The UK government has announced proposed increases to passport application fees, subject to parliamentary approval. The changes aim to ensure that the system is funded by those who use it rather than relying on general taxation.
Under the new proposals, the cost of a standard online passport application made from within the UK will rise from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and from £57.50 to £61.50 for children. Postal applications will increase from £100 to £107 for adults and from £69 to £74 for children. Those using the Premium (1-day) service will see fees increase from £207.50 to £222 for adults and from £176.50 to £189 for children.
For applicants applying from overseas, the fee for a standard online application will rise from £101 to £108 for adults and from £65.50 to £70 for children. The cost of a standard paper application from overseas will also increase, with adult fees rising from £112.50 to £120.50 and child fees from £77 to £82.50.
The Home Office has stated that these fee adjustments will help cover the costs of processing applications, providing consular support for lost or stolen passports, and managing British citizen entry at UK borders. The government has emphasized that it does not profit from passport application fees.
Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of travel to avoid delays. In 2024, 99.7% of standard UK applications were processed within three weeks, provided no additional information was required.
