UK to raise visa, ETA, and citizenship fees from April 2026

The United Kingdom's announcement of fresh increases to visa, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), and citizenship processing fees—effective April 8, 2026—signals a significant shift in British immigration policy that will have cascading implications for European entrepreneurs and investors operating across African markets. The timing of these increases warrants particular attention from the European business community. While the specific fee amounts have not yet been detailed in official communications, UK Home Office fee adjustments typically range between 15-30%, representing a material cost consideration for international business operations. For European firms with substantial African operations, this directly impacts the mobility of key personnel, the feasibility of cross-border management structures, and the total cost of establishing UK-based subsidiary operations or headquarters. The broader context reveals that the UK has pursued a deliberate strategy of fee monetisation as a cornerstone of immigration policy. Since 2012, visa and citizenship fees have increased more than sevenfold in real terms, making the UK one of the world's most expensive destinations for immigration processing. The April 2026 adjustment continues this trajectory, occurring against a backdrop of the UK government's stated ambition to control net migration while simultaneously maintaining economic competitiveness and attracting high-value talent. For European entrepreneurs managing complex