UK ETA Fees – Full Cost Breakdown 2026
UK ETA Fees
Understanding the full UK ETA cost is essential before you begin your application. Although the ETA is simpler and cheaper than a visa, many travellers are still uncertain about what the fee covers, whether it is refundable, and what happens if a payment fails.
Because the ETA is processed digitally, the UK Government uses a fixed fee structure that applies to all eligible nationalities. This page explains the 2025 pricing, accepted payment methods, refund rules, and good-to-know details before you Apply for UK ETA. At the end of this guide, you can also download the optional ETA Cost & Fees PDF for your records.
UK ETA Fee Breakdown (2025)
The UK ETA carries a our fees with government fee that must be paid online at the moment of submission. The price applies equally to tourists, people visiting family, short business visitors, and travellers making brief study trips.
This section explains the core ETA fee and what it includes, along with important notes about processing and limitations.
Accepted Payment Methods
Travellers must pay the ETA fee digitally using an accepted card or digital payment method. The payment system used for ETA submissions supports most modern card types, but certain prepaid or region-restricted cards may fail.
To help prevent issues, the page includes a dedicated table showing all accepted payment types, as well as common causes of failed transactions so travellers can avoid delays.
Payment options you can typically use to pay the official UK ETA fee online. Always ensure your card is enabled for international and online transactions.
| Payment method | Status | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) | Accepted | Most travellers | Common and reliable option for paying the UK ETA fee. Make sure 3-D Secure or online payments are enabled. |
| Debit card | Accepted | Travellers using funds directly from bank account | Must support online and international transactions. Check daily limits and currency conversion fees. |
| Virtual / digital bank cards | Often accepted | Users of online banks and fintech apps | Many virtual cards work if they behave like standard debit or credit cards. If a payment fails, try a physical card. |
| Cash payments | Not accepted | – | The UK ETA fee must be paid online. You cannot pay in cash at the airport or at the UK border. |
| Bank transfer | Not accepted | – | Direct bank transfers are not used for the ETA fee. You must pay by card within the online application system. |
Refunds, Payment Failures & Non-Refundable Rules
A frequent question is whether the UK ETA fee is refundable. In most cases, the fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected or withdrawn. This is because the cost covers the digital processing of your submission, which begins immediately once payment is confirmed.
Travellers should therefore double-check their details carefully before submitting. Incorrect passport numbers, mismatched personal data, or errors in the uploaded photo often cannot be corrected without submitting a completely new application — and paying the fee again.
If your card payment fails, it is often due to security checks or insufficient authorisation for international payments. The dedicated table below will outline what causes payment failures and how travellers can resolve them quickly.
How refunds are handled and what happens if your payment fails or your UK ETA application is refused.
| Scenario | Refund status | What happens | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA approved successfully | No refund | The ETA fee is non-refundable once the application has been processed and a decision has been made. | Apply only when you are sure about your travel plans and eligibility to avoid paying for applications you will not use. |
| ETA application refused | No refund | Even if the ETA is refused, the fee is generally not refunded. You may need to apply for a UK visa instead. | Double-check all data and requirements before applying. If refused, review what happens if your ETA is denied and consider the appropriate visa route. |
| Payment error (technical issue) | Depends on bank | If the payment fails, the application is not completed. Some pending card authorisations may temporarily appear on your statement. | Wait a short time, then retry with a stable internet connection or a different card. Contact your bank if the problem repeats. |
| Duplicate applications submitted by mistake | No refund for extra applications | Multiple paid applications may result in repeated fees without additional benefit, as only one approved ETA is needed. | Submit only one application per traveller and passport. Keep a record of the confirmation email to avoid re-applying unnecessarily. |
| Traveller cancels their trip | No refund | If you decide not to travel after approval, the ETA fee is not returned. The ETA may still be used for future trips while valid. | Try to apply when your plans are reasonably firm. If you postpone your trip, check the UK ETA validity before rebooking. |
Important Notes About ETA Cost & Non-Refundability
There are several rules travellers should understand before paying the ETA fee:
1. The ETA fee applies per traveller
Children, infants, and all adult travellers each require their own ETA, and therefore their own payment.
2. The fee is charged even if the ETA is later refused
Eligibility problems, data mismatches, or verification issues do not qualify for refunds.
3. A new ETA must be purchased if you renew or replace your passport
Because each ETA is digitally linked to a specific passport, travellers must pay again when applying with a new document.
4. Currency conversion fees may apply
Depending on your bank, you may be charged a small international processing fee separate from the ETA cost.
5. Payment failures usually do not charge your card
If your bank blocks the transaction, the ETA will not be submitted. You must resolve the issue and resubmit.
These rules help travellers avoid confusion and set clear expectations before beginning the online process.
Related Planning Questions
Because ETA cost is only one part of trip preparation, travellers often combine this information with other essential steps:
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For submitting your application, read the Apply for UK ETA guide.
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To confirm you meet the Requirements, verify your passport and data rules.
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For timing, review official Processing Time expectations.
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To compare overall trip expenses, see the ETA or Visa Cost Comparison.
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For rule-based restrictions, review the Official ETA Rules before travelling.
These supporting pages ensure you fully understand the process before paying the ETA fee.
Conclusion
The UK ETA fee structure is simple and transparent, but understanding non-refundability, accepted payment types, and common error causes is essential for smooth approval. Travellers should prepare their passport details, payment card, and digital photo in advance to avoid delays — and review all rules before they commit to payment.
If you follow the guidance here and check supporting pages such as Processing Time and Requirements, you can complete your ETA submission confidently and avoid unnecessary costs.