From 10 April 2025, the fee for a standard online application from within the UK will increase from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and from £57.50 to £61.50 for children. Postal applications will see a rise from £100 to £107 for adults and from £69 to £74 for children.
This 7% increase follows a series of similar hikes in recent years, with a 9% rise in February 2023 and another 7% increase in April 2024. The fee hikes are part of the government’s strategy to ensure the Home Office’s passport service is financially self-sustaining, reducing reliance on taxpayer funding. According to the government, the increased fees will cover the costs of processing passport applications, providing consular support abroad, and managing the processing of British citizens at UK borders.
What Are the New Passport Fees?
Here’s a breakdown of the proposed changes in passport fees:
Standard Online Applications (UK):
Adults: £94.50 (previously £88.50)
Children: £61.50 (previously £57.50)
Postal Applications (UK):
Adults: £107 (previously £100)
Children: £74 (previously £69)
Premium Service (1-day):
Adults: £222 (previously £207.50)
Children: £189 (previously £176.50)
Standard Online Applications (Overseas):
Adults: £108 (previously £101)
Children: £70 (previously £65.50)
Postal Applications (Overseas):
Adults: £120.50 (previously £112.50)
Children: £82.50 (previously £77)
These increases are aimed at ensuring that the UK passport system is financially viable, reducing the burden on public funds. However, the hike is expected to be an additional financial strain on many travelers, particularly those already facing the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
How Does the Price Compare with Other European Countries?
The rise in passport fees is not unique to the UK. Many European countries, including Ireland, have seen similar increases in recent years. For example, Ireland’s passport application fees are generally higher than the UK’s, with a standard adult passport costing around €100, which is roughly £85.
Despite the price hikes, the UK’s fees remain competitive compared to other European nations. However, the cumulative increase over the past two years—amounting to a 25% rise—may be concerning for many citizens.
Can You Avoid the Fee Increase?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid the fee increase if you’re planning to apply for or renew your UK passport after 10 April 2025. The new fees will apply to all applications submitted on or after that date.
To avoid delays, it’s advised that applicants submit their passport applications well in advance. If you need guidance on the process, check out our How to Apply for a UK Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide to ensure a smooth and hassle-free application. For example, 99.7% of standard UK applications were processed within three weeks in 2024. But with the rise in fees, it's important to plan ahead and ensure that you meet travel requirements in time.
What Do Travel Experts Think?
Julia Lo Bue-Said, from the Advantage Travel Partnership, expressed concern over the impact of these fee hikes, especially amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. “It feels like travelers are continually penalized whenever they choose to travel overseas,” she said in a statement. These rising expenses may discourage individuals from traveling or further burden those already grappling with financial difficulties. If you're traveling abroad, it’s crucial to be prepared for emergencies. Learn what to Do If You Lose Your Passport While Traveling so you can act quickly if the unexpected happens.
The UK government’s decision to raise passport fees by 7% starting 10 April 2025 will affect both domestic and international applicants. While the increase will contribute to maintaining the cost-effective operation of the passport system, it also means that travelers will have to factor in these new costs when planning their travel. Though the rise is set to continue the trend of higher fees, it’s important to prepare early to avoid additional stress or delays in obtaining your passport.
