London, March 25, 2025 – Travelling to the United Kingdom is about to get more expensive. Starting April 9, 2025, the UK government will increase visa fees for tourists, students, and workers. This change will affect people from all over the world who want to visit, study, or work in the country. Alongside this, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee for visa-exempt travellers will also go up from April 2, 2025. Here’s what you need to know about the new costs and how they might impact your plans.
Higher UK Visa Fees for Tourists
For visitors planning a trip to the UK, the cost of a visa is going up. The Standard Visitor Visa, which lets you stay for up to 6 months, will rise from £115 to £127. That’s a 10% jump. If you’re planning a longer stay, the fees for long-term visitor visas are increasing too:
- 2-year Long-term Visitor Visa: Now £475, up from £432 (£43 more).
- 5-year Long-term Visitor Visa: Now £848, up from £771 (£77 more).
- 10-year Long-term Visitor Visa: Now £1,059, up from £963 (£96 more).
These changes mean tourists will need to spend more to enjoy the UK’s famous landmarks, like Big Ben or Buckingham Palace.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Fee Jumps
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is for people from countries that don’t need a visa to enter. It helps check travellers before they arrive. But starting April 9, 2025, the ETA fee will rise by 60%. It’s going from $12 to $20. This increase will affect anyone flying to the UK who doesn’t need a full visa but still requires ETA approval.
UK Student Visa Fees Going Up
Students dreaming of studying in the UK will also face higher costs. The new visa fees for students are:
- Student Visa (Main Applicant & Dependants): Now £524, up from £490 (£34 more).
- Child Student Visa: Also £524, matching the adult fee.
- Short-term Study Visa (6-11 months): Now £214, up from £200 (£14 more).
This applies to anyone studying at UK universities or taking short English courses. Students will need to plan their budgets carefully with these new fees.
UK Work Visa Fees Increase
Workers heading to the UK will see bigger visa bills too. The government is raising fees for many work visa types. Here are some of the key changes:
- Health and Care Worker Visa: Now £470, up from $367 (a 28.2% rise).
- Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation Visa: Now £470, a 26.3% increase.
- Temporary Work Visa: Up by $38.
- Innovator Founder Visa: Now £1,274, up from £1,191 (£83 more).
- Start-up Visa: Now £465, up from £435.
- Minister of Religion Visa: Up by 5.6%.
These hikes will hit healthcare workers, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs the hardest. For example, the Health and Care Worker Visa increase could make it tougher for nurses and doctors to join the UK workforce.
Settlement Fee Increase
People applying for permanent residency, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), will also pay more. The fee for main applicants and their dependants will rise from £2,885 to £3,029. That’s an extra £144 per person.
What This Means for Travellers and Workers
The UK visa fee increases will make it more expensive to visit, study, or work in the country. Tourists might rethink short trips, students could face bigger financial challenges, and workers may need to negotiate better pay to cover costs. The ETA fee rise will also add pressure on visa-exempt travellers.
Experts suggest applying for visas before April 2025 to avoid the higher fees. If you’re planning a move, it’s a good idea to save extra money or look for support, like scholarships or employer sponsorship.
Final Thoughts
The UK remains a popular destination, but these visa fee hikes could change how people plan their trips or careers. Whether you’re a tourist, student, or worker, staying informed about these changes is key. Check the latest UK immigration rules and prepare your budget to avoid surprises when the new fees start in April 2025.