UK Travel Visa Fee to Increase by 60%: What You Need to Know
The UK government has announced a significant increase in the cost of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visitors traveling from the European Union. Starting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the fee will jump by 60%, from £10 to £16 (approximately €19). This change follows the implementation of the ETA earlier this year, which became mandatory for EU travelers starting in April 2024.
Reason for the Increase
The British government has justified this price hike as a necessary measure to help fund the UK’s immigration system. The goal is to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers by shifting some of the costs to travelers. The increase in the ETA fee is expected to generate approximately £269 million annually, which will go toward covering the costs associated with border and immigration services.
The ETA is a travel authorization required for all individuals wishing to enter the UK from the EU. This includes everyone, regardless of age, including minors and infants. The authorization is valid for two years and allows multiple entries, with each stay limited to a maximum of six months. Once purchased, the ETA allows for seamless travel between the EU and the UK, streamlining the process for short visits, tourism, business trips, and more.
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What Does the Fee Cover?
The £16 ETA fee covers only the authorization itself. It does not include the cost of a passport, which remains a separate requirement for all travelers who need the ETA. If you do not already have a passport, the cost of obtaining one must also be factored in. However, there is an important exception: school trips. All students under 18 years old traveling for educational purposes are exempt from the ETA requirement, meaning they do not need to pay the £16 fee or obtain the authorization.
Since its introduction, the ETA has been seen as a necessary step for improving the UK’s immigration control system. It is part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline the process for international visitors, allowing authorities to better monitor and manage who enters the country. The ETA system has already simplified travel for millions, and now the fee increase is expected to provide further resources to maintain and enhance the system.
The Broader Impact of the ETA Fee Increase
While the fee increase is designed to support the UK’s immigration framework, it is also likely to affect travelers’ budgets. For many, an increase of £6 per trip could add up quickly, especially for families or those planning multiple visits. However, the government’s justification rests on the idea that this fee is relatively low compared to other travel visa requirements around the world.
The UK’s immigration system continues to evolve, and the government is actively exploring additional ways to fund these services without relying too heavily on public funds. As the cost of managing borders and immigration continues to rise, it is expected that the UK will look at other potential changes to its visa system in the future.
In conclusion, travelers to the UK from the EU will need to prepare for the new, higher ETA fee of £16. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or any other reason, this increase is an important factor to consider when planning your trip to the UK.
This article is originally published on: rtl
