The cost of a travel permit required for EU and US citizens to enter the UK is set to increase by £6, rising from £10 to £16. This price hike has sparked concerns about its potential negative impact on the tourism industry.
The Home Office justifies the increase as a means to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for the migration and borders system. The government expects the change to generate an additional £269 million per year. However, the date for the implementation of these changes remains unclear.
The increase has been met with criticism from tourism industry operators, who compare it to the €7 levy charged by the EU. They argue that the higher cost will make visiting the UK less attractive. Richard Toomer, executive director of the Tourism Alliance, expressed particular concern about the impact on European visitors, who now require advance permission to travel to the UK for the first time.
In November, Labour ministers set a target of increasing visitor numbers to 50 million people annually by 2030. However, Toomer believes this target will be missed if the government continues to view tourists solely as a source of revenue.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, also expressed disappointment with the new changes. He highlighted the additional burden of new EU biometrics border checks, which will include facial recognition and fingerprint scans, starting later this year. These measures are part of the EU's Entry-Exit System (EES), aimed at enhancing security and streamlining airport processes. Your digital record will be valid for three years, requiring only a fingerprint or photo at the border during subsequent entries and exits within that period.
5 Comments
Donatello
The tourism industry is a vital part of the UK economy, and the government is committed to supporting its growth. The increase in the travel permit fee will help to ensure that the UK can continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
Leonardo
The UK government is committed to making the UK a welcoming and affordable destination for tourists. The increase in the travel permit fee is a necessary step to ensure that the UK can continue to provide a high level of security and service to its visitors.
Michelangelo
The government claims the increase is needed to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding. But why should tourists be expected to subsidize the cost of border control?
Raphael
The UK government is committed to transparency and accountability, and the increase in the travel permit fee will be used to improve the UK's border security and immigration system.
Donatello
£6 extra might not seem like much, but it can be a deterrent for budget travelers and families. This is bad for everyone - tourism businesses, the economy, and the people who want to visit the UK.