UK introduces major visa change

Tengrinews.kz — If you were planning a walk around London or studying at a British university, you may need to revise your travel budget. Starting April 8, the United Kingdom increased consular fees for most visa categories.

The changes affect not only regular tourists, but also students, transit passengers, and those moving for permanent residence. The new rates have been published on the UK government’s website. On average, fees have risen by 6 to 8 percent.

The most popular category — a short-term six-month visa — will now cost travelers £135 (about 83,000 tenge). Previously, it cost £127.

For those who prefer to apply for longer-term visas, prices have changed as follows:

• a 2-year visa: increased from £475 to £506 (about 311,000 tenge);
• a 5-year visa: increased from £848 to £903 (about 556,000 tenge);
• a 10-year visa: the most noticeable increase. The price rose by £69 and now stands at £1,128 (about 694,000 tenge).

The new rules affect not only tourists. A student visa now costs £558 (about 344,000 tenge). Until today, its cost was £524.

Work visa fees have also increased:

• up to 3 years: from £769 to £819 (about 504,000 tenge);
• more than 3 years: from £1,519 to £1,618 (about 996,000 tenge).

Transit visas have also become more expensive:

• airside transit visa — up to £41.5 (about 26,000 tenge);
• landside transit visa — up to £74.5 (about 46,000 tenge).

For citizens of countries eligible for simplified entry, the cost of the electronic travel authorization (ETA) has also risen by £4 and now stands at £20 (about 12,000 tenge).

The changes also affect longer-term immigration procedures.

The fee for indefinite leave to enter has increased to £3,226 (about 1.99 million tenge).

Applying for citizenship through naturalization will now cost £1,709 (about 1.05 million tenge).