UK’s new travel rules explained: Will Indian travellers be affected?

SUMMARY

AI Generated Content
  • The UK is implementing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from February 2026, requiring pre-travel screening for citizens of 85 visa-free countries.
  • Indian citizens, who already require a visa, are not eligible for the ETA and must continue to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, now issued digitally without a passport sticker.
  • The ETA rollout coincides with the UK’s shift to a “digital by default” system for visas, impacting Indian travellers who must now ensure accurate digital records for travel permission.
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