Change in rules for going to Britain, permission will have to be taken before entry, will Indians also be affected?

UK ETA system explained: Britain has recently made a big change regarding the entry of foreign citizens into the country. A new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has been launched by the British Government. From the beginning of 2025, this system will be applicable to foreign citizens coming to Britain. This change is going to affect millions of people, especially those who are going to travel to Britain in 2025.
The ETA scheme, launched by the British Home Office, is designed to work similarly to the US ESTA system. Because of this system, now passengers coming to Britain will have to take entry permission before travelling. “Anyone wishing to travel to the UK, except British and Irish citizens, will now need to obtain advance permission,” the Home Office said. In this way, the need for an ETA or an eVisa is now being emphasized in Britain.

Where to apply for ETA?

Under the new rules, ETA will work as a digital travel permit, which will be linked to the traveller’s passport. The application fee has been fixed at £10, which will allow the traveler to enter the country multiple times for six months out of a two-year period. Travelers have the option to submit their application through the UK ETA App. If found eligible, they will be allowed to come to Britain and then they can come to the country without any restrictions.

When will the ETA process start?

The UK ETA process is set to begin on January 8, 2025, with citizens of non-European countries required to have an ETA before coming to the UK. The application process for ETA will start from November 27. European citizens are also going to be covered under the scope of this scheme, who will need an ETA to enter Britain from April 2, 2025. At the same time, people going to any other country via Britain are also going to need ETA.

Will ETA affect Indians?

Indians will not need ETA to travel to Britain. This applies to non-European visa-exempt citizens of countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Indian citizens will have to follow the existing visa process to visit UK. Which includes applying for a visa, completing the online application process, paying the visa fee, submitting documents, going to the visa appointment and obtaining the visa.