The Home Office has announced its intention to increase the fee for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as part of efforts to ensure the UK migration and border system remains sustainably funded.

The proposed fee increase, which is subject to Parliamentary approval, would see the cost of the ETA rise from £10 to £16.

Key Details

Proposed ETA Fee Increase

• The UK Government intends to increase the fee for the ETA from £10 to £16.
• Until the Parliamentary process is concluded, eligible non-European nationals will continue to be able to apply for an ETA at the current cost of £10.
• Eligible European nationals, who will be able to apply for an ETA from 5th March 2025, will also pay the current fee of £10 until the fee increase is approved.

The Government will confirm the implementation date for the fee increase following the conclusion of the Parliamentary process.

Airside Transit Exemption

In addition, the Government has introduced a temporary exemption for passengers transiting airside. Travellers who do not pass through UK border control while connecting flights at Heathrow and Manchester Airports will not require an ETA.

This exemption came into effect on Thursday, 16th January 2025 and will be kept under review.