Before you arrive

Before you arrive in the UK, you should familiarise yourself with the government's Guidance for Guests. This guidance will help you understand what to expect when you arrive and the support that is available nationally.

Travelling to the UK

You should only arrange your travel to the UK once you have received notification from the Home Office on confirmation of your permissions to stay. Your sponsor can choose to support you with any associated costs, but they are not obliged to. 

Our dedicated Ukraine Response Team will support you after your arrival, but if you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, then please do not hesitate to contact us at homesforukraine@westminster.gov.uk.

Travelling within the UK

There are many travel options within the UK depending on the journey you need to make when you arrive. You can pre-book train and coach travel online. The National Rail website allows you to browse train journeys all over the UK. You will then be redirected to the website of the train company to book your ticket.

Coach travel may, at times, be significantly cheaper than trains when travelling between different cities. National Express allows you to book coach travel to UK towns, cities and airports.

Travelling within London

Transport for London (TfL) offers a convenient way to travel in London. You can purchase an Oyster card online, at a newsagent, or at tube stations. You can also use a contactless bank card.

If you do not know your sponsor

It is possible that you have been matched with a sponsor in Westminster whom you have never met or have no personal ties to. This is quite common for the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and comprehensive checks will be carried out to ensure the arrangement is suitable. However, if you have any worries about your sponsor or the sponsorship arrangement, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Information for guests