UK raises visa, travel authorisation fees effective April 2026

The United Kingdom has announced a new round of increases in visa and travel authorisation fees, with the revised charges scheduled to take effect from April 8, 2026, affecting a wide range of travellers including tourists, students, skilled workers, and those seeking permanent residency or citizenship.

The updated fee structure reflects a continued upward review of immigration-related costs, with both moderate and significant increases across various categories—particularly for long-term stay and settlement applications.

One of the key changes involves the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers entering the UK.

The ETA fee will rise to £20, marking a steady increase since its introduction in 2023 at £10, and a subsequent revision to £16. The authorisation, which applies to travellers from regions such as Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, remains valid for two years, offering some value for frequent visitors despite the higher cost.

Short-term visitor visa fees will also increase across multiple durations. A six-month visa will rise from £127 to £135, while the two-year visa will increase from £475 to £506. Longer-term options will see similar adjustments, with the five-year visa going up from £848 to £903, and the 10-year visa rising from £1,059 to £1,128. These changes apply broadly to individuals travelling for tourism, business, or family visits.

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For those intending to work or study in the UK, application costs are also set to climb. The Skilled Worker visa fee for stays of up to three years will increase from £769 to £819, while applications exceeding three years will rise from £1,519 to £1,618. The Student visa fee will also increase from £524 to £558, affecting applicants both within and outside the UK.

More substantial increases are evident in settlement-related applications. The fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain will rise from £1,938 to £2,064, representing one of the most significant hikes in the latest review.

Citizenship-related fees are also being adjusted. The cost of naturalisation will increase from £1,605 to £1,709, while adult registration remains unchanged at £1,540. In contrast, the fee for child registration will decrease from £1,214 to £1,000, offering some relief for families applying on behalf of minors.

The latest adjustments follow a pattern of rising immigration costs in recent years. In 2023, the UK government implemented a sharp increase in student visa fees and visit visa charges, while by January 2025, international students were required to demonstrate higher financial capacity to cover living expenses.

Under current financial requirements, students studying in London must show proof of £1,483 per month for living costs, while those studying outside London are required to provide evidence of £1,136 per month.

The new fee regime underscores the UK government’s ongoing effort to review immigration-related charges, a move that may have financial implications for prospective travellers, international students, and migrants planning to relocate to the country.