The UK government has revealed plans to raise certain Home Office fees. However, the implementation date remains undecided, as the draft regulations must undergo debate and approval in both Houses of Parliament. Additionally, a temporary exemption from electronic travel authorisation (ETA) requirements have been granted for specific airport transit passengers.
Temporary Transit Exemption
In response to feedback from the aviation industry, the government has introduced a temporary exemption from ETA requirements for passengers transiting airside without passing through UK border control. This exemption primarily applies to Heathrow and Manchester airports, the only UK airports currently offering transit facilities. The policy will be subject to ongoing review.
Proposed Fee Increases
The draft regulations, titled The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2025, set out the maximum allowable increases for various immigration and nationality fees. Actual charges may be lower than the specified maximums. Key changes include:
Electronic Travel Authorisation
- Fee increases from £10 to £16 (maximum fee previously set at £15).
- Provision for Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man to implement similar charges when their schemes are introduced.
Nationality Fees
- Naturalisation as a British Citizen: Increase from £1,500 to £1,605.
- Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen: Increase from £1,000 to £1,070.
- Reconsideration of Naturalisation/Registration Applications: Increase from £450 to £482.
- Renunciation of British Citizenship: Increase from £450 to £482.
- Amendment of Certificates of Registration or Naturalisation: Increase from £400 to £428.
- Right of Abode Document: Increase from £550 to £589.
- Duplicate Certificates: Increase from £400 to £428.
Sponsorship Fees
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Increase from £239 to £525; the £25 fee rises to £55.
- ‘Sponsor a Worker’ Approval: Maximum fee increase from £300 to £525, reflecting the phased rollout of the new process.
Next Steps
We will provide updates once the implementation date for these changes is confirmed. In the meantime, passengers and applicants should prepare for the increased costs and check the latest guidance on eligibility and exemptions.
Have questions? Get in touch today!
Call us on 020 7928 0276, we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.
Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.
Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/
For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.