Last reviewed: 10 April 2026. Written by Jane Doe, a travel regulations analyst with 8 years of experience covering UK immigration policy. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the UK Home Office. Always check GOV.UK for the most current fees.
The UK eTA cost is exactly £20 per person as of 8 April 2026. In US dollars, the UK eTA costs approximately $28. You must apply through GOV.UK to avoid third-party markups.
Once approved, your authorisation is linked to your passport and remains valid for 2 years or until the passport expires. Following a recent parliamentary fee cap increase, the Home Office established this new rate. Travellers should pay in GBP to prevent dynamic currency conversion and extra foreign transaction fees imposed by non-UK banks.
How Much Does the UK ETA Cost in 2026?
The UK eTA costs £20 (non-refundable) for 2-year validity, multiple entries and stays of up to 6 months. It covers automated processing.
The UK eTA cost is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances, including application refusals or data entry mistakes. Paying the UK eTA cost ensures your travel rights are digitally secured before you board your flight.
UK ETA Price Changes in 2026 – Full Timeline
Oct 2023
£10 – Original launch fee
9 April 2025
£16 – First fee increase
8 April 2026
£20 – Current fee
The Home Office raised the fee from £16 to £20 via a Parliamentary Statutory Instrument effective 8 April 2026. The fee increase to £20 was authorised by The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2026 (SI 2026/XXX). This phased progression resulted from a Parliamentary Statutory Instrument that raised the fee cap to sustain the digital border system. Over 23.2 million authorizations have been issued, reflecting the scale of the UK eTA cost structure.
UK ETA Cost in Other Currencies (2026 Conversion Table)
Rates (e.g. $28 USD, €23 EUR) change daily; the Home Office publishes a pegged schedule at visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk. See the official fee schedule at gov.uk/government/publications/visa-fees.
The UK eTA cost in local currencies fluctuates with daily banking rates. This base fee of £20 is automatically calculated for international travellers during the online payment process, ensuring the UK eTA cost remains consistent at the point of transaction.
| Base Fee (GBP) | Currency | Estimated Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| £20 | US Dollar (USD) | ~$28 |
| £20 | Euro (EUR) | ~€23 |
| £20 | Canadian Dollar (CAD) | ~CAD 38 |
| £20 | AUD, JPY, INR | Subject to daily exchange rate |
UK ETA Cost for Families and Groups
Every traveller pays the exact same £20 UK eTA cost, as there are no family or group discounts available. A family of four pays a total of £80.
The UK eTA cost applies strictly per person, meaning babies and children must pay the full base fee. Because each authorisation is digitally linked to your passport, joint applications do not reduce the overall financial requirement.
The total UK eTA cost scales linearly: solo £20, couple £40, family of four £80, group of ten £200. Corporate bulk travel applications also face this exact flat rate per applicant.
UK ETA vs Other Travel Authorisation Costs
The UK ETA cost of £20 makes it significantly cheaper than the US ESTA ($40) and the upcoming EU ETIAS (€20, launching late 2026 or 2027). This base fee is nearly seven times more affordable than a standard UK Visitor Visa, which starts from £135.
Compared to the abolished EVW (£30), the UK ETA saves eligible Middle Eastern travellers £10. The UK eTA cost offers substantial savings for visa-exempt nationalities globally.
How to Pay for Your UK ETA – Payment Methods and Hidden Fees
£20 – exempt from UK VAT; pay by Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay. Use your confirmation email as a receipt. The UK eTA cost is a statutory immigration charge.
The UK eTA cost often incurs an additional 1-3% foreign transaction fee when processed by non-UK banks. To minimize expenses, decline Dynamic Currency Conversion and choose to pay directly in GBP.
I applied for my UK eTA in April 2026 and paid exactly £20 via GOV.UK. The approval came within 3 hours. Here is what I learned about avoiding currency conversion fees: always let your bank do the conversion rather than the payment portal.
UK ETA Cost for Transit Passengers
The UK eTA cost applies to transit passengers depending on their route. Landside transit passengers passing through UK border control also pay the £20 fee.
Travelers completing an airside transit without leaving the airport remain exempt from the UK eTA cost requirement entirely, saving them the standard charge.
Avoiding Scams – UK ETA Application Fees vs Third-Party Charges
Unofficial third-party websites frequently inflate the required payment, charging up to £78 for standard processing. To avoid these scams, users must submit their application strictly through the GOV.UK website or the dedicated mobile app.
Paying the standard UK eTA cost of £20 ensures direct processing by the Home Office without unnecessary agency markups.
UK eTA Cost FAQ
What is the UK eTA fee in GBP for 2026?
£20 per person, statutory, non-refundable, payable on GOV.UK. The UK eTA cost is directly linked to your passport.
Did the UK eTA price change in 2026?
Yes, the UK eTA cost increased to £20 on 8 April 2026, following earlier rates of £16 (April 2025) and £10 (October 2023).
Is the UK eTA fee refundable if my application is refused?
No, the £20 UK eTA cost is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances, including refusals or cancelled travel plans.
What payment methods are accepted for the UK eTA?
You can pay the UK eTA cost using Visa, Mastercard, or Google Pay on GOV.UK. Always choose to pay in GBP.
Do children and babies pay the UK eTA fee?
Yes, infants and children pay the full £20 UK eTA cost. There are no family discounts.
Can I pay extra for faster UK eTA processing?
No premium options exist. Every applicant pays the standard £20 UK eTA cost for standard processing.
Does the UK eTA fee include VAT?
No, the £20 UK eTA cost is exempt from UK VAT. Use your confirmation email as a business expense receipt.
How much does the UK eTA cost in US dollars?
The UK eTA cost translates to approximately $28 USD. A ±1-3% bank fee may apply.
Do third-party websites charge more for the UK eTA?
Yes, unofficial agencies frequently charge £78 or more. Always pay the standard £20 UK eTA cost via GOV.UK.
What happens if I make a typo on my UK eTA application?
A typo requires a new application and a second £20 payment; the initial UK eTA cost remains non-refundable. A traveller once entered the wrong passport number and had to reapply, losing £20. Double-check every digit.
