Key Points
- The UK will introduce updated passport application fees starting April 10, 2025, pending parliamentary approval.
- Increases apply to standard, postal, and premium passport services domestically and overseas.
- The updated fees aim to better align costs with service delivery and reduce reliance on taxpayer funding.
Overview
Effective April 10, 2025, the United Kingdom will increase passport application fees across multiple service types and applicant categories. These changes, subject to final parliamentary approval, reflect the government’s efforts to ensure the Home Office can sustainably deliver passport services without relying on general taxation.
For UK-based applicants, standard online adult applications will rise from £88.50 to £94.50, while children’s online applications will increase from £57.50 to £61.50. For those applying by post, adult application fees will go from £100 to £107, and children’s costs will increase from £69 to £74.
Premium one-day service fees will also see adjustments: adults will pay £222, up from £207.50, and children’s costs will rise from £176.50 to £189.
Overseas applicants will see similar hikes. Online adult applications will increase to £108, and children’s to £70. Paper submissions from abroad will now cost £120.50 for adults and £82.50 for children.
According to the Home Office, these increases will support passport processing, consular services, and border management. The government does not profit from passport fees—revenues are strictly used to fund operations tied to these services.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their passport applications well before any planned travel. As of 2024, 99.7% of standard UK applications were processed within three weeks, provided no additional documentation or verification was required.
Looking Ahead
With new passport fee increases on the horizon, individuals and families planning international travel in 2025 and beyond should review timelines and budget accordingly. Businesses managing employee mobility, especially for international assignments, should also take note of the new costs for passport services.
It remains advisable to monitor the UK Home Office for final parliamentary confirmation of the fee changes and to check processing timelines before making travel commitments. Immigration counsel can provide tailored guidance for individuals and organizations navigating these updates.
