Under the new fee structure, the cost for an adult online application will rise from £88.50 to £94.50, while the fee for children will increase from £69 to £74
The United Kingdom has announced a seven per cent increase in the standard application and renewal fees for passports, effective from April 10, 2025. This decision by the Home Office is attributed to a substantial rise in the number of passport applicants. This marks the second consecutive year of fee increases, following a seven per cent hike in 2024 and a nine per cent increase in 2023.
Under the new fee structure, the cost for an adult online application will rise from £88.50 to £94.50, while the fee for children will increase from £69 to £74. Postal applications will also see a fee increase, with adult fees rising from £100 to £107 and children’s fees increasing from £69 to £74. Additionally, the premium service, which issues passports within one day, will see its application fee rise from £207 to £222 for adults and from £176 to £189 for children.
Authorities have clarified that despite the annual increase in application fees, the Home Office does not profit from these charges. A significant portion of the fees is allocated to cover production costs, including printing fees. The government has stated that the new fees will help the Home Office move towards a system that meets its costs through user fees, thereby reducing reliance on general taxation funding.
Experts have advised that those whose British passports will expire or become invalid for travel to the EU by November 25, 2025, or who plan to travel abroad before that date, should consider renewing their passports before the fee increase takes effect on April 10. Applying online is another effective method to avoid the higher postal application fee, which is £15 more than the online fee. For British citizens living abroad, it is recommended to apply for a new passport in the UK, as overseas application fees are even higher, at £108, which is £12.50 more than applying within the UK.
The government has explained that the new fees will cover the cost of passport processing and consular services, such as support for lost or stolen documents abroad. A statement from the Home Office said, “The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation. The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.”
The cumulative rise in passport fees over the past two years amounts to a 25 per cent increase. This includes a nine per cent increase in February 2023 and a further seven per cent rise in April 2024. Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, commented, “It’s another financial hit for travellers and comes at a time when ongoing cost of living pressures continue to take their toll. It feels like travellers are continually penalised whenever they choose to travel overseas.”
The Home Office has assured that the new fees will also contribute to the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders. HM Passport Office recommends that holidaymakers renew their passports well in advance to avoid any delays. The Home Office reported that last year, 99.7 per cent of standard applications from the UK were processed within three weeks, provided no further information was required. However, applications from other countries may take longer to process.
In summary, the UK’s passport fee increase aims to cover the rising costs associated with passport processing and consular services, while also reducing the government’s reliance on general taxation funding. Travellers are advised to plan their passport renewals and applications accordingly to avoid additional costs and potential delays.
