The UK government has announced an increase to passport fees which, if approved, will come into effect from April 8, 2026. For the first time, the cost of a standard adult passport will rise to more than £100, with online applications for adults increasing from £94.50 to £102.
Children under 16 will also see a rise in their passport fees, with the cost increasing from £61.50 to £66.50. Additionally, postal applications for adults will jump from £107 to £115.50, while those for children will rise from £74 to £80.
For those seeking expedited services, a Premium Service application made from the UK could cost £239.50, up from £222. Online applications from overseas will also see increases, with adult fees rising to £116.50 from £108, and children’s fees increasing to £75.50 from £70.
The Home Office has stated, “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.” This indicates a shift towards a self-sustaining model for passport services.
It is important to note that the government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications, emphasizing that these fee increases are purely to cover operational costs.
These changes follow a trend of increasing fees, with previous hikes of 7% in each of the last two years and a notable 9% increase in 2023. The adjustments reflect ongoing efforts by the Home Office to align costs with service demands.
Details remain unconfirmed as the new fees are subject to parliamentary approval. Observers are keen to see how these changes will impact travel plans and the overall demand for passport services in the coming years.