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UK passport fees are set to rise again in April 2025, making one of the world’s most expensive passports even pricier. Find out the new costs, reasons for the increase, and why you should apply now.
The UK government has announced a proposed increase in passport fees, making one of the world’s most expensive passports even costlier. If approved by Parliament, the changes will impact both domestic and international applicants.
It’s worth noting that the UK government previously raised passport fees on April 11, 2024, increasing the cost to £88.50 for adults and £57.50 for children. Now, with another hike set for April 10, 2025, UK nationals will face even higher costs.
Why Are UK Passport Fees Increasing?
The Home Office states that the fee increase is aimed at covering the costs associated with processing applications and maintaining consular support for British nationals abroad.
This move is designed to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding. Despite the higher costs, the government emphasizes that no profit is made from passport applications. These fees support essential services like;
• Processing Applications
• Providing Consular Assistance Overseas
• Lost or Stolen Passports Services
• Managing UK Border Crossings
How Will This Impact Travellers?
• Higher Costs for Families: Parents applying for children’s passports will see an increase of up to £5 per application.
• Costlier Overseas Applications: UK citizens applying from abroad will face a £7 increase for online applications and up to £8 for paper applications.
• More Expensive Fast-Track Services: Travellers needing a 1-day Premium Service will now pay an additional £14.50 for adults and £12.50 for children.
The High Cost of UK Passports
Even before this hike, the UK passport was already among the most expensive globally, ranking as the fourth most expensive passport. The additional price increase will further add to the financial burden for UK travelers and expatriates who frequently renew their passports.
Should You Apply Now?
With these price hikes pending parliamentary approval and set to take effect on 10 April 2025, travellers are advised to apply for passport renewals sooner rather than later to avoid paying the increased fees. The UK government also reminds applicants to allow sufficient time before travel, as processing delays can occur.
UK Passport Processing Times
Despite the increase in fees, the Home Office reassures applicants that passport processing times remain efficient. In 2024, 99.7% of standard applications were processed within three weeks, provided no additional information was required.
Final Thoughts
While the new fee structure aims to cover the operational costs of passport issuance and border processing, UK travellers will now have to budget even more for essential travel documents. If you’re planning an international trip or need to renew your passport soon, it may be wise to submit your application before the fee hike takes effect.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/uk-passport-fees-increase-april-2025/
