The fee for the U.K.'s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will rise from 16 to 20 British pounds, about $27, "in the near future," the British government said last week, ahead of the program's launch on Feb. 25.
The ETA is mandatory for visa-exempt nationals from 85 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. The ETA permits multiple journeys into the U.K. for two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner. The ETA is digitally linked to a traveler's passport and allow for stays of up to six months at a time.
Eligible visitors can apply for the ETA via its app, with most applicants currently getting an automatic decision "in minutes," the U.K.'s Home Office website says. People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
The U.K. stresses on the ETA website that it is not a visa but a "digital permission to travel" into the country. The U.K. said the ETA is in line with how many other countries, including the U.S., approach border security and try to prevent the arrival of those who present a threat.
The ETA is similar in purpose to the Electronic System Travel Authorization that the U.S. requires of visa-exempt travelers. They also must receive online approval determining they do not pose a security risk and are given two-year travel authorization. The U.S. almost doubled the cost of the ESTA application in September to $40 from $21.