What is in force?
The UK began enforcing its digital permission-to-travel requirements on 25 February 2026. The Home Office announcement says airlines will prevent boarding where passengers lack an ETA, an eVisa or other valid documentation.
The announcement covers visitors of 85 nationalities, including nationals of the United States, Canada and France. It describes the ETA as allowing multiple journeys and remaining valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever happens first.
The February announcement quoted a £16 application charge. Because that figure comes from a dated announcement, travellers should confirm the current price on the official application service rather than assume it remains unchanged.
An ETA is not entry permission
The Home Office’s April 2026 factsheet explains that an ETA is a digital permission to travel. It is not a visa and does not itself permit entry into the UK.
The factsheet describes the scheme as applying to visitors who do not need a visa for short stays or do not already hold UK immigration status, subject to exemptions. British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, do not need an ETA.
These distinctions are important when families travel together using different passports or immigration permissions. One traveller’s eligibility does not establish what another traveller needs.
Transit needs a separate check
Eligible passengers taking connecting flights and passing through UK passport control need an ETA, according to the April factsheet.
It also says that passengers transiting through Heathrow or Manchester without passing through UK passport control do not currently need one. That is a specific exemption described in the guidance, not a general statement that all connecting passengers are exempt from immigration requirements.
What this means for you
Indian applicants should first check the official UK visa and transit requirements for their passport, existing status and itinerary. Do not buy an ETA on the assumption that it replaces a visitor or Student visa.
If travelling with relatives who hold other nationalities, check each person separately. Confirm your documentation with GOV.UK and your carrier before departure, particularly where a connection involves passing through passport control.
Source: gov.uk — always confirm details on the official website.
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