UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Fee Rises to £20 in April 2026

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Fee Increases to £20

Starting April 8, 2026, travelers to the United Kingdom will face a higher fee for their Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The cost has risen by 25%, from £16 to £20. This change is part of a wider adjustment to immigration and nationality fees.

The UK’s ETA system requires visitors from certain countries, who do not need a visa for short stays, to obtain authorization before traveling. This new fee applies to those who fall under this requirement. British and Irish citizens are exempt, as are individuals who already possess a UK visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the country.

Understanding the ETA Requirement

The ETA is not a visa but a pre-travel screening process. It is designed to enhance border security and manage visitor numbers. Most visitors from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European nations will need an ETA if they are not otherwise exempt. Exemptions also include individuals traveling from Ireland to the UK without passing through another country first, and those who remain within an airport’s international transit area.

The Fee Adjustment and Its Context

The increase in the ETA fee was debated in the House of Lords on March 3, 2026. While the debate focused on the order that allowed for fee adjustments, the actual change in the amount applicants pay came through separate legislation that took effect on April 8, 2026. A minister stated that the purpose of these fee adjustments is to help fund migration and border operations, reduce reliance on general tax revenue, and support government priorities.

Concerns were raised during the parliamentary debate about the potential impact of the fee increase on tourism. However, a minister expressed confidence that the £20 fee would not deter visitors, citing the attractiveness of UK destinations. Discussions with tourism boards, including those in Northern Ireland, were mentioned to assess potential effects.

Broader Changes to Immigration Fees

The ETA fee increase is one part of a larger package of fee revisions affecting various immigration, nationality, and passport applications. Many application fees have seen an increase. For example, the standard visitor visa fee rose from £127 to £135, and the student visa fee increased from £524 to £558. Adult naturalisation applications also saw a rise, from £1,605 to £1,709.

In contrast to the general trend of increases, the fee for child citizenship registration has been reduced, falling from £1,214 to £1,000. Passport fees have also gone up, with the online adult passport price increasing by 8% to £102.

Some fees remained unchanged as part of this package. These include the Certificate of Sponsorship assignment fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and the Immigration Skills Charge. The government’s stated aim for these adjustments is to ensure that those who use the immigration system contribute more to its operational costs. These changes apply to applications made both within and outside the UK, covering a wide range of categories including work, study, visitor, nationality, and sponsorship.

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