The UK is increasing the cost of ETA, tourist, student and work visas from April 8, 2026. Find out the new rates and how to save when applying

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The United Kingdom is increasing the cost of a number of visas and entry permits from April 8, 2026. The increase in costs will affect almost all categories of applicants: tourists, students, workers and those planning to stay for a long time. Some of the changes may seem insignificant, but overall the costs are increasing significantly.

We understand what exactly will change and how much you will have to pay.

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Tourist entry to the UK will become more expensive

ETA will increase in price to £20

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a mandatory document for citizens of many countries who previously could visit the United Kingdom without a visa. In particular, travelers from Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia.

From April 8, 2026, the fee for obtaining a permit will be £20. It is worth noting that the price changed gradually, if in 2023 the ETA cost £10, in 2025 - £16, from April 8, 2026 - £20. In fact, in just over two years the cost has doubled.

Useful tip: ETA is issued for 2 years. If you are already planning a trip, obtaining a permit at the old price can help you save.

What is ETA, who should receive it and what is the procedure for obtaining it, read in this article.

Tourist and other short-term visas

The changes will also affect standard short-term visas, which are issued for tourism, business trips or visiting family.

The new rates look like this:

- 6 months: £127 → £135

- 2 years: £475 → £506

- 5 years: £848 → £903

- 10 years: £1,059 → £1,128

The increase is not sharp, but it is systemic - and applies to all applicants without exception.

How will the cost of work and student visas in the UK change?

Those planning to move to the UK for work or study will also have to take into account the new costs.

Work visa (Skilled Worker)

- up to 3 years: £769 → £819

- over 3 years: £1,519 → £1,618

The UK offers many opportunities for legal employment to foreigners in 2026. Read here about available visa programs, processing costs, popular vacancies and a step-by-step application algorithm.

Student Visa

£524 → £558

Prices are increasing regardless of where the application is submitted - within the country or abroad.

Increase in the cost of permanent residence permit

The most significant increase concerns long-term stay and immigration. In particular, the cost of an indefinite residence permit (ILR) will increase from £1,938 to £2,064. This is one of the most significant changes in the new tariff package.

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How much is the cost of obtaining British citizenship increasing?

The changes also affected the procedure for applying for citizenship in the United Kingdom:

- Naturalization: £1,605 → £1,709

- Registration for adults: £1,540

However, there is also positive news for families - the cost of registering a child will decrease from £1,214 to £1,000. That is, obtaining citizenship for children will become cheaper.

What do foreigners need to know about the increase in the cost of visas in the United Kingdom?

The main thing you need to know:

- The new tariffs come into effect from April 8, 2026.

- Applications submitted before this date will be paid at the old prices.

- The total cost of moving or studying is actually increasing.

Even if each individual increase seems small, the total costs can be significant - especially for families or when obtaining long-term residence.

The UK visa policy changes for 2026 are another step in the gradual increase in the cost of immigration and travel. If you are already planning a trip, study or move, it is worth acting early. Submitting documents by April 2026 can help save money and avoid unnecessary costs.

With the cost of visas to the UK set to increase in 2026, it is especially important to avoid mistakes when submitting documents.

Visit World's “Immigration Guide” contains step-by-step instructions for obtaining temporary and permanent residence permits or citizenship, a complete list of documents, current requirements and even contacts of government agencies. You will also learn about the cost of processing, the terms of consideration of applications and receive useful tips for adaptation in the country. All information comes in a convenient PDF format to your email in just a few minutes.

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Reminder! Citizenship by investment programs differ significantly in cost depending on the number of family members, fee structure and type of investment. We have already talked about the real cost of a passport under CBI programs in different countries of the world and which one is best suited for your family.

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