The UK government has announced changes to passport application fees, set to take effect on 10 April 2025. The proposed adjustments, which are subject to parliamentary approval, aim to ensure that the costs of processing passports are covered by those who use the service, reducing reliance on general taxation. The government has emphasized that it does not profit from passport fees, with the revenue being used to fund processing, consular support overseas, and border operations.
Under the new fee structure, standard online applications for adults made from within the UK will increase from £88.50 to £94.50, while children’s applications will rise from £57.50 to £61.50. Postal applications will also see a hike, with adult fees going up from £100 to £107 and children’s fees increasing from £69 to £74.
For those opting for the Premium Service, which guarantees a one-day turnaround, the cost for adults will rise from £207.50 to £222, and for children, from £176.50 to £189. Overseas applicants will also face higher fees, with standard online applications increasing from £101 to £108 for adults and £65.50 to £70 for children. Paper applications from overseas will rise from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and £77 to £82.50 for children.
The Home Office stated that the new fees will help maintain and improve the efficiency of the passport application process. In 2024, 99.7% of standard UK applications were processed within three weeks, provided no further information was required. The government has urged customers to apply well in advance of their travel dates to avoid delays.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said, “These changes ensure that the cost of processing passports is fairly covered by those who use the service, while maintaining the high standards of efficiency and security that the public expects. We continue to encourage applicants to apply early to avoid any last-minute issues.”
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming the transparency in funding and others expressing concern over the increased financial burden on families. The proposed fee changes will now go before Parliament for approval.
For more information on passport applications and the new fee structure, visit the official government website.
