The Home Office has announced a significant increase in passport fees starting next month, with adult passport prices potentially exceeding £100 for the first time. The proposed 8% hike will also affect child and pensioner passport costs, slated to take effect on April 8.
According to the Home Office, the fee adjustments aim to shift towards a self-sustaining system funded by users, reducing reliance on general tax revenue. Parliamentary approval is required for the fee changes.
The government clarified that passport fees are not profit-driven but cover expenses like application processing, consular assistance abroad, and border processing for British citizens. From April 8, standard online adult passport applications could rise from £94.50 to £102, with postal applications potentially increasing from £107 to £115.50.
Online child passport fees might go up from £61.50 to £66.50, while postal applications for children could rise from £74 to £80. Additionally, a complimentary 32-page concessionary passport is available for individuals born on or before September 2, 1929, holding any British nationality.
A premium next-day service is available for urgent passport needs in the UK, although the cost is expected to increase from £222 to £239.50 post-April 8. Overseas applicants may see price hikes as well, with adult online applications rising from £108 to £116.50 and paper applications increasing from £120.50 to £130 for adults.
The last passport price adjustment occurred on April 10, 2025, with an adult passport jumping from £88.50 to £94.50. The government advises early passport applications, as processing can take up to three weeks or longer during peak travel seasons. For further details or to apply for a UK passport, visit the government website.
