Planning a trip to the UK in 2025? You’ve likely heard about the new must-have travel permit: the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This new system is now in full swing, replacing the old visa-waiver process for many visitors, including those from the US, Canada, Australia, and all across Europe.
While the new process is designed to be smooth, the number one question on every traveller’s mind is: How much is the UK ETA?
There’s a lot of confusion online. You might see different prices, hear about “hidden fees,” or wonder if you’re on an official website.
Don’t worry. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the UK ETA cost in 2025. We’ll cover the official UK ETA fee, exactly what’s included, all accepted payment methods, and—most importantly—how to avoid costly mistakes and unofficial scams.
Let’s get straight to it.
What is the Official UK ETA Cost in 2025?
The big answer first: the application fee for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is £26 per person.
You may see other prices mentioned online, and there’s a good reason for that. However, as of April 9, 2025, the ETA price was updated to £26.
This £26 fee is the only charge you should pay to the UK government for your application. It’s a non-refundable processing fee, which means you won’t get your money back, even if your application is denied.
What’s Included in Your £26 Application Fee? (The Value Breakdown)
So, what does that £26 actually get you? It’s easy to see it as just another travel tax, but the UK ETA actually offers significant value compared to traditional visas or even the old system.
Think of it as your “key to the UK” for the next two years.
1. Two Years of Travel Access
Your approved ETA is not for a single trip. It is valid for two full years from the date it’s issued. The only exception is if your passport expires sooner; in that case, your ETA expires with your passport, as the two are digitally linked.
2. Multiple Entries Allowed
During that two-year validity period, you can take multiple trips to the UK. You don’t need to re-apply or pay another fee every time you visit. This is perfect for frequent travellers, business professionals, or those visiting family.
3. Covers All Four UK Countries
The £26 fee covers travel to all four constituent countries of the United Kingdom:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
4. Valid for All Standard Visit Purposes
This single permit covers you for all the most common travel reasons:
- Tourism: Sightseeing, holidays, and exploring.
- Visiting Family & Friends: Spending time with loved ones.
- Short-Term Study: Courses lasting up to 6 months.
- Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
When you compare this £26 price tag for two years of access against the cost (and hassle) of a traditional visitor visa, which can cost over £100, the ETA is clearly a much more affordable and streamlined travel permit.
Accepted Payment Methods for the UK ETA
Okay, so you’re ready to pay your £26. How does the UK government actually take your money?
The payment process is the final step of the application, which you’ll complete on our official “UK ETA” website.
The system is modern, secure, and accepts the most common forms of digital payment.
Accepted Payment Methods
We accept all major payment methods for the £26 application fee. Please choose your preferred secure option:
- Credit & Debit Cards: We welcome all major cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
- Digital Wallets: For a faster checkout, you can use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Using a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay is often the fastest and easiest method, as it fills in your details with a single tap.
What’s NOT Accepted? (Important!)
This is where some travellers get stuck. You cannot pay for your UK ETA application using:
- Cryptocurrency
- Cash or Cheques (it’s a 100% online application)
Common Pitfalls: How to Avoid Paying More Than £26
This is, without a doubt, the most important section of this guide. The £26 fee is straightforward, but it’s alarmingly easy to pay more if you’re not careful.
The two biggest traps are unofficial websites and application errors.
Warning: Unofficial Third-Party Websites
The internet is flooded with “visa service” websites that look incredibly official. They use UK flags, GOV.UK in their web address, and promise “fast-track” or “guaranteed” approval.
These are almost always a scam.
These sites will charge you an exorbitant “processing fee” on top of the government’s fee. For example, some travellers have reported being charged £80 to over £100 for the exact same £26 application. All these sites do is take the information you gave them, type it into the real government website, and pocket the difference.
How to avoid this:
- ONLY apply using the official “UK ETA” website (the best method).
The Cost of a Mistake: The Non-Refundable Fee
Remember when we said the £26 fee is non-refundable? This is where it really matters.
The ETA application is fast, but it demands 100% accuracy. A simple typo in your name, date of birth, or passport number will invalidate your ETA.
- If you spell your name wrong? You must re-apply and pay £26 again.
- If you mistype one digit of your passport number? You must re-apply and pay £26 again.
Your ETA is digitally linked to your exact passport details. If the information on your approved ETA doesn’t match your passport perfectly, you will be denied boarding by your airline. This is a costly and stressful mistake that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Need Peace of Mind? How a Trusted Service Can Help
Given the “no-refund” policy and the risk of costly typos, many travellers feel understandably anxious about the application. For those who want to ensure their application is perfect before it’s submitted, a trusted review service can be a smart option.
While you can and should be wary of “scam” sites, legitimate services exist to provide a layer of human review. The £26 fee is non-refundable, so a simple typo can be costly. For travellers who want total peace of mind, ensuring every detail is checked and verified before submission, a trusted service can be invaluable.
For example, services at https://etauk.ae/ specialize in reviewing and processing applications to ensure they are error-free. This kind of service provides expert review and guidance, saving you potential headaches and the cost of a re-application. It’s a way to get it right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UK ETA Costs
Let’s answer a few more quick-fire questions.
1. Do I have to pay for a UK ETA for my children?
Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, must have their own individual ETA. This includes babies and children. The £26 application fee applies to each child’s application.
2. I thought the UK ETA fee was £10. Why is it £26?
You’re not misremembering! The fee was £10 during the initial rollout. The UK government increased the application fee to £26 on April 9, 2025. This is now the correct and current price.
3. Is the £26 fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. The £26 is an application processing fee, not a purchase. You are paying for the government to review your application, not for the ETA itself. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
4. Can I pay for my whole family in one transaction?
When applying through the official channels, each application is generally processed individually. However, you can use the same payment method (e.g., your credit card) to pay the £26 fee for each member of your family, one after the other.
5. Is the £26 fee a one-time cost?
It’s a one-time cost per application. Your approved ETA lasts for two years. You will only need to pay the £26 fee again when your ETA expires (after two years) or when you get a new passport, at which point you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Conclusion: Your £26 Key to the UK
So, there you have it. The official UK ETA cost in 2025 is £26.
This £26 fee grants you a two-year, multi-entry digital permit to explore everything the UK has to offer. You can pay it easily with a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
The most important things to remember are:
- Use the official channel: Apply only via the “UK ETA” website.
- Avoid third-party scams: Never pay more than the £26 fee.
- Double-check everything: A typo will cost you another £26.
Now that you’re an expert on the UK ETA cost, you can plan your trip with confidence.
For more details on the application process, check out this guide on how to apply for a UK ETA.
