Your Guide to UK Travel and Immigration Changes. It is no secret that immigration regulations are always complex and understanding them, as well as keeping up to date with them, can feel like navigating a labyrinth using a poorly designed map. In this instance, the United Kingdom’s system is no exception and, in fact, because of Brexit and the newly introduced Home Office policies and fees, there are bound to be numerous twists and turns that can cause some confusion and head-scratching. Hopefully this will provide a short summary of the two main changes that are bound to take place within this realm and help answer the main questions that arise.
ETA
First and foremost, the UK government announced on the 9th of March 2023 that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be introduced as a way to replace the Electronic Visa Waiver Scheme that was previously used. This ETA is, broadly speaking, similar to its American Counterpart the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), insofar as it is a digital permission to travel. Hence it is important to note that it is not a visa per se and does not allow entry into the UK. Instead, it merely allows that person to travel to the UK and the British authorities still have the right to reject your entry into the country if they so wish to do so, all within reasonable grounds. Europeans can, ever since the 5th March 2025, apply for an ETA and from the 2nd April 2025, all EU travellers, will need it to travel to the UK regardless of their nationality.
This ETA was introduced for those visitors who do not already have a UK immigration status, like settled status to whom a different regime is applicable, and for international visitors coming to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays. The reasoning behind this new system is to make the whole process more digital, streamlined and quicker, thereby facilitating the passage of millions of people who travel to the UK every year. In addition, the government agreed to allow a temporary exemption from needing an ETA for those passengers who transit and therefore do not pass through the UK´s border control, although this may change since it is kept under constant review.
Change in visa and immigration fees
The effectiveness, as well as the drawbacks, of the ETA will become more clear as time passes and as this process is rolled out. Leaving that aside, the second main change taking place in this realm, are the prominent changes introduced by the Home Office with regards to visa and immigration fees. These have recently been published on the official website (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-9-april-2025) and the updated fees are effective from the 9th of April 2025. This provides a detailed outline of the visa application fees for different categories such as: visit visas, work visas or study visas. The fees cover both applications made inside and outside the UK and show current and new costs alongside the changes in the amounts for each category.
Whilst the rise in prices is never welcome, the biggest increase will be affecting businesses regarding the Certificate of Sponsorship fee for skilled workers. The new fee will be more than double what it used to be, from £239 to £525, which is quite a prominent change. This will have an important impact on those business who rely on international talent since it will mean that there will be higher recruitment costs as well as potential increases in salaries or additional financial burdens for them to have to invest in order to be able to attract fresh talent.
What can be done about it
Similar to the ETA, the true effect of the change in fees, will only be known later on when this scheme is actually implemented. For now, all one can do is keep abreast of the latest developments and adapt as best as possible to these ongoing changes.
At Del Canto Chambers we offer expert legal advice across all of the main areas of UK immigration and are committed to delivering the best outcomes for both individuals and businesses.
Let us help you navigate these changes and secure your future in the UK with trusted, professional guidance every step of the way. Do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss how we can help minimize the impact of these changes on you.
By: Alvaro Jose Gutierrez Calero Legal Consultant at Del Canto Chambers
