Fally Ipupa Live at The O2 Arena London — 25 October 2026
Everything you need to attend the biggest Congolese concert of the year in London: tickets, UK visa & ETA requirements by passport, hotels near the O2, restaurants, the nearest tube, train, bus and airport.
Nearest tube
North Greenwich (Jubilee line)
Nearest airport
London City (LCY) – 15 min
Bus routes
108, 129, 132, 161, 188, 422, 472, 486
On-site hotel
InterContinental London – The O2
UK Visa & ETA Requirements by Passport
The United Kingdom requires either an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) or a Standard Visitor Visa for entry. Which one you need depends entirely on your passport — not your country of residence. Apply early: ETA approval takes up to 3 working days, visitor visas up to 3 weeks.
UK ETA — £16 (online)
For passport holders of: USA, Canada, EU/EEA, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and most other visa-exempt nationalities.
- Apply via the official "UK ETA" app or gov.uk/eta/apply
- Cost: £16 — valid 2 years, multiple stays up to 6 months each
- Processing: usually within 3 working days
- Required documents: biometric passport + a digital photo
Apply by: early October 2026
UK Standard Visitor Visa — £127
For passport holders of: DR Congo, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa (visa-free for 6 months — check current status), India, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey and most African / South Asian passports.
- Apply at visas-immigration.service.gov.uk via your local VFS Global centre
- Not sure which you need? Check your situation on gov.uk
- Cost: £127 (6 months) — biometrics required in person
- Processing: 3 weeks standard, 5 working days priority (£500)
- Documents: passport (6+ months validity), proof of funds, concert booking confirmation, hotel reservation, return flight, employment letter
Apply by: 15 August 2026 (latest)
Tip for Congolese fans flying from Kinshasa: Book your visa appointment at VFS Global Kinshasa before buying tickets in case of delays. Include your O2 ticket confirmation and hotel booking with your application — it strengthens the visitor narrative.
How to Get to The O2 Arena
Tube — Jubilee Line (fastest)
North Greenwich station is directly outside the O2. Trains every 2–4 minutes.
- • From Bond Street: 18 min direct
- • From Waterloo: 12 min direct
- • From London Bridge: 10 min direct
- • From Canary Wharf: 1 stop, 3 min
- • From Stratford (Olympic Park): 8 min
Airports
- London City (LCY) — 15 min by taxi or DLR + 1 Jubilee stop
- Heathrow (LHR) — 55 min via Jubilee line (Bond St change)
- Gatwick (LGW) — 70 min via Thameslink + Jubilee
- Stansted (STN) — 75 min via Stansted Express + Jubilee
- Luton (LTN) — 85 min via Thameslink + Jubilee
Bus Routes to North Greenwich
The North Greenwich bus station is right next to the O2:
- • 108 Lewisham ↔ Stratford
- • 129 Greenwich ↔ Lewisham
- • 132 Bexleyheath ↔ North Greenwich
- • 161 Chislehurst ↔ North Greenwich
- • 188 Russell Square ↔ North Greenwich
- • 422 Bexleyheath ↔ North Greenwich
- • 472 / 486 / 188 night routes
- • N1, N108 Night buses (post-concert)
Other ways
- Thames Clipper (Uber Boat) — North Greenwich Pier from London Bridge / Embankment / Canary Wharf
- IFS Cloud Cable Car — scenic crossing from Royal Docks (DLR Royal Victoria)
- Driving — limited paid parking on-site, book via theo2.co.uk in advance (£25–£35)
- Black cab / Uber — designated drop-off at Peninsula Square
Hotels Near The O2 Arena London
Book early — concert weekends sell out 4–6 months in advance. Closest options are in Greenwich, Canary Wharf and the Greenwich Peninsula.
InterContinental London – The O2
5 Luxury • 2 min walk
Connected to the arena via covered walkway.
Novotel London Greenwich
4 Mid-range • 10 min by tube
Near Greenwich DLR — easy Jubilee line access.
Hilton London Canary Wharf
4 Business • 1 stop on Jubilee line
5 min from North Greenwich station.
Holiday Inn Express Greenwich
3 Budget • 12 min by bus
Direct 188 bus to North Greenwich.
Premier Inn London Greenwich
3 Budget • 15 min
Walking distance to Greenwich pier — Thames Clipper option.
Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf
4 Riverside • 10 min by car
Quiet riverside option near Canary Wharf.
Restaurants Near The O2 (Pre-Show)
All venues below are inside The O2 entertainment district — a 2 minute walk to the arena door. Reserve at least 1 week ahead for concert nights.
Brasserie Blanc – The O2
French
Inside the O2 entertainment district.
Las Iguanas O2
Latin American
Pre-show cocktails, walk-in friendly.
All Star Lanes O2
American grill + bowling
Group-friendly, books up on event nights.
Côte Brasserie O2
French bistro
Reliable pre-theatre menu.
Gaucho O2
Argentine steakhouse
Premium option, reserve 2+ weeks ahead.
Wagamama O2
Japanese / Asian fusion
Quick service before doors.
Looking for Congolese cuisine in London? Try Chez Soso (Walthamstow) or Mosaïque (Peckham) the night before — both are 30–40 min from the O2 by tube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a UK visa to attend Fally Ipupa at The O2 in London?
It depends on your passport. Holders of EU, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, and several other passports do not need a visitor visa for short stays but must obtain a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before flying. Travellers from the DRC and most African countries need a UK Standard Visitor Visa.
What is the UK ETA and how do I apply?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation costs £16, is valid for 2 years and allows multiple short visits up to 6 months each. Apply via the official 'UK ETA' app or gov.uk — most approvals arrive within 3 working days.
How much is a UK Standard Visitor Visa and how long does it take?
The UK Standard Visitor Visa costs £127 for 6 months. Standard processing is 3 weeks from biometric appointment. Apply at least 8–10 weeks before 25 October 2026.
What is the nearest tube station to The O2 Arena?
North Greenwich station on the Jubilee line is directly outside the O2 — under 5 minutes' walk. From central London (Bond Street, Green Park, Waterloo, London Bridge, Canary Wharf) it is a single direct ride.
What is the nearest airport to The O2 Arena?
London City Airport (LCY) is closest — 15 minutes by taxi or DLR + Jubilee line. Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) all connect via the Jubilee line at North Greenwich.