Passport fees are rising – apply now before the hike!

If you need to renew or apply for a passport, you’d better act fast. Fees are about to rise, so you don’t want to miss out on the current prices.  

How much are passport fees going up by?  

From Thursday 10 April, the cost of a British passport will go up by 7%.  

Here’s how much more you’ll pay: 

• Standard online applications from the UK will increase from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for kids.  

• Postal applications will rise from £100 to £107 for adults and £69 to £74 for kids. 

• Premium service applications (one day service) made from within in the UK will go up from £207.50 to £222 for adults and £176.50 to £189 for kids. 

• Standard online applications from abroad will increase from £101 to £108 for adults and £65.50 to £70 for kids. 

• Overseas standard paper applications will rise from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and £77 to £82.50 for kids. 

Why are passport fees going up?  

The government says the fee hike will help make the passport system less reliant on taxes. 

The fees contribute to:  

• the cost of processing passport applications  

• providing consular support overseas (including lost or stolen passports)  

• managing UK border control for British citizens  

When should you renew your passport? 

Before booking a trip abroad, make sure your passport and the whole family’s is up to date.  

Here's when you’ll need to renew:  

Before it expires 

• UK passports are valid for 10 years (adults) or five years (kids). 

• If it’s expired, you won’t be able to travel.  

Not enough time left 

• Countries have different rules about passport validity. Since Brexit, most EU countries require your passport to be less than 10 years old when you arrive and to be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave. 

• Other countries (like Canada, China and Brazil) require at least six months left on your passport. 

A list of countries that require at least six months left on a passport is available at Visa Guide World.  

Ready to renew?  

You can apply for a UK passport on the government website.