The UK government is planning another 25% rise in the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which would increase the fee from £16 to £20.
Introduced in 2023, the ETA is an online pre-travel system required for travellers from countries that do not need a visa to visit the UK, including EU member states, the US, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Last year, the ETA fee was raised by 60%, from £10 to £16, with the new charge taking effect in April 2025.
A Home Office briefing revealed that the government intends to raise the fee by a further £4 to £20. No date has yet been confirmed, as the increase requires parliamentary approval.
“As with all our fees, the cost of an ETA is kept under review, and we intend to increase it to £20 in the future. We will provide more information in due course,” the Home Office said.
The ETA allows travellers multiple visits to the UK, with stays of up to six months over a two-year period or until their passport expires. According to the government, 19.6 million ETAs were issued in the first two years of the scheme, up to September 2025.
From 25 February, travellers without a valid ETA will be barred from boarding transport to the UK. Those transiting through UK airports still require an ETA if they pass through passport control, except at London Heathrow or Manchester airports if they remain airside.
The government also plans to raise the cost of a two-year visitor visa from £475 to £506 for travellers who do not qualify for an ETA.
Joss Croft, CEO of the travel association UKinbound, warned that higher visa and ETA fees could harm the UK’s visitor economy. “International visitors have options, and the UK already has some of the highest entry costs globally. Increasing fees further risks reducing competitiveness and valuable export income,” he said. “Inbound tourism supports jobs, high streets, pubs, and hospitality businesses across the country. If growth is to benefit local communities, the government must reconsider these increases and keep the UK open, welcoming, and competitive.”
The UK’s ETA increase follows the EU’s plan to raise fees for its ETIAS electronic authorisation system from €7 to €20 per application, with ETIAS expected to launch in late 2026. Similarly, the US ESTA system saw its fee almost double from $21 to $40 in September 2025.
For expert guidance on UK visas, travel authorisations, or immigration queries, contact LawSentis. Our IAA-regulated, UK-based team provides personalised advice and step-by-step support to help you navigate the UK’s immigration system with confidence. Get in touch today to discuss your case and explore your options.