UK Raises Travel Permit Fees by 60% for EU, US Citizens

The UK government has announced a 60% hike in travel permit fees for European Union and US citizens entering the country, increasing the cost from £10 to £16.

The decision has drawn criticism from travel companies and airlines, who have warned that the increased fees could significantly harm British tourism.

The travel permit, introduced under the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system earlier this month, requires visitors from countries where visas are not mandatory to apply for an electronic travel permit before entering the UK.

Previously, visitors paid £10 for a permit valid for two years, allowing multiple entries during that time.

The UK Home Office stated that the increased fee aims to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for immigration and border management.

Travel industry leaders have criticized the move as counterproductive. Richard Toomer, Executive Director of the Tourism Alliance, described the fee hike as "confusing" and a "slap in the face" for European visitors, particularly as many are required to apply for travel authorization to the UK for the first time.

Heathrow Airport also voiced concerns that its position as a leading European hub could be jeopardized by the increased costs imposed on travelers.

Tourism contributes approximately £74 billion annually to the UK economy. Government ministers have previously outlined ambitious plans to grow visitor numbers by nearly a third, targeting 50 million annual visitors by 2030.

However, industry experts caution that these plans could be undermined by the new measures.

The fee increase will affect travelers from over 50 countries, including the US, Australia, and Canada. Visitors will need to apply for a travel permit under the new system, which has been modeled on the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).