The UK government has confirmed that new passport application fees will take effect on April 10, 2025, pending parliamentary approval. These fee increases will apply to both online and paper applications for adults and children, both in the UK and overseas. The changes aim to ensure the passport system is financially self-sustaining and less dependent on taxpayer funding, although the Home Office stressed that the government does not profit from these fees.
Higher Fees for Domestic Applications
Starting April 10, 2025, the cost of standard online passport applications within the UK will rise as follows:
- Adult passport fee: from £88.50 to £94.50
- Child passport fee: from £57.50 to £61.50
Postal applications will also become more expensive:
- Adult fee: from £100 to £107
- Child fee: from £69 to £74
Premium Service Fee Changes
The Premium Service, which provides next-day passport issuance, will see the following fee increases:
- Adult fee: from £207.50 to £222
- Child fee: from £176.50 to £189
Increased Fees for Overseas Applications
For applicants abroad, the standard online application fees will rise:
- Adult fee: from £101 to £108
- Child fee: from £65.50 to £70
For paper applications made overseas, the fees will increase:
- Adult fee: from £112.50 to £120.50
- Child fee: from £77 to £82.50
Reason for Fee Increases
The Home Office explained that the fee increases are essential to maintaining the efficiency and sustainability of the passport service. The fees help cover the costs of processing applications, offering consular support to UK citizens abroad, and managing UK border operations.
In 2024, 99.7% of standard passport applications were processed within three weeks, provided no additional information was needed. The government advises applicants to submit their applications well ahead of their travel dates to avoid delays.
These adjustments align with regular reviews by HM Treasury to ensure that passport fees reflect operational costs and service requirements.
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