UK ETA Cost & Fees 2026: What You’re Really Paying
All fee information in this guide reflects the confirmed Home Office position as of April 2026, including the implementation of the £20 government fee effective 9 April 2026. Last reviewed: 15 April 2026.
From 9 April 2026, the UK ETA government fee is £20 per person (~€23) — non-refundable, covering two years of unlimited travel. Our assisted application prices remain unchanged despite the government increase: €69 (Regular) · €119 (Priority) · €169 (Dedicated Agent) total, including the government fee — we have reduced our handling fee to absorb the £4 rise. All payments are made in euros. Every individual, including infants, pays separately.
| £20 | €69 / €119 / €169 | 2 Years |
|---|---|---|
| UK Government ETA Fee (from 9 April 2026) Per person · Non-refundable · Increased from £16 by parliamentary approval |
Our Assisted Application Prices — Unchanged Handling fee reduced to absorb government increase · Government fee included |
ETA Validity From date of approval · Unlimited trips · Up to 6 months per visit |
Understanding exactly what you are paying for — and why the costs differ depending on how you apply — requires more than a single number. This guide covers the complete picture: the government fee, the April 2026 increase and its history, what the fee does and does not cover, family costs, and a global comparison.
For a full breakdown of our service plans, processing times, and the free cost calculator tool, visit the UK ETA Fees & Processing Times page.
1. What £20 Gets You
From 9 April 2026, the UK government fee for an ETA is £20 per person (~€23). This is a flat fee — the same for every nationality, every age group, and every purpose of visit. There are no government-level categories, tiers, or discounts. The fee increased from £16 following parliamentary approval of the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Amendment Order 2026 on 3 March 2026.
| What the £20 Government Fee Covers | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 2 years from approval — or until your passport expires, whichever comes first |
| Number of trips | Unlimited within the 2-year window |
| Maximum stay per visit | Up to 6 months — tourism, family visits, business meetings, short-term study |
| Processing | Automated Home Office processing — most applications decided within minutes |
| Format | Digital only — linked electronically to your passport, no physical document to carry or show |
| Coverage | Valid for all UK ports of entry: airports, ferry terminals, Eurostar stations |
| Transferability | Non-transferable — linked to one specific passport number |
| Refundability | Non-refundable — regardless of outcome (approved, refused, or withdrawn) |
Please note this is only the government fee. An additional handling fee is charged when applying through an assisted service. See Section 6 for the full breakdown, or visit our Fees & Processing Times page for the free cost calculator.
At £20 for 2 years of unlimited travel, the UK ETA remains competitively priced among electronic travel authorisation systems worldwide. See the global comparison below for full context.
2. UK ETA Price History: How We Got Here
The UK ETA fee has changed three times since launch. Understanding this trajectory explains both the April 2026 increase and what may follow.
| Date | Fee | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| June 2023 | £10 | ETA launched — Qatar pilot scheme only |
| Nov 2023 | £10 | Expanded to all GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) |
| Jan 2025 | £10 → £16 | Fee increased 60% as ETA expanded to non-EU visa-exempt countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea…) |
| 2 April 2025 | £16 | ETA mandatory for all 27 EU member states (except Ireland) |
| 25 Feb 2026 | £16 | Full enforcement — carriers legally required to verify ETAs; no ETA = no boarding |
| 3 March 2026 | £16 → £20 (cap approved) | House of Lords approves Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Amendment Order 2026 — fee cap raised to £20 |
| 9 April 2026 | £20 | Government implements £20 fee — now in effect for all new applications |
The pattern is consistent: the fee has risen three times in three years, each rise following a significant expansion in the scheme’s coverage or enforcement scope. The £20 rate is now the active fee for all new ETA applications submitted from 9 April 2026 onwards.
If your ETA was approved at the £16 rate before 9 April 2026, it remains valid for its full two-year term. There is no top-up, renegotiation, or cancellation. An ETA approved in January 2026 at £16 remains valid until January 2028. The fee increase only affects new applications submitted from 9 April 2026 onwards.
3. Our Assisted Application Prices Are Unchanged — Here’s Why
When the UK government raised the ETA fee from £16 to £20 on 9 April 2026, many travellers expected our service prices to rise by the same £4. They have not — and will not. Here is exactly why.
The UK government fee increased from £16 to £20 on 9 April 2026. We have reduced our handling fee by the equivalent amount to ensure the total price you pay us remains exactly the same: €69 (Regular), €119 (Priority), €169 (Dedicated Agent). The government increase does not change what you pay at application-eta.uk.
| Plan | Total Price (unchanged) | Government Fee Included | Handling Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | €69 | £20 (~€23) | Reduced to absorb government increase |
| Priority | €119 | £20 (~€23) | Reduced to absorb government increase |
| Dedicated Agent | €169 | £20 (~€23) | Reduced to absorb government increase |
Our position is straightforward: a government administrative fee change should not translate automatically into a higher total cost for our customers. The expert review, photo verification, passport data check, and dedicated support we provide are the same as before the increase — and the total price you pay reflects that continuity.
For veterans, students, and minors under 18: the 10% discount on our handling fee continues to apply. Tick the relevant box before payment — no documentation required.
4. Family Costs: Real Numbers
The UK ETA has no family discount at the government level, no group rate, and no age exemption. Every traveller — including newborns — pays individually. The following examples use current rates through application-eta.uk. Minors under 18 qualify for a 10% discount on the handling fee.
| Group | Regular (€69/pp) | Priority (€119/pp) | Dedicated Agent (€169/pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo traveller | €69 | €119 | €169 |
| Couple (2 adults) | €138 | €238 | €338 |
| Family of 3 (2 adults + 1 minor) | €200.10 (minor −10%) | €345.10 | €490.10 |
| Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 minors) | €262.20 | €452.20 | €642.20 |
| Group of 5 adults | €345 | €595 | €845 |
A newborn baby travelling to the UK requires their own ETA — linked to their own passport. There is no minimum age and no family ETA. A parent or guardian completes the application on the child’s behalf. The minor discount (10% off the handling fee) applies automatically — tick the relevant box before payment. Ensure every child has a valid biometric passport: national identity cards are not accepted for UK entry. See our UK ETA for Families & Children guide for full details.
For a tailored calculation based on your exact group size and plan preference, use the free UK ETA Cost Calculator on our fees page — enter the number of adults, minors, and your preferred service tier to get the precise total before you apply.
5. What the Fee Covers — and What It Does Not
| ✔ What the ETA fee covers | ✘ What the ETA fee does NOT cover |
|---|---|
| Permission to travel to and enter the UK for the purposes stated in your application | The right to work in the UK — a separate work visa is required. See our UK ETA by Occupation guide. |
| Unlimited trips within the 2-year validity period | Long-term residence — stays beyond 6 months require a visa |
| Stays of up to 6 months per visit | Access to public funds or NHS treatment (beyond emergency care) |
| Entry through all UK ports: airports, Eurostar, ferry terminals | Guarantee of entry — Border Force retains the right to refuse at the border |
| Airside transit at UK airports (subject to conditions — see our transit guide) | Transfer of the ETA to a new passport — a new application is required if you renew your passport |
| Automated verification — no physical document to carry or present | A refund if refused — the fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome |
The £20 government fee is charged at the point of submission — not upon approval. If your application is refused, the fee is not returned. This is consistent with visa application fees globally. It underlines why submitting a complete and accurate application matters. Our expert review before submission is specifically designed to catch errors before they reach the Home Office. If your application has been refused, see our guide: UK ETA Refused — What to Do Next.
6. The Service Fee: What It Covers
Applying through application-eta.uk costs more than the government fee alone — and that additional cost covers a specific set of services. The total price (government fee included) is €69 Regular · €119 Priority · €169 Dedicated Agent, charged in Euros at checkout. Despite the April 2026 government fee increase, these total prices are unchanged — we absorbed the £4 rise by reducing our handling fee.
We offer a 10% discount on our handling fee for military veterans, students, and minors (under 18). Tick the relevant box in the application form before payment — no documents required. The discount is applied automatically at checkout.
| Service | Regular €69 | Priority €119 | Dedicated Agent €169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee included | ✅ £20 (~€23) | ✅ £20 (~€23) | ✅ £20 (~€23) |
| Expert photo review | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Passport data verification | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Suitability answer check | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ETA delivered by email | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Processing speed | Standard | ~24h | ~12h |
| Support level | Standard | 24/7 priority support | 24/7 dedicated agent |
| Veterans / Students / Minors | −10% handling fee | −10% handling fee | −10% handling fee |
The core value is the expert review layer: photo compliance, passport data accuracy, and suitability answer completeness are the three most common reasons UK ETA applications are delayed or refused. All three are checked before your application is submitted to the Home Office.
For photo requirements specifically — the most frequent cause of delays — see our detailed UK ETA Photo Requirements guide before applying.
See the full plan comparison and the free cost calculator on the fees page.
7. How the UK ETA Fee Compares Globally
Electronic travel authorisations are now standard across major destinations. The UK ETA at £20 sits in the middle of the global range — more expensive than the EU’s upcoming ETIAS, broadly comparable to the US ESTA, and cheaper than several other popular systems.
| Country / System | Fee | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK ETA (current — from 9 April 2026) | £20 (~€23) | 2 years | Unlimited trips · up to 6 months per stay · all ports |
| UK ETA (previous rate — before 9 April 2026) | 2 years | No longer applicable for new applications | |
| US ESTA | $21 (~€19) | 2 years | Unlimited trips · up to 90 days per stay |
| Australia ETA | AUD 20 (~€12) | 1 year | Limited nationalities · air only |
| Canada eTA | CAD 7 (~€5) | 5 years | Cheapest major system · air travel only |
| EU ETIAS (upcoming) | €7 | 3 years | For non-EU visitors to Schengen · launch date TBC |
| New Zealand NZeTA | NZD 23 (~€13) | 2 years | Plus NZD 35 International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy |
| India e-Visa | $25–$100 | 30 days–5 years | Fee varies by nationality and duration |
One notable contrast: the Canadian eTA at CAD 7 (approximately €5) is significantly cheaper, but covers air travel only — ferry and land crossings from the US still require a visa. The UK ETA covers all ports of entry including Eurostar and ferry terminals, which partly explains the price differential. It also permits stays of up to 6 months per visit — considerably more than the US ESTA’s 90-day limit.
The EU ETIAS, when launched, will apply to non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen area and does not affect UK ETA requirements — the two systems are completely independent. See our ETA vs Visa guide for a full comparison of travel authorisation types.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the UK ETA cost in 2026?
From 9 April 2026, the UK government fee is £20 per person (~€23). This fee was increased from £16 following parliamentary approval of the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Amendment Order 2026. Applying through application-eta.uk costs €69 (Regular), €119 (Priority), or €169 (Dedicated Agent) — total price in Euros at checkout, including the £20 government fee. Our prices are unchanged from before the April 2026 increase, as we reduced our handling fee to absorb the government rise. See the full plan breakdown at application-eta.uk/fees-processing-times.
Why did the UK ETA fee go up in April 2026?
The UK Parliament approved the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Amendment Order 2026 on 3 March 2026, raising the ETA fee cap from £16 to £20. The government implemented the new rate on 9 April 2026. This is consistent with the ETA fee history: the fee started at £10 in 2023, rose to £16 in January 2025, and has now risen again to £20 with the April 2026 implementation. Our total assisted application prices remain unchanged — €69, €119, and €169 — because we reduced our handling fee to absorb the difference.
Will the UK ETA fee go up again beyond £20?
There is no confirmed further increase beyond £20 as of April 2026. The March 2026 legislation set a cap at £20 — the current active rate. Any future increase beyond this cap would require separate parliamentary approval. Based on the pattern to date (fee increases have accompanied major expansions of the scheme), further changes would most likely follow significant policy shifts in the ETA programme.
Is the UK ETA fee refundable?
No. The £20 government fee is non-refundable under all circumstances — including if your application is refused or withdrawn. This applies regardless of the reason for the outcome. The service fee is also non-refundable once your application has been submitted. This is consistent with visa application fee practice globally. Our expert pre-submission review is designed specifically to reduce the risk of refusal due to avoidable errors. If your application has already been refused, see our UK ETA Refused — What to Do guide.
Does my baby need their own UK ETA — and pay separately?
Yes. Every individual travelling to the UK must have their own ETA, including newborn babies. There is no age exemption. A parent or guardian completes the application on the child’s behalf. The minor discount (10% off the handling fee) applies — tick the relevant box before payment, no documentation required. See our UK ETA for Families & Children guide for everything you need to know about applying for multiple family members.
Can I pay in euros or dollars?
When applying through application-eta.uk, all payments are made in Euros (EUR). The total shown at checkout includes the UK government fee converted to Euros plus the handling fee. No GBP payment is required from you directly — we handle the currency conversion.
Do I pay a fee if my ETA application is refused?
Yes. Both the government fee and the service fee are charged upon submission, not upon approval. If your application is refused, neither fee is returned. Our expert review before submission is designed to minimise the risk of refusal due to avoidable errors. If you have been refused, see our UK ETA Refused — What to Do Next guide for your options.
If I renew my passport, do I pay again?
Yes. Your ETA is linked to a specific passport number. If you renew your passport — regardless of how much validity remains on your ETA — the old ETA is no longer valid for travel on the new passport. A new application is required using your new passport details, at the fee applicable at that time (currently £20 government fee). Apply as soon as you receive your new passport, before your next trip to the UK.
What does the service fee actually cover?
The handling fee covers: expert review of your selfie photo and passport biographical page against current Home Office photo requirements; verification that your name exactly matches your passport’s machine-readable zone; a check that all suitability answers are complete and consistent; priority processing in our queue (Priority and Dedicated Agent plans); and dedicated support throughout the process. The full breakdown by plan is on the fees and processing times page.
How do I check my UK ETA status after applying?
After submitting your application, you can check your UK ETA status at any time using the official UKVI portal. Enter your reference number and date of birth to get your current status — Approved, Pending, Under Review, or Refused. Our UK ETA Status Check & FAQ page explains what each status means and exactly what to do at each stage. We recommend checking your ETA status 24–48 hours before every departure.
Is the ETA the same as a UK visa?
No. The UK ETA is a digital pre-clearance for nationals of eligible visa-exempt countries — it is not a visa. A UK visa is a formal immigration permission required by nationals without visa-free access. EU citizens, US citizens, Canadians, Australians, and most other major nationalities need an ETA for short visits — not a visa. See our ETA vs Visa comparison guide for the full breakdown.
Do cruise passengers need a UK ETA?
It depends on whether you pass through UK immigration control. Passengers who disembark at a UK port and pass through border control need a UK ETA. Passengers who remain on board and do not clear UK immigration generally do not. See our dedicated UK ETA for Cruise Passengers guide for all cruise-specific scenarios.
Apply Now — Prices Unchanged Despite the April 2026 Government Fee Increase
The UK government fee is now £20. Our total assisted application prices remain unchanged at €69, €119, and €169 — we absorbed the increase by reducing our handling fee. Apply today and travel with confidence for two full years.
Expert review: Martin Cage, Senior UK ETA Specialist, former Home Office Immigration Advisory Panel. Reviewed April 15, 2026. · Sources: UK Home Office ETA Factsheet, February 2026 · House of Lords — Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Amendment Order 2026, 3 March 2026 · Home Office, ETA fee implementation confirmation, 9 April 2026 · VisasNews — UK Parliament Approves £20 ETA Fee Measure, 3 March 2026 · Home Office Immigration System Statistics, February 2026. As of: April 2026.
More UK ETA Guides