New rise set for UK passport fees next month

The cost of a standard UK adult passport is set to surpass £100 for the first time, under new fee increases expected to take effect next month.

According to the Home Office, online applications for individuals aged 16 and over will rise by 8%, increasing from £94.50 to £102 starting 8 April. Fees for children under 16 will also go up, from £61.50 to £66.50.

Postal applications will see higher charges as well. Adult applications will increase from £107 to £115.50, while children’s applications will rise from £74 to £80.

Although the changes still require parliamentary approval, they are widely expected to be approved.

This latest increase follows a series of annual rises, including 7% hikes in each of the past two years and a 9% increase in 2023.

The Home Office stated that the higher fees are part of a plan to ensure the passport system is funded primarily by users rather than taxpayers. Officials also emphasized that the government does not make a profit from passport application fees.