UK ETA Fee Rises 25% to £20 from Late February 2026 – Key Details
The Home Office has confirmed a 25% increase in the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee, from £16 to £20, effective 25 February 2026. This applies to visa-exempt nationals travelling to the UK by air, sea or rail. Carriers face penalties for boarding passengers without an ETA, according to reports from VisaHQ.
Home Office Announces ETA Fee Increase
According to a report by VisaHQ on 9 February 2026, the UK Home Office has verified a 25% rise in the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee. The cost will shift from £16 to £20 starting 25 February 2026, coinciding with stricter enforcement where carriers must check for valid ETAs before allowing boarding.
Important Note
This is general information based on VisaHQ reporting (https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-02-08/gb/uk-government-confirms-25-eta-fee-hike-to-20-from-late-february/). It does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Rules can change; verify with official UK government sources.
The ETA applies generally to nationals from visa-exempt countries, such as those from the EU, US, Canada, and Australia, for short visits. It provides digital pre-approval required before travel via flights, ferries, or Eurostar.
- Fee before 25 February 2026: £16
- New fee from 25 February 2026: £20
- Enforcement: Carriers risk civil penalties for non-compliant passengers
- Purpose: Covers costs of biometric checks and system integration
Background on the Change
This adjustment follows the initial £16 fee set about ten months prior, as noted by VisaHQ citing Travel and Tour World. Full 'no ETA, no travel' rules activate on the same date, impacting operators who must verify eligibility.
ETA Fee Comparison
Who Typically Needs an ETA?
The rules state that individuals from countries exempt from short-stay visas typically require an ETA. This digital permission must be obtained prior to travel arrangements.
When does the new ETA fee take effect?
According to VisaHQ, the £20 fee applies from 25 February 2026, per Home Office confirmation.
Which travelers are affected?
Generally, visa-exempt nationals for short UK stays, such as from the EU, US, Canada, and Australia, as reported.
What happens if carriers board without ETA?
The source indicates civil penalties for airlines, ferries, and rail operators under the new enforcement.
Stay Updated
Monitor official Home Office announcements, as policies evolve. Source: VisaHQ (linked above).