UK Government Announces Fee Increases and Changes to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Rules

The UK Home Office has announced significant changes to immigration and nationality fees, as well as updates to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rules. These measures, which were announced on Thursday, 16 January 2025, are part of the government’s strategy to reduce taxpayer reliance on funding the migration and border system. Below, we break down the key updates, their implications, and what they mean for individuals and sponsors.

1. Fee Increases: What You Need to Know

The UK government has reviewed and proposed increases to various immigration and nationality fees, which have now been laid before Parliament for debate and approval. If approved, the changes will be introduced by amending the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018 as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Key Fee Increases

The proposed changes include significant fee increases across multiple immigration products and services. These include:

• • Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):
    The fee for an ETA will increase to £16. ETAs are required for individuals travelling to the UK from visa-free countries.
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (Work Routes):
    Employers sponsoring workers under skilled work routes will see the fee for a Certificate of Sponsorship increase to £525.
  • Naturalisation as a British Citizen:
    The cost to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation will rise to £1,605.
  • Other Nationality Services:
    Additional fee increases will apply to a range of nationality services, the details of which can be found in the official fee table (linked below).

Why Are Fees Increasing?

According to the Home Office, these changes are intended to address funding challenges in the migration and border system. By increasing fees, the government aims to reduce reliance on taxpayer contributions to sustain and improve immigration services. The review reflects a broader shift toward a user-funded model, ensuring those who benefit from these services contribute more toward their operational costs.

2. Changes to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Rules

In addition to fee adjustments, the government has announced updates to the rules governing Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs), specifically relating to airside transit.

Temporary Airside Transit Exemption

Passengers transiting airside through the UK without passing through border control at specific airports will now be temporarily exempt from requiring an ETA. This exemption applies to two major UK airports:

• • • Heathrow Airport
    • Manchester Airport

The exemption is effective immediately from 16 January 2025 and follows feedback from the aviation industry, which raised concerns about the impact of ETA requirements on transit passengers. The exemption will remain under review and could be subject to future changes.

What Is Airside Transit?

Airside transit allows passengers to remain in an airport’s international transit area without clearing immigration. Under the new rules, those who do not pass through UK border control while connecting flights at Heathrow or Manchester airports will not need to apply for an ETA.

This exemption is expected to streamline transit processes for international passengers and reduce potential delays for airlines.

3. What Happens Next?

The proposed fee increases and changes to the ETA regulations have been laid before Parliament. The next steps include:

Parliamentary Debate and Approval:

The changes will be discussed and debated in both Houses of Parliament. If approved, the government will move to amend the existing Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018.

Implementation Timeline:

Once approved, the new fees will come into effect as soon as Parliamentary time allows. The airside transit exemption for ETAs is already in force as of 16 January 2025.

Ongoing Review:

The government has stated that all immigration fees and exemptions will remain under regular review to ensure they meet funding needs and reflect operational realities.

4. Implications for Sponsors and Applicants

For Employers and Sponsors

Employers sponsoring workers under UK work visa routes will need to prepare for the increase in the Certificate of Sponsorship fee to £525. This change will increase the overall costs associated with hiring skilled workers from abroad. Employers are advised to review their budgets and plan for the financial impact of these changes.

For Individual Applicants

Individuals applying for UK visas or nationality services will face higher costs. Most notably:

• • • Those seeking British citizenship through naturalisation will now need to pay £1,605.
    • Visitors from visa-free countries who require an ETA to travel to the UK will face an increased fee of £16.

It is crucial for applicants to plan ahead and ensure they have accounted for these higher fees when budgeting for their immigration applications.

For Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting airside at Heathrow or Manchester Airports will benefit from the temporary ETA exemption. However, individuals should stay informed as this exemption is subject to ongoing review.

5. Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The UK government’s announcement marks a significant shift in how immigration and nationality services are funded. The fee increases are intended to reduce reliance on taxpayers and ensure the sustainability of the migration system.

Steps to Take Now

• • Employers should review their budgets to accommodate increased costs for Certificates of Sponsorship.
  • Individuals planning to apply for UK nationality or visa services should prepare for higher fees and apply promptly if possible.
  • Passengers transiting airside should check the latest rules before travelling to ensure compliance with ETA requirements.

For further information, the following resources are available:

• • Fee Details Table
  • The Fees Order
  • Explanatory Memorandum

If you have any questions regarding these changes, you can contact:

• For Fee Increases: fbisengagement@homeoffice.gov.uk
• For ETA Changes: etaengagement@homeoffice.gov.uk