UK Visa Changes 2025: What You Need to Know Before Travelling to London
As global travel picks up pace in 2025, the United Kingdom has rolled out a series of updated visa and immigration rules — including the launch of a digital entry system. Whether you’re planning a vacation in London or heading there for business, it’s important to know what’s new before booking your flight.
In this post, we break down the latest UK visa changes for 2025, with a special focus on how they impact travellers to London.
New Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Visa-Free Nationals
As of April 2, 2025, travellers from countries that previously didn’t need a visa — including the United States, EU, Australia, Canada, and more — must now apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before visiting the UK.
What you need to know:
- Who needs it? All short-term travellers from visa-exempt countries.
- Purpose: Tourism, business trips, or short-term stays (up to 6 months).
- Validity: 2 years or until your passport expires.
- Cost: £16
- Where to apply: Official UK ETA app or gov.uk
📌 Tip: Don’t leave it last-minute — you’ll need your ETA before you board your flight to London.
Say Goodbye to BRPs – The UK Goes Digital with eVisas
From June 2, 2025, physical immigration documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and EUSS biometric cards will no longer be valid for proving your immigration status in the UK.
What’s new?
- The UK now uses digital eVisas, accessible through your UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account.
- No more physical cards — everything is managed online.
This digital shift ensures a faster, paperless process for long-term visitors, students, and workers.
New Visa Fees for 2025
Planning a longer stay in London or the UK? Here’s what you’ll pay with the revised visa fee structure, effective from April 9, 2025:
| Visa Type | Fee (2025) |
|---|---|
| Short-stay (up to 6 months) | £127 |
| 2-year visa | £475 |
| 5-year visa | £848 |
| 10-year visa | £1,059 |
These changes reflect the UK government’s effort to invest in a more efficient border system while shifting costs from taxpayers to applicants.
Youth Mobility Scheme: A New Gateway to London?
A proposed UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme is in the works, which would allow young adults (18–30 years) to live and work in the UK or EU for up to 12 months.
If approved, this would open up easier access to long-term travel, work, and cultural exchange in London and other UK cities — ideal for students, digital nomads, and early-career professionals.
Watch this space: This agreement is expected to be a hot topic during the UK-EU summit in London on May 19, 2025.
Why London Still Leads in 2025
London continues to shine as a top global destination — for culture, commerce, and connectivity. From iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey to buzzing food scenes and rooftop bars, the city never stops evolving.
What makes London a must-visit in 2025:
- ✈️ Air connectivity: Direct flights from 100+ major cities.
- 🎭 Culture & events: West End shows, art galleries, football matches, and global festivals.
- 🌍 Diversity: One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world — 300+ languages spoken daily.
Thanks to the new ETA system, it’s easier than ever to plan a short trip or business visit to London — just make sure your documents are ready.
Final Checklist for Travellers
Before flying to the UK in 2025, double-check the following:
- ✅ Apply for your ETA at least 72 hours before travel
- ✅ If staying long-term, register for a UKVI digital account
- ✅ Factor in new visa fees while budgeting
- ✅ Keep tabs on Youth Mobility Scheme updates
Closing Note
2025 marks a major turning point in how the UK manages travel and immigration. The new digital-first approach offers convenience, efficiency, and security — but only if you’re well-prepared.
So whether you’re booking a holiday, planning to study, or take a business class to London — these visa updates ensure you know exactly what to expect before your next UK adventure begins.