Fees And Permits

Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.

Fees You Can't Skip

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt visitors - GBP £16
Protected Wreck Site licence (designated wrecks) - No fee (application required)
Typical payment pattern: There is no single nationwide 'dive tag' for the whole UK.

What people usually pay

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.