UK visitor visa and ETA fee hike plans condemned by trade body

Government plans to hike visa costs for travellers to the UK have been condemned by trade body UKinbound.

The proposals, subject to parliamentary approval, would see the cost of a two-year visitor visa rise from £475 to £506, and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from £16 to £20.

The proposals follow research from national tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland showing that tourism is worth £147 billion a year to the UK and generated £52 billion in tax revenues for the government in 2024.

UKinbound chief executive Joss Croft said: “At a time when the government is rightly focused on growth, increasing visa and ETA costs risks pulling the visitor economy in the wrong direction and stunting that growth. 

"It’s staggering that the cost of a two-year visitor visa has increased 40% in four years, and that the ETA has risen by 50% since its roll out in November 2023.”

He added: “International visitors have a choice, and the UK already has some of the highest entry costs in the world. 

“Making it even more expensive to visit undermines our competitiveness and puts valuable export income at risk.

“Inbound tourism supports jobs, high streets, pubs and hospitality businesses in communities across the UK. 

"If the government wants growth to be felt locally, it must rethink these increases and keep the UK open, welcoming and competitive.”

A government notice said: “In the financial year 2026-27, the proposed 3% increase above the inflation rate across immigration and nationality fees is forecast to generate an additional £160 million income. 

“In addition, a 25% increase in the ETA fee is expected to deliver a further £103 million in revenue for the Home Office. 

“These estimates are based on current forecasts, which remain subject to variation due to multiple factors and dependencies, but has a significant relevance to funding the wider costs of operating the immigration and border system.”