Published on
January 27, 2026
Iceland joins Finland, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, and more than thirty-five other European countries facing tougher travel conditions as the UK enforces a 25% increase in its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee, raising it from £16 to £20 in April 2026. This follows a previous hike in 2025, when the ETA fee jumped from £10 to £16, reflecting the UK government’s effort to secure additional revenue to maintain its immigration system and border control measures. The increase in ETA fees marks a broader shift across Europe, as several nations adjust to more stringent travel regulations and higher costs. With the UK’s move to raise visitor visa fees as well, travelers face escalating costs, intensifying the financial burden on tourists. These developments signal a continued trend toward tougher travel conditions in Europe, affecting both short-term and long-term visitors alike. As border control measures tighten and costs rise, tourists and international travelers may need to adjust their plans accordingly, considering not only the increased fees but also the broader impact on their travel experiences.
The UK government’s recent decision to increase its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fees has sent shockwaves across the travel and tourism industry. This decision, which will affect nationals from more than thirty-five European countries, signals the UK’s growing costs for entry into the country. While the changes primarily impact short-term visitors, the fee increases could have far-reaching consequences, especially for travelers across Europe.
As the UK tightens its visa policies and raises the cost of entry, many European countries will see an immediate rise in travel costs. Let’s take a deeper dive into the proposed changes, the countries that will be most affected, and the broader impact on tourism to the UK.
The UK’s ETA Fee Increase Explained
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system was introduced by the UK government in 2023 to streamline border control and enhance security. It allows nationals from countries that are visa-exempt (including most European Union (EU) countries) to travel to the UK without a traditional visa. However, the process requires an online application and an approval before travel.
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In April 2026, the UK government is set to increase the ETA fee by twenty-five percent, from £16 to £20. This fee hike marks a significant rise from its previous increase in 2025, when the cost jumped by 60%, from £10 to £16. The UK’s government has stated that this fee adjustment is crucial for maintaining the operational costs of the immigration system.
Visitor visa fees are also set to rise. The cost for a two-year visitor visa will increase from £475 to £506, a rise of £31. These fee increases are part of a broader strategy by the UK government to increase revenue for its immigration services and border control measures.
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Why is the UK Raising ETA Fees?
According to UK government officials, the fee hikes are designed to support the growing costs of running the country’s immigration and border security infrastructure. The fees collected from travelers are earmarked to maintain and improve border security systems, processing times, and the overall efficiency of entry systems.
The ETA system, which requires online pre-travel authorisation, was first introduced as part of the UK’s push for more efficient and secure border entry processes. It’s an essential tool for visa-exempt travelers, allowing them to access the UK for tourism, business, or short stays of up to 6 months. While the implementation of such a system helps mitigate risks associated with illegal immigration, the recent fee increases have sparked backlash from many quarters.
The UK is also facing increased competition from other European destinations. As these countries raise the entry fees, travelers may be dissuaded from visiting the UK due to the higher costs involved.
The Impact on Travelers and European Countries
The ETA fee increase will affect a broad swath of travelers from European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, which traditionally have enjoyed visa-free access to the UK. Here’s a closer look at the countries that will be affected by this fee hike:
Affected European CountriesAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyLatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenAdditional EFTA Countries:SwitzerlandNorwayIcelandLiechtensteinMicrostates with Exemptions:AndorraMonacoSan MarinoVatican CityThe Growing Travel Challenges
With the ETA fee increase, nationals from the above-listed countries will face a sharp rise in travel costs, particularly those traveling for leisure or business. In an increasingly competitive travel market, these increases may prompt travelers to reconsider their destination choices.
The increase in the ETA fee affects both tourists and business travelers from European countries, who now face new challenges when planning their trips to the UK. While UK-based businesses might view the fee increase as a measure to safeguard immigration revenue, the wider impact on the UK tourism sector could be significant. Higher costs may discourage tourists, especially those traveling on a budget or for short trips.
Moreover, this fee increase comes just a few years after the UK raised the visitor visa costs in 2025, adding £31 to the price of a two-year visitor visa. These rising entry costs may cause travelers to question the value of visiting the UK.
Broader Impact on the UK Tourism Industry
The impact of the UK’s visa and ETA fee hikes will extend far beyond just travelers paying more to enter the country. Tourism businesses — including hotels, airlines, and tour operators — may also see changes in visitor behavior. For many low-cost travelers, the additional charges could make other destinations in Europe more attractive, especially if they are cheaper or have fewer bureaucratic hurdles to entry.
At a macro level, the tourism industry’s growth may slow. Visitors from the European Union (EU), who form a significant portion of the UK’s incoming tourism numbers, might find the higher costs a deterrent to travel. Countries like France, Germany, and Spain, which have close geographical proximity to the UK, may see travelers opting for neighboring destinations instead.
Alternative Travel Options
As the cost of traveling to the UK rises, many travelers may opt for cheaper and simpler alternatives. For example, many European travelers may prefer to visit Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, or Southern Europe, where travel costs may remain relatively stable or lower. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and Portugal, which are also part of the EU, provide attractive tourist destinations that offer lower overall costs for travelers.
Additionally, Schengen Zone countries, where citizens can travel freely without a visa or ETA, might benefit from this shift in visitor preferences. The freedom of movement within the Schengen Area could make travel within the EU more appealing for Europeans, especially as the UK increases its entry requirements.
What Travelers Can Do to Prepare
For those traveling to the UK after the new fee increases take effect, it’s important to prepare in advance. Applications for the ETA can be completed online through the UK Home Office website, but travelers should be prepared to pay the new fee of £20. Here’s what travelers need to do:
Apply Early: As the UK’s border control system becomes stricter, make sure to apply for the ETA as soon as you plan your trip. This will help avoid delays.Check Your Passport Validity: The ETA is only valid for two years, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.Prepare for Longer Processing Times: While the application process is generally fast, during peak travel seasons, travelers may experience delays. Plan ahead and allow enough time for processing.Check if You Qualify for the ETA: Not all travelers are eligible. Make sure you fall under the list of visa-exempt countries. Citizens of countries like India and China, who need a full visitor visa, will not be affected by the ETA fee rise.
The UK’s decision to increase the ETA visa fee by twenty-five percent has significant implications for European travelers, particularly those from the EU and EFTA countries. As travel costs rise, tourism businesses in the UK may need to rethink their pricing strategies and marketing campaigns to remain competitive.
With travelers now facing additional travel costs, many may look for alternative destinations within the EU or nearby regions. However, the UK remains a leading tourist destination, and these changes may also drive a more streamlined process for entry in the long run.
Iceland joins Finland, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, and over thirty-five European countries facing tougher travel conditions as the UK raises its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee by 25%, from £16 to £20 in April 2026. This fee hike follows previous increases, reflecting the UK’s push to bolster funding for its immigration and border control system.
The UK ETA system aims to create a more secure and efficient immigration process, but as travel challenges increase, it is crucial for both travelers and industry stakeholders to adapt to the evolving landscape of international travel. For now, travelers should ensure that they plan ahead, secure their ETA in advance, and brace for the higher fees that will come into effect by April 2026.
