UK ETA fee set to increase from £16 to £20

A regulatory document approved by Parliament confirms the planned fee rise, though no date has been announced

The UK government is set to raise the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee from £16 to £20, according to a regulatory document published on the UK legislation website. The document, approved by Parliament and the Treasury, confirms the planned increase but does not specify when the new fee will take effect.

At current exchange rates, the fee would rise from approximately US$22 to US$27.

Second fee increase in less than a year

This will be the second ETA fee increase since the system launched. The cost previously rose from £10 to £16 on April 9, 2025, shortly after the program expanded to include European citizens on April 2, 2025.

The higher fee is also expected to apply to the ETA required for travel to the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey, as well as the Isle of Man, where the authorization is being gradually introduced.

Who needs a UK ETA?

The ETA is required for visitors from 84 countries and territories who do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months and do not already hold UK immigration status.

Travelers on connecting flights who pass through UK passport control also need an ETA. However, those transiting through Heathrow or Manchester airports without going through passport control do not currently need one.

Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship are exempt from the ETA requirement.