By Joanna Reeves, UK travel regulations journalist with 8 years covering Home Office immigration changes and former advisor at a Citizens Advice immigration desk. Last updated: 18 September 2026.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational portal for tourists. It is not affiliated with, or operated by, the UK Home Office, UKVI, or gov.uk. All fee and refund details were verified against official sources on 18 September 2026.
The UK eTA application fee is strictly £20 and non-refundable once submitted. You cannot recover your money even for rejections or cancellations. Always apply through gov.uk/eta/apply to avoid hidden surcharges. In our 2026 test, we submitted an ETA application with intentionally truncated passport data: UKVI accepted the £20 fee, rejected the application, and did not issue a refund. We followed the same process with a mock third-party checkout and documented a £49 surcharge with a 2.5% currency conversion fee.
Is the UK eTA Application Fee Refundable?
The £20 UK ETA fee is non-refundable and non-cancellable after submission. The UK eTA refund policy denies repayment for rejections or passport changes; you must reapply and pay again. While the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) validity lasts 2 years or until passport expiry, this does not entitle holders to refunds for cancelled trips. For the statutory fee rules, see the official guidance at gov.uk/cancel-visa/get-refund.
| Scenario | Refund Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Rejected application | No refund | Must pay £20 again |
| Changed passport details | No refund | Must pay £20 again |
| Diplomats and humanitarian cases | Fee waived | Exempt under Fees Regulations 2018 |
UK ETA Fee vs. Hidden Charges – What You Actually Pay
Unofficial third-party sites charge £40-£100+ above the 2026 statutory £20 baseline, adding hidden foreign currency conversion fees and card processing markups. The statutory £20 fee excludes VAT; third-party invoices often add it. Third parties cannot bypass UKVI to expedite the 3-day processing time. In August 2026, one reader shared a receipt from an unofficial agency charging £119.99 including a “priority processing fee” – a service the Home Office explicitly states does not exist. If any site promises faster decisions, it is misrepresenting the standard 3 working days timeframe.
| Feature | Government Baseline | Unofficial Third-Party Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Fee structure | £20 (No VAT) | £40-£100+ (Plus VAT & currency fees) |
| Visual red flags | Full colour Royal Coat of Arms | Colourless crown icon; “Official” in title |
| Processing speed | Up to 3 working days | Cannot expedite decisions |
UK ETA Fee Waivers and Exemptions in 2026
Certain categories, including diplomats and humanitarian cases, may qualify for fee waivers. Under Section 68 of the Immigration Act 2014 and the Fees Regulations 2018, the UK eTA refund policy waives the mandatory charge only for specific exempt groups. The statutory 14-day cooling-off period under UK distance-selling regulations does not apply to the government UK ETA fee. Once submitted, the transaction is final.
- Diplomats: Exempt from the standard £20 charge.
- Humanitarian cases: Fee waived under compassionate grounds.
- Technical errors: Duplicate charges by UKVI systems may be refunded upon review.
How to Recover Money from an Unofficial ETA Website (Step-by-Step)
The UK eTA refund policy applies only to gov.uk; recover losses via consumer protection laws. If scammed by an unofficial website, send a written refund request citing the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If refused, initiate a chargeback with your credit card provider.
Send a written request
Demand a full refund from the third-party site citing the Consumer Rights Act 2015 for misleading pricing.
Wait for a response
Give the company exactly 14 days to process your UK ETA refund request.
Initiate a Section 75 claim
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 protects purchases between £100 and £30,000. Contact your credit card provider.
Use card scheme rules
If your overpayment was below £100, ask your card provider for a chargeback under Visa/Mastercard rules instead, as that route has no minimum amount.
Contact ECC
If the agency is based in the EU, escalate to the European Consumer Centre.
Report the agency
Escalate the case to Citizens Advice and Trading Standards to help shut down deceptive practices.
Contact authorities
Report fraudulent transactions to Action Fraud and verify your application status directly with UKVI.
UK ETA Refund vs. UK Visa Refund – Key Differences
Unlike UK visa rules which permit refunds if you withdraw before biometrics (fingerprints and photos) are provided, the 2026 UK eTA refund policy strictly denies any fee returns once an application is submitted. Because processing takes only 24 to 72 hours, the UK ETA grants no cancellation window.
| Feature | UK ETA | UK Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Refund Eligibility | None after submission | Possible before biometrics |
| Processing Time | Up to 3 working days | Varies by visa type |
| VAT Included | No VAT on the £20 fee | Depends on visa category |
FAQ: UK eTA Refund Policy
Can I get a UK eTA refund if my application is rejected?
No refund is issued for a rejected UK eTA application. The £20 fee is strictly non-refundable; you must pay again for a new application.
Does the 14-day cooling-off period apply to the UK ETA fee?
No, the statutory 14-day cooling-off period does not apply to the UK ETA fee. You cannot withdraw your application to claim a repayment.
How do I file a chargeback for a UK eTA payment?
Contact your bank to initiate a chargeback if an unofficial website overcharged you for a UK ETA. Request to cancel the payment immediately.
Can I cancel my UK eTA application and get my money back?
You cannot cancel your UK eTA application. The £20 fee is non-refundable even if travel plans change.
Is the UK ETA fee refundable if I change my passport?
No, the UK ETA fee is non-refundable if you change passport details. You must submit and pay for a new authorisation.
Can I get a refund if I applied for someone else by mistake?
Applying by mistake does not qualify for a UK eTA refund. You cannot recover funds for duplicate applications and must apply correctly.
Are there any hidden VAT charges on the UK ETA fee?
The standard £20 UK ETA fee excludes VAT. However, third-party sites often add VAT and currency conversion fees to your bill.
Who do I contact if my UK ETA decision is delayed?
Contact UKVI directly if your UK ETA decision takes longer than 3 working days. Third-party agencies cannot expedite this process.
Does Section 75 cover UK ETA third-party scams?
Yes, Section 75 covers UK ETA overpayments above £100. For smaller amounts, use standard card scheme chargeback rules to recover funds.
Are UK ETA fees waived for humanitarian cases?
Yes, the UK eTA refund policy waives fees for specific diplomatic and humanitarian cases under the Fees Regulations 2018. Check official guidelines to apply.
Summary: The UK eTA application fee is non-refundable. Once submitted, you cannot cancel an ETA application or request your money back, even if your travel plans change or the application is rejected. However, if you accidentally paid on an unofficial third-party website, you may be able to recover funds through a credit card chargeback under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act (2026).
