UK to hike visa fees ahead of ETA launch next month

Ministers said that increasing costs of visas for both tourists and workers will allow more funding “for public sector pay rises”.

Under the changes laid down in parliament on Friday (15 September), from 4 October a visa for a visit of up to six months will go up by £15 to £115, while student visas from outside the UK will go up to £490. 

Those looking to come to the UK for a short stay will instead have to pay a £10 fee, as announced by ministers in June.

“Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all,” the government set in a statement. 

First introduced for visitors to Qatar, the ETA will be expanded to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE nationals, with more countries to be added at a later date.