The United Kingdom has officially announced an increment in visa fees across multiple categories, including tourist, student, sponsorship, and transit visas. The revised charges are set to take effect from April 9, 2025.
Under the updated fee structure, the cost of a six-month tourist visa will increase from £115 to £127, marking an almost 7% rise. Similarly, applicants seeking a two-year visitor visa will now pay £475 instead of the previous £432. The fees for longer-term visitor visas have also been adjusted, with a five-year visa now costing £848, up from £670, while a ten-year visa will now require £1,059, an increase from £837.
Students and their dependents will experience a 10% hike in visa fees, as the cost moves from £490 to £524. The price adjustments extend to transit visas, with air passengers now required to pay £39, up from £35, and land travellers paying £70 instead of £64.
Beyond these categories, the fee adjustments will also apply to visa extensions, skilled worker visas, naturalisation applications, and electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). However, premium services such as fast-track processing and priority sponsorship fees remain unchanged.
The UK government has stated that the decision to increase visa fees aligns with its broader immigration policies and efforts to manage the country’s immigration system effectively. This move is expected to generate additional revenue, which may be used to fund public services and border security measures.
Applicants intending to travel to the UK for study, work, or tourism are advised to take note of the new charges and make necessary preparations ahead of the implementation date.
