UK ETA Fee Increase to £20: Everything You Need to Know in April 2026

The ETA fee increase took effect on 8 April 2026, raising the cost of a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation from £16 to £20. Furthermore, this change affects millions of travellers from over 50 nationalities who need an ETA to visit the United Kingdom. In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know about the new pricing, what it means for your travel budget, and how to apply at the correct price. Moreover, if you are planning a trip to the UK in 2026, understanding the updated fee structure is essential for smooth travel planning.

New ETA Fee Breakdown: From £16 to £20

As a result of the UK Government’s annual review of immigration fees, the ETA now costs £20 per application. This represents a 25% increase from the previous fee of £16 that had been in place since the ETA system launched in 2024. Consequently, every individual traveller aged 18 and over must pay this fee, regardless of nationality or purpose of visit. Indeed, this fee applies equally to tourists, business visitors, and those transiting through the UK.

The fee must be paid at the time of application submission. Therefore, you should ensure your payment method is ready before starting the online process. In addition, the fee is non-refundable if your application is approved — a point many travellers overlook. However, if your ETA is refused, you may be eligible for a partial refund under certain circumstances. For a complete guide on the application process, check our step-by-step walkthrough.

Why the UK ETA Price Increased in April 2026

The Home Office announced the ETA fee increase as part of its broader immigration fee adjustments published in the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Order 2026. Furthermore, the government cited rising administrative costs and the need to fund enhanced border security technology as primary reasons for the price change. Moreover, the UK’s digital border programme requires ongoing investment in biometric processing and automated risk assessment systems.

According to the gov.uk visa fees page, all immigration and nationality application fees are reviewed annually. As a result, travellers should expect potential future adjustments. However, the UK Government has stated that the ETA remains significantly cheaper than equivalent systems in other countries. Indeed, the US ESTA costs $21 (approximately £17), while the upcoming EU ETIAS will cost €7 (approximately £6). For a detailed comparison, see our ETA vs other travel authorisations guide.

Old vs New ETA Fee Comparison

Understanding the exact changes helps you budget accurately for your UK trip. Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison of the old and new fee structures. In addition, this table includes related costs that travellers should consider when planning their journey to the United Kingdom.

As you can see, the ETA fee increase applies uniformly across all applicant categories. Consequently, families travelling together will notice a more significant impact on their overall travel budget. Furthermore, a family of four now pays £80 instead of £64 — an additional £16 that could otherwise cover a London transport day pass.

Payment Methods Accepted for the UK ETA

The Home Office accepts several payment methods when applying for your ETA. Moreover, having your preferred payment ready before starting the application can save time and prevent errors. Indeed, payment issues are one of the most common reasons for incomplete applications.

Currently accepted payment methods include Visa debit and credit cards, Mastercard debit and credit cards, American Express cards, Apple Pay (via the UK ETA app), and Google Pay (via the UK ETA app). Furthermore, all payments are processed in British pounds (GBP). Therefore, if you are paying with a foreign currency card, your bank may apply conversion fees. In addition, some banks may flag international online payments as suspicious, so it is advisable to notify your bank before applying. For more on ETA payment options, see our dedicated guide.

UK ETA Refund Policy After the Fee Increase

Understanding the refund policy is particularly important following the ETA fee increase, as the financial stakes are now higher. However, the refund rules have not changed alongside the price adjustment. As a result, the following conditions continue to apply in April 2026.

If your ETA application is approved, no refund is available — even if you decide not to travel. Consequently, you should only apply when your travel plans are confirmed. However, if your ETA is refused, you may request a refund of the application fee, though this process can take 6-8 weeks. Furthermore, if you made a duplicate application by mistake, the Home Office may process a refund for the additional payment. Indeed, contacting the UK Visas and Immigration helpline is the fastest way to resolve payment issues. For information on what happens when applications are rejected, visit our ETA rejection reasons page.

Family Application Costs: Budgeting for Groups

The ETA fee increase has a multiplied impact on families and groups travelling together. Therefore, advance budgeting is essential for group trips to the UK. Moreover, every individual — including babies and children — needs their own ETA, which means the costs add up quickly.

For a family of four (two adults and two children), the total ETA cost is now £80 at the new rate. Furthermore, a group of six friends travelling together will pay £120 in ETA fees alone. In addition, there are no group discounts or family packages available for the UK ETA system. However, each ETA is valid for two years with multiple entries, which means you will not need to pay again for subsequent visits within that period. Indeed, this two-year validity makes the ETA surprisingly good value for frequent visitors. For families with young children, our guide to ETA for babies and children provides specific advice.

Are There Any ETA Fee Waivers or Exemptions?

Currently, the UK Government does not offer fee waivers for the ETA. As a result, all eligible travellers must pay the full £20 fee regardless of their circumstances. However, certain categories of travellers are exempt from needing an ETA altogether, which effectively means they pay nothing.

British citizens, Irish citizens, and those with valid UK visas or immigration status do not need an ETA. Furthermore, diplomats travelling on official business with accredited diplomatic passports are exempt. Moreover, travellers holding a valid UK visa (such as a work visa, student visa, or family visa) do not need a separate ETA. In addition, those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are also exempt. Therefore, before paying the fee, verify whether you actually need an ETA by checking the complete list of ETA-eligible countries. Indeed, some travellers apply unnecessarily, which wastes both time and money.

Timeline of UK ETA Fee Changes

The UK ETA system is relatively new, and its fee structure has evolved since launch. Furthermore, understanding this timeline helps predict potential future changes. Moreover, keeping track of fee adjustments ensures you always apply at the correct price.

As this timeline demonstrates, the ETA fee has doubled since the system’s inception. Consequently, there is a clear upward trend that travellers should factor into their long-term travel planning. However, even at £20, the UK ETA remains competitively priced compared to traditional visa applications, which can cost hundreds of pounds. For the latest updates on fee changes, bookmark our ETA news and updates page.

How the ETA Fee Increase Impacts Your Travel Planning

While a £4 increase per person may seem modest, the cumulative effect on travel budgets should not be underestimated. Furthermore, the ETA fee increase comes alongside rising airfare costs and higher accommodation prices in the UK during 2026. As a result, careful budget planning is more important than ever for visitors.

To minimise the financial impact, consider these practical strategies. First, apply for your ETA well in advance to avoid any rush processing scenarios. Moreover, take advantage of the two-year validity period by planning multiple trips within that window. In addition, combine your UK visit with trips to nearby destinations to maximise value. Furthermore, check if your travel insurance covers ETA-related issues, as some comprehensive policies now include this. For budget-conscious travellers, our UK budget travel tips guide offers excellent money-saving advice. Indeed, with proper planning, the fee increase need not significantly impact your travel experience.

The ETA remains valid even if your passport expires, provided you apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport. Therefore, travellers whose passports are due for renewal should consider the timing carefully. Moreover, you cannot transfer an ETA between passports, so factor in the £20 re-application cost if you renew your passport within the ETA’s two-year validity window. For guidance on passport requirements, see our detailed article.

Frequently Asked Questions About the ETA Fee Increase

When did the UK ETA fee increase take effect?

The ETA fee increase from £16 to £20 took effect on 8 April 2026. All applications submitted on or after this date are charged at the new rate of £20. Applications submitted before 8 April 2026 were processed at the old rate of £16, regardless of when the decision was made.

Does the ETA fee increase apply to children as well?

Yes, the £20 fee applies to all applicants regardless of age. Every traveller, including babies and children, needs their own individual ETA at the full fee. Furthermore, there are no child discounts or reduced rates available in the current fee structure.

Can I get a refund if I applied just before the fee increase?

If you applied before 8 April 2026, you paid the old rate of £16, and no additional payment is required. Moreover, your ETA remains valid for the full two-year period at the price you paid. There is no retrospective charge for the difference between the old and new fees.

Will the ETA fee increase again in the future?

The UK Government reviews immigration fees annually, so further increases are possible. However, no specific future increase has been announced at this time. Indeed, the Home Office typically publishes fee changes at least 4-6 weeks before they take effect, giving travellers time to plan.

Is the ETA fee the same for all nationalities?

Yes, the £20 ETA fee is uniform across all eligible nationalities. There are no country-specific rates or diplomatic discounts. Furthermore, the fee is the same whether you apply via the mobile app or the online portal.

How does the UK ETA fee compare to the US ESTA?

The UK ETA at £20 is comparable to the US ESTA at $21 (approximately £17). However, the ESTA is valid for two years, just like the UK ETA. Moreover, the upcoming EU ETIAS will cost just €7 (approximately £6), making it significantly cheaper than both. For a full comparison, read our travel authorisation comparison guide.

What happens if I cannot afford the ETA fee?

Unfortunately, there are no fee waivers, payment plans, or financial assistance programmes for the UK ETA. The full £20 must be paid at the time of application. However, if you are experiencing financial hardship, some charity organisations may be able to assist with travel costs in exceptional circumstances. Furthermore, remember that the ETA is valid for two years with unlimited entries, which provides long-term value.