The UK is raising the cost for many visitors. The government will increase the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee. This change coincides with much stricter enforcement of the rules.
The price is rising from £16 to £20. This marks a 25 percent increase. Consequently, it now matches the planned cost of the EU’s similar ETIAS scheme.
A key deadline is approaching fast. A transition period ends on February 25th, 2026. After this date, enforcement becomes strict. Therefore, travellers without a valid ETA will be denied boarding or entry.
Who Needs the UK ETA?
The ETA is mandatory for visa-exempt visitors. This includes citizens from the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia. However, only UK and Irish passport holders are exempt.
You must apply for it online before you travel. It is valid for two years for multiple entries. Remember to apply at least three days before your trip.
Always use the official Gov.uk website. Many third-party sites charge much higher fees. The official site processes most applications in minutes.
What This Change Means for You
Plan ahead and budget for the new cost. The £20 fee applies to every traveller, including children. You should factor this into your travel budget.
The end of the grace period is critical. The UK has been lenient, but that ends on February 25th. As a result, having your ETA confirmation is now essential.
This move aligns the UK with global travel trends. Many countries now use similar digital authorisation systems. In short, it is part of modernising border security.
