According to the UK government, the revised pricing is necessary to maintain a self-sustaining passport system without relying on general taxation. The fees contribute to processing applications, providing consular assistance for lost or stolen passports, and managing border security.
United Kingdom – The UK government has announced that passport application fees will increase from April 10, 2025, pending parliamentary approval. The adjustments will impact both domestic and overseas applicants, covering online, postal, and premium services.
Increase in Domestic Passport Fees
From April, UK residents applying for a standard passport online will face higher charges. The cost for an adult passport will rise from £88.50 to £94.50, while children’s applications will increase from £57.50 to £61.50.
Postal applications will see a more significant rise, with adult fees increasing from £100 to £107 and child fees climbing from £69 to £74.
Higher Premium Service Charges
For those requiring urgent passport processing, the Premium Service will also become more expensive. The fee for adults will increase from £207.50 to £222, while children’s applications will rise from £176.50 to £189. This expedited service guarantees passport issuance within a single day for applicants within the UK.
Overseas Applicants to Pay More
UK citizens applying for passports from abroad will also experience fee hikes. The standard online application for adults will increase from £101 to £108, while children’s applications will go up from £65.50 to £70.
For those submitting paper applications overseas, the cost for adults will rise from £112.50 to £120.50, with child applications increasing from £77 to £82.50.
Reason for the Fee Changes
According to the UK government, the revised pricing is necessary to maintain a self-sustaining passport system without relying on general taxation. The fees contribute to processing applications, providing consular assistance for lost or stolen passports, and managing border security.
A Home Office spokesperson emphasized that the government does not profit from passport fees. They also noted that in 2024, 99.7% of standard applications within the UK were processed within three weeks, provided no additional information was needed.
Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their travel plans to avoid delays. The Home Office confirmed that the new fees align with HM Treasury’s regular review of passport costs.
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