Grammar Quesion: This is the first time ... to London

[Tortoise]

This is the first time he ____ to London.

a) has been
b) is

My choice is "is", right?

[Conchita]

No, I'm afraid not, Tortoise. You need a present perfect here, since it is a first experience and 'ever' is implied:

This is the first time he has (ever) been to London.

Besides, we couldn't say 'he is to London', but 'he is in London'.