UK Government Announces Substantial Increase in Visa Fees for Multiple Categories Set to Begin in April 2025

The UK Home Office has recently announced that visa fees will increase across various categories starting from 9 April 2025.

This hike includes fees for visitor, work, student, and electronic travel authorisation (ETA) applications, affecting both individuals planning to visit and those seeking longer-term stays in the country.

Impact on Students and Visitors

For students, the cost of a student visa will rise by 7%.

This applies to both main applicants and their dependents, increasing from £490 (roughly R11,500) to £524 (around R12,300).

This price hike may put additional pressure on international students who are already facing rising living costs.

Visitors will also feel the pinch, as the fees for a short-term visit visa will increase by 10%.

A six-month visitor visa will jump from £115 (R2,700) to £127 (R2,900).

Long-term visitor visas are also set to increase significantly.

For instance, the fee for a two-year visa will rise to £475 (R11,100), while a 10-year visa could cost up to £1,059 (R24,900).

Full Breakdown of the New Fees

Here’s a detailed look at how visa fees will change after 9 April 2025:

• Visit visa – short (up to 6 months): £115 → £127 (increase of £12)

• Visit visa – long (up to 2 years): £432 → £475 (increase of £43)

• Visit visa – long (up to 5 years): £771 → £848 (increase of £77)

• Visit visa – long (up to 10 years): £963 → £1,059 (increase of £96)

• Visiting academic (6 to 12 months): £200 → £220 (increase of £20)

• Private medical treatment visa (6 to 11 months): £200 → £220 (increase of £20)

• Transit visa (direct airside transit): £35 → £39 (increase of £4)

• Transit visit visa (landside transit): £64 → £70 (increase of £6)

• Student visa – main applicant and dependents: £490 → £524 (increase of £34)

• Child Student visa: £490 → £524 (increase of £34)

A Rising Trend

The increase in visa fees marks the latest shift in the UK’s ongoing effort to adjust immigration policies and funding.

The surge in costs is particularly noticeable for long-term visitors, academics, and medical patients, who could now face considerably higher fees.