Update on ETA 16 Jan 25

We received the following update from The UK Home Office on 16th January 2025:

New measures announce today - ETA Fees  

I am writing to inform you about the new measures being announced today, Thursday 16th January.   

These new measures include the Government’s intention to raise fees for a number of immigration products, including for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). There are also changes to how ETA rules apply to airside transit.   

ETA Fee   

The UK Government has conducted a review of fees to ensure the migration and border system is sustainably funded. We intend to raise the ETA fee from £10 to £16.   

Subject to Parliamentary approval, fees across a range of other immigration and nationality services will also increase. Any increase to the fees will take place following the conclusion of the parliamentary process.   

A table with details of all proposed fees can be found https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-fees-transparency-data

All eligible non-Europeans, who now require an ETA to travel and transit the UK, will still be able to obtain an ETA at the current cost of £10.   

For eligible, Europeans who will be able to apply for an ETA from the 5th March, will, until parliamentary processes have been completed, be able to obtain an ETA at the current cost of £10. 

The list of nationals eligible for ETA's can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

 We will be able to confirm a date of all fees increases once parliamentary processes have concluded.   

The Fees order can be found here:  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2025/9780348267976/contents

The Explanatory Memorandum can be found here:  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2025/9780348267976/note

The ETA Partner Pack can be found here:  https://homeoffice.brandworkz.com/BMS/albums/?album=3486&lightboxAccessID=828F5184-1956-40F2-88B2D7829270BB23

 Airside Transit exemption   

Following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control, from needing an ETA. This move will primarily affect Heathrow and Manchester Airports, as the only UK airports which currently offer transit facilities. The exemption will be kept under review. 

This change is effective from Thursday 16th January 2025