UK ETA Fee Explained: Cost, Payment and What to Expect in 2026

The UK ETA fee is one of the first questions travellers ask when they discover they need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter or transit through the United Kingdom. Understanding exactly what you pay, when you pay it, and what happens if your application is unsuccessful is essential before you start your UK ETA application.

This guide covers the official fee, accepted payment methods, refund policy, family costs, and tips to avoid paying third-party fees that can inflate the real price significantly. All information is based on official UK government guidance.

Quick Facts: UK ETA Fee 2026

What Is the UK ETA and Why Is There a Fee?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel permission system introduced by the UK Home Office. It was launched in January 2024 for visitors from countries that previously did not need a visa to enter the UK. The ETA links digitally to your passport, meaning border officers can verify your travel permission electronically.

The fee covers the administration costs of processing and maintaining the ETA system. Unlike a visa, there is no interview, no biometrics collection, and no document submission — the entire process is online, making the low fee possible. The UK modelled its system on similar schemes already in operation in the USA (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and Australia (ETA).

For most nationalities, the ETA replaces the previous requirement to obtain a visa or pay a separate entry fee. It applies to air, sea, and land entry into England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Exactly How Much Does the UK ETA Cost?

The official fee charged by the UK government for an Electronic Travel Authorisation is £10 per applicant. This fee applies equally to adults and children — there is no discounted rate for minors travelling with their families.

If you are travelling as a family of four, the total cost will be £40 for four separate ETAs, each linked to one passport. Each ETA is non-transferable; if a family member renews their passport, they must apply for a new ETA before travelling, which means paying the fee again.

It is worth noting that the fee is stated in British pounds (GBP). If you hold a non-GBP bank account, your bank may apply a currency conversion charge on top of the official fee. The amount you see charged on your bank statement may therefore be slightly higher than the headline £10 figure.

Beware of Third-Party Websites

The UK government has warned travellers about unofficial services that charge inflated fees. Some of these services simply forward your details to the official system and add a significant service charge. Always verify that the URL you are using ends in .gov.uk before entering any payment details.

For assistance with the application, see our UK ETA app guide which walks through each step of the official process.

Is the UK ETA Fee Refundable?

The UK ETA fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. This applies whether your application is approved, refused, or if you later decide not to travel to the UK. The Home Office does not offer refunds, partial credits, or fee waivers for any reason, including:

• Application refusal
• Travel cancellation due to illness or personal circumstances
• Duplicate applications (applying twice by mistake)
• Technical errors during the application process
• Passport renewal after ETA approval

For this reason, double-check all personal details, especially your passport number and date of birth, before submitting your application and paying the fee. Even a minor data entry error can result in a refusal — and the fee is still lost.

How to Pay the UK ETA Fee

1. Visit the official application page — go to gov.uk/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or download the official UK ETA app.
2. Complete your personal details — enter your full name as it appears on your passport, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
3. Upload a photograph — take or upload a clear face photo as part of the identity check.
4. Review your application — carefully check all information before proceeding to payment.
5. Enter payment details — choose your preferred payment method (card, Apple Pay, Google Pay) and confirm the £10 charge.
6. Submit and await a decision — most applications are decided within minutes, though it can take up to three working days.

Accepted Payment Methods for the UK ETA

The UK government ETA application accepts: Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), Apple Pay, and Google Pay. American Express is not currently accepted. Prepaid cards may work but are sometimes declined; a standard bank debit card is the most reliable option.

You do not need to set up a UK government account or create login credentials to pay. The payment is processed as a one-off transaction through the secure government payment system.

Family Applications and the ETA Fee

Each member of a travelling party must have their own ETA, which means each person pays the fee separately. There is no family bundle, group discount, or combined application option available at this time.

This is particularly important for families travelling with children. Every child — regardless of age — who holds a passport eligible for the ETA requirement must have their own authorisation and must pay the fee. For more detailed information on children’s applications, see our UK ETA for families guide.

What the Fee Covers

The UK ETA fee is a single payment that covers: processing your ETA application by the Home Office; biometric and security checks against UK and international watchlists; digital linking of your ETA approval to your passport; and access to the ETA for its full validity period (two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first). There are no additional charges once your ETA is approved.

To check whether your ETA remains valid, use our ETA application status check guide.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

Without a paid and approved ETA, you will be denied boarding at your point of departure if travelling by air. Airlines are legally required to verify ETA status before allowing passengers to board flights to the UK. At sea and land borders, you will be refused entry.

Attempting to enter the UK without the required ETA — even if you genuinely did not know you needed one — can result in being turned away at the border and potentially receiving a record on your UK immigration history. This could affect future ETA applications and any future visa applications.

If you are unsure whether you need an ETA, check our ETA eligible nationalities guide or the official gov.uk visa checker.

Fee Changes: Will the UK ETA Cost More in Future?

The UK government periodically reviews border fees. The £10 ETA fee set at the scheme’s launch in January 2024 was positioned to be accessible while covering administrative costs. Any future increase would be announced through official government channels. To stay informed, bookmark the official gov.uk ETA page and the VisitBritain entry requirements page.

Frequently Asked Questions: UK ETA Fee

Is the UK ETA fee the same as a visa fee?
No. A UK visa costs significantly more — from £115 for a standard visitor visa. The ETA at £10 is a much lower cost pre-travel authorisation for eligible nationalities.

Can I apply for the UK ETA without a credit or debit card?
Currently, the only accepted payment methods require a card or mobile payment wallet. If you do not have a compatible card, ask a trusted family member or friend to complete the payment on your behalf using the official gov.uk application.

Does the ETA fee change depending on nationality?
No. The fee is the same for all eligible nationalities — there is no variation based on your country of origin.

Is the ETA fee the same for transit passengers?
Yes. If you are transiting through a UK airport and your nationality requires an ETA, you pay the standard £10 fee. For more information, see our UK ETA transit guide.

What if I make a mistake in my application after paying?
If your application has been submitted, you cannot edit it. You would need to apply again and pay the £10 fee a second time. Always review all information carefully before submitting.

Can I reclaim the ETA fee through travel insurance?
Some travel insurance policies cover pre-trip costs if a trip is cancelled for a covered reason. Check your specific policy — the ETA fee may qualify as a pre-paid travel expense. See our travel insurance guide for more information.