If you have been keeping an eye on the news today, Wednesday, 8 April 2026, you might have noticed a small but significant update for anyone planning a trip to the United Kingdom. As of this morning, the fee for the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has officially increased from £16 to £20.
While a £4 increase might not seem like a deal-breaker for a single traveller, it represents a 25% jump in cost. For families or business groups travelling together, these incremental changes can quickly add up. At ECA Lawyers, we know that staying on top of even the smallest immigration changes is key to a stress-free journey. Whether you are coming to London for a weekend break or visiting for a crucial business meeting, we want to make sure you have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.
In this post, we’ll break down why this change is happening, who exactly needs an ETA, and how you can navigate the application process without any hiccups.
Why has the ETA fee increased?
The UK Government has justified this latest price hike by explaining that the new £20 fee brings the UK’s digital travel scheme more closely in line with international counterparts. For comparison, the US ESTA currently sits at roughly the same price point, and Canada’s eTA is also regularly reviewed for inflation and IT development costs.
Since the ETA was first rolled out to non-EU citizens in January 2025 at an initial price of £10, we have seen two price jumps in just over a year. The fee rose to £16 when the scheme was extended to EU citizens in April 2025, and today’s shift to £20 is intended to help the Home Office recover the significant costs associated with the digital infrastructure and security processing required to run the system.
Who exactly needs an ETA?
The ETA is a mandatory requirement for "visa-exempt" travellers. This means if you hold a passport from a country that didn't previously require a visa to visit the UK for short stays (under six months), you now need this digital authorisation before you even head to the airport.
As of early 2026, this includes:
- EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens.
- Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Citizens of several Gulf nations.
- Other eligible nationals listed on the official "visa-free" list.
It is important to remember that the ETA became strictly mandatory on 25 February 2026. Prior to that date, there was a "soft launch" period where travellers were encouraged to apply, but enforcement was flexible. Those days are over. If you attempt to board a flight, ferry, or train to the UK today without a valid ETA (and you aren't a UK or Irish citizen), you will likely be denied boarding.
For those who do require a full visa, such as a Standard Visitor Visa, the ETA does not apply to you. If you are unsure which category you fall into, you can explore our visitors section for more detailed guidance.
How the 25% increase impacts your travel planning
If you are a frequent visitor to the UK, you might be wondering if you need to pay this new £20 fee every time you visit. The good news is that the ETA remains valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
During that two-year window, you can enter the UK as many times as you like for stays of up to six months. So, while the initial cost has gone up to £20 today, it still offers relatively good value for those who cross the border regularly for work or to see family.
However, if your passport is set to expire in the next few months, Enoch and our team generally recommend renewing your passport before applying for your ETA. Since the ETA is digitally linked to your specific passport number, getting a new passport will render your old ETA invalid, and you’ll have to pay the £20 fee all over again for a new authorisation.
The Application Process: Website vs. App
Applying for an ETA is designed to be a simple, digital-first process. You generally have two choices:
- The UK ETA App: This is often the fastest method. You use your smartphone to scan your passport's chip and take a "selfie" to verify your identity. The app is usually quite intuitive, but we often hear from clients who struggle with the photo quality or the chip-reading technology.
- The Official GOV.UK Website: If you aren't comfortable using the app, the website is a solid alternative. You’ll need to upload a digital photo and manually enter your passport details.
Regardless of the method, you should receive a decision within three working days, though many are approved within hours. Given that today’s fee increase is now live, the system will automatically charge you the new £20 rate.
We’ve noticed a rise in third-party websites offering to "process" your ETA for a much higher fee. We urge you to be cautious. These sites often charge a significant markup on top of the Home Office fee. Unless you are seeking professional legal advice for a specific reason, you should always aim to use the official government channels or consult a regulated firm like ECA Lawyers.
What if your ETA is refused? UK visitor visa legal help explained
A refusal can be a major headache, especially if you have already booked your flights and accommodation. Usually, an ETA is only refused if there are concerns regarding criminal records, previous immigration breaches, or if the Home Office believes you intend to live or work in the UK illegally.
If your ETA is denied, you cannot simply "try again" with another £20. You will likely be directed to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This is a much more involved process, requiring more documentation and a higher application fee. If you find yourself in this position, Enoch and our specialist team are here to help. We provide UK visitor visa legal help by reviewing the reasons for the refusal and assisting you in preparing a robust visa application to ensure your travel plans stay on track.
ETA for Business Travellers
For our corporate clients, the ETA fee increase is a reminder to update your internal travel policies. If you are sending a team from the US or the EU to the UK for a conference or a series of meetings, ensuring everyone has their ETA sorted well in advance is vital.
The ETA allows for most standard business activities, such as attending meetings, signing contracts, or participating in trade fairs. However, it does not allow for paid work or long-term employment. If your trip involves more than just "visiting," you may need to look into other routes such as business immigration or specific work visas.
Navigating the Changing Landscape
This fee hike is just one part of a broader set of changes hitting the UK immigration system this month. From the new "Visa Brake" impacting specific countries to the adjustments in Skilled Worker salary thresholds, the landscape is shifting rapidly.
At ECA Lawyers, we pride ourselves on being more than just legal advisors; we are your partners in navigating these changes. We understand that behind every application is a person, a family, or a business trying to make their way in the world. Our brand tone is friendly because we know how stressful these "small" changes can feel when you’re caught in the middle of them.
If you have questions about the new ETA fees, or if you’re concerned about how the latest April 2026 updates affect your status in the UK, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can learn more about who we are and our commitment to our clients on our about us page, or see what others have said about working with us on our feedback page.
Summary of Key Facts (As of 8 April 2026)
- New Fee: £20 per person.
- Previous Fee: £16.
- Validity: 2 years (or until passport expiry).
- Mandatory Since: 25 February 2026.
- Processing Time: Up to 3 working days.
- Who Needs It: Visa-exempt nationals (EU, USA, Australia, etc.) visiting for up to 6 months.
FAQ: Do you need legal help with a UK visitor visa after an ETA problem?
If your ETA is refused or you are unsure whether you should apply for an ETA or a Standard Visitor Visa, getting advice early can save time and avoid costly mistakes. Many travellers look for fixed fee immigration lawyers for visitor visas when they want clarity on documents, eligibility, and the best next step after a refusal or delay.
Whether you are a seasoned traveller or planning your first trip to the UK, staying informed is the best way to ensure your journey is a success. If the digital process feels overwhelming, or if you need advice on more complex matters like British citizenship or permanent residence, we are only a message away.
Enoch and the entire team at ECA Lawyers are dedicated to providing clear, concise, and expert legal services. If you are looking for fixed fee immigration lawyers for visitor visas or practical UK visitor visa legal help, we invite you to get in touch if you need any assistance with your UK immigration journey. We’ll be very happy to assist you in making sense of the rules, so you can focus on what matters most( your trip.)