Brits need less than three days to apply for a passport before prices rise. Passport costs are expected to increase on Wednesday, April 10th.
Changes set by the government mean that certain passport applications will cost as much as £222. In the update, Gov.uk explained that the rise will “help” the home office to cover its costs.
The 2021 census showed that 50.3 million residents across England and Wales hold one passport. In addition to this, 1.26 million people held multiple passports.
This 7% increase rose 9% in February 2023 and another 7% in April last year. Gov.uk explains: “The government will introduce new fees for passport applications on April 10, 2025.”
The standard online application fee from within the UK will rise from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and from £57.50 to £61.50 for children. Postal applications increase between £100 and £107 for adults and between £69 and £74 for children.
Prices for premium service (daily) applications from within the UK increase from £207.50 to £222 for adults and from £176.50 to £189 for children.
Standard paper applications overseas increase between £112.50 and £120.50 for adults and between £77 and £82.50 for children. The government said: “The new fees will help the Home Office continue to move to a system that meets costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funds from general taxation.
“The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications. The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, lost or stolen passports, and processing costs for British citizens at the UK border.”
British people are reminded to apply for “fun times” before traveling. In some countries, your passport must be valid for six months to enter.
If your passport expires or you do not have enough time left, you will need to renew your passport. The time required for your passport will vary depending on the country you are visiting.
You should always check the entry requirements of the country you wish to travel to. According to Gov.uk, 99.7% of standard passport applications from the UK were processed within three weeks last year.
Passport fees will be reviewed in line with HM Ministry of Finance guidance. Apply for your passport or update your one visit gov.uk/apply-renew-passport.
