UK to keep national museums free for overseas visitors

The UK government has confirmed that national museums in England will continue to offer free admission to all visitors, including overseas tourists.

“Everyone will continue to enjoy universal free admission to our world class national museums in England,” the government said in a statement Tuesday.

Earlier this year, the government had considered introducing admission fees for overseas visitors as a way to boost museum finances but decided against the move.

However, it said charging international visitors could deter domestic audiences and that “the impacts and benefits of charging would not be felt equally across the sector.”

National museums contribute more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion) a year to the UK economy and attract visitors from around the world.

“Seven of the UK’s ten most visited museums are national museums,” the government said.

In 2025, 7.1 million people visited the Natural History Museum, while 6.4 million visited the British Museum.

The government said it would work with Arts Council England and the sector to develop “a long-term strategic plan for the future of museums.”

“Further details will be released in due course,” it added.​​​​​​​