UK Confirms Price Hike for Travel Authorisation and Tightens ETA Rules for European Visitors
Home Office raises cost of Electronic Travel Authorisation and will enforce mandatory ETA checks for millions of short-stay travellers from February 2026
The United Kingdom government has confirmed that the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will increase and that enforcement of the digital travel permission will be strengthened for European and other visa-exempt visitors.
Under the expanded system introduced in 2025, nationals from some 85 countries — including all European Union member states, as well as the United States, Canada, Australia and others — must obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK for tourism, business or short stays of up to six months.
From February 25, 2026, carriers will be legally required to refuse boarding to travellers without a valid ETA or appropriate eVisa, marking a shift from the initial soft launch of the scheme.
The Home Office has said the ETA fee, which was already raised from £10 to £16 in April 2025, is set to increase further to £20, although a precise implementation date has not yet been published.
The digital authorisation, applied for online or via the official app and linked to the traveller’s passport, is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period or until the passport expires.
British and Irish citizens remain exempt from the ETA requirement.
The expanded ETA regime is part of the government’s broader strategy to digitise the UK border system and enhance security by vetting eligible travellers in advance.
The more stringent enforcement and higher fees have drawn concern from travel industry representatives, who have warned that increasing entry costs could deter visitors and undermine the UK’s competitiveness as a tourism and business destination if not accompanied by clear communication and streamlined processes.
As the changes take effect, travellers are being urged to apply well ahead of travel dates to avoid disruption at check-in and boarding points.
Under the expanded system introduced in 2025, nationals from some 85 countries — including all European Union member states, as well as the United States, Canada, Australia and others — must obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK for tourism, business or short stays of up to six months.
From February 25, 2026, carriers will be legally required to refuse boarding to travellers without a valid ETA or appropriate eVisa, marking a shift from the initial soft launch of the scheme.
The Home Office has said the ETA fee, which was already raised from £10 to £16 in April 2025, is set to increase further to £20, although a precise implementation date has not yet been published.
The digital authorisation, applied for online or via the official app and linked to the traveller’s passport, is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period or until the passport expires.
British and Irish citizens remain exempt from the ETA requirement.
The expanded ETA regime is part of the government’s broader strategy to digitise the UK border system and enhance security by vetting eligible travellers in advance.
The more stringent enforcement and higher fees have drawn concern from travel industry representatives, who have warned that increasing entry costs could deter visitors and undermine the UK’s competitiveness as a tourism and business destination if not accompanied by clear communication and streamlined processes.
As the changes take effect, travellers are being urged to apply well ahead of travel dates to avoid disruption at check-in and boarding points.
