UK ETA Cost

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom involves more than just booking flights and packing bags – it also means taking care of entry requirements. If you’re visiting the UK from a country that doesn’t require a traditional visa for short stays, you will soon need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

One of the first questions many travelers ask is: How much will a UK ETA cost? In this guide, we break down the UK ETA cost, including the official government fee and our service charge. You’ll learn what the fee covers (such as how long the ETA lasts and how many trips it allows), why our service charges an extra $19 for assistance, which payment methods are accepted, our refund policy, and whether fees vary for children or different nationalities. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the expenses involved and the value you get for your money.

Official UK ETA Fee (2025)

As of 2025, the UK government’s official fee for an ETA application is £16.37 per person. This fee helps cover the UK’s processing and security costs for the ETA system. This is the amount paid to the UK Home Office when applying through the official channel (such as the government website or the official UK ETA app). In U.S. dollars, £16.37 is roughly $21.

Importantly, this fee is per traveler – every individual who needs an ETA must pay it. This includes babies and children; even infants traveling to the UK require their own ETA and therefore each must have the fee paid. There are no discounted rates for minors – the cost is the same for all ages. So if you’re traveling with family, be sure to budget for each member’s ETA fee.

Upcoming Fee Update: From April 2025 , the ETA fee is likely set to increase (Official sources say*). 

What Does the ETA Fee Cover? (Validity and Entries)

The UK ETA fee isn’t just for a single trip. Once approved, an ETA is valid for two years (24 months) or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that period, you can enter the UK multiple times without needing to reapply. Each visit can be up to 6 months long for tourism, business, or other permitted short stays.

One payment effectively covers numerous entries to the UK over two years, making the cost per trip very low for frequent visitors.

How Much Does the ETA Cost?

Unlock the power of our exclusive fee tool—simply choose your nationality and, in moments, pinpoint the exact fee you need to pay.

Understanding the UK ETA Fee Structure 

It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the cost components involved in obtaining an ETA. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the charges you can expect:

Government Fee:

This is the mandatory fee set by the UK government for processing your ETA application. Currently, it is £29 per person, and it will increase from April 2025 . This fee covers administrative tasks, security checks, and other essential processing requirements that the government undertakes.

Service Fee:

In addition to the government fee, our independent agency charges a service fee. Unlike the government fee, this cost is for our professional assistance. Our team reviews and processes your application, ensuring that every detail is correct and that the process is smooth from start to finish. This service charge is separate from the official fee and reflects the added value of expert support and convenience.

Processing Efficiency:

The UK ETA system is designed to be straightforward with a single standard processing option. But our service guarantees efficient handling and prompt delivery by providing you with expedited processing options (rush or super rush processing) so you can plan your travel without delays. 

Exchange Rate Considerations:

Since the government fee is fixed in British pounds, if you are paying in another currency, your final cost might be slightly affected by your bank’s conversion rates or any applicable currency conversion fees. This means that while the fee remains constant in GBP, the exact amount in your local currency can vary.

UK ETA Final Cost Breakdown

To help you budget with clarity, here’s how your total UK ETA cost is calculated:

1. Government Fee – Mandatory charge by the UK government.
   
   
2. Service Fee – Covers the assistance and processing support we provide.
   
   
3. Rush/Super Rush Fee(if selected) – Additional cost for expedited processing.
   
   

Total ETA Cost = Government Fee + Service Fee + (Rush/Super Rush Fee, if applicable)

We keep it transparent so you know exactly what you’re paying for—no hidden charges!

UK ETA Processing Speeds at a Glance

Need‑to‑know in a nutshell

• Speed vs. cost: Standard is included in the base ETA fee; Rush and Super Rush cost progressively more.
• Outcome is identical: All three routes end with the same ETA—only the queue position changes.
• Plan ahead when you can: If your trip isn’t imminent, Standard is usually all you need. Otherwise, upgrade for faster clearance and a lighter travel‑stress load.

Our Professional ETA Service Fee of $19 (What It Includes)

While the official ETA fee goes to the UK government, you may choose to use a professional visa assistance service (like ours) to handle your application. Our service charges a fee of $19 USD per applicant to cover the work of helping you obtain your ETA. Note that this $19 is our service fee for assistance – we are an independent agency and not affiliated with the UK government. The service fee covers the personalized support and convenience we provide, in addition to the official government fee (which we collect and pass on to the UK authorities on your behalf).

Why pay extra for service? For many travelers, it’s about ease and peace of mind. Our professional service offers:

Many travelers feel that the $19 service fee is worth it for the ease and peace of mind it provides. It’s like hiring a visa expert – you can do it yourself, but having an expert handle the paperwork ensures everything is done right with minimal effort from you. 

Using our service doesn’t change what the ETA provides: once approved, your ETA will still be valid for 2 years, allow multiple entries, and up to 6 months per visit. We simply make the process easier and handle the details on your behalf. (All fees are transparently shown before you finalize your application on our site.)

Accepted Payment Methods for ETA Fees

You can pay the ETA fee using major credit or debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard or American Express. The official application also accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay for convenient mobile payment. Our service supports these same payment methods, and we may offer additional options like PayPal to accommodate international applicants.

Keep in mind that the official UK ETA fee is charged in British Pounds (GBP). If your card is in a different currency, your bank will convert the amount automatically. On our website, we display fees in USD for clarity, but you can pay with any standard international card and our system will handle the currency conversion. Rest assured that all payments are processed through secure, encrypted platforms, whether you apply via the government site or through our UK ETA Application Form.

Refund Policy: Can ETA Fees be Refunded?

In nearly all cases, ETA fees are non-refundable once the application is processed. This means that the UK government will not return the charged fee even if an ETA is refused, and similarly, our service fee cannot be refunded after we have submitted your application. The fees cover the administrative work done on your request, so they are generally not returned even if your travel plans change or the ETA is denied.

It’s crucial to double-check all your information before submitting the application to avoid any mistakes (our service helps with this by reviewing your details). If you catch an error very early or have an unusual circumstance, contact the UK ETA Support Team and we’ll do our best to assist, but as a rule, refunds are not available for ETA applications once payment is made.

ETA Fees for Children and Travelers of Different Nationalities

Fees for Children: Every traveler who needs an ETA must pay the fee, and there are no exemptions or discounts for children. Even infants and minors each need their own ETA and must pay the same amount. Families should budget for each member’s ETA. (Each child’s ETA is valid for two years and multiple entries, just like an adult’s.)

Variations by Nationality: The ETA fee is the same fixed amount for all nationalities that require an ETA. There are no nationality-based discounts or surcharges – everyone pays the standard fee set by the UK government. (Of course, if you are a citizen who doesn’t need an ETA – such as a UK or Irish citizen, or someone with a valid UK visa – then you don’t pay this fee at all. But if you do need an ETA, your nationality doesn’t change the cost.)

3‑Step UK ETA Application Guide 

Step 1 – Complete the Online Form 

Head to the ETA portal and launch your UK ETA Application. Carefully enter:

• Personal details exactly as in your passport (full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issue/expiry dates).
• Trip information (purpose of visit, estimated arrival and departure, and where you’ll stay if you know it).
• Processing speed that suits you—Standard, Rush, or Super Rush—for faster turnaround when time is tight.

Double‑check everything; typos are the top reason for delays or rejections.

Step 2 – Upload & Pay 

Attach a crisp passport scan and a passport‑style photo, following the on‑screen guidelines. Next, settle the ETA fee with a credit/debit card (remember: prices rise after 9 April 2025 ). Keep the payment receipt for your records.

Step 3 – Submit, Track, and Receive Approval 

Click Submit to lodge your application and save the confirmation/reference number that appears. You’ll get an email once the UK authorities process your ETA. 

When it lands—usually just a digital notice—note the approval number and validity dates; no paper document is issued, but your ETA is now linked to your passport and ready for your trip.

Note: Save your reference number in case you need to Check your UK ETA Application Status.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the UK ETA cost, and what if I use your service? Do children need to pay for a UK ETA? Is the ETA fee a one-time payment for multiple trips? What payment methods can I use to pay the ETA fee? Can I get a refund if my ETA is denied or if I cancel my trip?