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UK Announces 2026 Visa Fee Hike: ETA, Visit, Work, and Student Visa Costs Updated

March 22, 2026 6:58 am

UK Announces 2026 Visa Fee Hike: ETA, Visit, Work, and Student Visa Costs Updated

Planning a journey abroad now requires sharper financial awareness and timely decision-making. The United Kingdom has announced updated visa and travel fees starting April 2026. These changes will affect tourists, students, and professionals preparing for short or long-term stays. Therefore, understanding these updates early can help you plan smarter and avoid unnecessary expenses.

2026 Visa Fee Increase Across Travel Categories

The United Kingdom will implement new visa and travel authorization fees from April 8, 2026. While some increases appear minor, they gradually raise overall travel and relocation costs. Consequently, individuals planning visits or relocations must review these updates carefully. A clear understanding now can help avoid unexpected financial pressure later.

ETA Fee Increase to £20

The Electronic Travel Authorisation, commonly called ETA, applies to many visa-exempt travelers globally. This includes visitors from Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Initially introduced in 2023, the ETA cost began at just £10. It later increased to £16 and will now rise further.

From April 2026, travelers must pay £20 for each ETA application. This means the fee will double within just over two years. Since the ETA remains valid for two years, early applications may reduce future costs. Therefore, travelers with upcoming plans should consider applying before the new pricing takes effect.

Higher Fees for Short-Term Visitor Visas

Short-term visitor visa fees will also increase slightly across all available duration categories. These adjustments affect individuals traveling for tourism, business, or family-related visits.

The six-month visa fee will rise from £127 to £135. Meanwhile, the two-year visa will increase from £475 to £506. Additionally, five-year visas will move from £848 to £903. Finally, the ten-year visa will increase from £1,059 to £1,128. Although each increase appears small individually, combined costs can grow significantly over time.

Work and Student Visa Fee Adjustments

The updated pricing also impacts individuals applying for work and study opportunities. These increases apply regardless of whether applications are submitted in or outside the United Kingdom.

For the Skilled Worker Visa, fees for up to three years will rise from £769 to £819. Applications exceeding three years will increase from £1,519 to £1,618. Meanwhile, student visa fees will increase from £524 to £558. These changes highlight the importance of budgeting carefully when planning long-term international moves.

Settlement Application Costs Increase

Applicants seeking permanent residency in the United Kingdom will face higher settlement fees. The Indefinite Leave to Remain application will rise from £1,938 to £2,064. This increase represents one of the more noticeable changes within the updated fee structure. Therefore, long-term residents should prepare financially before submitting their applications.

Citizenship Fee Updates and Reduction for Children

Citizenship application fees will also increase for most adult applicants across different categories. Naturalisation fees will rise from £1,605 to £1,709, reflecting a moderate increase. However, there is a positive change for families applying for children. Child registration fees will decrease from £1,214 to £1,000. This adjustment offers some financial relief for families planning citizenship applications.

What These Changes Mean for Applicants

All updated fees will officially take effect starting April 8, 2026. Applications submitted before this date will still follow the current pricing structure. Therefore, individuals planning travel, study, or relocation should act early to save costs. Although each increase seems gradual, the overall financial impact continues rising steadily.

Final Thoughts

These updates signal a broader shift toward higher travel and immigration costs in the United Kingdom. While opportunities remain accessible, financial planning now plays an even more critical role. Acting early and staying informed will help you navigate these changes confidently and strategically.