The UK government has announced an increase in visa fees, effective from April 2025. Find out about the new fees for short-term and long-term visas, electronic ETAs, as well as permanent residence permits and passports

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The UK government announced on 19 March 2025 an increase in visa fees for all categories of permits, including student, work and visitor visas, as well as electronic travel authorisations and passports. The current consular fees UK as of April 2025 are detailed in this article.

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Visa fees UK

Starting from 9 April 2025, the cost of a UK visa will increase for visitors, students and workers, the current prices are as follows:

Short-term visas

- Up to 6 months – £127 (previously £115, increased by £12).

Long-term visas

- Up to 2 years – £475 (previously £432, increased by £43).

- Up to 5 years – £848 (previously £771, up £77).

- Up to 10 years – £1,059 (previously £963, up £96).

UK student visa fees in 2025

The cost of a visa for international students in the UK has also increased:

- Student visa (main applicant and dependents) – £524, up £34 from the previous £490.

- Child student visa – £524, up £490.

- Short-term study visa (English language courses from 6 to 11 months) – £214, up £14 from the previous £200.

UK Work Visa Fees 2025

The UK work visa application fee has also increased, affecting skilled professionals, healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs. The current rates for 2025 are:

- Healthcare Professional Visa – £470, up 28.2% from £367.

- Skilled Worker (Skills Shortage Visa) – £470, up 26.3%. This applies to people who fill critical skills shortages in the UK workforce.

- Temporary Work Visa: the fee will increase by £38.

- Innovator Founder Visa (for entrepreneurs) – £1,274, up from £1,191 now, an increase of £83.

- Start-up Visa (cost of visa for people starting a new business) – £465, up from £435.

- Minister of Religion Visa – the rate will increase by 5.6%.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK

Applicants seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, which grants permanent residence, will also face an increase in the application fee:

- Main applicants and dependants – £3,029, up from £2,885 currently, an increase of £83.

Passport fees UK in 2025

The cost of UK passports will also increase from April 2025, making one of the most expensive passports in the world even more expensive.

The Home Office says the increase is to cover the costs of processing applications and providing consular support for British citizens abroad.

Standard Online (adult) – £94.50 (up from £88.50).

Standard Online (child) – £61.50 (was £57.50).

Postal Application (adult) – £107 (was £100).

Postal Application (child) – £74 (was £69).

Premium 1-day service (adult) – £222 (was £207.50).

Premium 1-day service (child) – £189 (was £176.50).

Standard Online, overseas (adult) – £108 (was £101).

Standard Online, overseas (child) – £70 (was £65.50).

Standard Paper, overseas (adult) – £120.50 (was £112.50).

Standard paper, overseas (child) – £82.50 (was £77).

ETA fees UK in 2025

For travellers from visa-free countries, the cost of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will increase from $12 to $20, a 60% increase.

The new ETA rates will come into effect on 2 April 2025.

An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a mandatory requirement for visa-exempt nationals. Although it is not a visa, the ETA allows UK authorities to carry out security checks before a traveller arrives.

New visa fees in the UK in 2025 will affect travellers and those planning to live or work in the country. The increase in the cost of electronic ETAs for travellers from visa-free countries will also increase travel costs. Before applying, be sure to find out the current cost of the permit.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to understand the specifics of applying for a British visa or residence permit.

Reminder! The UK Care Worker Visa allows skilled workers to get a job in the health and care sector. We have already told you what the Care Worker Visa is, who can get it, the requirements for candidates, the necessary documents for application, the visa application procedure and changes to the rules from 2025.