The UK Visa Fee Increase 2026 will bring higher application costs for many travellers and migrants planning to visit, study, work, or settle in the United Kingdom. The new fee structure will take effect on 8 April 2026 and will impact several visa categories as well as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
These changes will affect tourists, international students, skilled workers, and individuals applying for permanent settlement or citizenship. However, people who submit their applications before 8 April 2026 will still be charged under the current fee structure.
Understanding the upcoming UK Visa Fee Increase 2026 can help travellers and applicants plan ahead and potentially save money.
Introduction to the UK Visa Fee Increase 2026
The UK government regularly reviews immigration and visa costs. As part of the latest changes, the UK Visa Fee Increase 2026 will raise application fees across multiple visa categories.
The new prices will apply to:
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Visitor visas
- Work visas
- Student visas
- Settlement applications
- British citizenship applications
These changes mean that anyone planning to travel or move to the UK in the coming months should consider submitting their applications early to avoid paying higher fees.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Fee Increase
One of the major changes in the UK Visa Fee Increase 2026 involves the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA system is being introduced for travellers from countries that currently do not require a visa for short visits to the UK.
Under this system, travellers must obtain an ETA before entering the UK.
The ETA fee has increased several times since it was first introduced:
- 2023 (launch price): £10
- Current fee: £16
- From 8 April 2026: £20
The ETA will remain valid for two years, allowing travellers to make multiple visits to the UK during that period.
Citizens from regions such as Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia will be required to obtain this travel authorisation before entering the country.
Visitor Visa Fee Changes
The UK Visa Fee Increase 2026 will also affect visitor visas used for tourism, business travel, and family visits.
Several visitor visa categories will become more expensive starting in April 2026.
Updated Visitor Visa Fees
- 6-month visitor visa: £127 → £135
- 2-year visitor visa: £475 → £506
- 5-year visitor visa: £848 → £903
- 10-year visitor visa: £1,059 → £1,128
These visas allow travellers to visit the UK for short stays while maintaining flexibility through longer validity options.
Although the increases are moderate, frequent travellers and families applying together may notice a higher total cost.
Increased Costs for Work Visas
The UK Visa Fee Increase 2026 will also impact international professionals applying for work visas.
One of the most commonly used routes for foreign workers is the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa allows qualified individuals to work in the UK for approved employers.
Skilled Worker Visa Fee Changes
- Up to 3 years: £769 → £819
- Over 3 years: £1,519 → £1,618
These increases will apply to applications submitted both inside and outside the UK.
For many international professionals, the Skilled Worker Visa is the main pathway to employment in the UK, making these fee adjustments important for future applicants to consider.
Student Visa Fee Increase
International students will also be affected by the UK Visa Fee Increase 2026.
The student visa application fee will rise from:
- Current fee: £524
- New fee from April 2026: £558
This visa is required for students planning to study at universities, colleges, or other approved institutions in the UK.
The fee increase will apply to all applicants, regardless of whether they apply from inside or outside the UK.
While the increase is relatively small, students should include this change when planning their study budget and application timeline.
Settlement Application Fee Changes
Long-term migrants who wish to stay permanently in the UK will also face higher costs under the UK Visa Fee Increase 2026.
The fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will increase:
- Current fee: £1,938
- New fee: £2,064
Indefinite Leave to Remain allows eligible residents to live and work in the UK without time restrictions. It is also a key step toward applying for British citizenship.
Because of the higher fee, migrants approaching eligibility may want to submit their applications before the new rates take effect.
British Citizenship Fee Updates
The UK Visa Fee Increase 2026 also includes changes to citizenship application costs.
Updated Citizenship Fees
- Naturalisation: £1,605 → £1,709
- Adult registration: £1,540
However, there is one positive change for families.
Child Registration Fee Reduction
- Previous fee: £1,214
- New fee: £1,000
This reduction means that families registering children as British citizens will pay less than before.
For many families completing the final stage of their immigration journey, this reduction provides some financial relief.
Important Advice for Travellers and Applicants
With the UK Visa Fee Increase 2026 coming soon, applicants should keep several important points in mind.
Key Things to Know
- The new visa fees will take effect on 8 April 2026.
- Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the current fee structure.
- The fee changes affect tourists, students, workers, and long-term migrants.
- Early planning can help applicants avoid higher costs.
Submitting applications early can be especially beneficial for families or individuals applying for multiple visas.
Conclusion
The UK Visa Fee Increase 2026 will raise the cost of several visa and travel authorisations, including ETA applications, visitor visas, work visas, student visas, settlement applications, and citizenship requests.
These new fees will apply from 8 April 2026, meaning travellers and migrants should review their plans and consider submitting applications before the deadline if possible.
Although the increases are relatively moderate, they may still add to the overall cost of travelling or moving to the UK. Planning ahead and applying early can help reduce expenses and ensure a smoother immigration process.
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