eVisa vs. ETA: Clearing the Confusion
First, let's clarify a critical point causing widespread confusion. The UK has two major digital travel updates, but they affect different nationalities. The first is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a new pre-travel permit for visitors from
countries that do not need a visa for short stays, like the USA, Canada, and EU nations. Indian passport holders are NOT eligible for the ETA scheme as of 2026. Instead, Indian citizens still require a standard UK visa. The second update, which does affect Indians, is the move to a digital visa format, often called an 'eVisa'. This means the visa is no longer a physical sticker in your passport but a secure electronic record linked to it.
Understanding the New Digital Visa
So, what exactly is this eVisa for Indians? Think of it as your immigration status stored securely online. After your visa application is approved, you will not receive a sticker, or 'vignette', in your passport. Instead, your permission to travel is held in a digital format by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This digital record is linked directly to the passport you used for your application. The key benefits are enhanced security—an eVisa cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with—and convenience. A major advantage of this new system is that applicants can now keep their passport with them throughout the processing period after submitting their biometric information.
The Application Process: What Has Changed?
While the final format of the visa is different, the core application process for Indians remains familiar. The journey to securing your UK visa still involves several key steps. You must begin by filling out the relevant application form on the official GOV.UK website. After completing the form, you will pay the visa fee online and book an appointment at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC), such as VFS Global. Attending this appointment to provide your biometric information—fingerprints and a photograph—is still a mandatory step. The main operational change is that your passport will be returned to you after the biometrics are taken, rather than being held by the consulate during the decision-making process. You will then receive the outcome of your application by email.
Accessing and Managing Your eVisa
Once you receive an email confirming your visa has been granted, you must take steps to access your digital status. You will need to create a UKVI account online via the GOV.UK website. This account is your personal portal to view your immigration status and the conditions of your visa, such as its validity dates and the type of activities you are permitted to do in the UK. It is essential to ensure that the passport you travel with is the same one linked to your UKVI account. Before you fly, airlines will perform a digital check to confirm you have a valid eVisa. Any mismatch between your passport details and your eVisa record could result in being denied boarding, so double-checking this information is critical.
Costs and Timelines in 2026
For Indian travellers, the cost of a Standard Visitor Visa for tourism, family visits, or short-term business activities is approximately £127 to £135, though this is subject to change. This fee is separate from any service charges levied by the Visa Application Centre. The standard processing time for a decision is around 15 working days or three weeks from the date of your biometric appointment. For those needing a faster turnaround, the UKVI continues to offer Priority and Super Priority services for an additional fee, which can reduce the decision time to around five working days or even 24 hours, respectively. Long-term visitor visas for two, five, or ten years also remain available at higher costs.
