UK ETA Fee Increase to GBP 20: What Changed

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) now costs £20 per person. That is the amount GOV.UK lists on its official ETA page, and it applies to every traveller, including babies and children. This guide explains how the fee reached £20, what that means for a family budget, and how to avoid paying more than the official price. It is independent general guidance, not a government service. We last compared the figures with GOV.UK on 18 October 2026, and we keep every scheme's current fee in one place on our Official Fees register.

How the UK ETA fee has changed

The fee has risen twice since the scheme opened. The table shows the amounts we have confirmed against the official fee information.

If you read an older article that quotes £10 or £16 as the current price, it is out of date. If it says the fee reached £20 on a different date, treat it with caution and compare it with GOV.UK. We cannot tell you whether the fee will change again, so always check the amount shown on the official application before you pay.

What the £20 fee means in practice

• It is charged per person. Each traveller needs their own ETA, including infants and children, so a family of four pays 4 × £20 = £80.
• It is the official price. GOV.UK warns that other websites may charge more to apply and that some imitate government services. Any extra amount on top of £20 is a service charge, not a government fee.
• It is not a visa fee. An ETA is a digital permission linked to your passport. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and circumstances, not on how much the fee is.
• A higher price does not buy a faster decision. GOV.UK sets one application route and one fee. For timing, see our guide to how long a UK ETA application takes.

Do you need to pay again because the fee changed?

A fee change is not by itself a reason to reapply. An approved ETA is linked to the passport it was issued for, so you would apply again if your passport expires or is replaced, or if your ETA is no longer valid. In those cases the fee in force on the day you apply is the one you pay. You can look up an existing authorisation with the official ETA checker before deciding whether you need a new one.

Who still does not need an ETA?

Some travellers do not need to pay the fee at all. GOV.UK says you do not need an ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen (including dual citizens), if you have a UK visa, or if you are transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control. People entering the UK from Ireland who normally need an ETA are also exempt if they can show proof of Irish residence. Read the full list on the official exemptions page and our guide to who needs a UK ETA.

How to avoid paying more than the official fee

• Apply through the UK ETA app or GOV.UK, and check that the payment screen shows £20 per applicant.
• Be wary of sites that charge £30, £50 or more for the same form, or that ask for payment before showing the official application.
• Keep the confirmation email and your reference number. If something looks wrong, compare it with what GOV.UK shows rather than relying on a third party.

For a full price breakdown, including how costs add up for couples and families, see UK ETA application price. For the basics of the scheme, start with what the UK ETA is.

What this guide does not cover

We have not found any official statement of why the fee rose, so we do not offer a reason. This page is a record of the amounts and dates that GOV.UK publishes, not legal or immigration advice. If your situation is unusual, such as a refusal, a dual nationality or a change of passport, use the official guidance or a qualified adviser.