UK to introduce higher passport fees from April 2025 amid cost recovery efforts

The United Kingdom government has officially confirmed that new passport application fees will take effect from April 10, 2025.

The increased costs will impact both domestic and overseas applications for adults and children. However, the changes remain subject to parliamentary approval before implementation.

The UK Home Office stated that the adjustments are designed to ensure the passport system is financially self-sustaining, reducing reliance on general taxation.

Officials emphasized that the government does not generate profit from these fees but rather uses them to cover operational costs and border security management.

Under the new pricing structure: Standard Online Applications (UK) Adult fee: £94.50 (up from £88.50); Child fee: £61.50 (up from £57.50); Postal Applications (UK); Adult fee: £107 (up from £100); Child fee: £74 (up from £69).

Premium One-Day Service (UK); Adult fee: £222 (up from £207.50); Child fee: £189 (up from £176.50)

Overseas Standard Online Applications; Adult fee: £108 (up from £101); Child fee: £70 (up from £65.50)

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Overseas Paper Applications; Adult fee: £120.50 (up from £112.50); Child fee: £82.50 (up from £77)

According to the Home Office, the revised fees are necessary to maintain the efficiency of passport services and ensure financial sustainability. The revenue generated will be used to cover:

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A Home Office statement read: “The fees 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.”

In 2024, the Home Office reported that 99.7% of standard passport applications from the UK were processed within three weeks, provided no additional information was required.

The government advises applicants to submit their applications well in advance of any travel plans to avoid potential delays.

The latest fee adjustments align with guidelines set by HM Treasury, which regularly reviews passport pricing as part of its fiscal oversight measures.

As the UK moves toward implementing these changes, travelers and passport applicants are encouraged to stay informed about the new fee structure and ensure timely application submissions to avoid inconvenience.