Travel to London Set to Become Significantly More Expensive

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The cost of travelling to the United Kingdom is expected to rise once again, as the British government plans a further increase in fees for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The charge is set to climb by roughly 25 percent, reaching 20 British pounds—about 23 euros.

Since 2 April 2025, Austrian citizens and all other travellers from EU member states have been required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK, unless they hold a British passport or have applied for a visa. The system, similar to the U.S. ESTA, is mandatory for short stays and must be approved before departure.

If implemented, the new fee would mark the second increase within a short period. The charge was raised from 10 to 16 pounds just last year. The latest proposal still awaits approval from the British Parliament.

The ETA can be requested online or via an app. Once submitted, applications undergo a security check before permission to enter England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland is granted—or denied. Until now, the UK has reportedly not enforced the requirement with full strictness.

That is set to change. Beginning 25 February 2026, the government intends to eliminate all exceptions for more than 80 visa‑exempt nationalities. Airlines will be required to verify the validity of each passenger’s ETA before check‑in, making compliance unavoidable.

According to the government, the digitalisation of border controls is designed to strengthen security and streamline the arrival process. Authorities argue that pre‑screening travellers will help identify potential risks before they board a plane.

However, travel and tourism experts warn that rising fees could make the UK a less appealing destination. Compared internationally, the cost of a simple entry authorisation is already high, and further increases may deter budget‑conscious travellers.