If you missed out on the warning last month, it’s a bit late now, as the price of a UK Passport has now increased.
Now more expensive than ever -Image, Home Office.
The new fees for the standard application process are:
| Apply online | Apply by paper form | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (16 and over) standard 34-page passport | £82.50 | £93 |
| Adult (16 and over) 50-page frequent traveller passport | £93.50 | £104 |
| Child (under 16) standard 34-page passport | £53.50 | £64 |
| Child (under 16) 50-page frequent traveller passport | £64.50 | £75 |
| Passport for people born on or before 2 September 1929 | Free | Free |
One-Week turnarounds
| Apply online | |
|---|---|
| Adult (16 and over) standard 34-page passport 1 Week | £155 |
| Adult (16 and over) 50-page frequent traveller passport | £166 |
| Child (under 16) standard 34-page passport 1 Week | £126 |
| Child (under 16) 50-page frequent traveller passport 1 Week | £137 |
Premium Service (Same-Day issue):
| Apply online | |
|---|---|
| Adult (16 and over) standard 34-page passport 1 Week | £193.50 |
| Adult (16 and over) 50-page frequent traveller passport | £204.50 |
The fees apply to those renewing passports or applying for a passport for the first time. The fees cover the cost of issuance, as the government attempts to shift the cost of passport issuing away from general taxation.
The fees will also contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.
I hope you’ve remembered to apply in time.
We’re fast coming up on the UK Half-Term holidays (and Easter isn’t that far away if you’re being realistic). If you’re thinking of applying now… you’re leaving it more than a little bit late.
In January, the Home Office reported that over 95% of standard applications have been processed within 10 weeks. If you are planning an escape and your passport is out of date (or not accepted), you will need to open your wallet for the one-week service.
And that could be a very costly experience for a family.
As always, plan as far as you can ahead – especially when it comes to important documents such as passports.