Since last year, EU citizens need an electronic registration, known as ETA, to enter the United Kingdom. This currently costs 16 pounds, but from April 8, 2026, the fee will increase to 20 pounds – an increase of about 25 percent.
Entry to the United Kingdom Becomes More Expensive: ETA Fee Increases
4-04-2026, 07:02
Anyone planning to travel to the United Kingdom will have to dig deeper into their pockets from April 8: The digital entry permit ETA is becoming more expensive. Travelers should pay attention to these things.
Submit Application in Time
The registration is done online or via an app and should be completed at least three days before departure, as processing can take up to 72 hours. As long as there are no complications (e.g., criminal convictions, past violations of immigration regulations, etc.), the issuance is usually much faster according to the Foreign Ministry. If an application is rejected, additional time is needed to apply for a visa. An appeal is not possible.
Sometimes an ETA may also be required during stopovers, for example, if a border control takes place. Only in the case of a so-called "airport transit," where no border control occurs, is an entry permit not required. "Travelers should always check with the airline in advance whether the stopover in the United Kingdom is a transit with or without border control. However, we recommend always applying for an ETA – because in the event of an unplanned landing at another British airport or in another area, it saves potential problems," advises ÖAMTC travel expert Dagmar Redek.
Digital Permits on the Rise Worldwide
Electronic travel authorizations are now standard in many countries. In the USA, for example, the ESTA is mandatory, and for Canada, the eTA. Countries like New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, or Cuba also require corresponding registrations in advance.
The USA recently announced stricter measures for the ESTA: "The required data will include information about social media activities from the past five years or previous email addresses," explains Redel. Travelers should therefore inform themselves in good time about current requirements.
Warning about expensive third-party providers
In connection with paid registrations, the ÖAMTC warns against third-party providers who charge high additional fees. These could amount to many times the official costs.
"In the best case, you pay too much, in the worst case, you end up at the airport without a valid authorization," warns Redel. Travelers should therefore ensure that they submit their applications exclusively through official platforms.
(Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article .
