Key Points
- As of April 9, 2025, the UK has increased emergency passports and travel documents (ETDs) fees.
- The new ETD fee now includes the courier delivery charge, which was previously separate.
- Emergency passports, used in limited cases when an ETD is not viable, will also increase to £125.
Overview
The United Kingdom implemented updated Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) fees and emergency passports on April 9, 2025. These changes streamline cost structures and consolidate services into a transparent fee.
An ETD is typically issued when a British national needs to travel urgently but cannot use their regular passport due to loss, theft, or damage. The new fee for administering an ETD application has increased from £100 to £125 and now includes the courier service cost, which was previously billed separately. This adjustment simplifies the application payment process and ensures efficient document delivery.
In rare circumstances where an ETD is not feasible, applicants may receive an emergency passport. The fee for this alternative has risen from £75 to £125, matching the updated ETD fee structure. The revised pricing reflects the administrative burden and processing urgency involved in issuing such travel documents.
These updates are part of a broader effort by the Home Office to better align service fees with actual processing and delivery costs. While the increases are notable, the changes enhance service efficiency and transparency for applicants in urgent situations.
Service
Current fee up to April 8, 2025
New fee from April 9, 2025
Looking Ahead
British nationals should prepare for the revised fees when applying for emergency travel documents, especially during peak travel. The updated pricing consolidates service and delivery charges, helping applicants better anticipate total costs. Individuals planning international travel without a valid passport are encouraged to apply early or check eligibility for an ETD. Employers and global mobility teams should also factor these changes into travel support policies. Further updates or digital enhancements to ETD services may emerge, and travelers should monitor official UK government channels for future developments.
