Travelling, studying, or working in the United Kingdom is about to become more expensive as the UK government prepares to implement significant increases in visa fees.
The new charges, set to take effect from April 9, 2025, will impact visitors, students, and professionals seeking to relocate to the UK, BusinessDay reports.
Additionally, even travellers from visa-exempt countries will have to pay more for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), with a sharp increase in fees beginning a week earlier, on April 2, 2025.
International travellers applying for UK visas will face notable price hikes across multiple categories.
According to travelbiz, the cost of a Standard Visitor Visa, valid for up to six months, will rise by 10%, moving from £115 to £127. Those seeking long-term visitor visas will see even steeper increases.
According to BusinessDay, the two-year visa fee will climb from £432 to £475, while the five-year visa will rise from £771 to £848. The costliest option, a 10-year visa, will jump by £96, reaching £1,059.
Meanwhile, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which was introduced for visa-exempt travellers to allow pre-arrival security checks, is also set for a price hike.
It noted that the current ETA fee of $12 will increase by 60% to $20 from April 2, 2025. This change will impact travellers from countries that do not require a visa but must obtain ETA approval before flying to the UK.
“For international students, the rising visa costs mean additional financial strain. The standard Student Visa fee for both main applicants and their dependants will increase from £490 to £524. The same rate will apply to Child Student Visa applications.
“Additionally, those pursuing short-term English language courses of six to eleven months will have to pay £214, up from the current £200.
“The work visa category is also experiencing substantial increases, particularly for skilled professionals and healthcare workers”, it reported
Travelbiz also noted that the Health and Care Worker Visa will see one of the steepest hikes, rising by 28.2% from $367 to $470. Similarly, the Skilled Worker Visa for those in shortage occupations will increase to £470, reflecting a 26.3% rise.
It also reported that entrepreneurs applying for the Innovator Founder Visa will have to pay £1,274, up from £1,191, while the Start-up Visa will now cost £465 instead of £435.
“Individuals applying for permanent residency in the UK through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will also be affected. The application fee for ILR will rise from £2,885 to £3,029, an increase of £144,” it added.
Analysts argued that these new visa fees add to the financial burden of those looking to visit, study, or work in the UK.
They advise prospective applicants to submit their applications before the changes take effect in April 2025 to avoid the additional costs.
Those affected are also encouraged to explore alternative funding, sponsorships, or employer-backed visa routes where applicable.
Travelbiz advised that with immigration costs on the rise, staying informed about UK visa policies is essential for those planning to move or travel to the country.
