Going on holiday isn’t a cheap ordeal (Image: Getty)
Anyone going on holiday has been warned of a new charge coming into force from this week. The government is set to introduce new fees for passport applications on April 8, pushing the fee for online ones to over £100 for the first time ever for adults.
It comes after the cost of applying for a passport increased in 2025 too. This time, the price hike is 8%, with a statement on the government website saying the new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it. It will also help to reduce reliance on funding from general taxation.
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Under the new proposals, adult online applications will rise from £94.50 to £102, while child applications will increase from £61.50 to £66.50. Postal applications will also increase, reaching £115.50 for adults and £80 for children.
Premium one-day applications from within the UK will cost £239.50, up from £222, and standard online applications made from overseas will increase to £116.50 for adults and £75.50 for children. Overseas paper applications will rise to £130 for adults and £89 for children.
The cost of applying for a passport is set to increase (Image: Getty)
Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, says the increase is especially important for Brits applying from overseas, where fees are already higher.
He said: « For expats, long-term travellers or those in the process of relocating, these additional costs can quickly add up, especially if passports are needed for visas, work permits or international moves. Getting your application in before the deadline can help avoid unnecessary extra spend. »
With peak travel periods like Easter and summer approaching, demand for passport applications is expected to increase. Leaving it too late could mean not only paying more, but also risking delays at a crucial time.
Mike added: « If you know your passport needs renewing, acting now is the safest option, putting you ahead of both the upcoming price increase and the seasonal rush.
« While renewals typically take up to three weeks when completed correctly, any errors can cause delays, so it’s important to check all documents carefully before submitting. Early applications are a simple step that could save both time and money. »
How long does it take to get a new passport?
According to the Home Office, most standard applications from the UK were completed within that three-week window.
However, it can take longer if more information is needed or you need to be interviewed. A good rule to follow is always apply for a passport renewal with as much time before travelling as possible.
If you’re applying for the first time, or for a child, it may take slightly longer. The government also urges people not to book travel until their new passport has arrived, as the number will be different to the previous one.
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