Travellers to the UK will soon face a higher cost for entry, as the government confirmed this week that the fee for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will rise by 60%, increasing from £10 to £16.
The ETA, which was first introduced in November 2023, is an online pre-travel check required for travellers from countries that do not need a visa to visit the UK. The system is similar to the US’s longstanding ESTA program.
In January 2024, the ETA was extended to over 50 countries, including citizens from the US, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. From April 2, 2024, it will also be required for travellers from European countries. The ETA allows multiple entries to the UK and remains valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
The price increase, effective from April 9, will raise the cost of an ETA application from £10 to £16. This move has been met with criticism, particularly from the business travel sector, after it was first proposed in January.
In response to feedback from the aviation industry, the UK government has agreed to a temporary exemption for airside transit passengers. Previously, these passengers were also required to apply for an ETA before travel. The Home Office stated that this exemption “will be kept under review.”
The increased cost of the ETA is expected to enhance UK border security, but it will now be more expensive than the EU’s forthcoming Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is set to cost €7.
