UK Announces Visa and ETA Fee Increases Effective April 2026
The British government has officially announced a new update to the schedule of visa fees and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) charges, with the new increases set to take effect from April 8, 2026. These changes encompass a wide range of categories, from short-term tourists and visitors to students and foreign workers wishing to settle or work within the United Kingdom, marking a new shift in immigration policy and the costs of British consular services.
This step comes as part of periodic reviews of administrative and security service costs and will have a direct impact on the budgets of travelers and expatriates, especially those planning long-term stays or permanent settlement applications. This article aims to detail the new fee values and clarify the price differences between the current system and the anticipated system, to help those wishing to travel make proactive decisions before the amendments come into effect.
ETA and Visit Visa Fee Changes
According to official data, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), currently mandatory for most visitors from Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, will increase from £16 to £20, which doubles its original price when launched in 2023. As for short-term visit visas, they have seen varying increases depending on the validity period:
- The 6-month visa increased from £127 to £135.
- The 2-year visa increased from £475 to £506.
- Fees for the 5-year visa jumped from £848 to £903.
- Fees for the 10-year visa increased from £1,059 to £1,128.
Work and Study Visa Fee Changes
The work and study sectors also received their share of these updates:
- The Skilled Worker Visa fee for durations up to 3 years will increase from £769 to £819.
- For durations exceeding 3 years, the Skilled Worker Visa fee will increase from £1,519 to £1,618.
- Regarding students, the visa fee will rise from £524 to £558. These prices apply whether the application is submitted from within or outside the United Kingdom.
Permanent Residence and Citizenship Fee Changes
For residents aspiring for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), fees saw a significant jump from £1,938 to £2,064. In the British citizenship pathway:
- Naturalisation fees increased from £1,605 to £1,709.
- Adult registration fees increased to £1,540.
However, the update brought a single positive piece of news for families, as child registration fees decreased from £1,214 to £1,000, which is the only decrease recorded on this list.
Conclusion and Recommendations
It is concluded from these amendments that the cost of accessing and residing in the United Kingdom is continuously rising, making early application a smart option for cost savings. It should be noted that all applications submitted and paid for before April 8, 2026, will be processed according to the current, old prices, and it is always advisable to check the official website of the British government (GOV.UK) to confirm the accurate fees at the time of application and avoid any unofficial intermediaries.
Official News Source:
To view the full schedule of amendments and updated fees, please visit the official website of the British government via the link: GOV.UK – Visa fees and ETA updates 2026.