UK Government Confirms New ETA Fee Structure from April 2026

With ETA now mandatory, preparing for UK travel begins well before you reach the airport​​​​​​​

Electronic Travel Authorisation Cost Rises as Digital Border System Expands
The UK government has confirmed that the cost of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will increase from £16 to £20, effective from 8 April 2026. The move comes as part of the country’s ongoing transition towards a fully digitalised border system, aimed at strengthening security while improving the efficiency of entry procedures.

The ETA is a mandatory pre-travel requirement for visitors from visa-exempt countries travelling to the UK for short stays, including tourism, business visits, and transit. It is now required for all eligible visitors, including EU nationals and other visa-exempt travellers, marking a significant shift in how travellers enter the UK. Once approved, the authorisation is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and must be obtained before departure.​​​​​​​

The introduction and expansion of the ETA system reflect a wider transformation in how the UK manages its borders. By requiring travellers to complete pre-arrival checks, authorities can assess eligibility in advance, reducing processing times at airports and enhancing overall border security.

Officials have stated that the increase in the ETA fee is intended to cover the operational and technological costs of maintaining and upgrading the system. This includes investment in digital infrastructure, data processing capabilities, and security screening measures.

While the £4 increase may appear modest, it signals a broader commitment to long-term border modernisation and aligns the UK with similar international systems already in place​​​​​​​

For most travellers, the impact of the fee increase is expected to be minimal in the context of overall travel costs. However, it does reinforce the importance of factoring in all pre-travel requirements when planning a trip to the UK.

Travellers are advised to apply for their ETA well in advance of departure. Although many applications are processed quickly, delays can occur, particularly during peak travel periods. Ensuring that passport details are accurate and eligibility criteria are met remains essential to avoid disruptions.

Importantly, passengers who fail to secure an approved ETA before travelling may be denied boarding by airlines, as compliance is checked before departure.​​​​​​​

The UK’s ETA system is part of a growing global trend towards digital travel authorisation schemes. Countries such as the United States and Australia have long operated similar systems, and the European Union is preparing to introduce its own ETIAS programme.

These systems are designed to enhance border security by screening travellers before they arrive, while also streamlining entry processes at immigration checkpoints. For travellers, this means an increasing need to stay informed about entry requirements across different destinations.​​​​​​​

The increase in the UK’s ETA fee to £20 marks a small but notable update in the country’s evolving travel framework. While it is unlikely to significantly affect travel demand, it highlights the growing importance of digital processes in international travel.

As border systems continue to modernise, travellers can expect more streamlined yet structured entry requirements — preparing for departure is more important than ever.