Beginning April 9, visitors to the UK must pay £16 to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The government fee hike follows the ETA system’s complete rollout across both European and non-European nationalities.
The new cost impacts millions of travelers from visa-exempt countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. Consequently, the increase has also fired up concerns about rising travel costs and the potential impact to tourism.
What is the ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is a pre-entry requirement for those visiting the UK without a visa. Introduced in 2023, the ETA aims to enhance border security and track incoming visitors more efficiently. It is valid for two years and allows multiple short stays.
Previously, the ETA government fee stood at £10. However, the UK government decided to raise it to £16 starting April 9, 2025.
Eventually, all visa-exempt foreign nationals will need this authorisation to enter the UK. Therefore, the system plays a crucial role in shaping post-Brexit immigration and tourism policy.
Why the Fee Hike?
Overall, the UK government cites administrative expenses, security-related costs, and system maintenance as reasons behind the price jump for the government fee. Officials argue the new fee ensures ETA sustainability over time.
Nevertheless, critics argue that the increase came at the least ideal moment—just after full deployment. Specifically, some travelers feel blindsided, especially those unaware of the new charge when booking their trips.
Moreover, tourism experts warn that the hike may discourage short-term visitors, particularly from EU nations.
Reactions to the Fee Hike
Many European tourists have expressed frustration over the sudden rise. In particular, budget-conscious travelers say the change adds unnecessary costs to quick weekend getaways.
Furthermore, tourism groups in the UK fear losing ground to nearby EU destinations. These countries won’t charge similar fees for UK citizens—at least for now, while the ETIAS has not yet been rolled out. The ETIAS is the EU’s own travel authorisation system.
Overall, travel industry leaders urge the UK to reassess the fee structure. They believe it could hurt small hospitality businesses that rely heavily on European visitors.
Comparison With EU’s ETIAS
The EU plans to launch the ETIAS in late 2026. It will apply to UK travelers entering the Schengen Area.
In contrast, the UK’s ETA now costs more than double the EU’s upcoming government fee. This raises concerns about fairness and balance in post-Brexit travel policies.
Additionally, some analysts warn of retaliatory pricing if EU states choose to revise their own entry costs.
What Travelers Should Know
Travelers heading to the UK must apply for an ETA online before boarding. Processing times are usually quick. But delays may still occur. Therefore, officials recommend applying in advance.
Furthermore, tourists should monitor official updates, especially as travel policies continue to evolve.
To apply for an ETA, visit the EVS platform. It simplifies the Saudi e-visa application process so you can focus on preparing for your journey instead of going through complex visa processes.
Experience efficient, reliable, and professional visa support with EVS. Ready to get started with your application? Visit the website today to obtain your ETA.
Final Thoughts On the Fee
The ETA fee hike signals the UK’s ongoing efforts to control its borders post-Brexit. Yet, the timing and pricing raise valid concerns.
With global tourism still recovering, affordability remains key. Whether the new government fee affects UK tourism numbers will soon become clear.
Photo by Samuel Isaacs on Unsplash
