The UK government announced a series of changes to immigration fees and Electronic Travel Authorization on 16 January 2025. The main objective behind these changes is to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for migration and border systems.  

Fee Increases for Immigration Products and Services

With these changes, the government intends to increase fees across several immigration and nationality products and services. If the proposed changes become a reality, subject to Parliamentary Approval will amend the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018. Key highlights include
Certificate of Sponsorship (Work Routes): Increasing to £525
Naturalization as a British Citizen: Increasing to £1,605
Various Nationality Services: Details for fee increases to come in subsequent updates once approved by the parliament.
ETA Fee: Increasing to £16 – coming into force from 16 January 2024

The government has emphasized the need for these changes to ensure a sustainable migration and border system. The new fees, if approved, will be introduced at the earliest opportunity following Parliamentary debate.

Temporary Exemption for Airside Transit

Responding to the feedback from the aviation industry, the government has announced a temporary exemption for passengers transiting airside, without passing through UK border control, from requiring an ETA.
The exemption will primarily benefit the travelers at Heathrow and Manchester Airports—the only UK airports offering airside transit facilities. The exemption is effective immediately and will remain under review.