UK passport fees rise again
The cost of obtaining a new or renewed UK passport is set to rise once again, marking the second increase in just 14 months. As of Thursday, the fee for an adult online application will jump by 7% to £88.50, following a 9% hike to £82.50 in February last year.
Costs for Adult and Children's Passports
The price adjustments also affect children's passports, with online application fees increasing from £53.50 to £57.50. For those opting for paper applications sent by post, costs will escalate even further, reaching £100 for an adult passport and £69 for a child.
Impact on Consumers
Consumer group Which? warns that these increases may catch people off guard, urging those in need of passport renewal to act swiftly before the price hikes take effect. Guy Hobbs, a travel expert at Which?, advises individuals to renew their passports promptly to avoid the additional costs.
Introduction of Etias
Furthermore, travelers are reminded of the forthcoming introduction of Etias (the European Travel Information and Authorization System), akin to the US Esta scheme. Non-EU travelers will be required to complete a form and pay €7 (£6) before entering Europe's passport-free zone, starting mid-2025.
Passport Validity Requirements
Passengers heading to Europe are also advised to stay informed about changes in passport validity requirements. UK passport holders may face complications if their passport expires less than three months after their intended return date. Additionally, the EU's interpretation of passport expiry dates has led to discrepancies for British travelers.
Home Office Response
In response to inquiries regarding the fee adjustments, a spokesperson from the Home Office emphasized the importance of the British passport as a vital travel document. The fee increases, they stated, will facilitate ongoing investments in passport services to ensure efficiency, security, and quality of service for British travelers.
