The United Kingdom will introduce higher visa fees starting in April 2025. The decision will impact tourists, international students, and skilled workers.

The official UK government website published the update earlier this week. Our correspondent reviewed the report on Tuesday.

Visitor Visa Costs Go Up

From April 9, 2025, the cost of a Standard Visitor Visa will increase by 10 percent. The fee will rise from £115 to £127.

Longer-term visitor visas will cost even more. The two-year visa will increase from £432 to £475. The five-year visa will jump from £771 to £848. The ten-year visa will now cost £1,059, up from £963.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Fees to Rise Too

Travelers from visa-exempt countries will also pay more. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee will rise from $12 to $20.

This 60 percent increase takes effect from April 2, 2025. All travelers needing ETA approval must pay the new fee.

International Students Face Higher Costs

International students will pay higher visa fees too. From April, the Student Visa will cost £524, up from £490. The same fee will apply to dependants and child applicants.

For short-term English courses lasting up to 11 months, the fee will rise from £200 to £214.

Work Visas Get More Expensive

Work visa categories will see notable hikes. The Health and Care Worker Visa will rise by 28.2 percent—from £367 to £470.

Skilled Worker Visas for roles in shortage occupations will also cost £470, an increase of 26.3 percent.

Entrepreneurs applying for the Innovator Founder Visa must now pay £1,274, up from £1,191. The Start-up Visa will rise from £435 to £465.

Nigeria Sees High UK Visa Approvals

In December 2024, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, praised Nigeria’s strong visa approval rate. He stated that the UK issued over 300,000 new visas to Nigerians in recent years.

This figure makes Nigeria one of the UK’s most engaged visa partners globally.

More Changes Expected

The UK government has not announced whether more fee hikes will follow. However, observers expect further adjustments as the UK continues tightening immigration rules.

Travelers, students, and workers planning to go to the UK are advised to apply before April 2025 to avoid the increased fees.