UK ETA price increase from April 8, 2026
The UK increases the ETA price to £20 from April 2026. Here are the new fees and how to anticipate this increase.
The United Kingdom continues to strengthen its electronic travel authorization system (ETA), which is now mandatory for many visa-exempt travelers. From April 8, 2026, the price of this authorization will increase to £20, confirming a gradual rise that has been underway since its launch in 2023. This change is part of a broader review of immigration fees, also affecting tourist, student, and work visas. For travelers, this increase represents an additional cost to anticipate. The good news, however, is that it is still possible to apply at the current rate before this new pricing comes into effect.
🔎 Key facts about the UK ETA price increase
- 💷 The ETA price rises from £16 to £20
- 📅 New pricing effective from April 8, 2026
- 🌍 Applies to visa-free travelers (Europe, USA, Canada, Australia…)
- ⏳ The ETA remains valid for 2 years after issuance
- 📈 The fee has doubled since 2023 (£10 → £20)
- ⚠️ Applications submitted before April 8 remain at £16
- 🛂 Other UK visas are also increasing (tourism, work, studies)
The United Kingdom is continuing to tighten its entry requirements. From April 8, 2026, the price of the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) will officially rise to £20, compared with £16 today. At first glance, the increase may seem moderate, but it confirms a deeper trend: traveling to the UK is becoming increasingly regulated... and slightly more expensive.
Since its launch in 2023, this electronic authorization has steadily expanded. First priced at £10, then £16, it now reaches £20 in barely two years. This rapid change clearly reflects the UK’s strategy: to generalize the system while gradually increasing the fees. 👉 This increase had already been announced on February 25, 2026, when the ETA became mandatory for many travelers, as explained in this article about the mandatory UK ETA.
👉 To better understand how this cost is structured, read this guide on the UK ETA price.
This is not an isolated decision. The United Kingdom is following the same path as other countries such as the United States or Canada: introducing an electronic travel authorization, then gradually adjusting the fees.
🎯 The goals are clear:
- 🛂 Screen travelers before arrival
- 💻 Modernize border controls
- 💰 Finance the immigration system
But there is also an obvious economic logic behind it. The ETA now applies to millions of travelers each year. Even a small increase of a few pounds represents significant revenue on a large scale.
👉 Another key point: the increase comes once the system is fully deployed. In other words, now that the ETA is mandatory, prices are evolving.
In practical terms, the impact remains limited... but real.
👉 From April 8, 2026:
- 💸 New application: £20
- 💶 Before that date: £16
- ⏳ Validity: 2 years
💡 This point is essential: you can apply right now and still benefit from the current price, even for a future trip.
👨👩👧👦 Practical example:
➡️ A difference of £16, with no additional benefit.
This point is often underestimated: the ETA is not the only thing affected.
The United Kingdom has revised its entire fee schedule:
- ✈️ Short-stay visa: £127 → £135
- 🧳 2-year visa: £475 → £506
- 🌍 5-year visa: £848 → £903
- 🏠 10-year visa: £1,059 → £1,128
But also:
📊 Overall: +6 to +7% on most visas
👉 Conclusion: this is not just a one-off increase, but part of a broader change in the system.
👉 Yes, clearly.
Not because the increase is huge, but because the system is still evolving.
✔️ Applying now allows you to:
- 💷 pay £16 instead of £20
- 🔒 lock in the price for 2 years
- 🧘♂️ travel with peace of mind
❌ Waiting = paying more for exactly the same thing
What this increase shows is that the electronic travel authorization model is here to stay.
Today:
Tomorrow:
👉 The era of travel “without formalities” is clearly over.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
From April 8, 2026, the UK ETA price increases to £20. Before that date, it is still possible to apply at the current price of £16.
The new pricing applies from April 8, 2026. Any application submitted after that date will be charged at the new £20 rate.
Yes, because the ETA is valid for 2 years. Applying before April 8 allows you to benefit from the current £16 rate and avoid the increase.