UK ETA vs Indian e-Visa: What Expats from the Indian Subcontinent in France Should Know Before Traveling
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about visa and travel requirements is essential—especially for the Indian and South Asian community living in France and across Europe. Whether you’re planning to visit the UK for a family wedding or returning home to India for Diwali, understanding the difference between travel authorisation systems can help you avoid unnecessary stress.
From April 2, 2025, the United Kingdom will require many travelers to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding their flight. This has raised questions among our community: “Is this like India’s e-Visa?” or “Do I need both if I travel between India and the UK while living in Europe?”
Let’s break it down.
UK ETA vs Indian e-Visa: At a Glance
| Feature |
UK ETA |
Indian e-Visa |
| Purpose |
Short visits to the UK (tourism, business, family visits, short study) |
Travel to India (tourism, business, medical, conference) |
| Who Applies |
Visa-exempt nationals (including many Indian expats with French or EU passports) |
Foreign nationals from 160+ countries |
| Duration |
Up to 6 months per visit, valid for 2 years |
Usually 60 days to 1 year, based on type |
| Application Mode |
Mobile App or Online |
Online only |
| Processing Time |
Up to 3 working days |
2–5 working days |
| Cost |
£10 (until April 9, 2025), £16 thereafter |
Varies (€10–€80 depending on visa type) |
Why Does This Matter to the Indian Diaspora in France?
Imagine this: Ravi, a tech consultant from Bangalore living in Lyon, holds an Indian passport and recently obtained French residency. He plans to visit London in July 2025 for a business networking event. What Ravi doesn’t know is that he cannot travel to the UK without a proper UK visa, as India is not on the ETA-eligible list. If he applies late or uses outdated advice from a friend, he could be turned away at the airport.
Now take Meera, a second-generation Indian-French citizen in Paris. She’s traveling to attend her cousin’s engagement in Birmingham. Meera holds a French passport, so she qualifies for the UK ETA. All she needs is her passport, a photo, and £16 to apply through the ETA app. But she forgets to apply in advance—and learns at the airport that she’s not allowed to board without the ETA. Panic ensues, plans are ruined.
At our Indian association, we’ve heard countless stories like this—missed flights, wasted money, and broken plans, all due to confusion about travel rules.
Our Role: Helping You Navigate Complex Systems
Our association—working closely under the patronage of the Indian Embassy in Paris and other Indian missions across Europe—is committed to empowering the Indian and subcontinent community with timely, reliable information. Whether you’re navigating the French OFII, applying for OCI, or understanding the UK ETA, we are here to help.
When changes like the UK ETA system arise, we translate official jargon into simple guidance tailored for our people. We offer:
✅ Workshops and Info Sessions
✅ One-on-One Guidance for Elderly and Non-Digital Natives
✅ Liaison with Embassies for Critical Cases
We believe that knowledge is empowerment, especially for students, senior citizens, new arrivals, and families traveling between the UK, France, and India.
Who Needs a UK ETA? (And Who Doesn’t)
You DO need an ETA if:
-
You’re an Indian-origin person with a passport from an ETA-eligible country (e.g., France, Canada, Singapore).
-
You’re visiting the UK for up to 6 months (tourism, business, short study).
-
You’re transiting through the UK and plan to pass border control.
You DO NOT need an ETA if:
-
You have a UK visa or long-term permit.
-
You’re an Indian passport holder (you still need a UK visa).
-
You’re a British or Irish citizen.
-
You’re a student on a France-UK school trip.
What You Can and Cannot Do with an ETA
With an ETA, you can:
✅ Visit family or attend a celebration
✅ Go on a short-term course
✅ Attend meetings or conferences
✅ Transit through the UK
But you cannot:
❌ Work or be self-employed
❌ Stay more than 6 months
❌ Get married or access public funds
Key Takeaways for Indian Expats in the EU
-
Plan Ahead: If you have an Indian passport, you still need a visa—not an ETA—for the UK.
-
Apply Smart: If you hold a French or other ETA-eligible passport, apply via the app well in advance.
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Check Family Passports: Don’t assume your children or spouse have the same requirements as you.
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Don’t Risk It at the Airport: Airlines will deny boarding without ETA or visa.
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