The United Kingdom Government has announced its intention to raise the fee for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from the current £16 to £20 in the near future.
This represents a 25% increase and forms part of ongoing reviews of immigration and border security fees.
The ETA serves as a mandatory pre-travel authorisation for nationals of 85 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and numerous European nations, who wish to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, short-term business, or other permitted purposes.
British and Irish citizens are exempt from this requirement.From 25 February 2026, the ETA scheme will enter full enforcement.
Carriers—including airlines, ferry operators, and train companies—will be required to verify that eligible travellers hold a valid ETA before permitting boarding. Individuals without an approved ETA will be denied travel to the United Kingdom, implementing a strict “no ETA, no travel” policy.
The authorisation, once granted, is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever occurs sooner. It permits multiple entries, with each stay not exceeding six months.
Motive
The application process is designed to be efficient: most applicants receive a decision within minutes via the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website.
Applicants are strongly advised to use official channels to avoid additional charges imposed by third-party services.
The forthcoming fee adjustment aligns the UK system with comparable arrangements in other countries, such as the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which increased to $40 in recent years, and Australia’s equivalent scheme.
The Home Office has stated that such fees are periodically reviewed to support the continued development of a secure, digital border system and to enhance immigration controls, thereby preventing the entry of individuals who may pose a security risk.
Existing ETAs approved at the £16 rate will remain valid for their full duration.
Travellers planning visits to the UK are encouraged to apply promptly through official GOV.UK resources to secure authorisation at the current fee, particularly in light of the impending enforcement date and potential price change.
This development underscores the UK’s commitment to modernising its border management while maintaining streamlined access for legitimate visitors.
Prospective travellers should consult the official GOV.UK ETA page for the latest guidance and application details.
