UK ETA Fee Hike: What You Need to Know in 2026
The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization launched at £10 but is set to increase to £16. Find out who needs an ETA, transit exemptions, and how it compares to US ESTA and EU ETIAS.
UK ETA: The New Entry Requirement
The UK has launched its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system — a digital travel permit required for visa-free visitors before they travel to the UK. If you're planning a trip to the UK in 2026, here's everything you need to know about the ETA, the fee increase, and how it affects you.
What Is the UK ETA?
The ETA is a digital travel authorization that visa-free travellers must obtain before visiting the UK. It's similar to:
- 🇺🇸 US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
- 🇪🇺 EU ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
- 🇦🇺 Australia ETA
- 🇨🇦 Canada eTA
The ETA is not a visa — it's a pre-travel security screening. You still enter the UK as a visitor, but you must have ETA approval before you board your flight.
The Fee Increase: £10 → £16
⚠️ The UK government is planning to increase the ETA fee from £10 to £16
Current vs. Proposed Fee
| When | Fee | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Current (January 2026) | £10 | ~$12.28 |
| Proposed increase | £16 | ~$19.65 |
Why Is the Fee Increasing?
The UK government says the increase is part of their "Plan for Change" — a move towards a fully digital and secure immigration system. The additional revenue will fund:
- Enhanced border security
- Digital infrastructure improvements
- Immigration system modernisation
Industry Reaction
The fee increase hasn't been welcomed by everyone. Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA (International Air Transport Association), called the price hike "bewildering" and warned it could harm UK tourism.
"At a time when the UK is trying to boost tourism, increasing the cost of entry sends the wrong message to potential visitors."
Good News: Transit Passengers Exempt
Here's some positive news for those just passing through:
✅ Transit passengers who don't leave the airport are EXEMPT from the ETA requirement
If you're making a stopover at a UK airport and staying airside (not going through UK immigration), you won't need an ETA and won't pay the fee.
Note: If you're from a country that requires a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV), that requirement still applies separately.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
The ETA applies to visa-free visitors from countries that don't need a visa for short visits to the UK.
Countries That Need an ETA (Not Exhaustive)
- 🇺🇸 United States
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇰🇷 South Korea
- 🇸🇬 Singapore
- 🇧🇷 Brazil
- 🇲🇽 Mexico
- 🇦🇪 UAE
- 🇶🇦 Qatar
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
- Most EU/EEA countries
- And many more visa-free nationalities
Who Does NOT Need an ETA?
- 🇬🇧 British citizens
- 🇮🇪 Irish citizens
- Those with valid UK visas (work, study, family, etc.)
- Those with settled or pre-settled status
- Transit passengers staying airside
How to Apply for a UK ETA
Step-by-Step Process
- Download the UK ETA app or visit the gov.uk website
- Create an account
- Fill in your details (passport info, travel plans)
- Pay the fee (£10 / £16)
- Submit and wait for approval
Processing Time
- Most applications approved within 3 working days
- Some may take longer if additional checks needed
- Apply at least 1 week before travel to be safe
Validity
- Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner)
- Multiple entries allowed
- Up to 6 months per visit for tourism/business
How Does UK ETA Compare?
| Country | System | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | ETA | £10 → £16 | 2 years |
| 🇺🇸 USA | ESTA | $21 | 2 years |
| 🇪🇺 EU/Schengen | ETIAS | €7 | 3 years |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | eTA | $7 CAD | 5 years |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ETA | $20 AUD | 1 year |
Even with the increase, the UK ETA is comparable to other countries' systems. The EU's ETIAS (launching in 2026) will be the cheapest at just €7.
What Happens If You Don't Have an ETA?
- ❌ Airlines may deny boarding
- ❌ You may be refused entry at the UK border
- ❌ You'll have to return home at your own expense
Don't risk it! Apply for your ETA before booking flights.
ETA Timeline: When It Launched
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| November 2024 | ETA launched for Gulf nationals (Qatar, UAE, etc.) |
| January 8, 2025 | ETA required for all visa-free visitors worldwide |
| 2026 | Fee increase to £16 planned |
Tips for Travellers
Before You Apply:
- ✅ Check your passport validity (needs 6+ months)
- ✅ Have a valid email address
- ✅ Know your travel dates (approximately)
- ✅ Have a payment method ready
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- ❌ Waiting until the last minute to apply
- ❌ Entering passport details incorrectly
- ❌ Assuming transit doesn't require ETA (it depends on your route)
- ❌ Not checking if you actually need an ETA vs. a visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ETA the same as a visa?
No. The ETA is a travel authorization, not a visa. You still enter as a visitor and can't work or stay longer than 6 months.
Can I apply at the airport?
No. You must have an approved ETA before you travel. Apply online before your trip.
What if my ETA is refused?
If refused, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead. You can also request a review of the decision.
Do children need an ETA?
Yes. Every traveller, including children, needs their own ETA.
Can I work on an ETA?
No. The ETA is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. You cannot work or study on an ETA.
Is the fee per person or per family?
Per person. Each traveller must pay the fee individually.
What This Means for UK Tourism
The fee increase comes at a challenging time for UK tourism. While £16 isn't huge, it adds up for families and may make other destinations more attractive. The travel industry is watching closely to see how the increase affects visitor numbers.
Related Guides
Official Government Resources
- 🔗 Apply for a UK ETA — gov.uk
- 🔗 Check If You Need a UK Visa or ETA — gov.uk
- 🔗 Who Needs an ETA — gov.uk
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. Immigration laws and visa requirements vary by country and change frequently without notice.
Always refer to official government sources of the relevant country (e.g., gov.uk for UK, travel.state.gov for USA, ec.europa.eu for EU/Schengen, mofa.go.jp for Japan) as your primary source of truth. The information provided here may not cover all scenarios, exceptions, recent policy changes, or country-specific requirements.
SolveVisaCase is not a law firm, immigration consultancy, or government agency. We do not provide legal representation or guaranteed outcomes. For complex cases, country-specific questions, or if you're unsure about your eligibility, please consult a qualified immigration lawyer or licensed adviser in the relevant jurisdiction.
We make every effort to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, but we accept no liability for any errors, omissions, delays, or adverse outcomes resulting from reliance on this content. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant immigration authorities.