The United Kingdom will increase several visa and travel authorization fees starting April 8, 2026, affecting tourists, students, workers, and people applying for long-term settlement.
The fee changes apply to the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as well as visitor visas, work visas, student visas, and settlement applications. Travelers who submit applications before the deadline will still pay the current rates.
ETA Fee to Rise to £20
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization system, introduced for visa-free travelers, will become more expensive.
Citizens from regions such as Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia must obtain an ETA before entering the UK.
The fee changes are as follows:
- 2023 (launch price): £10
- Current fee: £16
- From April 8, 2026: £20
The ETA remains valid for two years, allowing multiple visits during that period.
Visitor Visa Fees Increasing
Short-term visitor visa fees will also increase across all categories.
New fees include:
- 6-month visitor visa: £127 → £135
- 2-year visa: £475 → £506
- 5-year visa: £848 → £903
- 10-year visa: £1,059 → £1,128
These visas cover tourism, business travel, and family visits.
Work and Student Visa Costs Rising
Applicants planning to work or study in the UK will also face higher fees.
Skilled Worker Visa
- Up to 3 years: £769 → £819
- More than 3 years: £1,519 → £1,618
Student Visa
- Current: £524
- New fee: £558
The new rates apply whether applicants submit their requests from inside or outside the UK.
Settlement Applications Become More Expensive
Long-term migrants applying for settlement will also see a fee increase.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain: £1,938 → £2,064
This category allows eligible residents to live permanently in the UK.
Citizenship Fees Updated
Fees for British citizenship applications are also changing.
- Naturalization: £1,605 → £1,709
- Adult registration: £1,540
However, there is one reduction:
- Child registration: £1,214 → £1,000
The decrease means families applying for children will pay less than before.
What Travelers Should Know
All new visa and travel authorization fees will take effect on April 8, 2026. Applications submitted before that date will be processed under the current fee structure.
For travelers, students, and workers planning to move to the UK, submitting applications early could help avoid the higher costs. As visa fees continue to rise, planning may reduce overall travel and immigration expenses.
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