UK Passport Fees Set to Increase in 2025 — Here’s What It Will Cost You

UK passport fees are set to rise again in April 2025, making one of the world’s most expensive passports even pricier. If you plan to travel, now is the time to apply.

The UK government has announced a proposed increase in passport fees. If Parliament approves this change, it will affect both domestic and international applicants. This follows a previous fee hike on April 11, 2024, which raised the cost to £88.50 for adults and £57.50 for children.

Reasons Behind the Fee Increase

The Home Office explains that the fee increase aims to cover processing costs and maintain consular support for British nationals abroad. This approach seeks to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding. Importantly, the government asserts that no profit is made from passport applications. The fees primarily support essential services, including:

• Processing applications
• Providing consular assistance overseas
• Managing lost or stolen passport services
• Overseeing UK border crossings

Upcoming Changes to Passport Fees

The revised fees will apply to various application methods, affecting both adult and child applicants. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming changes:

Impact on Travelers

These fee increases will affect many families, especially those applying for children’s passports. Parents will see an increase of up to £5 per application. Additionally, UK citizens applying from abroad will face a £7 increase for online applications and up to £8 for paper applications. Fast-track services will also become more expensive, costing an extra £14.50 for adults and £12.50 for children.

The High Cost of UK Passports

Even before this increase, the UK passport ranked among the most expensive globally, sitting as the fourth most costly passport. This additional hike adds to the financial burden for UK travelers and expatriates who frequently renew their passports.

Should You Apply Now?

With these price increases pending parliamentary approval, travelers should consider applying for passport renewals sooner rather than later. The fee hike will take effect on April 10, 2025. The UK government advises applicants to allow sufficient time for processing, as delays can occur.

UK Passport Processing Times

Despite the fee increases, the Home Office assures applicants that processing times remain efficient. In 2024, 99.7% of standard applications were processed within three weeks, provided no additional information was needed.

Final Thoughts

While the new fee structure aims to cover the operational costs of passport issuance, UK travelers must budget more for essential travel documents. If you’re planning an international trip or need to renew your passport soon, consider submitting your application before the fee hike takes effect.