UK ETA Fee Increase 2026: What We Know So Far

UK ETA Price History and Current Fee

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has undergone several price changes since its introduction, and another increase is on the horizon. Understanding the fee history and what to expect helps travellers plan their budgets and potentially save money by applying before the next price rise.

As of March 2026, the UK ETA costs £16 per person. This fee applies to all applicants regardless of age, nationality, or purpose of visit. A planned increase to £20 is expected sometime during 2026, though the exact date has not been confirmed by the UK government. This article covers everything we know so far about the upcoming fee change, the history of ETA pricing, and how to make the most informed decision about when to apply.

ETA Fee History: From £10 to £16 to £20

The UK ETA fee has increased since the system was first introduced, reflecting the government strategy of gradually raising the price as the programme expands.

October 2023: Launch at £10

The UK ETA was first introduced in October 2023 for Qatari nationals, ahead of a broader rollout. The initial fee was set at £10 per application. This relatively low price point was designed to encourage uptake and smooth the transition to the new digital travel authorisation system. At this stage, the ETA was only required for a small number of nationalities.

April 2025: Increase to £16

In April 2025, as the ETA programme expanded to cover more nationalities including EU citizens and other non-visa nationals, the fee increased by 60 percent to £16. This increase was announced in advance by the Home Office and coincided with the broader rollout of the ETA requirement. The government stated that the fee reflected the cost of processing applications and maintaining the digital infrastructure required to run the programme.

2026: Planned Increase to £20

The UK government has indicated that the ETA fee will increase to £20 at some point during 2026. However, as of March 2026, no specific date has been announced for this increase. The government has not published a detailed timeline, and travellers should monitor official announcements for updates. We will update this article as soon as a confirmed date is released.

Why Is the UK ETA Fee Increasing?

Several factors contribute to the planned fee increase, and understanding the rationale provides context for the change.

Alignment with International Equivalents

The UK ETA is comparable to similar electronic travel authorisation systems used by other countries. The US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) costs $21 (approximately £17), while the forthcoming EU ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to cost EUR 7 for initial applications. At £20, the UK ETA would be slightly more expensive than the US ESTA but significantly cheaper than a full visitor visa. For a detailed comparison, see our UK ETA rules and costs guide.

System Development and Maintenance

Running a digital travel authorisation system requires significant ongoing investment. The IT infrastructure that processes millions of applications, conducts security checks, and interfaces with border control systems across the UK needs continuous maintenance and upgrades. The fee increase helps fund these operational costs and ensures the system remains secure and efficient.

Security Screening Costs

Every ETA application undergoes automated security checks against various databases, including immigration records, criminal records, and security watchlists. As the system expands to cover more nationalities, the volume of applications and the complexity of screening increases. The fee increase partially reflects these growing security processing costs.

Full Enforcement Since February 2026

Since 25 February 2026, the UK ETA has been fully enforced for all eligible nationalities. This means the system is processing a significantly higher volume of applications than during the phased rollout period. The increased demand on the system and its supporting infrastructure is another factor behind the planned fee adjustment.

How to Save: Apply Before the Increase

The most straightforward way to save on the ETA fee increase is to apply before the new price takes effect. Since the UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue and permits multiple entries, applying now at £16 could save you £4 per person compared to the future £20 price.

When Should You Apply?

If you have any plans to visit the UK within the next two years, applying now makes financial sense. Your ETA remains valid regardless of any future fee changes. Even if your travel plans are not yet finalised, having an approved ETA gives you the flexibility to book trips to the UK at short notice without worrying about application processing times.

However, there are some important considerations:

• Passport validity: Your ETA is linked to your passport. If your passport expires before the two-year ETA validity period, you will need to apply for a new ETA with your new passport, paying the fee again
• No guarantee of entry: An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. Border officers retain the discretion to refuse entry even with a valid ETA
• Personal circumstances: If your circumstances change (for example, a criminal conviction), your ETA could be revoked

For a complete guide on how to apply, see our step-by-step UK ETA application guide.

No Refund if Your Application Is Refused

One important aspect of the ETA fee that all applicants should understand is the no-refund policy. The fee is charged for processing your application, not for the approval of your ETA. If your application is refused, you will not receive a refund of the £16 (or £20 after the increase) fee.

Refusal rates for ETA applications are relatively low, as the system is designed for low-risk nationalities who would previously have entered the UK without any pre-travel authorisation. However, common reasons for refusal include:

• Previous immigration violations in the UK
• Criminal history flagged during security checks
• Incorrect or incomplete information on the application
• Issues with the passport used for the application
• Previous visa refusals or deportation from the UK

To minimise the risk of refusal, ensure all information in your application is accurate and matches your passport details exactly. Double-check names, dates of birth, passport numbers, and expiry dates before submitting. Our UK ETA requirements guide details exactly what you need for a successful application.

Payment Methods Accepted

The UK ETA application system accepts several payment methods, making it accessible to applicants worldwide.

Currently Accepted Payment Methods

• Visa debit and credit cards
• Mastercard debit and credit cards
• Apple Pay (when applying via the UK ETA app on iOS)
• Google Pay (when applying via the UK ETA app on Android)

The payment is processed in British pounds (GBP). If you are paying with a card denominated in a different currency, your bank or card provider will handle the conversion, and you may be charged a small currency conversion fee depending on your card terms.

Tips for Payment

• Use a card that does not charge foreign transaction fees if paying from outside the UK
• Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions before applying
• Some banks may flag the transaction as unusual, so consider notifying your bank in advance
• Keep a record of your payment confirmation, as you may need it if there are any issues with your application

What Does the ETA Fee Include?

Understanding what your £16 (soon to be £20) covers helps put the cost in perspective.

Included in the Fee

• Two-year validity: Your ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
• Multiple entries: You can enter and leave the UK as many times as you wish during the validity period
• Up to six months per visit: Each entry allows you to stay for up to six months
• Coverage of the entire UK: Your ETA covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
• Tourism, business visits, and transit: The ETA permits a range of activities including tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, and transiting through the UK

Not Included

• The right to work in the UK
• The right to study for more than six months
• Access to public healthcare or benefits
• A guarantee of entry (this remains at the discretion of border officers)

ETA Fee Compared to Other Travel Costs

While any price increase is unwelcome, the ETA fee remains a relatively small part of the overall cost of visiting the UK.

To put the £20 fee in context, consider typical UK travel costs: a single Tube journey in central London costs over £2, a pint of beer in a London pub averages £6 to £7, a basic hotel room in London rarely costs less than £80 per night, and a meal in a mid-range restaurant typically runs £20 to £40 per person. Against these expenses, the ETA fee for two years of travel access to the UK represents excellent value.

The ETA also compares favourably to the cost of traditional visa applications, which can cost £100 or more for a standard visitor visa and involve a much more complex application process, including potential in-person appointments at visa application centres.

EU Citizens and the Fee Increase

EU citizens have been required to hold a UK ETA since the system was expanded in 2025. The fee increase from £16 to £20 applies equally to EU and non-EU applicants. For EU citizens who were previously able to enter the UK without any pre-travel authorisation, the ETA represents a new cost of visiting Britain post-Brexit.

If you are an EU citizen planning multiple trips to the UK, applying now at the £16 rate secures two years of travel access before the price rises. Our UK ETA guide for EU citizens provides specific information for European travellers.

What Happens When the Fee Increases?

When the fee increase is implemented, the change will apply to all new applications from the effective date. Here is what we expect based on how previous price changes were handled:

• Existing ETAs remain valid: If you already have an approved ETA, the fee increase does not affect you. Your ETA continues to be valid until its expiry date, regardless of any price changes
• New applications pay the new fee: Applications submitted on or after the effective date will be charged £20
• Renewal applications: When your current ETA expires and you apply for a new one, you will pay whatever the current fee is at that time
• No transition period: Previous fee increases took effect immediately on the announced date, with no grace period

How to Stay Updated

Since the exact date of the fee increase has not been confirmed, staying informed is important if you want to apply before the price rises. Here are reliable sources for updates:

• Official UK government website: The official ETA guidance page will be updated when a date is announced
• Home Office announcements: Major policy changes are typically announced through official Home Office press releases
• Our website: We monitor all ETA developments and will update this article as soon as a date is confirmed. Bookmark our UK ETA rules and costs page for the latest information

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fee Increase

When exactly will the UK ETA increase to £20?

The UK government has indicated the fee will rise to £20 sometime in 2026, but as of March 2026, no specific date has been announced. We will update this article when a date is confirmed.

Should I apply now to avoid the price increase?

If you plan to visit the UK within the next two years, applying now at £16 could save you money. Your ETA will remain valid for two years regardless of any future fee changes.

Will my existing ETA be affected by the price increase?

No. Existing ETAs remain valid until their expiry date, regardless of any fee changes. You will only pay the new fee when you apply for a fresh ETA.

Is the fee per person or per family?

The fee is per person. Every traveller, including children, needs their own ETA and must pay the full fee individually.

Can I get a refund if my ETA is refused?

No. The fee covers the cost of processing your application. It is not refundable if your application is unsuccessful.

What payment methods are accepted?

Visa and Mastercard (debit and credit), Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted. Payment is processed in British pounds.

Will there be further increases after £20?

The UK government has not announced any plans for increases beyond £20. However, the fee has risen twice already since the ETA was launched in 2023, so future adjustments remain possible as the system evolves.

Key Takeaways

• The UK ETA currently costs £16, with a planned increase to £20 in 2026
• The exact date of the increase has not been confirmed
• The fee history: £10 (October 2023) to £16 (April 2025) to £20 (2026 TBD)
• Applying now locks in the £16 rate for two years
• The fee is non-refundable even if the application is refused
• Payment is accepted via Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
• Existing ETAs are not affected by fee changes
• Apply via the official UK government website

The UK ETA fee increase from £16 to £20 is coming, but the exact timing remains uncertain. If you have any plans to visit the United Kingdom within the next two years, applying sooner rather than later makes practical and financial sense. For comprehensive information about the UK ETA system, visit our complete UK ETA requirements guide.