Britain will become an expensive destination for India and other nationals. Even if you plan to visit the UK for study or tourism, you have to spend more money starting in April. The UK government announced visa fees for all categories on March 19, and the new fees will take effect on April 9, 2025.
Indian travelers visiting the UK will face higher visa fees, with the cost of visitor visas increasing by 10%, from $149 to $164. For nationals from visa countries, the electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee will increase by 60%, from $12 to $20. Starting April 2, 2025, this new ETA pricing will take effect earlier.
Indian Visitor Visa
Indian citizens must obtain a visitor visa to enter the UK, and the cost of this visa will increase:
Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months): Increased from £115 to £127 (+£12).
Long-term visitor visa (up to 2 years): Increased from £432 to £475 (+£43).
Long-term visitor visa (up to 5 years): Increased from £771 to £848 (+£77).
Long-term visitor visa (up to 10 years): Increased from £963 to £1,059 (+£96).
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Changes
For travelers in tax-free countries, the cost of electronic travel authorization (ETA) will be increased:
From $12 to $20 (up 60%).
ETA is not a visa, but allows British authorities to conduct security checks before arrival.
Increased student visa fee
Students and their families will also see higher visa costs:
Student Visa (main applicants and dependents): Increased from £490 to £524 (+£34).
Children’s student visa: increased from £490 to £524 (+£34).
Short-term study visa (11 months of English courses are offered for English courses within 6 months): Increased from £200 to £214 (+£14).
Work visa fee hiking
Work visa fees vary by category, and health and caregivers’ visas see the sharpest rise:
Health and Caregivers Visa: Increased 28.2%, from $367 to $470.
Skilled Workers – Short Visa: Increased by 26.3% to £470.
Temporary work visa: up 3.9% (up $38 from previous).
Innovator founder Visa: Increased from £1,191 to £1,274 (+£83).
Startup Visa: Increased from £435 to £465 (+£30).
Religious Minister’s Visa: Up 5.6%.
Reconciliation (indefinite leave) fee increases
Key applicants and dependents: Increased from £2,885 to £3,029 (+£144).
