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The UK government has announced plans to increase passport application fees starting April 10, 2025. The proposed changes, which still require Parliament approval, will affect all types of passport applications for both adults and children.
Key Changes to Passport Fees
Standard online applications made within the UK will increase from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and from £57.50 to £61.50 for children. This represents a nearly 7% increase over current rates.
Postal applications will see similar increases, rising from £100 to £107 for adults and from £69 to £74 for children.
Those needing passports quickly will face the steepest increases. The Premium Service (1-day) will jump from £207.50 to £222 for adults and from £176.50 to £189 for children.
UK citizens applying from overseas will also see price hikes. Standard online applications will increase from £101 to £108 for adults and from £65.50 to £70 for children. Paper applications from abroad will rise from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and from £77 to £82.50 for children.
Why Is This Happening?
According to the Home Office, these increases will help “move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.” The government maintains it does not profit from passport fees.
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The collected fees contribute to:
- Processing passport applications
- Providing consular support overseas
- Managing British citizens at UK borders
A Pattern of Increases
This isn’t the first recent price increase for UK passports. The latest hike follows previous increases of 7% in 2024 and 9% between 2023 and 2024. This means that since 2023, the cost of a standard adult online application has risen from £75.50 to the proposed £94.50 — a 25% increase in just two years.
The current increase of nearly 7% is more than double the UK’s current rate of inflation.
Planning Your Passport Application
For those planning international travel, timing your passport application is crucial. While 99.7% of standard applications from the UK were processed within three weeks in 2024 (when no additional information was required), the Home Office advises applying well in advance of travel.
Anyone looking to avoid the price increase has exactly three weeks to submit their application before the new fees take effect on April 10.
When to Renew Your Passport
It’s essential to check your passport’s validity before booking international travel. Remember that many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
If you need your passport sooner than the standard three-week processing time, consider using the passport fast-track service, though this comes with significantly higher fees.
The passport delays experienced in 2022-2023 serve as a reminder to check expiration dates early and renew as soon as possible. Also note that you cannot use a passport if it’s over 10 years old, regardless of the expiration date printed on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a standard adult passport cost after April 10, 2025? +
A standard adult passport applied for online within the UK will cost £94.50 after April 10, 2025, up from the current price of £88.50. If you apply by post, the cost will be £107.
When do the new passport fees take effect? +
The new passport fees are scheduled to take effect on April 10, 2025, subject to approval by Parliament.
How long does it take to get a new passport? +
In 2024, 99.7% of standard applications from the UK were processed within 3 weeks, provided no additional information was required. The Home Office recommends applying well in advance of planned travel.
How much has the passport price increased since 2023? +
Since 2023, the cost of a standard adult online application has increased by 25%, rising from £75.50 to the proposed £94.50 in 2025. This includes increases of 9% between 2023-2024 and 7% between 2024-2025.
What is the fastest way to get a passport? +
The Premium Service (1-day) is the fastest option, with the new fee rising to £222 for adults after April 10, 2025. This service provides a much quicker turnaround than the standard three-week processing time.
Why is the government increasing passport fees? +
According to the Home Office, the increased fees will help move toward a system that covers its costs through user fees rather than general taxation. The fees contribute to processing applications, providing consular support overseas, and managing UK borders.
