Last updated: 15 March 2026 | Next review: April 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For the most current requirements, always check the official UK government website (GOV.UK) or consult a registered immigration adviser.
Indian citizens cannot apply for a UK eTA for Indians in 2026. India is classified as a visa national country under UK immigration rules. Instead, Indian passport holders must obtain a UK Standard Visitor Visa, which costs £100 and allows stays of up to 6 months. Attempting to travel without the correct entry clearance will result in being refused boarding at the airport.
This guide is written by travel compliance specialists with over 10 years of experience in UK immigration policy. We update our content monthly to reflect changes from the UK Home Office.
Do Indian and Chinese Citizens Need a UK ETA in 2026?
Indian and mainland Chinese passport holders are classified as visa nationals and cannot obtain a UK ETA in 2026. The UK eTA for Indian citizens is unavailable; applicants must instead secure a Standard Visitor Visa.
The UK eTA is available for non-visa nationals from specific Asian and Gulf territories, but not for Indian citizens. For official confirmation, refer to the UK Government’s Appendix ETA National List: GOV.UK Appendix ETA.
| Eligibility Status | Asian & Gulf Nationalities | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Not Eligible (Visa Nationals) | India, China | Require a Standard Visitor Visa. |
| Eligible (Non-Visa Nationals) | Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE | None. |
| Eligible (Conditional) | Taiwan | Passport must include a personal identification number. |
UK ETA vs UK Visa: What Indian Citizens Actually Need
While the £20 UK ETA serves as a digital permission for non-visa nationals, Indian citizens require a Standard Visitor Visa costing £100 for a 6-month stay. The UK eTA for Indian citizens is unavailable, meaning passport holders must apply for standard entry clearance for tourism, business, or family visits.
| Feature | UK ETA | UK Standard Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Non-visa nationals | Visa nationals (India, China) |
| Application Fee | £20 | £100 |
| Processing Time | 3 working days | 3 weeks (15 working days) |
| Validity | 2 years (or passport expiry) | Up to 6 months per visit |
| Biometrics | Not required | Required |
The UK eTA for Indians cannot bypass immigration rules; a full visa process is required in 2026.
How to Apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa from India
Because the UK eTA for Indian citizens is unavailable in 2026, you must apply for a visa online via GOV.UK, pay the £100 fee using an international card, and attend a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre.
We recently helped a family from Mumbai prepare their Standard Visitor Visa application. They were initially confused about the ETA system and almost booked flights without a visa. After following our step-by-step guide, they received their visa in 18 days.
Instead of the UK eTA, follow these visa application steps:
Apply on the GOV.UK Standard Visitor portal
Apply on the GOV.UK Standard Visitor portal.
Pay the £100 fee
Pay the £100 fee with an international Visa or Mastercard (local methods like UPI or Net Banking are not accepted).
Book a mandatory appointment
Book a mandatory appointment at a VFS Global centre in India (e.g., Delhi or Mumbai).
Attend the appointment
Attend the appointment to submit biometric information (fingerprints and digital photograph).
Wait 3 weeks (15 working days)
Wait 3 weeks (15 working days) for the standard processing time to conclude and receive the decision by email.
Transit Through the UK as an Indian Citizen
Indian citizens transiting through UK airports generally need a £64 Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) unless they hold specific exemptions. The UK eTA for Indian citizens does not apply to airport transit scenarios, as Indian passport holders remain visa nationals in 2026.
For a connecting flight (e.g., Mumbai to New York via Heathrow), the UK eTA does not apply. Transit requirements depend on your route:
- Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): Required for connecting flights without passing through UK border control. The application fee is exactly £64.
- DATV Exemptions: Exempt if you hold a valid US, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand visa.
- Landside Transit: Passing through UK border control to check in luggage or stay overnight requires a full Standard Visitor Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Indian citizens apply for a UK eVisa?
Indian citizens, as visa nationals, cannot apply for a UK eVisa or ETA. They must instead apply for a Standard Visitor Visa via GOV.UK and attend a VFS Global biometrics appointment.
Do Indians need a visa to enter the UK?
Yes, Indian citizens must obtain a UK Standard Visitor Visa before their trip. This entry clearance allows multiple journeys and stays of up to 6 months per visit.
What happens if an Indian citizen applies for a UK ETA?
The system blocks Indian nationalities from completing a UK ETA application. Attempting to travel without a Standard Visitor Visa results in refused boarding.
How much is the UK visa fee for Indian citizens in 2026?
In 2026, a standard UK Visitor Visa for up to 6 months costs £100. A long-term visitor visa valid for 2 years costs £190.
Can I pay the UK visa fee with UPI from India?
No, GOV.UK does not accept local Indian payment methods like UPI or Net Banking. You must use an international Visa or Mastercard.
How long does it take to get a UK visa from India?
The standard processing time is 3 weeks (15 working days) after submitting your application, paying the £100 fee, and attending your VFS Global biometric appointment.
Do I need a transit visa for a connecting flight in London?
Yes, Indian citizens need a £64 Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) for connecting flights. You are exempt if you hold a valid US, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand visa.
Are children from India required to have their own UK visa?
Yes, babies and children from India are visa nationals and must have their own UK Standard Visitor Visa. Each child requires a separate application and £100 fee.
