UK Passport Fee Hike: What You Should Know
Heads up! The UK government plans a notable 7% increase in passport application fees, set to start on 10 April 2025. This hike impacts both domestic and international applications, aiming to lessen taxpayer reliance by ensuring operational costs are covered.
Of course, such changes need parliamentary approval, but if they go through, adults applying online within the UK will see fees rise from £88.50 to £94.50. Using traditional mail will be a bit heavier on the wallet, jumping from £100 to £107. For children, online fees will increase from £57.50 to £61.50, and postal applications will go from £69 to £74.
Impact on Travel and Businesses
Overseas applicants aren't left out, either. Adult online fees will climb from £101 to £108, with postal applications increasing from £112.50 to £120.50. For children, the new fees will be £70 online and £82.50 via paper applications. Those needing the rush of a premium one-day service will have steeper costs: £222 for adults, up from £207.50, and £189 for children, compared to the earlier £176.50.
The Home Office insists the fee adjustment is meant to finance passport processing, consular support like handling lost or stolen passports, and border operations. Not a money-making tactic for the government, they claim. Back in 2024, they managed to process an impressive 99.7% of standard applications within a three-week period.
This fee change is more than a one-time bump. It's the latest in a series of increases, following hikes of 9% in February 2023 and 7% in April 2024. These bring the two-year total increase to a hefty 25%. That positions UK passport fees among the highest in Europe, nearly matching Italy's €116 (£97) and Denmark's Dkr893 (£100).
For families planning vacations or companies with teams frequently requiring travel, this means re-thinking budgets. The increased costs could influence travel plans. With most renewals processed in about ten days, thanks to efficient systems, travelers are encouraged to apply ahead of time to dodge potential delays.
