The UK Government has confirmed an increase in visa fees as part of its Spring Statement on 26 March.
The announcement was presented to Parliament by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Home Office Fees: Increase ETA, visa, sponsorship, immigration, nationality and passport fees from April 2025
According to the statement, from 9 April 2025, the UK Government will increase fees for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), visas, sponsorship, immigration, nationality, and passports.
Key changes include a rise in the ETA fee from £10 to £16, around 10% increases for visit visas, and a significant 120% increase for Certificates of Sponsorship and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
Additionally, travel document fees will rise from 10 April 2025.
Joss Croft OBE, CEO at UKinbound, UK’s only trade association representing the inbound tourism sector, said:
“It is deeply disappointing that the Chancellor has announced an increase in visa costs, which run counter to the government’s welcome ambition to increase international visitors to 50m by 2030. Inbound tourism has the potential to help deliver the government’s growth objectives but this decision flies in the face of that.”
He continued: “Our inbound tourism industry already battles with sky high costs and increasing visa fees further makes the UK even less competitive for international visitors. We have already seen costs for ETAs increase by 60% and this is the third rise in visa costs in 18 months.”
Finally, Croft said: “We urge the government to review all UK tourism costs and taxes as part of its planned Tourism Strategy and to focus on removing this competitive disadvantage that holds back growing international visitor numbers and stifles economic growth across the whole of the United Kingdom.”
