, Cardiff has something for everyone.

This walled fortress boasts 2000 years of history. Originally a Roman fort, the castle was rebuilt after the Norman conquest and served as a keep until the 18th century, when it became the home of the Bute family, who renovated it in Gothic Revival style. You can walk around the Norman keep, discover the Roman foundations and take a guided tour around the grand apartments with their gilt ceilings and murals.

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Cardiff Castle

The entrance to the park is a short walk along Castle Street, to the left of the castle. The gardens have their own walled parapet that features incredibly life-like stone animals including a bear, lion, hyena, monkeys and a pelican. The park runs alongside the River Taff and has great views of the castle and its moat – it even has a miniature Stonehenge!

Bute Park with Cardiff Castle in the background

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Bute Park

The stadium opened in 1999 and is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and the largest covered stadium in Europe. It is also a venue for football cup finals and music concerts. Guided tours of the stadium are also available.

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Principality Stadium

This impressive domed building houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings in Europe, along with the best Welsh art. The museum also comprises an archaeology and geology collection as well as a natural history exhibit with giant skeletons of whales and dinosaurs.

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National Museum Cardiff

With the exception of Cardiff Castle, St John the Baptist Church is the oldest building in the city. The church originally dates back to 1180 but was destroyed in 1404 during the Welsh Revolt and rebuilt thereafter in Gothic style. Now it serves as an Anglican church and is open to the public for prayer or visit.

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St John the Baptist Church

Cardiff Bay has altered beyond recognition, from its past as the world’s largest coal exporting port to a modern sports and leisure complex. It is also Europe’s largest waterfront development which has a wealth of leisure activities available both on and off the water. Sights of interest and things to do include: Pierhead Building, Coal Exchange, Cardiff Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Mermaid’s Quay’s restaurants and bars.

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Cardiff Bay

A fairytale castle nestled in the woods on the outskirts of the city. Despite bearing the mark of Victorian renovation, it still retains much of its medieval charm and it offers an interesting insight into medieval architecture and art.

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Castell Coch (Red Castle)

Open air museum set on 100 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Cardiff. The museum is a village of 40 buildings that tell the story of Wales throughout the ages, and each building was transported brick-by-brick from their original location. The village includes a 17th-century farmhouse, working men’s hall, a tannery, bakery and terrace of workers’ cottages with each house representing a different decade.

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St Fagans National Museum of History

The second biggest castle in Britain (after Windsor), it was built in the late 13th century to secure the area against Welsh attacks from the north. The castle is one of the greatest examples of medieval military architecture displaying an enormous array of defensive structures such as high towers, large moats and barbicans. It is located 15 minutes by train from Cardiff.

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Caerphilly Castle

Located an hour from Cardiff, Brecon Beacons National Park is a natural reserve with an area of 1,340 square kilometres. Inside the park it is possible to enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching and so on. The park is also perfect for stargazing, as it was recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2013.

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Brecon Beacons National Park

The Wales Millennium Centre was built as a haven for arts and performances. It houses a theatre and several halls, restaurants and shops, hosting live events like plays, operas and concerts on a regular basis. The centre is also the home of various organisations such as the Welsh National Opera, the National Dance Company and the Arts Council of Wales.

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Wales Millennium Centre

Founded in 1986 by Professor John Beetlestone and his colleagues from Cardiff University, Techniquest is a discovery and science centre with many exhibits and activities for children and science lovers. Inside you will find a science theatre, a planetarium and more than 120 different exhibits where you can test your abilities and discover more about the world of science and technology.

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Techniquest

Water-based adventures and thrilling activities abound at Cardiff International White Water. Choose from a variety of sports including rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and gorge walking. Additionally, the Indoor Wave offers the excitement of surfing with the convenience and safety of an indoor environment, simulating the rush of ocean waves right in the heart of the city.

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Cardiff International White Water

The Senedd is the administrative heart of Cardiff, where the National Assembly gathers to discuss matters of political interest. The building is a fine example of modern architecture and was designed to be environmentally friendly, with a sustainable heating system and materials.

National Welsh Assembly, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff

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St Fagans National Museum of History

St John the Baptist Church

National Museum Cardiff

This impressive domed building houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings in Europe, along with the best Welsh art. The museum also comprises an archaeology and geology collection as well as a natural history exhibit with giant skeletons of whales and dinosaurs.

Cardiff Bay

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