We've received the following update from the British Educational Travel Association (BETA) regarding the European rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme:
Unfortunately, I have to report that just seven days after the European rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), the Home Office has announced that the price will increase from £10 to £16 on 9 April 2025.
Arrivals between 2nd and 8th April 2025 are £10
Arrivals after 9th April 2025 are £16
Guidance pages via GOV.UK are currently being updated to reflect the change: ETA Factsheet, ETA Guidance
As part of our case building, I have been collecting updates from members and European partners on issues arising as a result of this, which include:
Translation: the ETA is currently only available in English, and the Home Office has confirmed that there are no plans to expand this at the moment
Cost barriers: reports of business being cancelled, postponed, or moved to alternative destinations e.g. Ireland
Group solution: this would benefit our sector greatly, but the Home Office has confirmed that it would be some time before this is introduced
Visas fees are also being increased from 9th April 2025. Changes that may affect your clients are below:
Category | Current Fee | Fee from 9 Apr 2025 | Change |
Visit visa (up to 6 months) | £115 | £127 | £12 |
Short-term student English Language visa (up to 6 months) | £200 | £214 | £14 |
Study visa (Tier 4 - main/dependant) | £490 | £524 | £34 |
Child student visa | £490 | £524 | £34 |
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance) | £25 | £27 | £2 |
Youth Mobility Scheme visa | £298 | £319 | £21 |
If you have any impact data, case studies, or anecdotal evidence that may support BETA's continued lobbying to ease the burden on young visitors coming to the UK, please do share them with me.
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