United Kingdom Visa Fees 2026 — Complete Cost Breakdown
| United Kingdom Visa Fees 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Fee (GBP) | Details |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | GBP 10 | Eligible nationalities, from Jan 2025, 6 months multiple entry |
| Standard Visitor Visa | GBP 115 | Up to 6 months, most nationalities |
| Skilled Worker Visa | GBP 719+ | Sponsored employment, tiered fees by salary |
| Student Visa | GBP 490 | Full-time study at licensed institution |
| Transit Visa (Direct Airside) | GBP 35 | Non-visa national transiting via UK airports |
| Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) | GBP 1,846 | Joining a settled person in the UK |
Overview of United Kingdom Visa Costs in 2026
UK visa fees are set by the Home Office and vary significantly by visa category and applicant circumstances. The Standard Visitor Visa costs GBP 115 for stays up to 6 months. The ETA, introduced in January 2025, costs GBP 10 per person and is required by nationals of many countries that previously entered visa-free. Work visas start at GBP 719 for a Skilled Worker application from outside the UK. Healthcare surcharges apply to most applications at GBP 1,035 per year.
Payment Methods & How to Pay
United Kingdom visa fees are typically payable online by major credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard) when applying through the official portal. Consulate applications may accept bank draft, money order, or cash in local currency depending on location. Always confirm accepted payment methods with your nearest United Kingdom embassy or consulate before your appointment. Fees shown are standard rates; service charges from visa centres (VFS Global, TLScontact, etc.) may be added. Fee waivers are sometimes available for children under 6, diplomatic passport holders, and certain humanitarian cases.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the visa application fee, travellers to United Kingdom should budget for: travel health insurance (usually required), biometric enrolment fees at visa application centres (typically USD 15–30), courier/return document fees if applying by post, and any healthcare or immigration health surcharges where applicable. Long-stay and work visa applicants often face higher administrative costs. Check the gov.uk/uk-visa official fee schedule before applying.
Fee Changes Since 2024
United Kingdom visa fees are reviewed periodically by the government. Notable changes in 2024–2026 include updates to eVisa pricing and the introduction or revision of digital application systems. For nationalities with reciprocity arrangements, fees may differ from standard published rates. Always check the current fee schedule directly on the official United Kingdom immigration portal. Our main United Kingdom visa guide is updated regularly.