The UK Government has reiterated its commitment to waiving visa fees for non-UK veterans who have served in the Armed Forces for four or more years, along with their dependents.
The confirmation came in response to parliamentary questions from Labour MPs Calvin Bailey and Joe Morris on 14 March 2025.
In a written response, Al Carns, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and Minister for Veterans, stated: “This Government is committed to scrapping visa fees for non-UK veterans who have served our country for four or more years, and their dependents.”
He further confirmed that “The Ministry of Defence is actively working with the Home Office to take this forward.”
The issue of visa fees for non-UK veterans has been a longstanding concern, with campaigners arguing that those who have served in the British Armed Forces should not have to pay significant sums to remain in the UK.
The Government previously committed to removing the fees but has yet to provide a specific timeline for implementation.
MP Calvin Bailey also asked whether the Government intends to introduce the visa fee waiver before the planned extension of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty to additional public authorities. However, no direct answer was given on this point.
With the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office now working together to advance the policy, there is growing anticipation that the fees will be removed in the near future, ensuring that non-UK veterans and their families are not financially disadvantaged after their service.
