The United Kingdom is gearing up to make some significant changes to its visa and immigration system. Starting from 4 October, international visitors will have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets, with visa prices set to rise by 15 to 20 per cent.

Key Highlights of the Visa Price Surge:

• Visas with a duration of less than six months will now cost £115, marking an increase of £15.
• Student visas will see a steeper hike, going up by £127 to stand at £490.

The UK government rationalizes these increases as a measure to finance public sector pay hikes. As stated by the government, “Income from fees charged plays a pivotal role in the Home Office's capability to maintain a sustainable immigration and nationality system.” This approach aims to lessen the financial burden on British taxpayers while continuing to offer attractive services to those looking to work or study in the UK.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such changes this year. The government had previously announced a 15 per cent rise in most UK work and visiting visas in July. However, the prices for priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship are set to soar even higher, with a projected increase of at least 20 per cent.

New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System:

Besides the visa price revision, the UK is also set to roll out its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, somewhat mirroring the US's ESTA system for non-visa travelers. Here are the essential points you need to know:

• The ETA will be introduced in phases, with the initial roll-out targeting visitors from Qatar. Qatari nationals can start applying for this online authorization from 25 October, making their travel to the UK post 15 November smoother.
• This system will be extended to other Gulf countries (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) by early 2024.
• The ETA will be mandatory even for those who only transit through the UK without passing through border control.
• Once approved, the ETA will be valid for multiple visits over a span of two years, allowing stays of up to six months.

The ETA initiative is not exclusive to the UK. The European Union is also on track to unveil its own system, dubbed ETIAS, albeit its launch has been postponed to 2024.

What This Means for International Visitors:

As the world gradually opens up post-pandemic, these changes underscore the UK's intent to streamline its immigration processes, balancing national economic needs with international relations. However, travelers, students, and professionals planning to head to the UK need to be cognizant of these changes to ensure a hassle-free journey.

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