The upcoming month will bring a significant increase in passport fees as the Home Office confirms its proposed adjustments. The UK Home Office has suggested an 8% hike in passport prices, potentially pushing the cost for adults over £100 for the first time. Child and pensioner passport fees will also see an increase, with the changes scheduled to take effect from April 8.
According to the Home Office, the intention is to transition to a self-sustaining system funded by users rather than general taxation. These fee adjustments are pending Parliamentary approval.
Starting April 8, the standard online application fee for an adult UK passport will jump from £94.50 to £102. Postal applications for adults may rise from £107 to £115.50. Similarly, child passport fees for online submissions could increase from £61.50 to £66.50, and postal applications for children might go up from £74 to £80.
A complimentary standard 32-page concessionary passport is available for individuals born on or before September 2, 1929, who hold any British nationality at the time of application. The government clarified that individuals who naturalized or registered as British nationals remain eligible, regardless of when the process occurred.
While the passport itself remains free, there could be delivery charges for returning the passport or sending supporting documents. It is recommended to apply for a new or replacement passport well in advance, although a next-day premium service is available in the UK, potentially increasing from £222 to £239.50 after April 8.
For those applying for a UK passport online from overseas, adult fees could rise from £108 to £116.50, and child fees from £70 to £75.50. Paper applications from overseas may see an increase from £120.50 to £130 for adults and from £82.50 to £89 for children.
The last passport price increase occurred on April 10, 2025, with adult passports rising from £88.50 to £94.50. Prior increases were noted in April 2024 and February 2023, the latter being the first hike in five years.
To avoid delays, applicants are advised to apply for passports well in advance, as processing can take up to three weeks in the UK or longer during peak travel times. For more information or to submit a UK passport application, visit the government website.