UK Visitor Visa Changes 2024: Complete Update for International Travelers
Published: 2024-11-01 · Last updated: February 2026
The UK introduced several immigration policy changes in 2024, including the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for previously visa-exempt nationals, updates to biometric appointment processes, and an increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This guide covers what changed, what stayed the same, and what it means for Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, Filipino, and Bangladeshi visitors.
Key UK Immigration Changes in 2024
1. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Visa-Exempt Nationals
The UK introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for nationals who were previously able to visit the UK visa-free without any advance authorization. This affects nationals of the USA, Canada, Australia, EU/EEA countries, Japan, South Korea, and others who could previously just arrive in the UK without any advance application.
The ETA costs GBP 10, is applied for online via the UK ETA app or Gov.uk, and is linked to the traveler''s passport. Approvals are typically instant to 3 days. The ETA is valid for 2 years (multiple entries, up to 6 months per visit).
Important: This does NOT affect nationals who already need a UK Standard Visitor Visa. Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, Filipino, Bangladeshi, and most South Asian and African nationals already required a UK visa and continue to do so -- the ETA is only for previously visa-exempt nationalities.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Increase
The UK Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives migrants and visa holders access to NHS services, increased to GBP 1,035 per year in 2024 (previously GBP 624 per year). For most visitor visas (Standard Visitor, which allows 6 months maximum), the IHS is generally not required for the entry clearance itself -- it applies primarily to those staying longer than 6 months. However, for UK Skilled Worker visa and other long-stay visa holders (including dependants), this increase is significant.
3. UK Standard Visitor Visa: What Stayed the Same
For Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, Filipino, and Bangladeshi nationals visiting the UK for tourism:
- Visa fee: GBP 115 (6-month), GBP 432 (2-year), GBP 771 (5-year), GBP 963 (10-year) -- unchanged
- Priority service: GBP 500 additional -- unchanged
- Processing time: approximately 3 weeks standard -- unchanged
- Biometrics: required at a UKVCAS centre or VFS Global -- unchanged
- No interview required for standard tourism applications -- unchanged
What Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, and Filipino Visitors Need to Know
The 2024 UK immigration changes primarily affect nationalities that were previously visa-exempt. For the large populations from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines that already required a UK Standard Visitor Visa, the standard application process and fees are unchanged in 2024-2025. Continue to:
- Apply online at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa
- Pay GBP 115 for a 6-month Standard Visitor Visa
- Attend biometrics at UKVCAS or VFS Global
- Submit required documents electronically
- Wait approximately 3 weeks for a decision
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the UK ETA affect Indian nationals?
No. Indian nationals already required a full UK Standard Visitor Visa before the ETA was introduced, and they continue to need one. The ETA is only for previously visa-exempt nationalities (USA, EU, Australia, Canada, etc.). Indian nationals are not affected by the ETA rollout.
Did the UK visitor visa fee increase in 2024?
The UK Standard Visitor Visa fee of GBP 115 (6-month) remained unchanged through 2024. Increases to the Immigration Health Surcharge affect long-stay and employment visas, not the 6-month Standard Visitor Visa. Check gov.uk for the current fee schedule before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UK ETA and does it affect Indians/Pakistanis/Nigerians?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is for previously visa-exempt nationalities (USA, EU, Australia). It does NOT affect Indians, Pakistanis, Nigerians, or Filipinos who already needed UK Standard Visitor Visas -- their process is unchanged.
Did UK visitor visa fees change in 2024?
No. The UK Standard Visitor Visa fee (GBP 115 for 6-month) was unchanged in 2024. The IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) increased to GBP 1,035/year, but this primarily affects long-stay and work visas, not 6-month visitor visas.
How long does UK visa take in 2024-2025?
Approximately 3 weeks (standard processing). Priority service (GBP 500 additional) processes in approximately 5 business days. Processing times may vary during peak periods.
Last reviewed: February 2026 · About · Report inaccuracy