New UK Travel Rules Require Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Family Visits Starting February 2026

Published on February 27, 2026

Image generated with Ai

Starting February 25, 2026, a major shift in the UK’s visa system will affect travelers from India, along with other countries that were previously exempt from visa requirements. The UK government has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a new digital travel permission for visitors from 85 countries, including India, to enter the UK for tourism, family visits, business, or short-term study.

This significant change means that Indians, who already require a visitor visa for stays up to six months, will now need to apply for an ETA in addition to their visa when traveling to the UK. With the ETA system, applicants will be able to apply online and gain permission to travel to the UK digitally, without needing to surrender their passports for processing.

What Is Changing with UK Travel Rules?

The UK’s visa system is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, moving away from traditional visa vignette stickers and introducing digital permissions in the form of eVisas and ETAs. Starting from February 25, 2026, visitors from visa-exempt countries, including India, will need to apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK. This change also impacts dual nationals, particularly those holding both UK and foreign passports, who will now be required to present a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement for entry.

An ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the UK. It authorizes travelers to board flights to the UK but does not replace the visa requirement for specific travel types, such as family visits or business travel.

Why Does This Matter for Indian Travelers?

The introduction of the ETA will directly affect Indian nationals who regularly travel to the UK for family visits, business trips, and tourism. Previously, Indians were required to apply for a standard visitor visa, but now, in addition to this visa, they must also apply for an ETA to board transport to the UK. This means that the travel process for Indian families planning to visit the UK will become more complicated, as they will need to manage both a visa application and an ETA approval.

The introduction of the ETA will also streamline the travel process for those planning short-term trips, as the digital nature of the ETA reduces the need for paper-based applications and physical visa documentation. This is especially convenient for UAE-based Indians who may be traveling for work or family purposes, as they can apply for the ETA online, saving time and resources.

How Will the UK ETA System Work?

The UK ETA system works in a simple and straightforward manner. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for an ETA:

1. Start Your Application: Begin the process by visiting the gov.uk website and filling out the online ETA application form.
2. Schedule an Appointment (if required): Depending on the visa category, you may need to schedule an appointment with a VFS Global Visa Application Centre for biometrics and document submission.
3. Submit Documents: Submit the required documents (passport, travel details, etc.) and biometrics at the designated VFS Global Centre.
4. Wait for Approval: After submitting your documents, the ETA will be processed digitally, and you will receive your approval via email if successful.
5. Travel with ETA: Once approved, you can board your flight and travel to the UK. Ensure your ETA approval is available digitally or printed.

Key Benefits of the UK ETA System

The new UK ETA system brings several benefits for travelers, including:

• No Passport Retention: Travelers can keep their passports while awaiting the ETA decision, allowing them to apply for other visas or travel documents simultaneously.
• Quick Processing: The ETA system is digital and much faster than the traditional visa sticker process, enabling applicants to receive approval quicker.
• Ease of Use: The online application system eliminates the need for courier services and physical visa stickers, making it easier for travelers to obtain permission to travel.
• Flexibility: Travelers can apply for the ETA from their country of residence and receive the approval via email, allowing them to manage their travel plans more effectively.
• Seamless Travel for Families: Indian families visiting the UK for leisure or family purposes will benefit from the flexibility of applying for an ETA alongside their visa application.

The Impact on Business and Tourist Travel

The introduction of the ETA system is set to benefit business travelers and tourists alike, especially those from countries like India where international travel is common. The process of applying for the ETA is more convenient and flexible, giving business travelers greater flexibility to manage their schedules without the need to part with passports for long periods. This also applies to tourists, who can now apply for family visits or short-term tourism visas digitally, streamlining their travel experience to the UK.

However, it is important to note that those traveling with connecting flights or transiting through UK airports must also apply for an ETA, as it is a mandatory requirement to board flights bound for the UK.

Quick Tips for Indian Travelers:

1. Apply Early: As the new ETA system is rolling out, it’s recommended that travelers apply as soon as possible to avoid any delays before your trip.
2. Check ETA Approval: Ensure you have received your ETA approval before you attempt to board your flight. The system sends digital confirmation to your registered email.
3. Ensure Your Documents Are Valid: Make sure your passport and other travel documents are valid before applying for an ETA.
4. Be Prepared for ETA and Visa Applications: Remember, the ETA is not a substitute for the visa. You will need both for travel to the UK.
5. Monitor UKVI Updates: Stay informed about any additional changes to the ETA process by regularly checking the official UK Visas and Immigration website.

Conclusion: A New Era in UK Travel for Indian Nationals

The new UK ETA system marks a significant evolution in the way that India and other nations handle visa applications for the UK. By reducing reliance on physical visas and streamlining the approval process, the UK is making it easier for travelers to visit the country for tourism, business, or family purposes. For Indians planning a trip to the UK, the added ETA requirement may seem like an extra step, but it ultimately offers greater convenience and efficiency for managing travel plans.

As the world continues to embrace digital transformations in travel and immigration, the UK ETA system sets a precedent for other nations to follow, offering travelers more flexibility and improving overall accessibility for international visitors.

Key Points in Bullet Form:

• India is not on the list of visa-exempt countries for UK travel, but now Indian travelers will need both an ETA and a visitor visa.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) replaces traditional visa stickers, offering a digital solution for UK-bound travelers.
• Indian nationals will be able to retain their passports while awaiting ETA approval, making travel more flexible.
• Business and family travelers from India will benefit from faster, more streamlined travel processing.
• The ETA system will apply to all travelers, including those with connecting flights, who must obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK.

By embracing this new digital travel process, India and its residents will have a smoother, faster, and more flexible way to visit the UK, making this change a positive step toward a more accessible travel future.