Fees · Country Guide
Cold-water wrecks, kelp forests, and seal encounters across four coasts
Updated Dec 7, 2025 • 12 sources
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
There is no single nationwide 'dive tag' for the whole UK. Expect rules to be managed through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), local byelaws, and heritage protection for certain wrecks. Travel-related fees like the UK ETA may apply depending on nationality, and local launch or parking fees are common in coastal towns.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt visitors | GBP £16 Up to 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner) | all travelers (where required) | GOV.UK (UK ETA app or online) | Required for many visitors who previously traveled visa-free. An ETA does not guarantee entry, and requirements vary by nationality. |
| Protected Wreck Site licence (designated wrecks) | No fee (application required) Per licence terms | scuba | Historic England (England), Cadw (Wales), Northern Ireland Environment Agency (Northern Ireland), Historic Environment Scotland (Scotland) | Only applies to wrecks designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act. Diving, anchoring, and any interference can require specific permissions. Never remove artifacts. |
| Marine Protected Area and Marine Conservation Zone rules | No fee (rules vary by site) Ongoing | scuba, snorkel, freedive | Check local authority, MMO byelaws (England), and site notices | MPAs can restrict activities that damage habitats (for example, anchoring on sensitive reefs or certain types of fishing). Diving is usually allowed, but good behavior is expected. |
| Local harbour, slipway, and parking fees | Varies (often GBP £5-£25) Per use | scuba, snorkel, freedive | Local councils, harbours, or on-site machines | Common in busy coastal towns and popular launch points. Carry a card and some cash as backup. |
Fee
Up to 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
Required for many visitors who previously traveled visa-free. An ETA does not guarantee entry, and requirements vary by nationality.
Per licence terms
Only applies to wrecks designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act. Diving, anchoring, and any interference can require specific permissions. Never remove artifacts.
Ongoing
MPAs can restrict activities that damage habitats (for example, anchoring on sensitive reefs or certain types of fishing). Diving is usually allowed, but good behavior is expected.
Per use
Common in busy coastal towns and popular launch points. Carry a card and some cash as backup.