Just six weeks after electronic travel authorisation (ETA) became mandatory for all non-visa-exempt visitors, the UK Government has applied a 25 % price increase. From 8 April 2026 the digital permission now costs £20, up from £16.
![Electronic Travel Authorisation Fee Jumps to £20, Adding Extra Cost for Short-Term Visitors]()
For those unsure how to navigate the new digital permit, VisaHQ’s online portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/) can submit the ETA on your behalf, monitor its approval in real time and alert you to any issues, streamlining the process for individual travellers, corporate bookers and HR teams alike.
The Home Office argues that the new price better reflects development and carrier-integration costs as the scheme moves from pilot to full enforcement. For travellers from the United States, Canada, Australia and the EU—who previously enjoyed fee-free entry—the increase means an additional upfront payment every two years (the ETA remains valid for multiple trips within that period). Although modest in absolute terms, airlines fear the optics of a rapid post-launch hike and worry it could deter price-sensitive leisure traffic in the shoulder season. The effect on Indian nationals and other visa-required citizens is sharper. They must already pay for a visit visa (£135) and now need an ETA as well for any trip that involves passing UK border control. Travel agents in Delhi and Mumbai are warning clients to factor in an extra £20 per person and at least 72 hours for processing. Corporate travel managers should update online booking tools immediately: without an ETA boarding will be refused and carriers face fines of £10,000 per passenger. HR teams arranging short-term assignments or internal meetings in the UK are advised to brief employees on the dual-step process and schedule permit applications earlier in the travel timeline. Looking ahead, ministers have confirmed that the £20 rate will be reviewed annually alongside other immigration charges, signalling that further increases are possible as digital border programmes scale up.
For those unsure how to navigate the new digital permit, VisaHQ’s online portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/) can submit the ETA on your behalf, monitor its approval in real time and alert you to any issues, streamlining the process for individual travellers, corporate bookers and HR teams alike.
The Home Office argues that the new price better reflects development and carrier-integration costs as the scheme moves from pilot to full enforcement. For travellers from the United States, Canada, Australia and the EU—who previously enjoyed fee-free entry—the increase means an additional upfront payment every two years (the ETA remains valid for multiple trips within that period). Although modest in absolute terms, airlines fear the optics of a rapid post-launch hike and worry it could deter price-sensitive leisure traffic in the shoulder season. The effect on Indian nationals and other visa-required citizens is sharper. They must already pay for a visit visa (£135) and now need an ETA as well for any trip that involves passing UK border control. Travel agents in Delhi and Mumbai are warning clients to factor in an extra £20 per person and at least 72 hours for processing. Corporate travel managers should update online booking tools immediately: without an ETA boarding will be refused and carriers face fines of £10,000 per passenger. HR teams arranging short-term assignments or internal meetings in the UK are advised to brief employees on the dual-step process and schedule permit applications earlier in the travel timeline. Looking ahead, ministers have confirmed that the £20 rate will be reviewed annually alongside other immigration charges, signalling that further increases are possible as digital border programmes scale up.
