The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £20 per person. This fee applies to all nationalities and is the same whether you apply through the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. Understanding the full cost breakdown helps you budget for your trip and avoid overpaying through unofficial channels.
Current UK ETA Price
The official UK ETA fee is £20 (British pounds) per applicant. This price was updated in April 2026 and applies to all applications regardless of:
- Your nationality
- Your reason for travel
- Whether you apply via app or online
- Your age (the same fee applies to children and infants)
UK ETA Cost in Other Currencies
The £20 fee converts approximately to:
- US Dollars: $25–27 USD
- Euros: €23–25 EUR
- Canadian Dollars: $34–36 CAD
- Australian Dollars: $38–40 AUD
- Japanese Yen: ¥3,800–4,000 JPY
Exchange rates fluctuate, so the exact amount in your local currency will vary. Your bank may also apply a small foreign transaction fee.
What the UK ETA Fee Covers
The £20 fee covers:
- Processing of your ETA application
- Digital travel authorisation valid for 2 years
- Multiple entries to the UK during the validity period
- Stays of up to 6 months per visit
The fee does not cover:
- Your passport
- Travel to and from the UK
- Accommodation or other travel expenses
- Any third-party service charges
Is the UK ETA Fee Refundable?
No. The £20 fee is non-refundable. This applies even if:
- Your application is refused
- You decide not to travel
- Your travel plans change
- You applied with the wrong passport
- You submitted a duplicate application
Make sure all your information is correct before submitting your application.
History of UK ETA Pricing
The UK ETA has undergone price changes since its introduction:
- October 2023 (initial rollout): £10
- April 2025: £16
- April 2026: £20
The government reviews fees periodically, and further changes are possible. Always check the current price on GOV.UK before applying.
Avoiding Overpriced UK ETA Services
One of the most important things to know about UK ETA costs is that many unofficial websites charge significantly more than the official £20 fee. Some common warning signs include:
- Websites charging $50–$150 for “expedited” processing
- Services that promise “guaranteed approval” for a higher fee
- Websites that look official but are not on GOV.UK
- Third-party apps that are not the official UK ETA app
- Email solicitations offering ETA services
The official UK ETA can only be obtained through:
The UK ETA app (published by the UK Home Office on Google Play and Apple App Store)
The GOV.UK website (apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk)
No third-party service can speed up your application or guarantee approval. The decision is made by UK Visas and Immigration, not by any private company.
UK ETA Cost for Families
If you are travelling as a family, each member needs their own ETA. For example:
| Family Size | Total Cost | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| 1 adult | £20 | ~$25 |
| 2 adults | £40 | ~$50 |
| 2 adults + 1 child | £60 | ~$75 |
| 2 adults + 2 children | £80 | ~$100 |
| 2 adults + 3 children | £100 | ~$125 |
There are no family discounts or group rates. Each application is processed individually.
UK ETA Cost vs UK Visa Cost
The ETA is significantly cheaper than a UK visa:
| Document Type | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK ETA | £20 | Minutes to 3 days |
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £127 | 3+ weeks |
| Long-term Visitor Visa (2 years) | £475 | 3+ weeks |
| Long-term Visitor Visa (5 years) | £848 | 3+ weeks |
| Long-term Visitor Visa (10 years) | £1,059 | 3+ weeks |
The ETA offers excellent value for eligible travellers who make multiple trips to the UK over its 2-year validity period.
Payment Methods for UK ETA
The UK ETA application accepts:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Debit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Payment is processed in British pounds. Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee, typically 1–3% of the purchase amount. To avoid this fee, consider using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Cost of Travel to the UK: Beyond the ETA
When budgeting for your UK trip, remember that the ETA is just one small expense. Other costs to consider:
- Flights: Varies by origin and season
- Accommodation: £50–£300+ per night
- Food: £30–£80 per day
- Transportation: £10–£50 per day
- Activities and attractions: Varies
- Travel insurance: £20–£100 for a trip
The £20 ETA fee is one of the smallest expenses in your overall travel budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my UK ETA cost more than £20?
If you paid more than £20, you likely applied through an unofficial third-party website. The official fee is £20 only when applying through the UK ETA app or GOV.UK. Unfortunately, refunds from third-party sites are difficult to obtain.
Is the UK ETA free for children?
No, the £20 fee applies to all applicants regardless of age, including infants and children.
Can I get a refund if my UK ETA is refused?
No, the £20 fee is non-refundable in all cases, including refusals.
Will the UK ETA price increase in the future?
The UK government reviews fees periodically. The price has increased from £10 to £20 since the scheme launched. Further increases are possible but not currently announced.
Do I need to pay again if I get a new passport?
Yes, if your passport expires or is replaced, you need to apply for a new ETA and pay the £20 fee again.
