UK Travel Set For Another Price Hike As Visa Fees Rise In 2026

For South Africans dreaming of a trip to London, Manchester, or the rolling countryside of the United Kingdom, travel costs could soon creep even higher. The UK government has published a draft plan to once again increase visa and travel authorisation fees in 2026, signalling yet another adjustment in a system that has seen steady price climbs over the past few years.

What Travellers Could Pay From 2026

According to the draft proposal released this week, visitors can expect two key fees to rise:

• The two-year visitor visa could move from £475 (about R10 420) to £506 (about R11 100).

• The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), required for travellers from visa-exempt countries, may increase from £16 (about R350) to £20 (about R440).

These updated fees could take effect as early as April 2026, depending on the outcome of parliamentary approval.

A Pattern Of Climbing Costs

For many travellers, the proposed fees are not coming out of the blue. The UK already rolled out a major cost overhaul in April 2025, where most visa types saw noticeable hikes. Standard visitor visas of up to six months increased to about £127, roughly R2 700, while long-stay visas climbed even higher.

The Home Office has consistently argued that these increases are necessary to cover the full cost of processing and maintaining the UK’s border and immigration system. The aim, they say, is to reduce dependence on general taxation and ensure that applicants carry more of the financial responsibility.

Why This Matters For South Africans

Travel between South Africa and the UK has always been popular, whether for family visits, studies, work opportunities, or pure tourism. But rising costs have made planning a UK trip increasingly difficult for budget-conscious travellers.

A two-year visa already places a considerable dent in a travel budget, and for many visiting family in Britain, it is often the most practical option. Families who frequently shuttle between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and cities like London or Birmingham may feel this price jump even more.

The ETA increase, while smaller, also matters. South Africa is not currently visa exempt, but these increases reflect a broader trend in the UK’s tightening travel and immigration framework.

Immigration Policy Shifts Behind The Scenes

The fee changes come at a time when the UK is reshaping several immigration pathways. In 2026, work and business routes have seen added restrictions, and enforcement measures have been strengthened. These structural adjustments make it clear that immigration control is a central priority for the British government going into 2026 and beyond.

What Happens Next

The proposal must still move through parliamentary scrutiny before any final decisions are made. If approved, the new fees will join a long list of updates that have shaped how much it costs to travel to the UK.

For South Africans planning future holidays, study trips, or family visits, it may be time to factor these potential increases into 2026 travel budgets.

Once final dates are confirmed, travellers will need to keep an eye on official UK Home Office announcements to avoid surprises when planning trips to Britain.

{Source:The South African}

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