UK Passport Fees Are Going Up in April 2025—Apply Now to Save!

Planning a trip or renewing your passport in the UK? You might want to move quickly. The UK government is preparing to raise passport application fees as part of a broader effort to make the Home Office more financially self-sufficient. These changes aim to ensure that the cost of passport services is primarily covered by those using them—rather than the general taxpayer.

While the proposed fee increases are still pending parliamentary approval, they could come into effect soon. Here’s a closer look at what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can prepare.

New UK Passport Fees: What to Expect

The UK Home Office has proposed the following fee increases for passport applications made within the UK:

Application Type	Current Fee (Approx.)	Proposed New Fee
Online Adult Passport	£82.50	£94.50
Postal Adult Passport	£93	£107

These adjustments also apply to child passport applications and other formats, although the main focus is on adult standard applications.

According to the government, the changes are not profit-driven. Instead, they reflect the need to cover the full cost of processing, security screening, and international consular support provided through passport services.

Why the Fee Increase?

The Home Office argues that passport services should be self-funding. This shift reduces the financial burden on taxpayers, aligning with the government’s broader strategy to make public services more sustainable.

Here’s what the new fees are intended to support:

• Processing of passport applications
• Security and identity checks
• Overseas consular services for UK citizens
• Investments in modernising and maintaining the passport system

With rising operational and technology costs, the updated pricing is meant to keep pace with the infrastructure needed to ensure safe and efficient travel documentation.

Application Processing Times

If you’re worried about how long it’ll take to get your passport, the good news is that turnaround times have remained strong. In 2024, 99.7% of standard UK passport applications were completed within three weeks, assuming no additional information was needed.

That said, the government continues to advise applicants to apply well in advance of their travel plans. While the process is typically fast, unexpected delays can still occur—especially during peak travel seasons.

When Will the New Fees Start?

As of now, the increases have been proposed but are not yet in effect. The final step is approval by Parliament. Once approved, the new pricing could roll out shortly after.

This means there’s still time to apply at the current rates. If your passport is set to expire soon—or if you’re applying for the first time—now may be your best chance to avoid the higher cost.

Should You Apply Now?

If you’re considering an international trip, applying for a job that requires travel, or preparing for family holidays, here are a few reasons why it makes sense to apply now:

• Save money by locking in current prices
• Avoid delays by getting ahead of the rush when the new fees come in
• Reduce stress by ensuring your passport is valid well before your travel date

A small increase in fees might not seem like much, but for households applying for multiple passports, the added cost can quickly add up.

The upcoming changes to UK passport fees are part of a longer-term strategy to fund government services more sustainably. While the increase isn’t massive, it’s worth acting quickly if you want to avoid the extra expense.

Check your passport’s expiry date, factor in your travel schedule, and consider applying now while the current fees still apply. A bit of planning today could save you money—and spare you from travel headaches down the line.

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