- UK visa fees will increase from April 9, 2025, affecting visitors, students, workers, and transit passengers
- Work visas, including the Health and Care Worker Visa and Skilled Worker Visa, will see significant fee hikes
- The UK government cites immigration management and cost-balancing as reasons for the fee adjustments
The United Kingdom has announced a substantial increase in visa fees, affecting travellers, students, and workers seeking entry into the country.
The new charges, set to take effect on April 9, 2025, will impact various visa categories, including visitor, student, work, and transit visas.
Additionally, travellers from visa-exempt countries requiring an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will face higher fees starting April 2, 2025.
The cost of a Standard Visitor Visa, valid for up to six months, will rise by approximately 10%, increasing from £115 to £127.
Longer-term visitor visas will see even steeper hikes:
- Two-year visa: £432 → £475
- Five-year visa: £771 → £848
- Ten-year visa: £963 → £1,059
ETA fees also rising
The cost of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will increase significantly.
Currently priced at $12, the fee will jump by 60% to $20 from April 2, 2025.
This change will affect travellers from visa-exempt countries who require ETA approval before visiting the UK.
Higher fees for international students
International students and their dependents will experience increased financial pressure due to the revised fees.
The standard Student Visa fee will increase from £490 to £524, applying to both main applicants and dependents.
Similarly, Child Student Visa applications will cost £524.
Short-term English language course visas (for six to eleven months) will also rise from £200 to £214.
Work Visa fee adjustments
Several work visa categories will see significant price increases:
- Health and Care Worker Visa: £367 → £470 (28.2% increase)
- Skilled Worker Visa (shortage occupations): £372 → £470 (26.3% increase)
- Innovator Founder Visa: £1,191 → £1,274
- Start-up Visa: £435 → £465
Transit and other Visa adjustments
The UK is also revising transit visa fees:
- Airside Transit Visa: £35 → £39
- Landside Transit Visa: £64 → £70
Visa extension, naturalisation, and sponsorship fees have also been adjusted, although premium services such as fast-track applications remain unchanged.
Nigeria’s strong Visa relationship with the UK
In December 2024, British High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery noted that Nigeria has been one of the major beneficiaries of the UK’s visa policies.
He revealed that in recent years, the UK had granted approximately 300,000 new visas to Nigerians, more than any other country has provided to Nigeria.
Government Justification for the Increase
The UK government states that these fee hikes are part of broader efforts to manage immigration numbers and balance the costs associated with processing visa applications.
While the changes introduce higher costs for travellers and immigrants, the UK remains a top destination for education, business, and tourism.
Japa: UK government unveils new financial criteria for visa applicants in 2025
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the United Kingdom government revealed new financial criteria for individuals applying for student, tourist, and work visas in 2025.
The UK government website confirmed that the financial guidelines for 2025 were revised in response to the country’s economic conditions, incorporating substantial changes to living cost expectations and visa application fees.