They’ve only just started requiring travelers to apply for the ETA (see our article here if you don’t know what I’m talking about), but the UK government has already decided they are going to raise the price. The de facto UK tourist tax is going up to £16 per person. However, they are going to stop requiring transit passengers to have an ETA, so that’s good, I guess.
The UK Government has announced plans to increase the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee from £10 to £16 (about $20 USD), marking a significant rise in the cost for international visitors. The change comes as part of a broader review of immigration and border system funding.
Current rates will remain in effect for eligible non-Europeans who need an ETA to enter or transit through the UK until parliament approves the rate rise. Europeans, who can apply for ETAs from March 5th, will also initially pay the current £10 fee until parliamentary approval for the increase is secured.
In a notable policy shift, the government has introduced a temporary exemption for airside transit passengers at Heathrow and Manchester Airports, effective immediately. This means travelers who don’t pass through UK border control while connecting between flights will not require an ETA. The exemption, implemented following aviation industry feedback, will remain under review.
The ETA fee increase is part of a larger adjustment to immigration and nationality service charges, with the government stating these changes are necessary to ensure sustainable funding for the migration and border system.
Timeline for Implementation:
- January 16, 2025: Airside transit exemption begins
- March 5, 2025: European travelers can begin applying for ETAs
- New £16 fee: Will take effect after parliamentary approval
The final implementation date for the fee increase will be confirmed once parliamentary processes conclude. Current ETA requirements and fees remain in place until then.
The current £10 fee is still in effect, so if you plan to travel to the UK at any time in the next two years, I would apply for your ETA as soon as possible to avoid having to pay £16. All American travelers need an ETA – no one is exempt.
