The United Kingdom has increased its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee by 25%, raising costs for Indian travelers transiting through British airports. The fee jumped from £16 to £20 effective April 9, 2026.
UK ETA Fee Structure for Indian Passport Holders
Indian citizens who are visa-exempt for standard tourism visits up to 6 months only need an ETA when traveling to or through the UK. They do not require a separate visit visa for standard tourism.
| Detail | Cost |
|---|---|
| UK ETA Fee (New) | £20 |
| Previous ETA Fee | £16 |
| Fee Increase | 25% |
| Effective Date | April 9, 2026 |
The Home Office attributed the increase to “operational costs” of scaling the ETA system nationwide.
Impact on Indian Business and Holiday Travelers
Frequent travelers, including senior executives who transit through London hubs, will need to factor higher annual mobility costs into their travel budgets. Airlines have issued warnings that passengers lacking an approved ETA risk being denied boarding.
For Indian travelers planning UK trips, our UK Visa Guide provides comprehensive information about visa requirements and application procedures. Use our Visa Fee Calculator to estimate total costs including ETA fees.
Processing Times and Travel Planning
Immigration advisers recommend building at least 96 hours into travel schedules for ETA processing until approval rates stabilize. The digital permit is required even for travelers transiting through UK airports en route to other destinations.
Additional UK Fee Increases in 2026
The ETA fee increase coincides with broader cost rises across UK immigration services. The same day saw a 6-7% increase in most UK visa categories and an 8% jump in British passport fees, all effective April 9, 2026.
Indian travelers can check current processing times and plan accordingly using our Processing Times tool to avoid last-minute complications.
FAQ
Q: How much does the UK ETA cost now for Indian travelers? A: The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation now costs £20, increased from the previous fee of £16.
Q: Do Indian passport holders need both a UK visa and ETA? A: Indian citizens who are visa-exempt for standard tourism visits up to 6 months only need an ETA. They do not require a separate visit visa for standard tourism.
Q: When did the UK ETA fee increase take effect? A: The 25% fee increase became effective on April 9, 2026.
Q: How long does UK ETA processing take for Indian travelers? A: Immigration advisers recommend allowing at least 96 hours for ETA processing until approval rates stabilise.
Q: What happens if I don’t have an approved ETA when flying? A: Airlines have warned that passengers without an approved ETA risk being denied boarding for flights involving UK transit or entry.
Source: UK Home Office, United Kingdom