UK government proposes increase to ETA fee

The cost of the UK’s recently introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) could increase by 60 per cent following a proposal by the Home Office on Wednesday (16 January).

The online pre-travel check, first introduced in November 2023, is being rolled out in phases and currently applies to visitors from more than 50 countries. From 2 April 2025, the requirement will extend to travellers from European countries who do not require a visa.

The proposed fee change would see the cost of an ETA application increase from £10 to £16. However, following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has also agreed a temporary exemption for airside transit passengers who, previously, had to apply for an ETA prior to travel. The…