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India’s UK Visa Policy Remains Unchanged Under UK ETA System

Travelers from countries that are visa-exempted must now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. This system is designed to improve border security and streamline entry processes by ensuring that all short visits are pre-approved. Applicants pay the £10 fees, along with their personal information, trip itinerary, passport photos, and other supporting documents, through the official UK ETA app. Applicants can get an ETA in about 20 minutes, and it will be valid for two years (or until their passport expires, whichever is sooner).

Tourists, families, business-related work, and students going for a short-term course can enter the country many times for stays of up to six months. Because the ETA is associated digitally with the passport, a new application is necessary in the event that the passport is renewed.

In February 2024, the UK introduced the ETA requirement from Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) countries, but, starting January 8, 2025, passport holders from other non- European countries under the UK’s visa waiver program will also need an ETA. Beginning from April 2, 2025, European Union passport holders will need an ETA as well. The ETA is being implemented in stages, and you should be aware of when your nationality will be included.

India is not one of the exempted countries, hence Indian citizens will need to apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. A visa has always been required for Indian nationals to enter the United Kingdom, and ETA does not change this requirement. For Indian travellers wanting to visit the UK, they still have to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, which allows stays of up to six months for tourism, short-term business, or education.

To apply for UK ETA, follow these steps:

  • Fill out the online application form
  • Pay the visa fees
  • Submit required documentation, including a passport, proof of finances, travel itinerary, and invitation letter (if required)
  • Attend a biometric appointment
  • Wait for visa decision, which could take up to 3 weeks

Get in touch with Conroy Baker Ltd

For expert advice contact ConroyBaker’s specialized UK immigration lawyer on +44 203 773 2948 or [email protected] to book a consultation.

Get Expert UK Visa Assistance at Your Fingertips

Fill in the details and get a CALL BACK from our UK Immigration Expert!

Get Expert UK Visa Assistance at Your Fingertips

Fill in the details and get a CALL BACK from our UK Immigration Expert!

Travelers from countries that are visa-exempted must now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. This system is designed to improve border security and streamline entry processes by ensuring that all short visits are pre-approved. Applicants pay the £10 fees, along with their personal information, trip itinerary, passport photos, and other supporting documents, through the official UK ETA app. Applicants can get an ETA in about 20 minutes, and it will be valid for two years (or until their passport expires, whichever is sooner).

Tourists, families, business-related work, and students going for a short-term course can enter the country many times for stays of up to six months. Because the ETA is associated digitally with the passport, a new application is necessary in the event that the passport is renewed.

In February 2024, the UK introduced the ETA requirement from Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) countries, but, starting January 8, 2025, passport holders from other non- European countries under the UK’s visa waiver program will also need an ETA. Beginning from April 2, 2025, European Union passport holders will need an ETA as well. The ETA is being implemented in stages, and you should be aware of when your nationality will be included.

India is not one of the exempted countries, hence Indian citizens will need to apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. A visa has always been required for Indian nationals to enter the United Kingdom, and ETA does not change this requirement. For Indian travellers wanting to visit the UK, they still have to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, which allows stays of up to six months for tourism, short-term business, or education.

To apply for UK ETA, follow these steps:

  • Fill out the online application form
  • Pay the visa fees
  • Submit required documentation, including a passport, proof of finances, travel itinerary, and invitation letter (if required)
  • Attend a biometric appointment
  • Wait for visa decision, which could take up to 3 weeks

Get in touch with Conroy Baker Ltd

For expert advice contact ConroyBaker’s specialized UK immigration lawyer on +44 203 773 2948 or [email protected] to book a consultation.

Get Expert UK Visa Assistance at Your Fingertips

Fill in the details and get a CALL BACK from our UK Immigration Expert!

Get Expert UK Visa Assistance at Your Fingertips

Fill in the details and get a CALL BACK from our UK Immigration Expert!

Author : Hemang

Hemang Laaheru is OISC registered advisor with more than 15 years of experience in advising and assisting clients in UK visas and nationality matters. His clientele includes companies, individuals in 26 countries around the world including UK, USA, India, Dubai (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Zambia, Kenya, Singapore.