If you travel to the UK regularly, or you are planning international movement for your family, there is a practical change you should not ignore. From 8 April 2026, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee will rise from £16 to £20. That is a 25% increase for a travel permission that many non-visa nationals now need before boarding transport to the UK.

The increase may look modest at first glance, but for families and frequent travellers it adds up quickly. A family of 4 will now pay £80 instead of £64, and each traveller, including children and babies, still needs their own ETA. The ETA remains valid for 2 years, or until the passport linked to it expires, whichever comes first, and it still allows multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time.

What this means for you now

The main point is simple: if you are travelling on or after 8 April 2026, you should budget for the higher fee and make sure you apply through the official UK process rather than through third-party sites that may charge more. The Home Office says most applicants receive a decision quickly, often within minutes through the official app, but it still recommends applying at least 3 working days before travel in case a case needs further review.

This matters even more if your plans involve complex cross-border living. Families comparing global residency and citizenship programmes, weighing residency by investment vs citizenship by investment, or reviewing comparing residency & citizenship programmes should treat the ETA as part of wider mobility planning, not just a last-minute travel form.

Who should pay particular attention

You should check the rules carefully if you are a non-visa national visiting for tourism, family visits, short business trips, or similar purposes. The UK Government says most visitors travelling to the UK need an ETA or a visa, depending on nationality and reason for travel. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA, and people who already have permission to live, work or study in the UK generally do not need one either. There is also an important transit point: some passengers who do not pass through UK border control at Heathrow or Manchester currently do not need an ETA.

For internationally minded families, this is also a reminder that flexibility matters. If you are already exploring routes such as the UK Self-Sponsorship Visa, the UK Expansion Worker Visa, the United Kingdom immigration overview, or broader UK immigration insights, travel permissions and long-term status should always be viewed together.

Practical steps to take

• Check whether you need an ETA before booking
• Apply through the official UK channel only
• Budget £20 per person from 8 April
• Review passport validity before applying
• Allow at least 3 working days where possible
• Reassess family mobility plans if you travel often
• Compare UK access with routes like the Portugal Golden Visa lawyer page, Portugal investment funds, and the Greece Golden Visa

For many people, the ETA fee rise is a small administrative update. For globally mobile families, it is another sign that border access is becoming more digital, more structured, and more important to plan properly. If you want tailored advice on travel flexibility, residency, or second citizenship strategy, contact Coates Global and speak to a team that understands how small rule changes can affect much bigger decisions.