Travelers planning to visit the United Kingdom may soon face higher costs as the government proposes a significant increase in the recently launched Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee. The fee hike, announced shortly after the program's rollout, has sparked criticism from tourism and aviation leaders. With international travel to the United Kingdom already perceived as costly, this move could have far-reaching implications for travelers.
Key Points
- The United Kingdom government proposes increasing the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from £10 (roughly $12.30 USD) to £16 (approximately $19.70 USD) per person, a 60% rise.
- The ETA is required for travelers from 54 countries, including the United States, for stays of up to six months over two years.
- For a couple traveling together, the proposed fee increase raises costs from £20 (about $24.60 USD) to £32 (around $39.40 USD).
- For a family of four, the cost would increase from £40 (approximately $49.20 USD) to £64 (around $78.80 USD).
- Transit passengers connecting through Heathrow or Manchester airports will no longer need to pay the ETA fee.
The Proposed Electronic Travel Authorization Fee Increase
The United Kingdom's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, introduced on January 8, requires travelers from 54 countries, including the United States, to apply for permission before entering the country. The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) allows multiple trips of up to six months within a two-year period and currently costs £10 per person (roughly $12.30 USD).
Under the new Proposal, the fee would increase to £16 per person (approximately $19.70 USD), representing a 60% rise. This means a couple would see their combined cost increase from £20 (about $24.60 USD) to £32 (around $39.40 USD), and a family of four would pay £64 (approximately $78.80 USD), up from £40 (about $49.20 USD).
The UK government justifies the change as a means to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for its migration and border control systems. If approved, the higher fee is expected to generate £269 million (around $330 million USD) annually.
However, the timing of the Proposal, coming just weeks after the system's launch, has drawn sharp criticism. Tourism and travel leaders argue that the increase undermines the United Kingdom’s competitiveness as a travel destination and contradicts its stated goals of attracting more visitors.
Impact on International Travelers
The proposed fee increase could make the United Kingdom one of the most expensive destinations for international travelers, particularly when compared to competing programs. For example, the European Union's upcoming travel system, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), will cost €7 (about $7.60 USD) per person, be valid for three years, and cover travel to 29 Schengen countries. A family of four traveling to the European Union under this system would pay just €28 (around $30.40 USD) for a travel permit valid across 29 countries—far less than the £64 needed for the United Kingdom's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Critics point out that the United Kingdom already imposes high travel-related costs, such as the Air Passenger Duty (APD), which is set to increase further in April 2026. These cumulative expenses could discourage travelers, especially families and budget-conscious tourists.
Furthermore, international visitors to the United Kingdom face additional costs, including a 20% VAT on hospitality and the removal of tax-free shopping for international travelers. In comparison, European countries such as France and Spain charge significantly lower VAT rates, making them more affordable destinations.
Transit Passenger Exemption
One positive change included in the Proposal is the decision to exempt transit passengers from paying the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee. Previously, all travelers passing through United Kingdom airports were required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), even if they were only connecting to another flight.
This exemption applies exclusively to airside transit passengers at Heathrow and Manchester airports who remain within the secured areas and do not pass through United Kingdom border control. The move has been welcomed by industry leaders, with a representative from a major United Kingdom airport describing it as a step toward addressing concerns about losing transit passengers to other European hubs.
However, travelers should note that if they plan to recheck luggage or leave the airport, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will still be required. The United Kingdom government has reserved the right to reintroduce the fee for transit passengers if security concerns arise in the future.
Tourism Industry Backlash
The proposed increase in Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) costs has been met with widespread criticism from tourism and aviation leaders. According to representatives from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the timing of the Proposal is a "self-inflicted blow" to the United Kingdom’s tourism competitiveness. They also noted that the increased fee contradicts the government’s pledge to boost international arrivals by 30% by 2030.
Similarly, representatives from UKinbound emphasized the importance of value for money in attracting international visitors. They highlighted that with the United Kingdom already perceived as an expensive destination, the fee hike risks deterring potential travelers, especially families.
Concerns were also raised by aviation industry representatives, who warned that the cumulative effect of high travel-related costs, including the upcoming increase in Air Passenger Duty, could make the United Kingdom less appealing to international travelers. A spokesperson from a leading United Kingdom travel organization cautioned that these additional charges could stifle growth in the tourism sector, which is a vital contributor to the economy.
Final Thoughts
The proposed increase in the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it aims to generate significant revenue for the United Kingdom’s border control systems. On the other hand, it risks alienating international travelers by adding another layer of expense to an already costly destination.
For individuals, couples, and families, the increased cost of travel permits highlights the importance of budgeting when planning trips to the United Kingdom. While the exemption for transit passengers is a positive step, the broader impact of the fee hike could be detrimental to the United Kingdom’s tourism sector.
Competing travel authorization programs, such as the European Union’s European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), offer more value at a lower cost, leaving the United Kingdom at a potential disadvantage in attracting visitors. Despite these challenges, the cultural and historical attractions of the United Kingdom remain a major draw. However, affordability will play a crucial role in sustaining its appeal as a global travel destination.