The UK Government has announced a significant increase in the cost of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)* for eligible non-visa nationals entering the UK. The fee, which was initially set at £10, will rise to £16—a 60% increase—as the scheme continues its roll-out.
The ETA, a newly introduced permission to travel, will be mandatory for all non-visa travellers. The scheme, which recently opened to American and other long-haul travellers, is set to expand to European visitors in April this year.
This sudden price hike has raised concerns, particularly among those in the tourism and hospitality sectors. For visitors from Europe—who will be required to apply for travel authorisation to the UK for the first time—this increase adds a further barrier, potentially impacting travel plans.
Critics have highlighted that the UK’s ETA is now notably less competitive than the EU’s upcoming ETIAS scheme. The EU’s version costs only €7, lasts for three years (compared to two years for the UK ETA), and offers broader exemptions. With inbound tourism already struggling with price competitiveness—ranking 113th out of 119 countries—this move could hinder the Government’s ambition to grow visitor numbers from 38 million in 2023 to 50 million by 2030.
As the global travel market becomes increasingly competitive, industry leaders are urging the Government to reconsider policies that risk deterring international visitors and harming the UK’s economic growth.
Read the Government’s full announcement here: Next Steps for a More Efficient Immigration System.
*An ETA currently costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.