United Kingdom visas

The United Kingdom has significantly modernized its visa system, transitioning to a digital eVisa platform for most applicants. Travelers from visa-exempt countries now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits, streamlining entry while maintaining robust border controls.

Visa Overview

The UK's visa policy for 2025-2026 emphasizes a digital-first approach, with most successful visa applicants receiving an eVisa instead of a physical sticker. Non-visa nationals, including most EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short stays, a key change implemented from April 2025 and fully enforced by February 2026. Recent policy adjustments include increased visa fees across various categories, a rise in the Immigration Health Surcharge, and stricter requirements for Skilled Worker visas, such as higher salary thresholds and English language proficiency. The path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has also been extended for many, reflecting a broader tightening of immigration rules aimed at reducing net migration. Specific nationalities face new visa requirements or restrictions under a 'visa brake' mechanism.

Key Highlights

Most successful UK visa applicants now receive an eVisa, a digital record of their immigration status, replacing physical documents since February 25, 2026.

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for most visa-exempt nationalities, including EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, for visits up to 6 months. The ETA costs £16, increasing to £20 from April 8, 2026.

Standard visitor visa fees increased to £135 (for up to 6 months) from April 8, 2026. Student visas are £558, and Skilled Worker visas (up to 3 years, outside UK) are £943 from the same date.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) rose to £1,035 per year in 2025 for most long-term applications.

Standard processing times are typically around 3 weeks for visitor, student, and work visas applied from outside the UK, and about 12 weeks for family visas. Priority services are available for an extra fee (approx. £500 for 5 working days, £1,000 for 1 working day).

The minimum salary for most Skilled Worker visas increased to £41,700, and the English language requirement for this route rose to B2 from January 8, 2026.

The qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is being extended from 5 to 10 years for most sponsored workers from April 2026.

Official Resources

GOV.UK: How to apply for a visa to come to the UK GOV.UK: Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) GOV.UK: Set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa

Travel Tips

Always apply for your visa or ETA well in advance of your planned travel date, as processing times can vary and delays can occur.
Ensure all supporting documents are accurate, complete, and translated into English or Welsh by a certified translator if necessary, to avoid delays or refusal.
Familiarize yourself with the digital eVisa system; create your UKVI account and know how to access your online immigration status before traveling to the UK.