Martin Lewis urged people to check (Image: Getty)
Brits have been issued a reminder to “check now” or risk being hit with expensive passport costs from April. Next month, passport fees are set to rise.
Currently, a standard adult passport costs £94.50 if you apply online. However, this is set to rise to £102 from April 8. The cost of a child passport will also rise from £61.50 to £66.50.
In an update on his Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, Martin Lewis urged people to check if they need a new passport now to avoid the rising fees. He said: “Rising by up to £17.50. 8 April.
“Check NOW if yours is due for renewal, there’s still time to get the lower rate.” Further guidance about getting the best deal was shared elsewhere on MSE.
“If you need a new passport, it’s cheapest to apply online,” MSE said. “The only site you’ll ever need to go to is the GOV.UK website.
Burgundy passports are still valid as long as they are in date (Image: Getty)
“It has options for getting your first passport, renewing an old one or getting one for your child. You can apply online, which is the cheapest option, or by paper at the Post Office.
“Last year, over seven million Brits saved by applying online.”
How much are passport fees rising?
- Adult: takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £94.50, online cost from April 8 – £102, postal cost now – £107, postal cost from April 8 – £115.50
- Adult fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £178, online cost after April 8 – £178
- Adult ‘Premium’ – given at the appointment – online cost now – £222, online cost after April 8 – £239.50
- Child – takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £61.50, online cost after April 8 – £66.50, postal cost now – £74, postal cost after April 8 – £80
- Child fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £145, online cost after April 8 – £145
It’s worth noting that there’s no child equivalent one-day service. Also, for all these types, you can pay £12 extra for a 54-page passport, which is “useful” for frequent travellers.
On the Government website, it also warns that you cannot get a refund if you cancel your application or you’re not entitled to a passport.
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Burgundy passports
If you still have a burgundy passport, don’t worry – you won’t need to renew your passport until closer to its expiry date as they’re still valid. MSE continued: “Got a burgundy passport? Newly-issued UK passports have a blue cover, but you DON’T need to get a new passport straightaway – you can keep using your burgundy passport until it’s due for renewal. The blue passports will only be issued when you renew or apply for a new passport.
“Passports can take up to three weeks to be processed, so apply early. The Passport Office warns that renewing can take three weeks for both online and postal applications, so don’t leave it too late if you’re planning a trip.
“If you need a passport urgently, you’ll need to book an appointment at a passport office and pay online. Alternatively, call HM Passport Office (HMPO) on 0300 222 0000 to book an appointment and pay.”
Commenting on the price hike, the Home Office said in a statement: « The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation. The Government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.
« The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders. »
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