Big Ben and the UK’s Houses of Parliament in London. Travel Pulse
Entering the United Kingdom could soon come at a higher cost. The UK government has proposed raising the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee by up to 60%, increasing it from £10 to £16. This move comes despite the program still being in its early stages. Currently, the ETA covers travelers from over 50 countries.
Julia Lo Bue-Said from the Advantage Travel Partnership expressed concerns about the fee increase, saying that it could harm the inbound travel sector, which is crucial for the broader travel industry. She stressed the importance of encouraging growth to benefit the economy and create jobs.
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, emphasized the necessity of maintaining seamless travel through the UK. He mentioned the growing risk that international travelers might choose European hubs over the UK, which does not require transit visas. Alderslade urged the government to make the exemption for transit passengers permanent, as they play a vital role in maintaining important global routes, particularly to emerging markets.
The ETA program, which is being rolled out in stages, now covers American citizens, among others. Although those with an ETA do not need a visa, there are concerns about the impact of the fee increase on travelers and the broader economy. The program could see an additional 30 million applications annually.
In a recent shift, the UK removed the ETA fee for passengers in transit, which had previously been part of the program.
